Round 8 Review – NPL Women’s NSW
Round 8 of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW delivered goals aplenty and gave fans around the league a first look at a potential Grand Final match-up come the end of the season.
Have a read of our full breakdown of the weekend that was.
Match of the Round – APIA Leichhardt 1-1 UNSW at Lambert Park
Points were shared at Lambert Park as APIA Leichhardt and UNSW FC played out a high-quality 1–1 draw in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW Match of the Round.
In a contest befitting two of the competition’s frontrunners, APIA struck first through captain Ashleigh Letta before UNSW FC responded late, with Leia Puxty producing a moment of brilliance to snatch a deserved equaliser.
Northern Tigers 2-3 Sydney University at North Turramurra Recreational Area
Northern Tigers hosted Sydney University in the opening match of Round 8 on Saturday evening, with both sides vying for a spot in the top four. The Tigers took an early lead when Sydney Uni’s attempt to play out from the back was undone by the home side’s press, allowing Tanaye Morris to bury the ball into an empty net.
A smart run and quality finish from Alice Thompson earned Sydney Uni their equaliser in the 28th minute, before Morris secured a brace in the 65th minute with a poacher’s finish to edge the Tigers ahead. Thompson restored parity in the 73rd minute after meeting a squared ball with a side-footed finish, giving her side the momentum to claim the win with a late goal courtesy of Asha Sutton.
Western Sydney Wanderers 3-2 Manly United at Wanderers Football Park
The Western Sydney Wanderers have been a standout side in the NPL Women’s competition so far, offering plenty of attacking threat and goals, which Manly United aimed to nullify in their visit to Wanderers Football Park.
The Wanderers were quick out of the blocks, with Savannah Murray and Alyssa McKenzie helping the home side to a 2-0 lead at half-time. The momentum continued into the second half, with Mya Cahill adding a third via a well-struck volley that deflected on its way in.
Ruby Jackson brought Manly back into the contest in the 71st minute, before Ellie Kerr’s driving run and assist set up Brinley Gentle to make it 3-2 in the 81st minute. However, the Wanderers held on to secure all three points.
Illawarra Stingrays 1-1 Western City Rangers at Lakelands Oval
After earning a crucial three points last weekend, the Illawarra Stingrays looked to maintain momentum against Western City Rangers at Lakelands Oval.
The Stingrays took an early lead when a short corner routine created space for Ella Giles to loop a header beyond the goalkeeper to make it 1-0. The Rangers responded quickly through Clare Holder, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike into the far-left netting to level the score at 1-1.
Both sides created multiple chances for the remainder of the match but were unable to find a winner, ultimately sharing the points.
Gladesville Ravens 0-3 Bulls FC Academy at Christie Park
Gladesville Ravens looked to shift the momentum of their season after a mixed start but faced a tough challenge against Bulls FC Academy.
Petria Phillips opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a brilliant solo effort, placing a precise strike into the bottom left corner from outside the box.
Gracie Bishop made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring with her first touch via a header at the back post in the 71st minute. She then completed her brace by outpacing her defender and finishing low across goal, sealing a 3-0 win for the Bulls.
Hills United 5-0 NWS Spirit at Valentine Sports Park
Second-last faced last place as Hills United hosted NWS Spirit at Valentine Sports Park in a crucial clash for both sides.
The scoring began early, with Neve Burns finishing from close range after Spirit goalkeeper Jasmin Selva was caught off her line. Libby Morris doubled the lead in the 10th minute with a deft finish beyond Selva.
Victoria Martin made it 3-0 in the 67th minute with a clinical strike inside the box. Burns then capitalised on a defensive error to score her second and extend the lead to 4-0. Olivia Sloan capped off a dominant performance with a well-taken free-kick from the left edge, securing a comprehensive 5-0 victory for Hills United.
Sydney Olympic 4-1 Macarthur Rams at The Crest
Both Sydney Olympic and Macarthur Rams entered the match looking to build consistency and climb the ladder.
Rochelle Borromeo opened the scoring in the 16th minute in unusual fashion, meeting a cross before chipping the ball over Isabella Sollecito, who misjudged it as it slipped into the net. Giuliana Nicholas doubled the lead with a superb long-range strike in the 22nd minute.
Sollecito then endured further misfortune, inadvertently scoring an own goal after spilling a corner into the net. Tea Mucenski pulled one back for the Rams in the 88th minute, but it proved only a consolation. Lola Sossai rounded out the scoring with a stunning free-kick that rocketed into the top left corner.
By Matthew Badrov
