Line Up.
Chapman, Thompson (White 70), Nelson, Valentine (C), Verdon, Wood, Robinson (Hindin 85), Binning (Edgerton-Bachmann 55), Bramwell, Tagaloa & Jones.

Result.
2-3 (1-1 HT)
Goals: Leah Tagaloa (2)

Overview.
On paper this looked like the game of the round in the Womens Northern Premier League and it certainly lived up to it's billing with a five goal thriller that entertained the large crowd in attendance, a crowd including NZ Womens coach Allan Jones. It might have been a great game to watch for all spectators but it was harder to watch from the technical area as both set of coaches needed to be urgent and patient throughout the encounter.

Suburbs went back to Madills Farm with all three points leaving Spings dissapointed after a draw was perhaps a fair result, both teams battled throughout and chances were exchanged on a frequent basis. In the first round both defences provailed however today was most definately an attack dominated game. Suburbs started the game the better team as Springs looked sluggish in the opening exchanges. Tegg and Oostdam were the danger players down the left hand side and both created shots on goal within the first 5 minutes. The constant pressure soon told as the scoring was opened after just 4 minutes. A Oostdam cross was dropped by stand in keeper Penny Chapman and Tegg was on hand on tap the ball home from a few yards out. With Pam Yates overseas in America and Bianca Mori on International duty with the NZ U20s in Argentina, Chapman usually a striker stood in to become the third goalkeeper of the season for the hoops.

The goal gave Springs the wake up call they needed and the young charges started to get into their stride. Leah Tagaloa and Holly Jones were looking dangerous up front for Springs but the danger ball didn't quite find its way through on a few occasions. Jones tried in vain however to make things happen taking on the Suburbs backline down the left channel suceeding on both occasions only to see her shot comfortable saved by Ginni Tan. Tagaloa's pace was also causing Suburbs problems, the number 10 looking to get back to the form that made her part of the NZ Women's squad last season. Bramwell keep the play moving in an advanced midfield role whilst Wood continues to put in consistently good performances in the midfield engine room. It took a while but finally Suburbs were undone by sheer determination from Tagaloa, the striker chasing a lost cause in the corner and again the backpass to the keeper, mis-communication in the Suburbs backline lead to Tagaloa diving at the feet of Tan and her clearance deflected into the net. After a opening half that was dominated by the visitors Springs found themselves level at the break.

The second half saw a much more even contest as Springs gained confidence from the goal and started to string some good flowing attacking movements together. Bramwell, Jones and Tagaloa at the hub of everything going forward. Just as Springs started to get into gear Suburbs struck a killer blow, a long throw into the box saw a flick on headed home by Oostdam who got in front of her marker. Another early goal and Springs found themselves behind again. Edgerton-Bachmann and White were then introduced and Springs found their feet again. The pairing up front really starting to cause problems and after 76 minutes Tagaloa got her second of the game. Bramwell delivered the perfect through ball and Tagaloa's pace was telling as she beat the on-rushing Suburbs keeper and tucked the ball under Tan and into the open net. Springs fighting themselves back into the game for the second time and for the next five minutes it looked liked Springs may nick it. Bramwell found herself out wide on the left with Tagaloa waiting unmarked in the middle but her cross was well intercepted by a covering challenge.

The game wasn't to end in a draw however and after a long punt up-field by Tan, Valentine and Nelson struggled to deal with the high ball and Brown got the lucky bounce and found herself through on goal but there was nothing lucky about the finish as the young winger curled the ball into the top corner from just outside the box leaving Chapman with no chance. Springs threw players forward, Hindin went on up front and White pushed on but Springs couldn't find a third equaliser the game ended in dissapointment for the home team. Holly Jones and Leah Tagaloa shared the player of the day award both putting in their best performances to date in a Springs jersey. Next week the attention turns to the SWANZ Cup (formally Uncle Toby's) with Springs drawn away at Bay Olympic. The second round clash takes place at Olympic Park next Sunday.

Coaches Comments.
"Todays game was pretty even, we started very slowly but once they scored we settled down and it was a good intense contest. We were probably fortunate to go in at half time level but after our second half performance we deserved something from the game. The most dissapointing factor is we have conceeded two more soft goals and you just can't do that against good teams like Suburbs.
We were really happy with the work-rate and determination from everyone and can't fault the effort of the players, they showed fighting qualities to draw level twice and were competative throughout. We played lovely stuff at times but we need to work on controlling the tempo of our attacks, we struggled to maintain a flow for long periods because the game was very end to end.
Jess did well, she likes playing against them I think, Chelsey and Bella put in good displays and the front two were excellent. Holly has been working hard on holding the ball up and she did that well today, she ran with the ball well too. Leah looked sharp and her pace is always a threat, she will be a star if she does that consistently, its something she needs to work hard at. Its great she got some goals too that will help her confidence."