Momona was looking to maintain its position atop the premier women's competition on Saturday.
Opponent Taieri was looking to regain some momentum after some recent disappointing results.
It was Momona that emerged the victor, 1-0.
Due to some serious injuries this season, the Taieri side has looked a step behind where it would have hoped to be. But its previous games with Momona have been good battles, and this was no exception.
While the red-and-blacks had some early dominance, they were not able to break through, and Taieri began to wrestle its way back into the game.
The second quarter provided more opportunities for both sides. Momona continued to press hard, and its forwards showed impressive pace, led by Claudia Peyroux and Nicole Strawbridge.
Taieri defender Julia Boothroyd was also having a strong game, and midfielder Mira Nueman was causing issues of her own for Momona through the middle of the field.
The game remained 0-0 at halftime, and as the rain came it was clear that a winning score would be hard to come by.
The second half began with a flurry of attacks from the competition leader Momona, and Taieri held on desperately. A Momona goal was disallowed.
The blue-and-golds tried in vain to break through at the other end of the field, but Momona's defenders gave nothing.
It seemed that a tie and a shootout would be inevitable. But with 90 seconds remaining, and a couple of consecutive penalty corners earned, a wild goal-mouth scramble ensued and Momona somehow found the back of the net.
Despite complaints that this should also be disallowed, the goal was awarded and Momona was rewarded for its dominance.
The clearly gutted Taieri side could hold their heads high, however. This was the performance the team needed going into the final stage of the season.
In the other matches, City Highlanders held on to their newly-acquired challenge shield 2-1 over University A, while King's United beat University B 2-1.
With two weeks remaining before the semifinals, Momona holds a three-point lead over City. University is a further five points back.
Taieri is a fair distance back in fourth, holding on to the last place in the semifinals, but that is not guaranteed, as Kings is just four points behind it in fifth. University B brings up the rear.
- Matt West
