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Kanwal v Umina

With the last two Finals spots still up for grabs for four teams, Kanwal welcomes Umina for the round 20 match of the round as both sides look for all three points to boost their chances of playing finals in 2024.

Kanwal enters the weekend coming off a tremendous come-from-behind victory against their local rivals Woongarrah. It wasn’t the greatest of starts for the Bulls who found themselves down 2-0 early in that contest.

However, a determined Kanwal outfit turned things around to win 6-4 to secure their fifth win of the season and keep their finals chances alive as they now sit just three points behind fourth-placed Umina.

Jen Tatum was ecstatic with her side who showed great courage and determination last weekend. “I’m so proud of the girls for showing so much heart and passion to come back from two goals down.”

“The courage and support that showed each other, they knew they could get back into the game.”

Now with their attention turned to the team above them on the ladder, despite the current standings, Kanwal enter this weekend with a perfect record over the E-Gals in 2024 as they look to make it three wins from three meetings with Umina.

The first meeting between these two sides finished 4-3 in favour of the Bulls, and another close encounter in their second fixture saw the Bulls prevail by one goal again, winning 2-1.  

A win this weekend will see Kanwal claim three victories over Umina this season as the Bulls look to enter the top four, but Tatum is well aware of the dangers the opposition possesses and knows her side must be at their best again come Sunday.

“It’s been some great battles that we had had with Umina this year, they are a quick team and dangerous on the counterattack. It’s sure to be another great battle.”

Scoring six goals last weekend will have the Kanwal squad even more confident that they can go out and get the job done in front of a home crowd. Hayley Green is coming off a hat-trick as the dynamic attacker will be looking to further add to her impressive goal tally this weekend.

Tatum and the squad are well aware of the importance of this weekend and what three points will mean for their season. “It’s extremely important to get the win this week, it’s the finals on the line and that’s where we want to be.”

“We need to come out strong and keep that heart passion and belief. Stick to our own game plan and work hard.”

It’s all going to come down to the wire this year for the WPL competition and the teams battling for finals. However, Umina currently holds the poll position to finish the year inside the top four, with two wins in their final two games guaranteeing the E-Gals a third-place finish.

Micheal Penn and his squad know that their fate lies on their shoulders as they are ready to prove why they deserve a chance to be crowned WPL Premiers in 2024.

“As we head into our two final games of the winter season we are fully aware that six points from these games will deliver us third place. That being said the first three points this weekend become the most important three.”

Penn also reflected on his past encounters with this Kanwal side as he is adamant they can turn around their previous results if they are more clinical in front of goals

“In our last encounter we squandered our chances and allowed the opposition two scoring opportunities against the run of play, which to their credit, they took. We will be focusing on our finishing this time around.”

After having a fair share of their games mid-year without their prolific goal scorer Kate Styles, her absence was truly noted and since returning the attacker has been in fine form, bagging six goals since round 16.

Much like their title-winning seasons, Styles will play an important part in the E-Gals success as she looks to use her experience to carry this younger Umina side to victory in these final weeks.

Making the long trip up North, Umina’s record on the road has not been great this year as they look to turn that around on Sunday.

With so much to play for, Penn is anticipating a midfield battle as he prepares his squad to be ready for anything Kanwal might throw at them.  

“I expect Kanwal to hassle us in midfield and try to force mistakes, just as we will look to take advantage of their mistakes.”

“With finals on the line, the squad is focused for this game and are determined to secure three points.”

Match Official – Con Pantos

All Round 20 Fixtures –