Round 13 Review – NPL NSW Women’s
It was goals galore in round 13 of NPL NSW Women’s action with 24 goals scored in six games.
Sydney University SFC 3-0 Blacktown Spartans FC
Sydney University took the spoils in a top of the table clash against the Blacktown Spartans, putting away three unanswered goals against them.
It meant the Spartans’ incredible 9-game undefeated run came to an end, tasting defeat for the first time since round three.
For Uni, Cortnee Vine’s fine performance, capped off with a hat-trick, meant the form side of the competition extended their unbeaten run now to nine games.
The game started with both sides treading carefully and not throwing too much forward.
The slow start to the game was broken mid-way through the first half though.
Bianca Galic spread the ball wide right to Taren King. The right back looked up and delivered an inch perfect ball In the box, finding Vine who expertly finished into the bottom corner.
Not much more came after the goal with the game moving back to the way it started.
It was the visitors that started the second half the better and it seemed as though they’d hit the front,
In almost identical fashion to Uni’s opener, Ash Crofts this time delivered a fine cross for Linda Dudek.
Dudek headed toward goal and with the crowd on their feet (commentator in a trance), everything came crashing down.
What seemed like the ball had gone in was in fact it trickling along the outside of the net behind the goal.
It was the kick the home team needed though and soon after it was 2-0.
Julie-Ann Russell showed skill down the right to beat her defender and move in on Casey Dumont. Her goal bound shot was well saved by the Spartans keeper but the rebound fell to the feet of Vine who wouldn’t miss from a few metres out.
Vine then capped off a fine evening for herself and Uni with only minutes remaining.
A misplaced pass by Dumont gave the Uni striker the easiest of opportunities which she wouldn’t pass up, placing the ball into an empty net.
Uni continue their pursuit of the first placed Tigers as the Spartans next week face off with the league leaders.
Sydney Olympic FC 7-1 Football NSW Institute FC
The wheels fell off for the Football NSW Institute on Sunday afternoon as Sydney Olympic ran away 7-1 victors.
The home side got off to a flying start at Peter Moore Field, taking a 4-1 lead moving into the half time break.
They added another three in the second 45 to complete the 7-1 rout.
Mackenzie Hawkesby and Demi Koulizakis scored their first goals in Olympic colours while Georgia Plessas and Susan Phonsongkham each grabbed a brace, Danielle Calvi scoring the other.
Northern Tigers FC 3-2 Macarthur Rams FC
The Northern Tigers remain at the top of the table after defeating the Macarthur Rams 3-2 at NTRA.
It was 1-0 on 12 mins as Daisy Arrowsmith picked up her first of the day from the penalty spot.
Their lead was doubled in the 56th minute as Aimee Phillips made it 2-0, getting onto the end of a Hannah McNulty cross.
Leena Khamis then halved the deficit with a neat finish at the near post to make it 2-1.
Arrowsmith had her second six minutes from time to restore the Tigers’ two-gaol advantage.
Nikola Orgill scored a late consolation for the Rams but the Tigers held out to win 3-2.
Bankstown City Lions FC 2-1 Emerging Jets FC
Bankstown City took all three points at Jensen Park as they defeated the Emerging Jets.
After some tight losses and close games, City finally picked up a win.
They took a one-goal lead into half time before escaping with a 2-1 victory at the final whistle.
It’s the Lion fourth win of the season and they’ll to continue to improve from here.
Illawarra Stingrays 1-1 NWS Koalas FC
The Illawarra Stingrays and North West Sydney Koalas shared the spoils at JJ Kelly Park in a 1-1 draw.
It was the away side that hit the front first against the run of play with the Stingrays dominating play and chances.
On 15 minutes, Princess Ibini broke down the left and crossed for Emma Stanbury who tapped the ball home.
Kahlia Hogg then produced a special goal from a set piece, finding the top corner and giving Romina Parraguirre no chance.
Neither side could find a winner for the remainder of the match despite pushing hard for the second goal.
Manly United FC 2-1 North Shore Mariners FC
Manly United picked up their fourth win of the campaign, defeating the North Shore Mariners 2-1.
It was the perfect beginning to Grant Lee’s tenure as head coach, with the Mariners hitting the front through Caelah Stanley.
The Mariners held the lead going into the break and as the second half went on, it looked as they were heading for a massive win.
But Chloe O’Brien spoiled the party, equalising in the 69th minute with a great finish into the far corner.
With just over five minutes to go, United turned the table completely.
Ally Green clipped a ball over to the far post, allowing Jess Wootton to head home at the far post.
By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer
