On an afternoon that had it all, Heidelberg United came away as Champions of the 2024 NPLW season in a thrilling 3-2 battle over Preston Lions.
The scoring was opened early by Alana Jancevski who converted a penalty won by Keely Lockhart who was taken down in the box. Jancevski sent the ball into the bottom right corner with authority, before heading to the corner flag to celebrate.
The Lions found their equaliser through Susan Phonsongkham who took advantage of Heidelberg’s keeper Mia Bailey sitting well off her line. The long range shot sailed into the goal from 30 yards away, levelling the score 1-1.
Preston slipped away with the lead in the 36th minute when Phonsongkham picked up a loose back pass. The ball made its way to Haley Johnson, who beat her defender and took a tight angled shot that hit the top corner of the far post before ricocheting into the goal.
The game opened up completely in the second half with both sides having their opportunities at scoring, but neither were able to find the back of the net.
Preston’s assistant coach Caixi He got a last minute promotion in the 57th minute when Head Coach Dan Foden was ejected from the game. He received a second yellow card and subsequent red card, being forced to leave the ground as a result.
In the 88th minute, Heidelberg United found an equaliser in Keely Lockhart who worked her way through the Preston defensive line. The finish was cool as anything despite the immense pressure of the moment, sliding under the arm of a diving Charlotte Hrehoresin in Preston’s goal.
Six minutes of added time was all Heidelberg United needed to find the game-winner, a corner delivered by Alana Jancevski, poorly cleared away, left Mami Ambo in prime position to head in the errant ball, elevating Heidelberg to a 3-2 lead.
There was simply no time left for Preston, and the final whistle blew moments after restarting, ending in heartbreak for the Lions, who had led for the majority of the game.
Player of the Match: Asuka Miyata
Final Score: Preston Lions 2 - 3 Heidelberg United