In what has been a stunning season for Northern Tigers, much has to be said about goal ridden forward Lauren Allan in a side ready to pounce post-lockdown.
After finishing last years’ campaign in fourth spot, the air around Northern Tigers in the NPL NSW Women’s competition was one of a team hungry for more.
And with the addition of fresh faces into an already tight knit side, head coach Jason Eagar has well and truly seen his side develop.
It takes one look at the table to suggest that.
Sitting in second and just three points off first, Lauran Allan still believes the team has more to give.
“We’ve had a great season so far.
“We’re a close squad that’s welcomed new faces this year. Faces that have helped us be stronger on the field. It’s been a real shame that the lockdown has come when it has because I really felt like we were getting on a roll.”
With seven goals so far this season, Allan sits second in the race for the golden boot.
If her stellar form was to continue after the hopeful end of the enforced lockdown, it would be fair to assume that it would go a long way to seeing her side come out on top at seasons’ end.
“I’ve been pleased with my performances. I’m scoring more which is great. To be scoring in such a competitive league has given me a lot of confidence.”
For Allan, hailing from Newcastle, making the move into the NPL NSW Women’s competition has been nothing but positive for the ambitious footballer.
Having already spent time playing within the United State College system and with the Newcastle Jets in the Westfield W-League, she believes that the competition she comes up against each week makes the jump into professional competition easier.
“Moving to the NPL NSW Women’s competition last year I definitely struggled with the physicality early on. So many girls playing in the W-League are playing in this league so it really helped me develop.
“The quality is high and you get a really good chance at getting to know the players you’re up against.”
Living in Newcastle, Allan rued the lockdown but stated she’s been fortunate to not be under restrictions as tough as the ones those face in Sydney.
“As soon as the lockdown was announced, Jason (Head Coach) reached out to us with training programs that we could use which have been really helpful. I’m lucky to be up here, I can still go and train with players and get a touch on the ball.
“I really hope it all ends sooner rather than later. Like I said, we have more to give this year so if the season resumes we’ll be eager to maintain the great performances and push on for that top spot.
“Personally, I just want to keep scoring as much as I can to help the team. Golden Boot would be great but the aim is definitely to find the back of the net as much as I can.”
-By Joseph Esposito