Round 18 Review – NPL Women’s NSW

There is a new leader in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition after round 18 action in one of the lowest scoring rounds in 2026 as Bulls FC Academy took the ascendancy in what was an action packed weekend. 

Check out the mini-wrap up below.

Northern Tigers 0-0 UNSW FC

The Northern Tigers held UNSW FC to a scoreless draw at North Turramurra Rec Area on Saturday night.

The first half was a tight affair with both teams reduced to half chances and neither teams’ keeper being properly tested.

In the second half Milan Hammond came closest to opening the scoring, her left footed effort coming off the crossbar and the post. UNSW was building momentum and starting to create chances but could not break the deadlock as the spoils were shared.

Illawarra Stingrays 0-0 Sydney University SFC

On Sunday afternoon the Illawarra Stingrays hosted Sydney University at The Pond.

After breaking their winless run last week, the Stingrays came into this one with confidence they could go back-to-back.

Bronte Trew had the best chance of the first half but had her effort saved, as Sophia Christopherson’s follow up was well blocked.

The Stingrays had a chance to take all three points late in stoppage time but Bronte Trew’s penalty was saved by Scarlett Gray.

Gladesville Ravens 0-0 WSW

The Gladesville Ravens held the high flying Western Sydney Wanderers to a scoreless draw at Christie Park on Sunday afternoon.

The home side came close early, the veteran Leena Khamis seeing her header come off the crossbar.

Talia Younis, Ameia Bennet and Mimi Zumaya all had chances for the Wanderers, but they could not beat Brianna Edwards.

The Ravens came out putting the visitors under real pressure in the second half but could not break the deadlock.

APIA Leichhardt FC 2-1 NWS Spirit FC

APIA Leichhardt kept the Premiership hopes alive with a hard fought 2-1 win over NWS Spirit at Lambert Park.

The home side opened the scoring after only 11 minutes, Ash Letta taking advantages of a defensive error and expertly lobbing the ball over the goalkeeper, taking her tally to 19 for the season.

In great form, NWS Spirit managed to find an equliser 20 minutes into the second half. Latching onto a cross from Ruby Sullivan, Skye Halmarick rose highest in the box to head home.

This all after some APIA pressure where Alyssa Rosa hit the cross bar and the home team dominated play.

The home side would take all three points late on though through a header of their own, Mona Walker this time found by Talia Kapetanelis from a corner, powered her header into the back of the net.

Western City Rangers 1-1 Manly United

The Western City Rangers were just minutes away from breaking their run of games without a win, only to be denied late by Manly United.

After a scoreless first half, Adelaide Wyrzynski found the go ahead goal on 77 minutes with a well taken first time effort from outside the box after a dominant performance from the home side.

Just as the Rangers looked like they would secure all three points, heart break struck as Manly was awarded a penalty.

The home side’s keeper Renee Krstanovska stepped up to save Ruby Jackson’s penalty and take a giant leap toward the win.

From the resulting corner though, Manly secured a point after India Horsley reacted in the box after a goalmouth scramble and poked the ball home.

Hills United 1-3 Macarthur Rams

The Macarthur Rams left VSP on Sunday night with all three points after defeating Hills United 3-1.

Amelia Cassar opened the scoring for the visitor’s inside the first 10 minutes, skipping passed two defenders before blasting the ball passed Madeleine Iro.

Cassar had her second just before the break in style, curling her in swinging corner into the near top corner with Iro unable to keep it out.

Early in the second half it was three for the Rams, Sophia Brokenshire rising at the back post from a corner to head the ball home.

Hills had their consolation with a stunning striker from Mary Stanic Floody, spotting Issabella Coelho off her line and letting fly from over 30 metres out.

Sydney Olympic 0-1 Bulls FC Academy

The reigning Premiers of the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Competition went to the top of the table after a gutsy 1-0 win over Sydney Olympic at The Crest of Sunday night.

With the rain pelting down, an early penalty dispatched by Indi Dos Santos was enough for all three points for Marty Garces’ side.

Click here to view the full report. 

– By Nikola Pozder