The Macarthur Rams continued their fine run of form in the NPL Women’s NSW competition with another controlled and convincing victory, this time over Sydney Olympic at Lynwood Park, running away with a three-goal win.
They keep the pressure on league leaders APIA Leichhardt with the win, snapping at their heals and taking this Premiership race to the wire.
Kelli Brown opened the scoring in the first half before Darcey Malone and substitute Bronte Trew rounded off the scoring in the second half.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing though for Stephen Peters’ team who started slow, Olympic unable to take advantage.
First the home side coughed up possession on the edge of the area, Priya Sciuriaga having the initial effort well saved by Teresa Morrissey, before the ball fell to Maxine Peak who couldn’t find the target in front of an open goal.
Peak almost forced another error out of the Rams defence, this time Maya Lobo just getting the ball out of danger.
From there though, the home side started taking control, more so midfield duo Beth Gordon and Mel Caceres.
India Breier was the first to try her luck for the Rams, her left footed effort not dipping quick enough to trouble Sarah Langman.
Brown then went close with a cheeky chip from the right, her shot just sailing wide of the top corner.
Breier then linked up with Brown, the striker muscling her way into the six-yard box, only for Langman to save well.
With five minutes to go before the break, the Rams broke the deadlock.
A misplaced pass by the visitors saw the Rams take advantage as Caceres went on a slalom run, slipping in Brown who made no mistake with her finish into the bottom corner with only Langman to beat.
In the second half, Aya Yamahata found space at the back post and had a free header from a Taylor Ray corner but could not direct her effort goalwards.
Not long after, the Rams doubled their advantage.
Again, they forced an error from Olympic, Brown turning provider, dropping the ball for Malone who placed her effort on the edge of the area into the bottom corner with a precise finish.
With 10 minutes to go, it was the icing on the cake.
A fine team move with almost 10 passes, moving the ball from left to right before Bronte Trew ended the move with the goal of the night, curling the ball into the top corner from an acute angle.
It rounded off a dominant display by the home side.
Match Stats
Macarthur Rams 3 (Brown 41’, Malone 68’, Trew 82’)
Sydney Olympic 0
Lynwood Park, St Helens Park
Sunday, 4 August, 2024
Macarthur Rams: 46. Morrissey, 3. McComasky, 10. Caceres (15. Mucenski), 14. Sunaga, 16. Lobo, 17. Breier (11. Trew), 24. Sossai (2. Bertolissio), 25. Malone, 32. B. Gordon, 35. Hay (19. Sloan), 44. Brown (7. C. Gordon).
Subs Not Used: 1. Rochaix.
Sydney Olympic: 40. Willacy, 2. G. Peak, 3. McCue-Shore, 4. Yamahata, 8. Oliverio, 12. Jaber, 13. Baudana (16. Grew), 17 Peak, 25. Sciuriaga (22. Golchini), 27. Ray, 36. Giannakos (11. Borromeo).
Subs Not Used: 20. Ivanovic, 23. Woods.
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By – Nikola Pozder
