The National Youth Championships 2024 Girls’ Tournament has entered the pointy end following a thrilling day of action at the Home of the Matildas.
Day three of the tournament saw Northern NSW Football sides walk away with one loss and a win.
The under-16s had a disappointing start to the day after they fell short to NSW Metro 2-0 in a top-of-the-table clash. NSW Metro came out of the gates firing, but strong defensive pressure from Skyla Poole and Natalia O’Driscoll held them at bay. They headed into half-time 1-0 down.
NNSWF went into the second half strong and created two chances in two minutes but could not equalize despite their fierce attack. Marissa Masterantonio made key defensive clearances to reduce NSW Metro to a 2-0 win.
The under-15s were victorious against Queensland, as they secured a 2-1 win. Sophie Johnson kicked off the scoring for the afternoon within the first five minutes of the game. But QLD was able to steal one back 10 minutes later and the teams were locked up 1-1 as they went into half-time.
QLD Silver went into the second half fighting to take the lead, but strong defence from NNSWF shut their efforts in attack down. The game looked like it would end locked up, but a 24th-minute penalty awarded to Lacey Dobson launched NNSWF in front. QLD fought hard to take home a point in the thrilling end-to-end game, but NNSWF took all three points to end their third day at the tournament.
NNSWF Talent Development Officer Brett Angell was pleased with the efforts of both sides and looks forward to the quarter-finals.
“We’re happy where we are because this is where we wanted to be in the top half of the draw,” Angell said.
“We’re going forward now, and the championship is still on for both teams, which is the ideal situation and what we came into this tournament hoping for.”
Both NNSWF sides will keep the good times rolling on day four of the tournament, with both teams securing their spots in the quarter-finals.
The under-16s finished second in Group A and will face third place from Group B in the quarter-final on day four of the tournament. The under-15s finished second in Group B and will face second place from Group C in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
More on the National Youth Championships:
See the National Youth Championships 2024 Program HERE
View the Girls’ Tournament Draw HERE
Watch the National Youth Championships 2024 HERE
