Trew secures maximum points for Rams

The Macarthur Rams made it four straight wins with a hard fought 1-0 victory over NWS Spirit at Christie Park on Sunday evening.

It was wet, it was cold, but Bronte Trew found the ice breaker with a second half strike to secure all three points for the Rams.

After a nervy start from both sides, it was the home team with two quick opportunities.

Morgan Roberts found space twice on the right side, the first time Teresa Morrisey was quickly off her line to thwart her, the second, the pacey winger unable to connect with her volley well.

As the game moved into the final 15 minutes of the first half, the chances started flowing.

First Beth Gordon moved forward well from midfield to pick up a nice pass from Kelli Brown inside the box, her final touch letting her down, unable to get any purchase from her shot to beat Katie Offer.

Ella Abdul Massih then showed why she is in fine form, easily beating Tenealle Hay with some nice skill, just unable to place her effort on target.

Shortly after it was the Rams’ turn, India Breier finding space inside the box, instead of firing away on her left, she took a touch and allowed the Spirit defence to close her down.

Brown was growing into the game and almost fired the Rams in front, forcing Offer into an excellent save with a powerful effort into the bottom corner.

Spirit broke through again with a chance of their own, this time Talia Younis rushing her left footed strike that went wide of the target.

Five minutes from the break, again Brown was involved, this time the striker’s effort went over the bar.

After an even first 45 minutes, the Rams came out in full force.

First Beth Gordon’s lobber was saved by Offer, the rebound fell to Brown who had her shot well blocked.

Breier then had an opportunity, this time taking her effort on the left, only to slide it wide of the target.

What could have been the goal of the season, the Rams went extremely close.

It was a fine team move which saw combinations by Miku Sunaga, Darcey Malone, Breier and Kelli Brown, the latter sending her volley just wide of the goal.

Against the run of play, Spirit had a good opportunity to hit the front from a free kick in a good position, only for Sarah Morgan to send her effort well over that bar.

A minute later the visitors went at it again, this time right back Tegan Bertolissio went on a run and had a go with the left, her effort spraying inches wide of the far post.

Spirit’s best chance of the second half came on 70 minutes after some excellent work by Abdul Massih who crossed for Talia Younis, the striker forcing Morrissey into a fine save.

Three minutes after that opportunity, the Rams had the lead.

Trew received the ball on an acute angle on the right, she sent her effort goalwards which beat Offer and crept into the bottom far corner.

Sunaga then almost had the points safe but Offer made another excellent save, this time reacting and saving with her feet.

Tony Candy threw all he could at the Rams in the final moments but Morrissey wouldn’t be beaten.

Match Stats

NWS Spirit 0 

Macarthur Rams 1 (Trew 73’)

Christie Park, Macquarie Park

Sunday, 30 June, 2024

NWS Spirit: 41. Offer, 3. Pridmore, 7.K. Buchanan, 8. Younis, 10. Morgan, 11. Abdul Massih, 13. Roberts, 15. Murray (12. Tavares), 16. Osborn (23. Holder), 17. E. Buchanan (53. Sullivan), 18. Casha (14. Halmarick).

Subs Not Used: 1. Nemoto, 5. Martin.

Macarthur Rams: 46. Morrissey, 2. Bertolissio, 10. Caceres (14. Sunaga), 11. Trew (26. Barton), 16. Lobo, 17. Breier (5. E. Gordon), 24. Sossai, 25. Malone, 32. B. Gordon, 35. Hay, 44. Brown..

Subs Not Used: 1. Rochaix, 19. Sloan, 56. Alexander.

Don’t miss a game! Subscribe to Football NSW’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/footballnsw

By – Nikola Pozder