The game was played at a fast paced tempo in which both sides tried to gain the ascendancy but an early lapse in defence resulted in Oberon scoring the opening goal and going 1-0 up. The Ladies’ response was swift and during a replacement change Oberon were unable to respond to a throw in from Chloe Smith to Stephanie Bartlett who made a run beating an Oberon player in the process and scoring Mudgee’s first for the day. This game was going according to plan when again a defensive error was pounced upon by Oberon and an Oberon player  was left one on one with Goal Keeper Sophie Plummer who came out and dived at the feet of the Oberon player to pull off a remarkable save and keep the score 1-1 at half time.

During the start of the second half, the Wolves took the ascendancy and as a result of a corner and mad scramble for the ball in the box Chloe Palfreyman was able to open her account up for the season and put Mudgee up 2-1. However, the day was not to end in glory for the Wolves with the Wolves not being able to capitalise on their play and resulting shots and allowing Oberon back into the game as a result of defensive lapses. Sophie Plummer was brilliant in goals with a further three world class saves in the second half keeping Mudgee in the game. 

Ruby Forrest kept the  attack moving forward all day and helped Mel Gibbons in defence, whose tireless effort at Centre Back was also on hand to save two goal-scoring opportunities for Oberon. As the final whistle blew Mudgee went down to Oberon 3-2.

‘This was a game of would have, could have and should have for us,” coach Shane McDermott  said. 

“We could have won this game but we could have been beaten badly. 

‘As a result the Ladies showed their fight from two weeks ago when they were down in the first half as a result of settling down and not playing at 100 miles per hour and I believe this is what cost us in the end. 

“We ran way too much today, when we were up we should’ve controlled the speed of the game. The Ladies, as young as they are, can win this competition. 

“They belong in second grade but they must first start training and playing as a unit and giving each other 110 per cent. We have the talent but we must play for each other and not rely on certain players. Once the Ladies believe in this and themselves the results will come and they will enjoy their soccer as the ball will work for them.”

This week sees the Mudgee Wolves FC Ladies team travel to Bathurst to play Churches United.

Result: 

Oberon 3 - Mudgee Wolves FC Ladies 2   (Stephanie Bartlett, Chloe Palfreyman)

Paragon Hotel Ladies of the Match: Ruby Forrest and Sophie Plummer