TJ Lyne-Lewis, right, scored United’s goal. PHOTO/FILE
FOOTBALL
CHRIS COGDALE
[email protected]
Women
Wellington United Diamonds 5
Wairarapa United 1
Three goals in seven minutes ended any chance of Tumu ITM Wairarapa United progressing to the semifinals of the Kate Sheppard Knockout Cup.
United made a promising start at Newtown Park, only to fall behind to an unlucky own goal.
Coach Paul Ifill said it was Diamonds’ first real attack and their shot was going wide but the ball hit defender Molly Woodhead’s backside and ballooned over the stranded goalkeeper Grace Minnis into the net.
The home side effectively put the game out of reach six minutes later with two goals within a minute, to Nea Blackham and Pepi Oliver-Bell.
Ifill said the team spoke at halftime about changing a few things and being solid and trying to get back in the game but conceded a goal to Emma Main after three minutes.
TJ Lyne-Lewis pulled one back after 60 minutes, before prolific goalscorer Jemma Robertson put a shine on the Diamonds victory with the fifth goal.
“We played pretty well in the second half,” Ifill said, “We scored a goal but missed a penalty, which kind of summed up the day.”
The two teams meet in a W-League clash at Trust House Memorial Park on Saturday, and Ifill is confident they can turn around Saturday’s result.
“It’s a disappointing run of three losses, but if we win this weekend, all is forgotten and we’re in with a shot of winning the league.”
