MICK Godbier’s Western NSW Mariners outfit has cemented a top two spot on the Football NSW Women’s State League ladder by being undefeated in a weekend double-header.
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The Mariners dispatched Mount Druitt Town Rangers 4-0 in a catch up match at Wallerawang on Saturday before fighting out a nil-all draw against fourth-placed Southern District Raiders in Sydney on Sunday.
The results kept Western in second place with one round remaining. Godbier’s outfit is five points clear of third-placed University of NSW and trails leaders APIA Leichhardt Tigers by two.
"It looks like we have secured a top two finish now and will be playing APIA in a major semi-final,” Godbier said.
In Saturday’s match against a Mount Druitt outfit side out of finals contention, Tayla Lloyd netted a double while Sammie Wood and defender Annabel Meadley also found the mark.
Godbier was pleased with the way his players adjusted to the defensive tactics their rivals employed.
"Annabel, she scored a screamer of a goal right on half-time, she scored off a corner. She was at the top of the box and just whacked it into the the net and that made it 3-0 at half-time,” the coach said. "Mount Druitt are sort of dwelling towards the end of the table and to be honest, they played a pretty boring style.
"They parked the bus, put 11 players behind the ball and tried to defend us out of the game. But we drew them wide and were able to get in behind them.”
Sunday’s game was a tougher assignment for Western, but Godbier still felt his side deserved more than a goalless draw.
Lloyd had an attempt parried into the crossbar and deflect away from the net, while skipper Kristy Collingridge, Teegan Courtney and Kya Godbier also created chances.
"We should have beaten them for sure. We were the dominant side and we created a lot of opportunities, we just couldn't finish them,” Godbier said.
"We played positive football and created plenty of chances, especially in the second half. So while we didn't score, I am really happy with the way we played.”
While the Mariners threatened throughout the contest, Western goalkeeper Jess Daymond was not really challenged.
"They did have a couple of chances, but they were from 20-30 yards out and nothing that really troubled Jess at all,” Godbier said.
"It showed that we did a good job pressing them with our defence.”
