Round 9 Review – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s
The first half of the season came to a close in the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Women’s competition on Sunday as Sydney University and Illawarra Stingrays share top spot with nine round completed.
NWS Koalas 0-0 Blacktown Spartans
The North West Sydney Koalas and Blacktown Spartans couldn’t be separated at ELS Hall Park on Sunday afternoon.
Andrew Mastoris and Stephen Peters had to settle for a share of the spoils with the match finishing 0-0.
The first chance went the way of Shanaye Kuntze on eight minutes for the away side after connecting well with Alix Roberts down the right but she shot just over the bar.
On 11 minutes minutes again the Spartans threatened, this time coming even closer through Olivia Price who’s shot clattered against the post.
With 32 minutes on the clock, the score somehow remained 0-0.
An expertly placed ball over the Koalas defence saw Amy Dahdah burst through in on Sarah Easthope, first finely chipping the ball over the on-rushing keeper and then rolling the ball toward goal.
With the away fans already celebrating, Erin Pridmore brought everyone down to earth, running down the ball and clearing it away, saving a certain goal.
Spartans captain Roberts was fantastic, always providing an outlet down the right hand side of the pitch.
It was a cagey affair between the two and it continued in the second 45 as neither side could break the other down.
Erin Pridmore had the home side’s best chance of the second half in the 71st minute, volleying over the bar after receiving the ball at the far post from a corner.
The final pass seemed to be the Achilles heel for both teams with neither side able to create a clear-cut opportunity.
With the clock running down, it seemed a set piece would be the best way for either team to find the back of the net.
With six minutes to go, Maxine Peak sent a rocket toward goal following a corner, only for her effort to be blocked before reaching Trudy Burke.
In the final minute of the match, Roberts could’ve had the winner for the away side.
With the Koalas stepping up the Spartans captain showed incredible speed to take the ball from Easthope, shooting from an almost impossible angle, the ball was cleared off the line.
With the match into stoppage time, Gabrielle Marzano had one final chance for the Spartans after a delightful chip ball.
Powering her effort toward goal, the Koalas keeper parried well, before regathering the ball and saving the situation.
Match Stats
North West Sydney Koalas 0
Blacktown Spartans 0
Sunday, June 4, 2017
ELS Hall Park, North Ryde
Sydney University 2-0 Emerging Jets
Sydney University hosted the Emerging Jets at Sydney University Football Ground.
Uni knew that victory could move them into first place and a first half goal to Evelyn Chronis sent them on their way.
Emily Bastow confirmed the three points for the home side with a second half strike to confirm the 2-0 victory.
The result sent Heather Garriock’s side back to the top of the league.
Football NSW Institute 2-0 Macarthur Rams
At Valentine Sports Park, the Football NSW Institute hosted top of the table Macarthur Rams.
Two goals either side of the break for the home side ensured Craig Foster’s team a massive victory and boost in their hopes of playing finals football.
It was a first defeat for Norm Boardman’s team since round 4 and see’s them lose grip of first place.
North Shore Mariners 1-3 Illawarra Stingrays
The second match at Valentine Sports Ground took place between the North Shore Mariners and Illawarra Stingrays.
The Stingrays went into the break leading 1-0 and looking the goods.
They added to their first half goal, coming away with an important 3-1 victory pushing them into second spot on the ladder.
Michelle Carney, Erica Halloway and Emma Ralston all got on the scoresheet for the away side.
For the Mariners, Tiana Jaber scored the only goal.
Manly United 3-1 Northern Tigers
Manly United hosted the Northern Tigers at Cromer Park in the later kick off on Sunday afternoon.
It was the home side that dominated from start to finish, taking a 2-0 half time lead courtesy of Remy Siemsen.
Siemsen then completed her hat-trick in the second period as United came away with a 3-1 victory.
The result moved United into third spot on the ladder, only one point behind first place.
–By Nikola Pozder
