Football: Rzepecky wants players more focused

Footballsouth Women are looking for an upset against Central in the National Women's League match to be played tomorrow at Tahuna Park at 1pm.

"This game will be about getting our season back on track and pushing for the playoffs," coach Nick Rzepecky said.

"While the loss last weekend was disappointing, it was heartening to know we held Mainland for long periods in the game. Just small errors or lapses of concentration at key times cost us."

Lara Malcolm led the defensive effort against her old team, with an outstanding display in goal.

"Her cool head and quick reflexes kept us in the game, as well as lifting her team-mates," Rzepecky said.

Una Madden, Sara Stannard, Steph Upton and Shontelle Smith supported Malcolm in an outstanding defensive effort.

The midfield, led by Pelatia Schwartfeger on debut, and veteran Kushla Glover hassled Mainland and won many turnovers.

Chelsea Martin, Jordyn Walker and Chelsea Whittaker worked hard to support Sam Muirhead up front, and their centre midfielder, Alex McIntosh, came off the bench and made a great contribution to the game, chasing, tackling, winning the ball off any players in red and black who came near her.

Players had trained hard during the week in their quest for their first win this season. The pressure is on for a consistent 90-minute performance, and Rzepecky wants more focus from players at critical times.

National women's league

The squads
Footballsouth (from): Tessa Nicol, Steph Upton, Alice Foote, Sara Stannard, Paige Aitcheson, Kushla Glover, Mary Fraser, Chelsea Martin (captain), Shontelle Smith, Caitlyn Bloxham, Sam Muirhead, Jordyn Walker, Sammy Murrell, Chelsea Whittaker, Pelatia Schwartfeger, Alex Mcintosh, Una Madden, Lara Malcolm.

Capital Football (from): Cushla Lichtwark, CJ Bott, Evie Millynn, Maxine Cooper, Kelsi Rutene, Hannah Wall, Emily Mccoll, Kennedy Bryant, Lucy Stotter, Emily Stotter, Renee Bacon, Hope Gilchrest, Emma Rolston, Cara Chung, Anna Wittmann-Wenzel.