The Macleay Valley Rangers overcame a resilient Port United outfit to claim a 1-0 victory in the Women’s Northern League grand final on Saturday.
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The decisive goal came at the midpoint of the second half when striker Siobhan Musgrave was Johnny on the spot after a Port United defender had an air swing when attempting to clear the ball from the back.
Musgrave came into contact with the ball at the same time as the Port United goal keeper on the edge of the 18-yard-box and the ball rebounded off Musgrave’s foot and sailed into the back of the net.
The Rangers, who won two elimination finals in a row to reach the decider, defended superbly throughout the contest and controlled the majority of the possession.
The Tamblyn sisters excelled in the decider as player-coach Heidi and captain Emma produced tireless efforts.
Heidi played a more defensive role while Emma pressed forward and almost found the breakthrough on two separate occasions with her attacking raids but the Port United goalkeeper was up to the challenge.
Meanwhile Serenity Clancy’s pace was utilised on the edges as she made creative runs in behind the opposition’s defence but she was unable to find the target.
However, it was a team performance which led to Rangers’ success as each player contributed towards earning the valuable clean sheet.
“I’m so proud of the whole team. The change in mentality since the regular season finished and post-season started has been the difference, they’ve really stepped up,” Heidi said.
“We limited their chances today. The girls at the back were solid and I was really happy with how they cleaned up.”
While Heidi admits it wasn’t her sides best performance of the season, she felt “relieved” to win the premiership.
“It wasn’t our best game. Football wise, we have played better but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter as both teams are very physical,” Heidi said.
“It was a matter of who can battle the hardest and who can step up on the day. That’s how it has been the whole season.”
Heidi believes her side deserved the victory and it’s a fitting reward for a season of hard work.
“I have put in a lot of time and effort into the team this year as a player and a coach and it’s very rewarding to see the team develop into a premiership winning side,” Heidi said.
“It makes all of the hard work worth it.”
The premiership victory is even more remarkable feat when considering the Rangers didn’t field a side in the Women’s Northern League last season.
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