Alana Simons put in a vintage performance in her 200th game to inspire her side to their maiden Leonard Cup competition win over Young at O’Connor Park on Sunday.
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In a fairytale finish fit for the ages, the Strikers stalwart netted a brilliant individual goal to put her side ahead with 10 minutes to play before dogged defence in the dying stages saw off a hungry Lions side to secure the 3-2 win.
It was a free-flowing affair for the majority of the game with a marked improvement on effective passing and retaining possession benefiting the Strikers in the early exchanges.
Substitute Janine Lambert announced herself in emphatic fashion, scoring the opening goal off the bench after using her pace to chase a through ball and finish the chance in style.
The sides traded goals after Young struck back with a goal of their own before Ash Holder buried the ball into the roof of the net after a great attacking exchange.
Not to be deterred, the Lions continued to push forwards and equalised after sustained pressure inside the Strikers’ defensive half.
With the scores lock at 2-2, it was Simons who stepped up to the plate in her milestone game. A great pass from Shae Godbier found Simons running through the defensive line with the ball at her feet, who proceeded to bolt down the right hand side before slotting the ball into the net from just inside the box, sparking scenes of jubilation from players, coaches and fans alike.
Coach Mick Simons was very pleased with his side’s performance and attributed their win to composure in defence and an improved passing game.
“I was very happy with the performance from the whole squad yesterday,” Simons said. “Getting the win was great but the way we played was the best outcome from the game.”
“We have been working on passing our way out of trouble at the back from the beginning of preseason and the result showed that we can play positively and work our way up the park.”
Simons praised the backline quartet of Kat Gould, Matilda McPherson, Tanealle Ecclestone and Tracie Cudmore for their fierce defence, particularly in the last 10 minutes to see off a determined Young side fighting for an equaliser, and gave special mention to Taya Smith for an outstanding game in goals.
“Those girls anchored the defensive line and hardly missed a tackle all game so credit to them for a great effort today,” he said.
“Smith pulled off some great saves from point blank range and put her body on the line in a number of one-on-one situations.”
“I think we have found our regular number one.”
