Western United has strengthened their position in fourth place in the Ninja A-League with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle Jets, a result that effectively quashes the Jets’ aspirations of reaching the finals this season.
After persistently testing the Newcastle defence throughout the first half, Western finally broke the deadlock just five minutes into the second half. Striker Catherine Zimmerman quickly reacted to backheel the ball over the line, putting her side ahead 1-0.
Zimmerman then turned into the playmaker for Western United’s second goal in the 77th minute, delivering a superb left-footed cross into the box that was neatly finished by Keiwa Hieda, extending the lead to 2-0.
It was a relatively straightforward afternoon at No.2 Sportsground, as Western claimed pivotal three points that solidified their hold on fourth place on the ladder.
For Newcastle, the defeat marks their second consecutive loss in the Ninja A-League and effectively ends their hopes of finals football this year.
Captain Logarzo aimed to ignite Western United’s attack with a long-range shot that was well handled by Jets keeper Danielle Krzyzaniak, setting up a direct contest between the two once more.
In the 16th minute, Logarzo attempted a lower strike from distance again in the 22nd minute, yet Krzyzaniak made an impressive save, tipping her effort over the bar.
Western maintained their pursuit of a long-range goal, with Adriana Taranto having her turn when she unleashed a dipping shot that crashed against the crossbar after a slight deflection from Krzyzaniak.
The Jets’ keeper was finally beaten early in the second half when forward Zimmerman found the net.
Reacting swiftly to a loose ball in the box, Zimmerman instinctively backheeled the ball past the keeper from close range, handing the visitors a well-deserved lead.
Seeking to hit the Jets with a quick second goal, Taranto had another chance but misfired her attempt over the bar from a promising position.
However, the visitors were far more threatening in front of goal and soon netted their second, courtesy of more brilliance from Zimmerman.
Receiving the ball down the left flank from a quick throw-in, Zimmerman lifted her head and delivered a delightful cross into the box, which Hieda deftly tapped in, beating Krzyzaniak to the ball to make it 2-0.
The home side enjoyed plenty of possession but rarely posed a threat to Chloe Lincoln in the Western goal, finishing the match with just one shot on target over the full 90 minutes.
This result officially extinguishes their finals ambitions for the season, leaving them in 11th place on the ladder, five points ahead of bottom-placed Western Sydney Wanderers, having played one game more.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
