Manly United fell to a 2-0 defeat in Round 12 of the NPL Women’s NSW competition after UNSW scored twice in the closing stages to secure victory.
UNSW forward Marcella Santos was the first to threaten, running to the edge of the area in the second minute and flashing a shot across the face of Manly’s goal. Chloe Smith went even closer four minutes later, hitting the crossbar after being set up by Skye Casacchia.
Manly had to wait until the 33rd minute for a clear opening and when it came, Emily Minett headed just wide from Phoebe Gilbane’s pinpoint cross.
Chances were at a premium for both teams, a reflection of the defensive quality on show. The hosts nearly fashioned an opening on 64 minutes when Tegan Biasi’s trickery led to a shot from a tight angle, with the ball flying over the crossbar.
Instead, it was UNSW who broke the deadlock on 76 minutes. The visitors worked the ball to Abbey Lemon, who found space 30 yards from goal and fired a spectular shot into the top corner, scoring her first goal for UNSW since returning to the club after the conclusion of her A-League Women duties with Sydney FC.
UNSW doubled their lead six minutes later after a Demi Koulizakis corner caused havoc in the penalty area. Maryam Mostaghimi rose highest and headed against the crossbar, with Aya Yamahata nodding the rebound home from point blank range.
This result takes UNSW into the top half of the table, while Manly drop to fifth.
