Capital have come from behind to defeat WaiBOP in injury time in the opening game of match week five of the National Women’s League this afternoon in Wellington.

The Emma Evans-coached team were under huge pressure at Memorial Park when WaiBOP took the lead thanks to a goal from New Zealand U-17 representative Kelli Brown in the 39^th minute.

It was a lead that Michael Mayne’s team held on to for most of the game before the home team scored twice in the final four minutes to snatch an unlikely win.

Charlotte Wilford-Carroll got the home team back on level terms in the 89^th minute before forward Sarah Gregorius scored in the third minute of injury time to secure a vital three points.

In injury time, Capital attacked down the right flank and the cross was not well dealt with by the WaiBOP defence. Gregorius, the inspirational figure who came off the bench, was on hand to pounce and find the back of the net with a left-foot finish. 

It was a cruel blow for WaiBOP who had competed well but ultimately came up short as Capital celebrated a much-needed win. 

“We are obviously happy to take three points away from the game,” said Evans following the game.

“In the first 10 minutes we were really dominant and managed to keep possession well. As the first half went on, it seemed like we tried to force play too much and it got us into a bit of trouble.

“We lifted our intensity again and in the final few moments of the game managed to put away a couple of opportunities. I couldn’t be more pleased with the final 10 minutes but disappointed that it took us that long to take the lead in the match.”

Max Tommy, the WaiBOP goalkeeping coach, said it was a disappointing final result but his team would take a lot from the match.

“It was a tough finish to the match and the girls did feel it,” he said. “But in the end this is a massive step forward for us from the results we have been getting previously in the season.”

The win sees Capital draw level with three other teams - Northern Lights, Southern United and Auckland - on seven points but they have played five games compared to their rivals’ three (Northern and Auckland) and four (Southern) games.

The Northern Lights take on frontrunners the Canterbury United Pride tomorrow in a top-of-the-table clash while defending champions Auckland are away to Central.

National Women’s League Match Week Five

Capital Football 2 (Charlotte Wilford-Carroll 89’, Sarah Gregorius 90’ + 3’)
WaiBOP Football 1 (Kelli Brown 39’)
HT: 0-1

Northern Lights vs Canterbury United Pride
McFetridge Park, Auckland
Sunday 14 October, 1pm
#NWL #NLvCU
 

Central Football vs Auckland Football
Massey University, Palmerston North
Sunday 14 October, 1pm
#NWL #CEvAF

Article added: Saturday 13 October 2018