Round 11 of the NPL NSW Womens 1 competition threw in some surprise results. The league leaders Macarthur Rams suffered their first defeat of the season, going down to the Koalas in the surprise of the round. The FNSW Institute amassed their fourth straight win as they defeated the Koalas the previous day. Sydney University and Manly United got back on the winning sheet, defeating the Marconi Stallions and Blacktown Spartans respectively.

 

Sydney University 2-0 Marconi Stallions

The Marconi Stallions travelled to Wilson Park to take on Sydney University on an impeccable surface for football on Sunday afternoon.

Sydney University got their revenge for the earlier result in the season, courtesy of goals from Olivia Kennedy and Stephanie Ambrose, either side of half time.

There was a high tempo start to this one with both sides looking to score important victories in the race for finals football.

Evelyn Chronis was put through down the right wing on five minutes for Marconi. Chronis crossed early to find Kate McPherson at the far post. McPherson couldn’t get over her effort though, as the ball went high over the bar.

Uni continued to play their high press in defence and possession in attack football, not allowing the Stallions to get any rhythm.

University should’ve had the lead on 20 minutes. Olivia Kennedy did some tidy work at the right baseline to cross for Stephanie Ambrose. Ambrose latched onto the cross but her header lacked direction and power as it was easy pickings for Jessica Urquhart.

In the 31^st minute, University missed another golden opportunity. Kennedy did extremely well to shake off her defender and create herself space for a shot. She shot low to Urquhart’s left, but the Stallions young keeper did magnificently well to down and keep the scores locked at 0-0.

Uni only had to wait three minutes longer for the opening goal. Samantha Spackman crossed a testing ball into the box toward Kennedy. Kennedy rose just high enough to lob the ball over the stranded Urquhart.

Erin Wilson should’ve made it 2-0 in the 37^th minute after she got onto the end of a fantastic ball from Ambrose. Her side foot volley was well saved by Urquhart once again.

With the clouds gathering came the half time whistle as Uni went into the break leading by the solitary goal.

After the break, the Stallions had an opportunity to restore parity from a dead ball situation. Alanna Kennedy, making her return for the sky blue’s, stepped up but her shot went high over the bar.

The Stallions continued to pepper the University defence as they searched for that elusive equaliser.

In the 61^st minute, Uni had another chance to extend their lead. Wilson this time crossed a dangerous ball in from the right, which Ambrose connected with. Again though, her finish lacked conviction as Urquhart comfortably gathered the ball.

Shortly after, Wilson started a swift counter attack. Melissa Caceres then played Wilson in who tried to poke the ball passed Urquhart. Unfortunately her strike didn’t have enough power on it to trouble the Marconi keeper.

Ambrose finally had her goal and Uni’s second in the 73^rd minute. She received the all on the edge of the area and shot toward the bottom right corner of the goal. Urquhart got a touch on the ball but it wasn’t enough as it hit the post and snuck in.

Carmel-Ann Dimarco worked tirelessly in the Uni midfield and will take many plaudits for the home sides performance.

Eight minutes from time, Kirilee Cook was robbed of the ball by Annika Clayton. Clayton moved in on Urquhart but again the Stallions keeper made a great save to keep the score at 2-0.

In the 87^th minute, Wilson again crossed in a delightful ball, this time finding the head of Clayton. Clayton’s powerful header wasn’t precise though as the ball flew just over the bar.

That was the final real chance of the game as University came away with an important victory.

 

FNSW Institute 2-1 North West Sydney Koalas

The action kicked off on Saturday as the North West Sydney Koalas travelled to Valentine Football Park to take on the in form FNSW Institute.

The Institute continued their good form and rise up the ladder as they came away with a 2-1 victory.

The young Institute side made it their second victory against the Koalas this season and fourth in a row.

 

North West Sydney Koalas 3-2 Macarthur Rams

At ELS Hall Park on Sunday afternoon, the North West Sydney Koalas welcomed league leaders the Macarthur Rams.

The Rams were leading 2-1 at the break and were looking good value for their lead. That was before the Koalas stormed back and took all three points winning 3-2.

The goal scorers for the Koalas were Heidi Makrillos, Shayna Killey and Hannah Beard. For the Rams, Amy Harrison and Georgia Yeoman-Dale found the back of the net.

This was the undefeated Rams first loss of the season and coach Stephen Neligan will look to set his team back on course as soon as possible.

This was an even bigger result for the Koalas having in mind that they had to back up from their game the day before.

 

Manly United 2-1 Blacktown Spartans

At Cromer Park on Sunday afternoon, Manly United welcomed the Blacktown Spartans to their home ground.

Both sides were coming off losses last round, Manly suffering a disappointing 7-0 loss against the Rams.

The Spartans held a one goal lead at the break but surrendered it in the second half as United overturned the deficit to come away with an important 2-1 victory.

Manly’s goal scorers were Tiarn Powell and Caitlin Campbell.

 

Northbridge FC – Illawarra Stingrays

More to come...

- Nikola Pozdar