Women’s Knights advance to Grand Finals

IT WAS a beautiful spring day that saw Leongatha Knights FC’s Senior Women’s team take to the pitch against Phillip Island in the first week of the Gippsland Soccer League finals.

After finishing undefeated at the top of the table, the Knights were keen for a strong start to their finals campaign despite missing two of their most experienced players. It was a hard-fought game as

Phillip Island played a tight defence with experienced goalkeeper Andrea Dempsey confidently saving all shots sent her way. Phillip Island’s usual striker Kelly Wall took up position as centre-back and was instrumental in clearing Leongatha’s attacking runs.

Leongatha’s rotating backline was magnificent in dealing with any counter attacks by Phillip Island. Centre back Mandy Bongers and defenders Val, Maddi and Kate were consistently fantastic in their roles. Captain Jasmine Garry and Naomi Eaton worked the midfield for the Knights, putting in a mammoth effort under the glaring sun and on Trafalgar’s wide pitch.

It was a fumble in the box that saw youngster Audrey capitalise and score Leongatha’s first hard fought goal of the game to rousing cheers from the crowd. A magnificent attacking run by Lisse Bath saw the second goal scored not long after. The Leongatha Senior Women’s team will be playing in the Grand Final at Lang Lang on September 17. Well done Lady Knights!