Arrive Alive NSW Women?s Premier League Round 20 Review
Nonetheless, let?s do our best to battle on and keep you informed of what occurred in the weekend?s matches.
Saturday evening saw the playing of two catch up matches postponed from earlier rounds. Sydney University grabbed another win to add to their resume, defeating Penrith Nepean United 2-0. Koncurat (67m) and Trebilcock (79m).
Elsewhere Marconi Stallions scored a comfortable 3-0 win over Central Coast Lightning with Ash Connor snaring a first half brace (28m & 38m) before added the final goal in the 52nd minute. This win cemented Marconi?s place in the semi finals, leaving them five points clear of fourth placed Manly and seven points clear of fifth placed Penrith.
Moving on to Sunday?s games Marconi grabbed a weekend double with a 2-0 win over Sutherland Sharks at the Harrie Dening Centre. That girl Ash Connor opened the scoring in the 9th minute before completing her second brace of the weekend in the 52nd minute. Coach Mauro Taco will be happy to see Connor in such fine form leading into the semi finals.
As they have in recent weeks The Sharks put up a creditable performance but it wasn?t enough to take the points. They complete their season with a match against Penrith United next weekend.
Sutherland Sharks 0
Marconi Stallions 2 (A.Connor)
Penrith Nepean United kept their semi finals hopes alive with a 4-1 win over Central Coast Lightning at Pluim Park.
All five goals in this match came in the first half with Emma Stewart (2m, 24m) and Renee Tomkins (21m, 35m) scoring doubles for the visitors. Hedge grabbed Lightning?s only reply with a 44th minute strike but Central Coast were outplayed by a dominant Penrith side.
Penrith sit just two points behind Manly United FC, with a crucial catch up match between the two sides looming next weekend. Any sort of result from Penrith in that game will bring the fourth semi final spot down to the last round of matches next Sunday.
Central Coast Lightning 1 (J.Hedge)
Penrith Nepean United 4 (E.Stewart 2, R.Tomkins2)
The NWS Koalas v Manly United clash finished in a 1-1 draw at ELS Hall Park . This result left The Koalas two points behind Macarthur Rams in the race for the Minor Premiership whilst Manly cling to fourth place on the ladder by the skin of their teeth.
Both sides have tough encounters facing them in the final round; Manly hosting Macarthur Rams whilst The Koalas meet Marconi Stallions at Marconi Stadium.
The Rams themselves scored a solid 3-0 over Sydney University at Lynwood Park. A tough weekend for the University girls, who had to back up after a Saturday game with Penrith. Whilst they battled hard they were no match for the defending Premiers.
The Rams are now within touching distance of another Minor Premiership. Next Sunday doesn?t present any comfort for them though, travelling to Cromer Park to meet a Manly side that may be playing for their season. Still, The Rams look to be in the driver?s seat now. I?m sure they?ll have plenty of motivation of their own to keep them focussed.
So, now we have just one more round of football prior to the finals. The Minor Premiership and fourth finals spot are still up for grabs with the promise of some uncompromising, exciting football awaiting us next weekend. The Rams? The Koalas? Manly United? Penrith United? They all have plenty to play for next weekend.
-By Ross Anderson
