WaiBOP share the points in battling season opener

Rotorua's Kim Maguire came close for Loaded WaiBOP in her side's draw today against Capital today. Photo/ Graeme Blake.

Women's Football

Loaded WaiBOP Football and Capital Football have shared the points in today's opening National Women's League encounter at John Kerkhof Park in Cambridge.

After an opening 20 minutes where both sides prodded and probed for an opening it was the visitors who took the lead through Emily Morison who pounced from close range.

But Loaded WaiBOP was back on level terms almost immediately, however, when Leah Gubb slammed a corner home from the edge of the six yard box.

Loaded WaiBOP Football and Capital Football have shared the points in today's opening National Women's League encounter at John Kerkhof Park in Cambridge. Photo/ Graeme Blake.

The match opened up as the half went on, with both sides forcing half chances.

Capital sent a couple over the bar before, WaiBOP's Leanna Ryan burst into the box, in the 40th minute, and was tripped for an obvious penalty.

Serena Murrihy confidently stepped up to tuck home the go-ahead goal for the hosts.

WaiBOP had the better of the early stages of the second half but the visitors got back on level terms with 20 minutes left. Katie Barrott got the last touch after a defensive mix up from the home team.

The game opened right up after the goal as both sides hunted for a winner. WaiBOP came close through both Kim Maguire and Theresa Rhein, while Capital had a late free kick well saved by Georgia Candy.

In the end, both sides had to settle for a point which seemed a fair enough result.

-More to come

National Women's League:

Loaded WaiBOP 2-2 Capital (ht: 2-1)
WB: Leah Gubb 24', Serena Murrihy (pen) 40'
CF: Emily Morison 23', Katie Barrott 70'.

John Kerkhof Park, Cambridge
Crowd: 224.

Teams

Loaded WaiBOP: Georgia Candy, Serena Murrihy, Hannah Reid (Michaela Clarke 86'), Leanna Ryan, Helen Talbot, Leah Gubb (Theresa Rhein 80'), Naomi Courtney-Tennent (Ella Golding 60'), Kat Robinson, Maxine Rawnsley, Kim Maguire, Chelsea Elliott (Emma Cawte 73'). Subs: Amanda Wilshier (gk).

Capital: Anna Wittmann-Wenzel, Tessa McPherson, Ella Wilson, Emily Morison (Maggie Jenkins 61'), Katie Barrott, Jayme-Lee Hunter, Briar Palmer, Emma Main, Michaela Roberston, Mikaela Hunt, Asha Strom. Subs: Natasha Ingram (gk), Kennedy Bryant, Hannah Wignall, Lena De Ronde.