Western drop Newcastle match

A SPECTACULAR second-half goal from Philippines striker Sarina Bolden has lifted Newcastle to a thrilling 4-2 A-League Women win over Western United.

With scores level two-apiece at the No.2 Sportsground on Sunday, Bolden chased a clinical long pass from departing teammate Emily van Egmond and lobbed the goalkeeper with a right-footed strike from outside the box in the 69th minute.

Lauren Allan, with a brace, and Melina Ayres were the home side’s other scorers.

The victory is 10th-placed Newcastle’s – two wins, one draw, four losses – first at home of the season and it snapped a run of six defeats from their last seven games on their own turf. They had also failed to score in four of those matches.

Allan led the charge in the first half with two attempts before finally netting the opener on 25 minutes thanks to an assist from Bolden.

Western had their chances at drawing first blood with free kicks awarded to prolific goal scorer Adriana Taranto and Matildas midfielder Chloe Logarzo, but the duo were unable to convert.

Melissa Taranto was dogged by her own inaccuracy, missing an opportunity to equalise before the main break.

Lorgazo finally broke through in the 53rd minute after being gifted a penalty following a foul by American goalkeeper Isobel Nino on Hannah Keane.

Fellow Matilda van Egmond then put Newcastle back in front on 62 minutes but the party was cut short just two minutes later when Stacey Papadopoulos slotted home her first-ever career goal to level again for United.

Determined to get the perfect send-off following the end of her four-game guest stint, van Egmond sliced through in midfield to provide Bolden for her second.

Van Egmond, who was playing under father and coach Gary van Egmond, received a standing ovation after leaving the pitch in added time.

– JOANNA GUELAS/ AAP