It already seems a long time since Pride’s win at home to Melbourne in late September. Aimee Healy-Raynor returned to the matchday squad yesterday after recovering from injury and Hannah Roberts was making her 100th appearance for The Pride.

The Pride wasted no time asserting control against a home side still searching for their first points of the campaign as they took only 18 seconds to open their account. From kick-off, a high press forced an immediate turnover in the Melbourne backline. Otty Baker intercepted and fed Beth Jones, who turned before lobbing the goalkeeper from 22 yards out.

Jones remained a constant menace, forcing a fine tip-around-the-post save on 11 minutes after being released by Tash Collyer. Two minutes later, Pride doubled their lead through a sweeping team move culminating in Ellie Coleman whipping in an early cross from the right flank, and Jones to apply a clinical finish from 12 yards.

Pride were denied a potential penalty on 20 minutes when Jones went to head a high bouncing ball and was punched in the head by the goalkeeper, though the referee ruled the keeper had made contact with the ball - it could only have been a slight touch and was a let off for the hosts.

Jones then fired just wide and lifted a close-range rebound over the bar, but Pride's pressure soon yielded more rewards following with Daisy Bowen making an almost immediate impact after coming on, drilling a shot across the keeper and into the far corner after being slipped in by Tash Collyer (0-3) with 35 minutes played.

Seven minutes later Aimee Healy-Raynor played Daisy in with a lofted pass, and the forward lifted a composed finish over the keeper for her second of the afternoon.

With a comfortable four-goal cushion at the break, Pride controlled the second half with maturity. While Melbourne offered more intent after the restart, their efforts were restricted to long-range shots that failed to trouble Rosie Pearson behind a resolute defensive line.

Pride finished strongly in the closing stages, re-emerging as an attacking threat as they closed out the game. They had two good opportunities to extend their lead in the final ten minutes - Daisy Bowen blocked a clearance, drove down the right flank, and played a low cross which Summer Evans streteched to reach at the far post but could only steer it into the keeper hands.

The final chance came when Abbey Hirst won back possession high up the pitch, triggering a rapid passing combination that ended with Summer Evans firing narrowly wide from the edge of the area.
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Pride saw out the final minutes to secure three points and their first shutout of the season.

Players of the Match: Megan Nowak & Abbey Hirst

Pride now turn their focus to League Cup action next Sunday as they travel north to take on Premier Division giants Doncaster Rovers Belles—one of the most iconic names in women’s football. Kick-off is set for the earlier the usual time of 1:30 PM.