Norway Parks Ladies Rally To Beat Mighty City 2-1 At Maitland

Norway Parks Ladies hosted Mighty City at the Maitland Sports Facility on 11 October 2025, with kick-off at 2:00pm in a pivotal league encounter. The home side emerged victorious with a 2-1 win after coming from behind in an engaging 90-minute contest.

Deploying a classic 4-4-2 formation, Norway Parks Ladies lined up with Zara Samsodien in goal, protected by a back four of Zaria Antonels at right back, Jamie Evertson and Zharne Desember as central defenders, and Chloe Bloemetje on the left. The midfield quartet featured Zara Andrews on the right wing, Faith Goodchild and Kananelo Rakeepile centrally, and Zoe Andrews on the left flank. Up front, the strike partnership consisted of Rafiqah Deroos on the right and Lailah Hendricks leading the line on the left. The formation was designed to balance defensive solidity with width and attacking options through the midfield and forward lines. Riley Sickle was named among the substitutes.

The match began with Mighty City taking the lead in the 31st minute, capitalising on a lapse in the Norway Parks Ladies’ defence. The visitors’ goal put the home side on the back foot as they sought to regain control before the interval.

Shortly before half-time, Norway Parks Ladies made a tactical substitution, bringing on Riley Sickle to replace right forward Rafiqah Deroos. This change aimed to inject fresh energy into the attack as the teams headed into the break.

The second half saw an immediate response from Norway Parks Ladies. Just two minutes after the restart, Kananelo Rakeepile struck to level the scores, demonstrating composure and precision from midfield to restore parity and shift momentum back to the hosts.

Building on this momentum, Norway Parks Ladies took the lead in the 59th minute through left forward Lailah Hendricks. The goal was expertly set up by right midfielder Zara Andrews, whose assist was crucial in breaking down Mighty City’s defensive lines and allowing Hendricks to finish clinically.

From this point on, Norway Parks Ladies managed the game effectively, maintaining defensive discipline and controlling possession to deny Mighty City any further opportunities. The back four, marshalled by Evertson and Desember, alongside full-backs Antonels and Bloemetje, ensured the visitors found it difficult to create clear chances.

Midfielders Faith Goodchild and Kananelo Rakeepile played pivotal roles in both breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks, while the wide players Zara Andrews and Zoe Andrews provided width and service to the forwards.

In the final stages, Norway Parks Ladies held firm to secure a valuable three points at home, demonstrating resilience and tactical awareness after falling behind in the first half.

This victory at Maitland Sports Facility not only boosts Norway Parks Ladies’ league standing but also highlights their ability to respond under pressure and execute their game plan effectively. The introduction of Riley Sickle at half-time proved a timely adjustment, contributing to the team’s attacking impetus in the second half.