A TEENAGE debutant soared and two determined heavyweights split the points, as Boambee and Coffs City United played out a thunderous 1-1 draw under the lights last week at Forsyth Park.
The Eagles were dealt a brutal blow just 13 minutes in, as they were reduced to 10 players on a drenched, slippery pitch that turned every touch into a test.
But if Boambee looked down and out, nobody told Kylie McDonald.
The evergreen goal-machine did what she does best; make something from nothing.
With the rain tumbling and Coffs on the front foot, McDonald coolly cushioned a slick through ball, took one glance, and rifled home a low strike into the far corner.
One-nil. Against the run of play. Against the odds.
But the Lionesses weren’t ready to lie down.
Just after the hour, Ally Gadd turned the game on its head with a moment of individual brilliance.
Pouncing on a loose pass, Gadd drove half the length of the park with a defender on her heels, before burying the equaliser past a stranded stand-in goalkeeper.
Cue pandemonium on McLean Street.
What followed was 30 breathless minutes of end-to-end football, both sides throwing punches, both goalkeepers standing tall in the chaos.
Neither could land the winner, but neither left Forsyth Park disappointed.
Among the drama, one young star quietly etched her name into club folklore.
Fifteen-year-old Olivia Purnell made her senior Women’s Premier League debut for Boambee – a milestone not lost on club president Aaron Banks.
“Boambee Football Club are incredibly proud of Olivia,” he said.
“Hard work, natural talent, and a love for the game.”
Purnell, who joined Boambee in 2022, has swiftly risen through the ranks with grit and grace, now earning her spot at the region’s top level.
“Her commitment and consistency have made her an invaluable part of our club.
“We’ve had multiple juniors step up to Premier League this season, and Olivia’s journey is a perfect example of the pathway we’re building.
“At Boambee, we’re dedicated to providing our youth with real opportunities – the future is very bright.”
By David WIGLEY
