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Final Series Week Two – National Premier League NSW Women

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The Macarthur Rams booked their place in the 2018 grand final in the NPL NSW Women’s competition.

 

Illawarra Stingrays 1-6 Football NSW Institute

Football NSW Institute are one step away from a dream grand final after dismantling the Illawarra Stingrays 6-1 at Seymour Shaw.

Three first half goals had the youngsters in control at the break.

When it seemed the Stingrays could make an astonishing comeback with an early second half goal, the Institute scored another three for the emphatic win.

The Institute had the lead just after the quarter hour mark.

Holly Mcnamara received a defence splitting pass from Susan Phonsongkham and easily slid the ball into the back of the net.

Only a minute later the Stingrays went close off a corner but Caitlin Cooper’s volley was cleared away.

Phonsonghkham wanted in on the act and let fly with a pile driver from distance, only for her shot to go inches wide.

But the Institute doubled their advantage in some style.

We spoke about Courtney Nevin’s deadly left foot in the pre-game and she didn’t disappoint in the 28th minute.

A well worked short corner had the ball at Nevin’s feet 30 metres out before she smacked her shot into the top left corner of the goal.

The Institute’s perfect start was tainted by Phonsongkham’s injury as she had to be replaced.

It didn’t matter though as the Institute went a further goal ahead 1o minutes from half time.

Mcnamara got her head onto a deep free kick as the ball came off the post and bounced in.

Michelle Carney could’ve had the Stingrays back in the game seven minute from the break but the missed her volley.

Straight after the break Carney looked to cut the margin but her free kick in the 51st minute cracked against the woodwork.

With 12 minutes being played in the second period, the Stingrays were back in it.

A long throw by Talitha Kramer wasn’t dealt with by the Institute defence as Caitlin Cooper used her strength to make space and shoot at goal.

Her shot bounced back off the post, right in the path of Erica Halloway who made no mistake with her finish.

With 15 minutes to go though, the Institue put a dagger through Stingrays hopes.

Some fine work by Kyra Cooney-Cross saw her slip in Melindaj Barbieri who blasted her finish into the back of the net.

It was almost five in the 78th minute but Kaelah Austin made a fine save from Cooney-Cross.

From the resulting corner though, Aideen Keane made it 5-1, rising at the far post to bundle the ball home.

They soon added a sixth as Mcnamara found her third of the game to complete her hat-trick, easily placing the ball into the back of the net.

 

Sydney University 1-2 Macarthur Rams

The premiers were looking to book their spot in the final when they faced off against the Macarthur Rams at Arlington Oval.

It wasn’t to be though as the Rams cemented yet another grand final with an impressive 2-1 victory.

They started well and hit the front in the first half courtesy of a Kylie Ledbrook free kick.

Macarthur doubled their advantage in the second period as Caitlin Campbell scored a goal worthy of winning any match.

The premiers wouldn’t go away that easy and halved the Rams’ lead through Rachel Soutar.

That would be all they could conjure though as Macarthur look to finally secure that elusive championship.

Uni will have it all to do in a do or die clash with the Institute next week.

 

By Nikola Pozder

Final Series Round Two – National Premier Leagues NSW Women Preview

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The champions are gone and only four remain in the NPL NSW Women’s finals.

A new champion will be crowned in 2018 as Manly United were knocked out of the finals series by the Football NSW Institute last weekend.

 

Illawarra Stingrays v Football NSW Institute

Women’s football returns to Seymour Shaw on Saturday night as the Illawarra Stingrays take on the Football NSW Institute.

The Stingrays fought back twice last week to push their game against the Macarthur Rams to extra time.

It wasn’t enough though as they went down in a penalty shoot out without their stars Chloe Middleton and Michelle Carney.

There is no second chance this week though and a loss will see their dream of a championship come to an end.

Talitha Kramer was on fire last week and could be one the Stingrays’ go to players but their midfield led by Liana Danaskos and defence will be on high alert against one of the most potent attacks in the league.

For the Institute, what a season this one has been for them.

They were in control from start to finish in their clash last week and deservedly moved on to the next stage of the play offs.

With talent across the park it’s difficult to pinpoint one but Jada Mathyssen-Whyman will have to be at her best come Saturday night.

While at the other end, the Stingrays defence will need to be aware of Susan Phonsogkham and Kyra Cooney-Cross, as well as Courtney Nevin’s devastating left foot.

Illawarra one the first clash between the two in a five-goal thriller while the Institute steam rolled the Rays in the second fixture 5-1.

 

Sydney University v Macarthur Rams

Two of the most competitive teams over the last few years clash at Arlington Oval on Sunday afternoon as the premiers Sydney University take on the Macarthur Rams.

Uni won the league with a free scoring team and a tough defence that only conceded 19 goals in 22 games.

Alex Epakis’s side is well drilled and a tough outfit to break down and Sunday night will be no different.

Cortnee Vine has been in spectacular form this season, scoring goals at will and will be a major threat to the Rams defence.

Sham Khamis though stands in the opposing goal and she was fantastic again last week for Macarthur.

The experience this team has from Renee Rollason and Teresa Polias to Kylie Ledbrook and Leena Khamis is second to none.

They’re only a couple steps away from breaking their hoodoo and winning the championship after coming so close in recent years.

Two draws in their previous two outings displays how tight this one will be and it will go down to the wire.

 

By Nikola Pozder

Finals Week One – National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Review

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The National Premier League NSW Women’s competition entered into their first week of finals over the weekend, with Manly United FC being the first team to exit from the 2018 finals series

 

Illawarra Stingrays 2-2 (AET 3-3 Pens 1-3) Macarthur Rams

 

The Macarthur Rams lead twice in normal time but were pegged back both times by the Illawarra Stingrays to send the game to extra time.

Talitha Kramer then had the Rays headed for the major semi final before the experienced Renee Rollason turned on the style and assisted Kate Hensman for the equaliser.

Sham Khamis was the star in the shoot out though, saving two spot kicks to send the Rams to the next stage.

The first big chance of the game fell the way of the Rams as Georgia Yeoman-Dale hit a low shot just wide of the far post.

Blaize Kendis then went close in the 14th minute but Sham Khamis saved well.

Yeoman-Dale was back in again on 17 minutes and really should’ve scored but she could only hit the keeper.

10 minutes from half time the Rams were in front.

A great low ball in from Yeoman-Dale found Leena Khamis in the middle as the striker slid the ball into the back of the net.

12 minutes after the break the Stingrays threatened through Erica Halloway but Khamis came out well to thwart the danger.

Caitlin Cooper should’ve had the Stingrays level on 66 minutes but couldn’t find the target with her sweeping volley.

A minute later Evelyn Chronis went close as the Rams got away with another.

And the pressure finally payed off in the 69th minute.

The Rams defence was all over the place as Chronis ran straight through the defence, shooting first time, with the ball clipping the post on its way in.

Two minutes later and the Rams were back in the lead.

A fine touch and burst of speed from Yeoman-Dale saw her get around her defender before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Kylie Ledbrook once again reminded everyone of her quality, cracking a free kick against the bar with 10 minutes to go.

But three minutes from full time the Stingrays were back in it.

Talitha Kramer beat her defender, cut in and curled the ball beyond Khamis into the top corner.

Sham Khamis kept the scores level four minutes into extra time with an incredible double save.

First she came out and stopped Cooper in a one on one before pulling off a fine save from Chronis from the rebound.

In the 109th minute the Stingrays hit the front for the first time.

Mackenzie Hawkesby found space outside the box before setting herself and curling the ball into the top corner.

Five minutes from full time it was vintage Renne Rollason as she showed fine skill to beat two defenders before laying the ball up for Kate Hensman who made no mistake with her finish.

The game moved into penalties and the Stingrays sent their first attempt over the bar before Rollason snuck hers into the bottom left corner.

Katelyn Leadbeatter made it 1-1 in the shoot out but Leena Khamis had the Rams back in front, converting her effort.

Sham Khamis then saved Evelyn Chronis’ attempt as Georgia Yeoman-Dale made no mistake, making it 3-1.

Cooper had the chance to keep the Stingrays in the shoot out but Khamis again saved to send Macarthur into the major semi final.

 

Manly United 1-2 Football NSW Institute

At Valentine Sports Park, it was elimination football time as Manly United took on the Football NSW Institute.

The Institute got off to a better start, and had the lead just after 20 minutes as Courtney Nevin found the back of the net from the penalty spot.

Kyra Cooney-Cross then gave the fans something special in first half stoppage time, hitting a screamer from more than 30 metres out and catching the Manly keeper off her line.

Claudia Cholakian then had Manly back in with a shout mid-way through the second period, pouncing on an Institute error.

Susan Phonsongkham almost settled the result when her shot hit the post.

The Institute continued to press and didn’t hold back but couldn’t find the goal to seal the victory.

It didn’t matter though with Manly unable to find a goal to send them game into extra time.

 

By Nikola Pozder

National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s – Finals Week One

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In March, 12 teams started their run to be one of five teams competing in the NPL NSW Women’s finals.

The Finals are here as Sydney University, Illawarra Stingrays, Macarthur Rams, Manly United and Football NSW Institute fight to become champions.

 

Illawarra Stingrays v Macarthur Rams

Second takes on third at Valentine Sports Park No. 2 on Sunday afternoon as the Illawarra Stingrays face off with the Macarthur Rams.

Both teams were in hot pursuit of Sydney University throughout the whole season but could not take the premiership from them.

There will be quality and experience all over the park from these two and lots on offer to see for fans.

Norm Boardman’s side come into this one on the back of two straight wins but before that had gone three without a win.

Kylie Ledbrook looks to be in some fine form along with Georgia Yeoman-Dale who has scored an incredible eight goals in her last three matches.

The Stingrays have only lost once in their last five outings, including a jaw-dropping 14-0 win along the way.

Captain Michelle Carney is one of the Stingrays stars and her leadership could lead them all the way.

Carmelina Moscato won’t be able to rely on Chloe Middleton who will serve a suspension following a red card last week.

 

Manly United v Football NSW Institute

Just next door, Manly United and the Football NSW Institute will lock horns in their elimination final.

If you are looking for goals, you have certainly come to the right place.

There were an unbelievable 15 goals scored between these opponents in the two games they played against each other this season, including a 5-4 Manly win in round seven.

Just over a week ago the two clashed again and couldn’t be separated in a 3-3 draw.

Sunny Franco and Claudia Cholakian have found their scoring boots in recent weeks and if Sophie Harding can get in on the act, Manly will be hard to stop.

On the other side, the Institute have been fantastic this campaign.

After a sluggish start, they went on an astonishing 15 game run where they only lost once, you guessed it, against Manly.

There is quality across the board, from Jada Mathyssen Whyman in goals, to the potent attacking midfielder Susan Phonsongkham. Not to mention Rachel Lowe and Kyra Cooney-Cross.

We’re expecting goals and a blockbuster as both teams look to continue their season.

Cortnee Vine: Premierships, Sacrifices and Inspiring the Next Generation

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After taking home the 2018 top tier women’s Premiership with her team Sydney University SFC, W-League star and Young Matilda, Cortnee Vine is keen to share the values of respect, resilience and teamwork with the next generation of footballers.

Sydney Uni have dominated throughout the majority of the NPLW competition, staying within the top three for the duration of the season.

Despite taking some time out for a niggling knee injury, the 20-year-old still also managed to finish as third leading goal scorer of the competition.

With an entire league peppered with strong talent, Vine said she believes it was her team’s close bond that kept them in prime position for the Premiership.

“We definitely have a strong group of girls that all have the desire to learn and grow as a team,” she said.

“Having such a knowledgeable Coach in Alexander Epakis is also a strength in itself, but I think our biggest strength is that we are just such good mates. We all know that we have each other’s backs and having that trust is one of the most important parts of a successful team.”

Along with her NPL and W-League career, Vine has also played for the Young Matildas in both U17’s and U20’s, scoring eight international goals, but playing at an elite level also comes with it’s sacrifices, like moving away from your friends and family.

Originally from Brisbane, Vine made her W-League debut for Brisbane Roar as a 16-year-old.

The young striker then made the move to NSW in 2017 to play for the Newcastle Jets, as well as to participate in the Future Matildas Program and the NSW Women’s NPL.

“I have moved around a lot to pursue my love of the game, but also to grow as a person,” Vine said.

“Moving away from home is always tough, but my close friends and family have always supported me which has made it easier.

“When times get tough, I always know they are only a phone call away, ready to encourage me and put me back on track if I need it.

She admitted that sometimes, you need to remind yourself why the sacrifices are all worth it.

“I think when you play at a professional level it’s common to lose touch with why you love the game and I think every professional athlete would agree with me. We’ve all gone through it,” she said.

“But I just think about how grateful I am for all the experiences I’ve been able to learn and grow from.

“Playing in a team is so beneficial for your growth as a person. It teaches you to engage with your team mates, build your communication skills and create friendships that last a lifetime, which is why I love it so much.”

Vine hopes to instil these qualities into the youth of Australia and has taken on a role as the Women’s Football Ambassador for Roselea Football Club.

“Football NSW put my name forward as someone who could act as a mentor for the young girls at Roselea FC and of course I jumped at the opportunity.

“I want to mentor not only the girls that are playing, but the parents as well, because the reality of football is, that it can get hard sometimes, so your love and enjoyment for the game needs to outweigh that,” Vine said.

“I want these kids to see me as someone who is approachable, respectful, hard-working and passionate about the game. I am a true believer that respect for everyone on the field is so important, especially for your referees and opponents, as without them, you couldn’t play at all.”

Now Vine and Sydney Uni SFC have headed into the finals of the NPLW competition, with Illawarra Stingrays, Manly United FC, Macarthur Rams FC and Football NSW Institute all vying to take out the championship.

 

BY Liana Buratti

 

Cortnee Vine, pictured left in Round 7 for UNSW