WESTERN NSW Mariners FC have given themselves a comfortable buffer between themselves and the foot of the women’s NSW National Premier Leagues 2 ladder following a stunning 1-0 upset over SD Raiders on Sunday.
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The Raiders took out last year’s State League title but it was the first meeting for both teams since moving up to the new-look NPL 2 competition, and it was the Mariners who claimed the spoils at Mudgee.
A first half goal from Teegan Courtney proved the difference between the two clubs and gave the Mariners their second victory of the season.
It was just what the Western women needed after a brutal 8-1 drubbing from the Central Coast Mariners a week earlier.
”It was a great result, especially after the weekend before,” goalscorer Courtney said.
“The girls did a really good job with a lot of great midfield rotations.
“Josh [Ward], our coach, went to chat to the other coach at the end of the game. Apparently they train three times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays while we get together just once a week – and a lot of the time people aren’t able to make it. With that in mind I thought we did really well.”
Courtney’s goal came courtesy of some great team play from the Mariners.
The finish wasn’t easy from the tight angle but Courtney made no mistake to give her side a stunning one goal advantage.
Mariners withstood a constant stream of Raiders pressure but their strong defence through the middle of the park paved the way for success.
“You have to treat the game like it’s nil-all at all times. You always have to play like you haven’t scored yet and that’s what we did,” Courtney said.
“Chloe Anlezark stepped up and looked very confident. Another who stood out was Poorsha Mcphillamy. She does the hard yards and probably doesn’t get the recognition compared to others. She kept her player out of the game for the whole day.”