COFFS City United Lionesses have roared to their first win of the inaugural Coastal League One Women competition.
The Lionesses earnt their first three points of the season with a commanding 3-1 victory against the Sawtell Scorpions at Toormina Oval.
The Lionesses came out firing and created all the early chances in a first half in which they dominated.
A beautiful chip of the keeper from Alexandra Gadd opened the scoring for the Lionesses in the 12 minute.
Scorpions captain Anna Champion scored the equaliser shortly after, capitalising on a counter attack.
The Lionesses hit straight back as Alexandra Gadd got her second with a crisp finish in the box.
Coffs City took a 2-1 lead into the break on the back of a disciplined defence which starved Sawtell of chances, and solid teamwork and passing as they controlled the tempo and possession.
The Scorpions came out a better team in the second half, winning more of their own possession and getting the Lionesses on the back foot as they pushed for the equaliser.
But the Lionesses defence continued to remain firm, and a goal to Sally Little after a beautiful ball into the box sealed the match.
Lionesses captain Jordan Maddalena highlighted that the Scorpions resurgence in the second half had forced her team to respond.
“I feel like it was a bit of a wake up call that we still had to switch on,” she said.
“Despite letting in the goal we didn’t drop our heads and played on as if it were still nil-all.
“We had a great enthusiastic warm up before the match and I feel we brought that energy onto the pitch and held onto it the whole game.”
The Lionesses captain explained that the hard work put in during training was now reflected on the pitch.
“What impressed me the most about our first win is that it was a team effort, and what we have been focusing on at training was demonstrated on the pitch,” she said.
“It just shows that the results will come with hard work and consistency at training,
“Seeing us play so well as a unit has made me excited for the season ahead, and I can’t wait to see how much we develop as a squad.”
Round 3 also saw the Boambee Eagles and Macleay Valley Rangers share the points in a 1-1 draw at Ayrshire Park.
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