Thompson Taking It "One Goal At A Time" by Jeremy Ruane Saturday's "Battle of the Bridge" in the National Women's Soccer League has special meaning to Auckland-Manukau striker Zoe Thompson. After spending the last four seasons playing for North Shore United, the Devonport resident opted for a new challenge in 2003, and began making regular journeys across the Harbour Bridge upon joining the Ellerslie club. "I thought that the time had come for me to learn some new things, and play alongside more experienced players in order to learn as much as possible - in short, to challenge myself", said the just-turned twenty-year-old. "I think I achieved all I set out to in that regard. I didn't know how my move to Ellerslie would work out, but I wanted to do well with them, and be the team's top goalscorer". It was a feat she managed, with fifteen Northern Premier Women's League goals and a further seven in the Uncle Toby's Women's Knockout Cup. "Ellerslie are a nice team to play for", continued Thompson, "and boast some really good players, too". Being part of the Ellerslie squad offered Zoe the chance to make the 'A Team' in 2003, and she was "very relieved and pleased" when the news came through that her next ambition had been realised. "I like to take things one goal at a time, and doing well at Ellerslie was the main one. After that, making the Auckland squad was an obvious objective, so I'm well pleased to have done so, although the timing of our bi-annual family holiday meant I was unavailable for the start of the National Women's Soccer League season last weekend". But Thompson will be primed and dangerous on Saturday, if selected for her 'A Team' debut, as she'll be coming up against some of her old team-mates at club and provincial level, having represented North Harbour in the inaugural league season last year. "Hopefully I'll get a run against my old team, as I'll certainly relish the opportunity to go out and show them that I deserve to be in the 'A Team'. There's a good feeling about this side, and I'm keen to play my part in maintaining our position as the team to beat".