Manly United flew to a 2-0 victory over Newcastle Jets in the Sunday evening NPL Women’s NSW game at Cromer Park, courtesy of goals from Nicole Stuart and Anita Zordan.
Newcastle were millimetres away from taking the lead in the seventh minute after a strong run down the right side from Kate Heap. The Jets winger crossed for Marni Duggan, who sent a looping shot towards goal, but Manly shotstopper Jodie Drever did just enough to tip the ball onto the underside of the crossbar and prevent the rebound from crossing the goal line.
Four minutes later, Manly went close when Daisy Arrowsmith made a darting run into the penalty area and evaded a challenge, forcing Jets goalkeeper Lily-Rose Dunbar to make a sharp save. From the resulting corner, Dunbar was required again, this time to acrobatically tip McKaela Schmelzer’s header over the crossbar.
Manly took the lead in the 20th minute when a wonderful curling through ball from Lucy Richards sent Stuart racing clear, and the United flyer buried her shot into the bottom corner.
Five minutes after halftime, Gemma Sweetnam released Emily Minett with a great ball over the top. Minett cut the ball back for Ellie Kerr, who shot straight at Dunbar. Kerr was involved again on the hour mark, playing a pinpoint diagonal pass for Stuart, but this time Stuart couldn’t convert, dribbling around Dunbar and hitting the side netting. It was Siahn Bozanic’s turn to threaten a minute later, shooting from range and drawing a fine diving save from Dunbar.
With 20 minutes remaining, a Jets counterattack saw the visitors swoop on the Manly goal. Aaliyah Kilroy led the charge for the visitors, finding Duggan, however Drever brilliantly tipped her shot onto the post, protecting Manly’s one goal cushion.
On 85 minutes, Stuart played a huge part in the goal which sealed three points for Manly. Her through ball sent substitute Sienna Dale charging down the left side, and the number seven’s cross was perfect for fellow substitute Zordan to slam the ball past Dunbar.
The 2-0 win sees Manly end the weekend in third place, while Newcastle stay bottom of the table.
