Vanderniet’s heroics not enough for United

Olympia have come out winners after scoring three second half goals to give them a 3-0 win over Clarence United at Wentworth Park in the WSL TAS.

Clarence’s Zara Dixon had the first big moment of the day. Dixon managed to cleared Olympia’s Innocent Michael’s shot off the line after Vanderniet ran out to clear the danger early.

That wouldn’t be the first time Vanderniet was called upon. Bonnie Davies’s shot almost landed home but the valiant keeper made her run to claim the ball back in her hands.

Half time and the scores stood 0-0. A scoreline not many would of picked given Olympia’s form and Clarence being bottom of the table.

Olympia’s Manager Alistair Russell must of been scratching his head how they hadn’t broken the Clarence backline despite all the attack and chances.. Vanderniet was playing out of her skin and Dixon was marshalling the defence deep. Just to tell you how one sided it was, Olympia had 15 shots on target and we only reached the half way point!

After much deliberation, Olympia finally scored in the 68th minute. Jade Williams through balled teammate Madison Chambers who finished well in the box past Vanderniet.

Charlotte Chambers turned into a super sub scoring the Warriors second shortly after Chambers eased down the wing and dribbled past the Clarence defence. All was left was the finish and she made no mistake slotting it home with a quality finish to boot.

Davies would put the icing on the cake in the final moments of play when she finished in the far right corner of the net for her 14th goal of the season.

That win puts Olympia right in the driving seat for the WSL title with their closest challenger Hobart Zebras only coming away from Ulverstone with a point in another 3 goal comeback.

Although a slender 3 point lead at the top, you can bet this title race is far from over. The point up in Ulve could be significant come the final day. Olympia would be happy to come away victorious though and have that 3 point advantage.

I can’t praise Amelia Vanderniet enough today. Her saves today was exceptional and really kept Clarence right in the game. A standout talent, one that is getting better week by week.