2024-06-26

In an electrifying match of the Jockey Club Women's Football League (1st Division) held at Shek Kip Mei Park on Saturday, Grace Citizen demonstrated their prowess by overpowering Shatin 2:1, sealing their position as the third-place finishers this season.

Shatin exhibited a robust start, crafting numerous opportunities in the early stages. In the 4th minute, Kung Yuet Charis intercepted a risky pass from the opposing goalkeeper but her shot from the edge of the penalty box narrowly missed the target. As the 8th minute approached, Shatin continued to dictate the pace with relentless attacks. Capitalizing on a weak clearance from their opponents, Wong So Han attempted a long-range strike from outside the penalty area, only to blast it over the crossbar. Grace Citizen retaliated just two minutes later. Chan Hiu Man, on receiving a pass from Kwan Wing Yu, unleashed a long-range effort which was comfortably collected by the goalkeeper. After regaining composure, Grace Citizen started to dominate, dictating the rhythm of the game. At the 16th minute, Lau Hau Yi, on receiving a pinpoint pass from Wong Hei Tung, darted into the penalty area. Her acute angled shot was spectacularly parried by the goalkeeper. Subsequently, Grace Citizen's Sin Chung Yee and Ng Wai Ching both took a shot from outside the box, but neither posed any significant threat to the goalkeeper. The first half culminated in a stalemate, 0:0.

As the second half commenced, Grace Citizen maintained their dominance. In the 49th minute, Chan Wing Ching orchestrated a strategic pass to Au Tsz Cheuk Annabelle who, after piercing the defense, kept her cool and slotted the ball into the net, giving Grace Citizen a 1:0 lead. At the 59th minute, Grace Citizen's Chan Hiu Man, on receiving a through-ball, delivered a cross from the left flank. Au Tsz Cheuk Annabelle's shot from close range narrowly missed. Shatin found a glimmer of hope in the 69th minute. Wong So Han, from the right wing, launched a surprise drive, but her effort was spectacularly tipped away by the goalkeeper. The match reached a fever pitch in the closing stages. Grace Citizen's Limbu Sneha, after receiving an exquisite pass, broke into the penalty area and calmly lobbed the advancing goalkeeper, doubling the lead to 2:0. Displaying a never-say-die spirit, Shatin clawed one back during stoppage time. Poon Ka Ka delivered a cross from the right, and Chan Wing Sze volleyed it goalwards. Although the initial shot was repelled by a defender, she pounced on the rebound and sent it crashing into the net.

At the final whistle, Grace Citizen stood victorious, defeating Sha Tin 2:1, bagging all three points and securing a commendable third place in the Jockey Club Women's Football League (1st Division).