Strikers’ feats always attract plenty of praise but coach Harmonie Attwill reserved special mention for her back line after Newcastle Olympic put one hand on the Herald Women’s Premier League minor premiership on Sunday.
While Jemma House bagged her eighth hat-trick of the season to set up Olympic’s important 4-0 win over Broadmeadow, Attwill was equally pleased with a strong defensive effort.
“We wanted to play a really attacking style against Magic and played three in the back, which was a bit different for us,” Attwill said.
“I was really impressed with Danielle Nicol at right-back. Her job was to keep [Magic’s] Lucy [Jerram] out of the game and she did a great job. And you can’t go past [centre-back] Sophie O’Brien. She’s not the fastest player on the field but she’s smart enough to put herself in the right position and no one really got past her. Soph’s positioning is perfect and they didn’t score.”
With one round remaining before finals, Olympic lead on 31 points with the league’s best attacking and defensive record. They are three points clear of second-placed Magic with a far superior goal difference and are unlikely to be headed for the minor premiership.
They have already secured the reserve-grade minor title. Olympic’s 17s are second on goal difference but on the same points as leaders Merewether and their 14s will finish third.
Olympic host New Lambton at Darling Street Oval on Sunday.
George Tsamouras Football Journey 