The South West Phoenix Firebirds beat Joondalup City, 3-2, on Sunday to remain top of the table ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with second-placed Wanneroo in Bunbury.
Firebirds led 2-0 at half time and had a host of chances to kill off the game early in the second half.
After a Joondalup fightback, the Firebirds needed a late goal from Eleanor Coventry to seal the win.
Captain Lucy Scott was instrumental in all three goals, which were scored by Coventry as she bagged another hat-trick.
The Firebirds have had to grind out a few wins this season when not at their best.
However, no test so far has been as tough as hosting 2017 Champions Wanneroo this weekend.
The Firebirds beat Wanneroo 5-2 earlier this year, but the score line was not an accurate reflection of the game.
Wanneroo were superior in possession but Firebirds were well organised defensively and devastating on the counter-attack.
Also removed is the element of surprise-in round two.
Wanneroo saw eight unknown 16-year-olds in the Firebirds’ team but are now well aware of the dangers and, in particular, the league’s leading goal-scorer Eleanor Coventry, who scored a hat trick against Wanneroo in their last meeting.
Asha McClurg was also a tower of strength in defence for Firebirds that day.
Outside of the loss to Firebirds, Wanneroo have only conceded two goals in seven games – an incredible statistic and an illustration of their overall dominance, aside from the two clubs’ last meeting.
One advantage for the Firebirds is that they have nothing to lose.
The Firebirds were re-launched this year with the main aims being stability and building for 2019.
The fact they are top of the table after eight rounds is a huge bonus. Tests like these against Wanneroo will only make them stronger.
“We know Wanneroo are a quality side,” Coach Stephen Suttie said.
“They are going to make things very difficult for us by trying to pressure us into mistakes and errors.
“But, however the result goes, it’s great for the young girls to be involved in a game like this, and it will assist everyone’s development going forward.”
The Firebirds will need to be at their absolute best to beat Wanneroo, and the game kicks off from 2pm at WML Stadium on Sunday, June 10.
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