If COVID-19 didn’t stop it, neither would a downpour as round two of the NPL NSW Women’s competition got under way.
NWS Koalas 2-0 Northern Tigers
It proved to be the commentators curse at Christie Park as the favourites Northern Tigers went down to a spirited NWS Koalas.
As the rain poured down, it was the home team that took control from the outset.
They looked menacing, in particular Sophie Harding who gave the Tigers right side all kinds of trouble.
Mid-way through the first half they were rewarded for their good play.
Annika Clayton’s sublime back heel on the edge of the area allowed Alisha Bass to run onto the ball and place it in the bottom corner of Eliza Campbell’s goal, giving her no chance.
The Tigers looked to respond but couldn’t create a more serious opportunity.
It would be the home side that would double their advantage as the half came to a close.
Sophie Harding exploded down the left, got to the by-line and cut back for Amy Sayer who made no mistake with the finish.
As they relentless rain continued, came the half time whistle.
The home side held onto their advantage till the end of the game to hand new head coach Adam Keramea.
Manly United 4-1 Emerging Jets
Manly United welcoming the Emerging Jets to Cromer Park on Sunday afternoon.
It was the home side that took control of this one from the first whistle and ran out 4-1 winners.
Remy Siemsen continued her goal scoring form, picking up a brace while Sunny Franco and Tara Andrews scored the other two.
Bankstown City 1-6 Macarthur Rams
It was a whitewash at Jensen Park as the Macarthur Rams comfortably overcame Bankstown City.
The Rams hit the front early but were pegged back soon after by Georgia Plessas, picking up a rebound.
The Rams restored their advantage just before the break before putting another four into the Lions net by full time, rounding off a 6-1 victory.
Patty Charalambous and Ivana Galic both bagged braces while Khamis got the other.
FNSW Institute 1-2 APIA Leichhardt
At Valentine Sports Park the Football NSW Institute pushed APIA Leichhardt all the way but weren’t able to take anything for their hard work.
Leading by one goal at the break, the Tigers had control of the game.
The Institute wouldn’t go away thought and fought till the end, but it wasn’t enough as APIA came away with a 2-1 win.
Ash Palombi and Georgia Yeoman-Dale scoring for the away side.
Sydney Olympic 0-0 Sydney University
A late venue change saw Sydney Olympic and Sydney University face off at Valentine Sports Park.
Both teams battled hard and Olympic almost had the breakthrough as Cortnee Vine hit the bar just before half time.
Neither team could break the deadlock in the second period and the spoils were shared.
Illawarra Stingrays 1–1 Blacktown Spartans
At Ian Mclennan Park, it was a fine affair between the Illawarra Stingrays and Blacktown Spartans.
The Stingrays opened the scoring in some style through Caitlin Cooper from some way out, giving Casey Dumont no chance.
A howler in the 35th minute had the Spartans back into the game as Sally James slipped in possession allowing Linda Dudek to equalise.
Neither side could find a winner in the second period as the points were shared.
By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s Writer