Heartbreak for the Wellington Phoenix women’s reserves in the biggest match in the team’s fledgling history.
Reigning National League champions Auckland United have scored two late goals to beat the Phoenix women’s reserves 2-1 in their Kate Sheppard Cup semi-final at Fraser Park in Lower Hutt, with the visitors scoring the match winner in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
After a tight-fought first half, wing-back Georgie Furnell put the young Nix in front in the 60th minute.
It appeared to put them on course for a place in next month’s final until the 88th minute, when former Phoenix fullback Saskia Vosper drew Auckland United level.
The match then looked destined for extra time. Unfortunately, the visitors had other ideas with Auckland United winning the ball high up the pitch with 97:53 on the clock and substitute Estelle Harrison found the back of the net with a first-time finish from the edge of the box.
Phoenix women’s reserves head coach Callum Holmes is proud of his team, despite the result.
“I thought they were fantastic,” Holmes said. “They executed what we asked them to do.
“We set out at the start to put out a performance that we’d be proud of and reflects what we’re trying to do here at the academy, and I think everyone that was here watching today saw that. So I’m really happy, despite the result.”
And he wants his players to hold their heads high despite conceding the last-gasp goal.
“We spoke during the week about how the game’s going to be won on moments and that’s one moment we didn’t deal with, but that happens.
“That’s football and part of being a young player.
“Be disappointed but use it as fuel and motivation for their own individual journey.
“They’ll bounce back pretty quick and we’ll be ready to go into our next game.”
Wellington Phoenix reserves: 41. Brooke NEARY (gk), 4. Marie GREEN (3. Mackenzie GREENE 90+4), 7. Georgie FURNELL (2. Rebekah TREWHITT, 72nd), 9. Ella MCCANN (8. Grace BARTLETT 80th), 11. Ela JEREZ, 12. Ella MCMILLAN (c), 16. Daisy BRAZENDALE, 18. Alyssha EGLINTON (14. Libby MCMILLAN 72nd),19. Zoe MCMEEKEN, 20. Olivia INGHAM, 21. Manaia ELLIOTT.
Unused substitutes: 1. Aimee DANIELI (gk).
Auckland United: 1. Hannah MITCHELL (gk), 2. Talisha GREEN (c), 4. Greer MACINTOSH, 5. Chelsea ELLIOTT, 7. Chloe KNOTT, 10. Charlotte ROCHE (12. Alaina GRANGER 80th), 11. Rene WASI, 14. Alexis COOK, 16. Yume HARASHIMA, 17. Penny BRILL (13. Estelle HARRISON 72nd), 20. Saskia VOSPER.
Unused substitutes: 3. Kate MCCONNELL, 18. Piper O’NEILL, 19. Poppy O’BRIEN.
Goals:
7. Georgie FURNELL (Wellington Phoenix reserves) – 60th
20. Saskia VOSPER (Auckland United) – 88th
13. Estelle HARRISON (Auckland United) – 90+8
Cards:
2. Talisha GREEN (Auckland United) – yellow – 39th
Main image: Cam McIntosh/Photomac.
