Match Report NSL 2023: Round 4 London Pulse 51 Manchester Thunder 58

With three wins from three under their belt, Pulse were ready to get started with a bang in front of their record crowd at the Copper Box Arena of over 2,000 fans.

Thunder got off to a quick start turning over Pulse’s first centre and rolling out to a quick 10-5 lead. The rest of the quarter essentially went goal for goal with Pulse settling and the quarter ended 16-11 behind.

Pulse made no changes to start the second quarter but again Thunder got the better start with a three-goal run to take the lead to 19-11

Mid-quarter, coach Sam Bird made some changes with Ellie Rattu moving to wing defence, Zara Everitt to goal shooter and Funmi Fadoju to goal keeper.

With Everitt providing great back up to the attack from the transverse and Berri Neil brilliantly absorbing some defensive pressure the score was at 27-20 when Alicia Scholes entered the court at wing attack.

The combination of Jade Clarke and Scholes made instant impact and again the game went goal for goal with the half-time score at 32-24.

In the third quarter, changes for London Pulse saw Hali Adio enter at goalkeeper, Fadoju move to goal defencer and Everitt to wing defence.

Some smooth attacking play and turnovers from Adio and Fadoju saw the score narrow to 36-31.

Calm shooting from Neil and Olivia Tchine, combined with awesome feeding from Clarke and Scholes brought Pulse to within four, 42-38.

At this point Thunder were awarded a turnover and two quick goals. The quarter ended 46-39 – setting up a huge final quarter.

Again no changes for Pulse going into the final quarter and Thunder took the first two goals of the quarter.

An awesome fake pass from Neil that was then bulleted into Tchine sent the crowd wild and Pulse were on the attack.

Scholes was flying through court like a bullet to feed the circle, and Everitt provided a big tip on the edge of the circle, picked up by Fadoju and the crowd was on it’s feet – Pulse were within five, 50-45.

The attack was halted as a bounced ball into the circle was called as a roll. In stepped Fadoju with the intercept and the Pulse attack recommenced.

The difference was pulled back to four, 50-46. With it becoming impossible to hear anything in the Copper Box thanks to the amazing crowd and electric atmosphere the score was bobbling around between a six and four goal difference.

With one minute left on the clock, Pulse were called for an attacking contact and Thunder capitalized to take it to goal. The final score was 58-51 to Manchester Thunder.

Next up we face Surrey Storm at home on Saturday in front of another sell out crowdNSL