The Northern Lights are only two points off top spot in the 2019 National Women's League after notching a 2-0 win over a stubborn WaiBOP on Sunday.

Northern had to break down a determined effort from the ever-improving WaiBOP at Allen Hill Stadium on Auckland’s North Shore but a goal in each half from Ava Pritchard ensured the hosts would continue to stay close to current leaders, Canterbury United Pride. 

“I thought we held the ball quite well and were able to get into good goal-scoring positions but the final ball or the decisions in the final third let us down today,” Northern coach Shane Verma said.  

WaiBOP counterpart Nico Girard was pleased with the improvement his side showed after the break.

“I think our game got better in the second half, we talked about some things we’d worked on at training and did a better job of executing them in that second half,” he said. “But, again, moving forward we have to work on our attacking transitions.”

WaiBOP has the bye this weekend, giving the players and coaching staff a fortnight to prepare for their Labour Weekend home and way double header against Capital.

WaiBOP Line-Up: 1. Georgia CANDY (GK), 2. Lisa EVANS, 4. Caitlin BYRNE, 6. Annaliese HEUVEL (5. Lilly MUSPRATT 46'), 7. Olivia HOOPER, 9. Emma SIZER, 10. Richlyn Tuhoro (3. Rachel MAJOR 46'), 12. Shannon TREBES (19. Natasha REIRI 83'), 13. Paige MCCLOSKEY, 14. Maddison OLLINGTON, 17. Grace WISNEWSKI.

Sub (not used): 15. Stella NEEMS, 18. Kaylee OOSTHUYSEN.

Match images HERE.

Photo: Lawrence Gullery.