The South West Phoenix Firebirds consolidated top spot and pulled four points clear of third-placed Subiaco with a crucial 2-1 win on Sunday.
Subiaco took an early lead and held firm until the last fifteen minutes when Eleanor Coventry scored two goals to complete the come-from-behind win.
It was Firebirds’ fifth win in six matches, and retains their unbeaten start to the season.
Firebirds went into the match with Captain Lucy Scott among the substitutes as she nursed a tight hamstring.
Subiaco took the lead within five minutes of the start, with a long range strike that dipped just under the bar.
It became clear soon after that Subiaco had prepared for the match extensively.
They defended deep and in numbers, and attempted to mark prolific striker Eleanor Coventry out of the game.
A couple of chances fell Courtney Butlion’s way but she was unable to take advantage, before Coventry got free and hit the post with a lob from outside the box.
Firebirds had the bulk of possession but Subiaco were very well organised and frustrated the Firebirds.
The visitors enjoyed their 1-0 lead at the break.
Firebirds pushed on in the second half and played most of the game in Subiaco’s half but were again frustrated against the disciplined defence.
With Katie McDermott growing more into the game as it progressed, it was McDermott’s long range shot which lead to the equaliser.
The keeper could only parry McDermott’s effort and Coventry was on hand to fire in the rebound from close range.
With 15 minutes left, the game was on. The next chance fell to Subiaco, who spurned a glorious chance from a set piece.
The miss would come back to haunt them as McClurg played in Coventry, who showed great composure to slip the ball past the keeper in the last minute for the win.
“It was a great win against a side who had done their homework on us. They were well organised and played to a set plan,” coach Stephen Suttie said.
“It’s a great learning experience for our young players to play a team who worked so hard to nullify our strengths. Credit to the girls for finding a way through in the end.”
Firebirds remain on-top by one point after six matches ahead of next week’s cup round against second division Sorrento.
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