A superb wet weather performance by goalkeeper Noran Abazza earned Soccersouth a hard fought 1-nil win over Canterbury, in the National Women’s League match played yesterday at the Caledonian ground.

The win extends to three matches, Otago’s winning run over Canterbury, since the blues also beat the red and blacks last year, with a 4-3 scoreline.

In a match of fluctuating fortunes and an even first half, keeper Abazza kept Soccersouth’s hopes alive with a string of splendid saves early in the second spell, blunting coach Ali Grants formidable attack.

Abazza’s best effort was a close range reflex save from Rose Ann Cox, that the Soccersouth keeper beat away to safety.

Soccersouth coach Hugh Madden said,’ Once again we started slowly, but climbed into the match and we were unlucky not to go ahead when Leanne Tiffen broke through in a one on one, but Canterbury’s keeper Olivia Jeffries dived at her feet and smothered the shot.’

Worsening weather had Soccersouth defending grimly in heavy rain for long periods in the second half as Annabelle Bromwell, Clare Warner and Cox severely tested Soccersouth.

However Cheryl McDermott, Nancy Campbell, and Johanna Rombouts denied space in the goal area, and with midfield support from Kushla Glover and Una Madden, not only kept a clean sheet but launched dangerous counter attacks.

Striker Jaime Hackett led the attack with a hard running match which earned the penalty from referee Jones and under some pressure she calmly stroked in Soccersouth's winner with 10 minutes to go.

Coach Grant was extremely disappointed after her side had dominated ball possession, and played such skilful and penetrating football.

Soccersouth’s Irish coaching duo of Madden and Tony McDermott thought it was too wet to dance their victory jig, but expressed great satisfaction at their teams will to win which earned yet another deserved upset victory over such a highly rated Canterbury side.

Result: 1-0  Soccersouth: (Jamie Hackett 84pen)

Soccersouth: Leanne Tiffen (c) (Amber Mulhall-Larsen 25), Noran Abaza, Jo Rombouts, Cheryl McDiarmid, Amanda Scott, Jaime Hackett, Una Madden, Kushla Glover, Nancy Campbell, Georgie Hewson (Monique Francois 68), Emily Frost (Liz Steiner 45).

Mainland Pride: Jane Simpson, Alice Pilgrim, Megan Shea, Shelley McDowall (Aimee Phillips 68), Kelly Jarden, Annabelle Bramwell, Rose Anne Cox, Claire Warner, Olivia Jeffries, Ruth Bourke, Alana Ainsworth.

Soccersouth: Joint Noran Abaza / Kushla Glover. Goalkeeper Noran Abaza was outstanding making 2 brilliant saves to keep Mainland Pride at bay and earn Soccersouth's first clean sheet of the season. Kushla Glover anchored the Soccersouth midfield dictating the tempo of the game and her tireless running was Soccersouth's driving force.

Mainland Pride: also joint with young Centre back Ruth Bourke stepping to have a strong game and Goalkeeper Olivia Jeffries who had an excellent game after been called into the team late in the week after Megan Andrew suffered a broken arm.

Other stand out players: For Mainland Pride Claire Warner was extremely strong on the ball and was a constant threat.  For Soccersouth centre back Jo Rombouts not only defended well but made several dangerous runs forward