Unbeaten streak continues

They were carrying some walking wounded but Wanganui Athletic women kept their unbeaten streak alive with a 3-1 win at home over Marist on Sunday.

The game was the team's first defence of the Challenge Cup, which they had finally claimed when they beat then-fellow undefeated North End AFC the previous weekend.

Despite Athletic dominating possession, there were some nervous times when the score was tied 1-1 at halftime.

Coach Dave Downes said the visitors only had about three chances on goal but did score off an Athletic mistake.

Normally aggressive midfielder Rose Lockett was playing with a mouthful of stitches after having three teeth removed, while Jordy Kahl (knee) and Tanja Grunworld (groin) were also gutting it out.

"We were not as good as we were last week, a bit slow. Not as accurate and didn't execute," said Downes.

Vanya Hodgkinson stepped up with goals in each half, while Ella Wiebe added the third to wrap up the Manawatu Women's League game.

Downes singled out Hodgkinson, Grunworld, and Grace Alifi for good performances.

Athletic have another home game with Massey this Sunday, who also defeated North End 2-0 at the weekend.

A victory would give the team a nice break on the rest on the points table of the top four of the Manawatu league.

After that, Athletic face PN Marist again in the Federation Cup semifinal.

Downes said there was not much to take away from Sunday for that upcoming playoff, as they will focus on their own preparations rather than what the visitors are doing.

Savanah McDonald is also expected to be back from injury to add a little spice to the line-up, Downes said.

Helping Athletic's chances is that their second team, also coached by Downes, won the local senior cup, having not dropped a point this season.