Manly United 1-3 NWS Spirit

On Sunday, Manly United were defeated 3-1 by NWS Spirit at Cromer Park in NPL Women’s NSW Round 17.

The match began well for Manly as an unmarked Emily Minett found the back of the net from Alexia Karrys-Stahl’s corner, giving the hosts an early lead in the 9th minute.

NWS Spirit responded swiftly and they won a penalty soon afterwards. Ella Abdul Massih confidently buried the resultant spot kick into the bottom left corner, levelling the scores in the 15th minute.

Spirit’s high press would lead to them taking the lead in the 35th minute after winning possession in a dangerous position. Abdul Massih received the ball and turned into space before placing a lovely finish to the goalkeeper’s left. 2-1 to Spirit.

Ten minutes into the second half, Daisy Arrowsmith tried her luck from long range and Spirit shotstopper Katie Offer was worried enough to dive, but the ball sailed wide. Arrowsmith had another chance just past the hour mark after being set up by Minett, sending the ball over the crossbar.

Manly were wondering how they didn’t score in the 80th minute when Kahli Johnson’s cross made its way to Tegan Biasi at the back post. Biasi fired towards goal, and she was unlucky to see her shot rebound off Karrys-Stahl, with the Spirit defence gratefully clearing the ball to safety.

Instead it was Spirit who found another goal in the closing stages. Abdul Massih set up Talia Younis, who smashed the ball into the bottom corner after a neat spin past a defender. 3-1 to Spirit.

Abdul Massih nearly completed her hat trick in the 90th minute, but Manly custodian Nicole Simonsen stood tall to make a one-on-one save.