Finals Series Round 3 Review – NPL NSW Women’s

The Northern Tigers booked their place in next Sunday’s NPL NSW Women’s grand final against Premiers Sydney University at Valentine Sports Park after defeating Sydney Olympic 3-0.

For the second time in two weeks, the Tigers came away with Victory against Sydney Olympic.

Malia Steinmetz had the first real chance of the first half but her header went straight into the arms of Jada Whyman on 15 minutes.

Olympic responded with their first chance similarly through Angelique Hristodolou but her header didn’t trouble Eliza Campbell.

Olympic did hold much of the possession but without creating a great chance until two minutes from half time.

Panagiota Petratos let fly with a pile driver but Campbell reacted extremely well to tip the ball over the bar.

With that, the teams went into half time locked at 0-0.

Four minutes after half time, George Beltsos would’ve been thinking how his team wasn’t in front.

First Mackenzie Hawkesby had a great chance before a lay back to Petratos was expertly saved by Campbell with her feet.

And if you don’t take your chances, you get punished.

Exactly that happened in the 57th minute as Hannah McNulty picked up a loose ball in midfield, connecting with Daisy Arrowsmith before blasting toward goal.

Her powerful effort came back off the cross bar straight into the grateful path of Aimee Phillips who couldn’t miss from a metre out.

Olympic kept pressing, going close through Teresa Polias from distance.

On 69 minutes it was 2-0 to the Tigers.

McNulty took a free kick from the side of the box, the ball evaded all and made its way into the back of the net.

In the 78th minute the result was wrapped up.

Another free kick, this time through Servet Uzunlar, wasn’t well dealt with by Olympic with the ball falling to Steinmetz who gave Whyman no chance. Belting the ball into the top netting.

Saba Murray could’ve made it four in the 92nd minute but Whyman pulled off a fine save.

Olympic couldn’t find a consolation as their fantastic first season in the top flight came to an end.

Jason Eagar will now prepare his team for the daunting task against the premiers Sydney University.

By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s Writer