WaiBOP have 'nothing to lose' after grabbing playoff place

Rotorua's Amanda Wilshier in action against Northern Football. PHOTO/ ENZO GIORDANI

Loaded WaiBOP have nothing to lose and can play with freedom after they qualified for the 2016 National Women's League playoffs, according to Rotorua's Amanda Wilshier.

In dramatic fashion WaiBOP grabbed the third and final spot after a stunning late two-goal burst gave the team a 3-2 win over defending champions, Northern Football at the QBE Stadium in Auckland on Sunday.

Hannah Reid's header in added time put the seal on a remarkable comeback for the WaiBOP side that had trailed by two goals at half-time.

Wilshier said she was in "complete shock" when the final whistle blew and described it as her greatest achievement while goalkeeping for her side.

"I have never screamed so loud in my life. It was incredible. I was so overwhelmed and totally shocked," she said.

"Everyone was going wild, it was such a huge result for us that none of us expected.

"Northern were absolutely devastated. I mean it was a huge upset.

"It's definitely the furthest I've gone with this team and we have really excelled ourselves."

Loaded WaiBOP celebrate after reaching the 2016 National Women's League playoffs. Photo/ENZO GIORDANI

Early goals from Katie Rood and Sam Tawharu had Northern 2-0 ahead inside 20 minutes but Wilshier said she always had belief in her team.

"My head didn't drop. You have to deal with stuff like that and pick yourself up again. We were expecting them to be a strong set-up and they really came at us," she said.

"At half-time we all just decided to end the game on a high and go out and play with fun. I mean it was potentially the last game of our season."

WaiBOP's Leanna Ryan halved the deficit early after the break then equalised right on full time and within moments Reid's far post header flew into the net for WaiBOP.

Northern still had time to put the ball in the net again, but it was ruled out for off-side.

"I never expected us to go out and play with that much fun! Our first goal was crucial because it gave us belief again," said Wilshier.

"And when our third went in I have never heard our team so loud before. We had a scare at the end but clung in there."

The victory, coupled with Canterbury United Pride being held to a draw at home by Central, meant the top three teams ended the regular season level on 13 points.

Canterbury, however, finished top, while Capital were deemed to be second and WaiBOP third.

The leaders will host the final in two weeks' time, while WaiBOP must now travel to Capital next weekend for the playoff.

Northern, who sat top two weeks ago, missed out altogether.

"We have nothing to lose," said Wilshier.

"To make it into the top three teams in New Zealand is more than we could have hoped for this season- anything else is now a bonus.

"Hopefully we can replicate this freedom on the pitch."

2016 National Women's League - Round Seven results:

Northern 2 (NOR: Rood, Tawharu) Loaded WaiBOP 3 (Ryan 54', 89, Reid 90+2'.) HT: 2-0.

Auckland Football 4 Southern United 3.

Canterbury United Pride 1 Central Football 1.

Bye - Capital Football

Points: Capital Football 13, Canterbury United Pride 13, WaiBOP 13, Northern Football 12, Auckland Football, 6, Central Football, 4, Southern United, 0.