• Taradale Women's Federation Cup footballers still second

Taradale Women's Federation Cup footballers still second

Taradale's Federation Cup Women's football side retained second place in their competition with yesterday's 4-2 home win against Whanganui.

A good start from Taradale saw them up 2-0 within the first 20 minutes with player/coach Aleesha Heywood and captain Cara O’Neill (pictured above) scoring.

Taradale created multiple chances including a shot from 30 yards out from Charlotte Cameron that rattled the crossbar and a couple of goalmouth scrambles that Whanganui just managed to clear.

O’Neill then nodded home from a corner just before halftime to take her season tally up to nine and clear second in the golden boot race, keeping the pressure on leader and NZ U17 squad member Holly Kleinsman from New Plymouth who is one ahead on 10.

Taradale then went to sleep and let Whanganui break from the kickoff to peg one back. Taradale led 3-1 at halftime. 

The second half saw the two teams fairly evenly matched as both teams tired and substitutions were made. Jamie Evans scored for Taradale after a good team build-up but Whanganui replied with a goal of their own for the game to finish at 4-2.

Player of the day award for Taradale went to Helen Talbot for her tireless work rate back in her normal midfield role after showing her versatility last week with a player of the match performance in defence. 

Taradale now get to have a week off to rest and recover with a bye this weekend.