South West Phoenix Firebirds returned to action on Sunday with a 4-2 win against third-placed Subiaco.
Two goals from Eleanor Coventry and one from Nicole Suttie had Firebirds cruising at half time with a 3-0 lead, before a Subiaco fight back was held off when Katie McDermott scored her first goal of the season to round out a 4-2 win.
Firebirds are second on the ladder – two points behind leaders Wanneroo.
The Firebirds have a game in hand and still have the destiny of the title in their own hands.
They went into the match on the back of a tough week following a family tragedy within the squad, and a minute silence was held before the game in memory of the loss.
The rain poured down early on, but Firebirds settled well and found a good passing rhythm to get on top.
Firebirds took the lead midway through the first half after some good work from Jen Hazledon led to Nicole Suttie unleashing a wonderful 20-yard strike which gave the Subiaco goalkeeper no chance.
Soon after, the busy Courtney Butlion set up Eleanor Coventry with a one-on-one and Coventry scored to double the Firebirds’ advantage.
Coventry was at it again soon after when she fired a volley past the keeper from just outside the box to give the Firebirds a comfortable 3-0 half-time lead.
Firebirds started the second half well, but were caught off guard twice in five minutes as Subiaco got right back into the game.
Firebirds had chances to clear their defensive lines on both occasions but failed to do so, and were duly punished.
At 3-2, the game was back on but Firebirds did get back on top and kept Subiaco at bay.
Katie McDermott scored her first goal of the season with a fine individual effort to give the Firebirds a 4-2 buffer, from which they closed out the game comfortably.
This was a good performance and win for the Firebirds in what looked, on paper, as one of the toughest games remaining this season.
“It was a great win and a very good performance for most of the match,” coach Stephen Suttie said.
“To come away from home and beat third place Subiaco is a big boost as we keep up our title push.
“This was always going to be a big test, and the girls came through with flying colours.”
Firebirds are at home for the next two weeks, against Gosnells then Joondalup City before travelling to Wanneroo for a match that will likely have a huge bearing on the destination of the title.
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