Western United have secured themselves a spot in the Ninja A-League Finals series after defeating Newcastle Jets 2-0 in a result which also ends the Jets’ hopes of playing finals football this season.
Having banged on the Newcastle door throughout the first-half, Western eventually found the breakthrough five minutes after the break; striker Catherine Zimmerman reacting quickest to backheel the ball over the line to make it 1-0.
Zimmerman then turned provider for Western United’s second of the afternoon in the 77th minute as she produced a stunning left-footed cross into the box which was tapped home by the arriving Keiwa Hieda to make it 2-0.
A relatively comfortable afternoon at No.2 Sportsground, Western cruised to a valuable three points which further tightens their grip on fourth spot on the ladder whilst securing themselves a spot in the six thanks to Brisbane’s 2-1 loss to the Mariners.
As for Newcastle, defeat for the Jets is their second-straight in the Ninja A-League and mathematically brings about an end to their hopes of playing finals football this season.
Looking for spark Western United into life, captain Logarzo drilled a long-range effort towards goal which was well-saved by Jets keeper Danielle Krzyzaniak before the duo then went head-to-head once again.
Opting for a lower strike in the 16th minute, Logarzo then took aim from distance once again, this time in the 22nd minute but Krzyzaniak pulled off a spectacular save to tip the Western midfielder’s effort over the bar.
With Western seemingly determined to score from range, this time it was Adriana Taranto’s turn to take aim from distance as she sent a dipping effort towards goal which crashed back off the crossbar following the faintest of touches from Krzyzaniak.
However the goalkeeper was eventually beaten early in the second-half and it came from the boot of forward Zimmerman.
Reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box, Zimmerman instinctively backheeled the ball beyond the keeper and into the back of the net from point-blank range to give the away side a deserved lead.
Looking to hit the Jets with a quickfire double, Taranto then threatened again but steered her shot over the bar from close range.
However the visitors were much the more threatening in front of goal and they eventually bagged their second of the afternoon and it came as a result of yet more class from Zimmerman.
Receiving the ball down the left from a quick throw, Zimmerman lifted her head and whipped a sumptuous ball into the box which was tapped home by the arriving Hieda who beat Krzyzaniak to the ball to make it 2-0.
The home side had plenty of the ball but rarely threatened Chloe Lincoln in the Western goal as they finished the contest with just one shot on target in the 90 minutes.
The result officially brings about an end to their finals chances this season and they remain 11th on the ladder – five points clear of bottom side Western Sydney Wanderers having played a game more.
