Story courtesy of Northern NSW Football
New Lambton 4 (Hannah Batten 2, Tahlia Gossner, Emma Gonsalves) defeated Wallsend 1 (Laura Hall) at Alder Park on Sunday. Half-time: 1-1.
New Lambton was able to add new names to the scoresheet, including a debutant as they overcame Wallsend 4-1 at Alder Park on Sunday.
Wallsend was straight off the mark and dominated the first 15 minutes, creating plenty of opportunities and causing headaches for New Lambton’s defensive line.
The Devil’s hard work paid off in the 30th minute when Sass Seaborn combined with Laura Hall who dribbled on the inside of Jenna Kennedy and booted it into the top left-hand corner.
The visitors weren’t going to have it their way, as debutant Tahlia Gossner finding a loose ball from the top of the 18-yard box and striking low and hard into the bottom left corner to level the scores just before halftime.
In the second half, Hannah Batten scored twice in 10 minutes for the Eagles with her first goal coming from an absolute pearler out wide and the second deflecting off keeper Danielle Redding.
The home side was able to seal the deal in the later stages of the game when Georgia Amess crossed into the box to find Emma Gonsalves who buried it in the back of the net.
New Lambton coach Keelan Hamilton thought his side started flat but managed to put the pressure on Wallsend in the second half.
“I was really happy with the performance from the girls today,” Hamilton said.
“Wallsend are a good side and having both Stacey Day and Joey Burgess out tested our depth but the girls who came in did a great job.
“At half-time, we spoke about increasing our work rate and defensive pressure in the front and middle third and we did that well in the second half.
“Both teams had good periods of control but we defended well when needed and used the ball effectively to create chances which was pleasing.”
Wallsend coach Marc Hingston said a lack of desire in the second half meant his side were unable to string any goals together.
“The lack of desire is an issue we need to fix but there were positives,” Hingston said.
“It’s frustrating to be beaten by enthusiasm when it’s something we pride ourselves on.”