Women?s Premier League Finals Series Week 2 Review

Women?s Premier League Minor Semi Final
Finals football; this is where dreams can either come true or be destroyed when a football hits the back of a net. With the departure of Manly United last weekend, it was left to NWS Koalas, Sydney University, Illawarra Stingrays and Macarthur Rams to battle it out in the search for glory.
With Women?s Premier League journalist Ross Anderson covering the Major Semi Final on Sunday afternoon between Macarthur Rams and Illawarra Stingrays for a place in the 2012 Women?s Premier League Grand Final, Pete Nowakowski got his chance to head along to the close encounter that was the Minor Semi Final on Saturday.
Sydney University 1 ? 1 NWS Koalas (Koalas win 3-1 in extra time)
With the sun deciding to come out from hiding behind the clouds, Wilson Park was the location of the Minor Semi Final between two of the great sides to grace the Premier League this season.
The buzz around the ground was palpable with both sides knowing that with two sides walking onto the pitch, only one would be left standing by the end of the 90 minutes. There was to be no second chance for the losing side.
The Koalas sporting their white away strip got the ball moving a few minutes past four and were instantly on the attack. The Koalas centre forward Emma Stanbury, looking deadly every time she got even remotely near the ball.
Two minutes into the game and the tide started to turn in favour of Sydney University as they were awarded a penalty for a less than pretty challenge inside the box. The usually prolific striker, Jenna Kingsley stepped up but hit the ball with little conviction, passing the ball straight into the hands of Koalas keeper, Lizzy Durack.
Having missed a chance to open the scoring, Sydney University dropped their heads for just a moment allowing the Koalas to go on the attack. Again it was their number 10, Emma Stuart who stealing the show as she skipped past two defenders, beating the keeper but also beating the post. For the second time in the opening 15 minutes, both sides missed what should have been sure goals.
24 minutes into the first half and it was current Matildas utility player Ellyse Perry who was causing havoc for the Sydney University defence. A curling free kick from 25 yards out smashing against the crossbar; a sign of things to come from the Koalas midfielder.
Though the first half ended with the scores still level of 0-0, both sides had their opportunities and knew that when the right moment came, they would be able to get the goal and potentially find a winner.
Sydney University got the ball moving for the start of the second half and it was the partnership of striker Jenna Kingsley and midfield maestro Alesha Clifford that was proving most menacing in the final third. And with half an hour left to play, Sydney University drew first blood.
With NWS Koalas pushing players forward in search of an opener, they were left vulnerable to a counter attack. The pacey Sydney Uni striker, Kingsley was played into space and was gifted a chance on goal. A poor judgment from the Koalas keeper to be caught out in no-mans-land meant that on the turn, Kingsley curled the ball into the back of the net for the opener. A roar from the crowd as well as some cheers from canteen end of the field signalling that for the first time all game, Sydney University were finally in front.

Koalas were not content with sitting back and handing Sydney University the win and with 15 minutes to go, the girls in white went on the attack. A thumping left foot volley from winger Emma Stanbury almost ripping a hole in the net. A perfect equaliser and the start of the Koalas belief that they could in fact go on and win this fixture.
Both sides had their chances to get a winner but with time running out, the girls were looking physically and mentally exhausted. Extra time was on the cards as the sun started to set and the field lights were warming up.
It took just three minutes for there to be a goal during the first period of extra time. Ellyse Perry with a stunning strike into the top corner of the goal. The Sydney University keeper could do nothing as the ball sailed past her. For the first time all game, Koalas were in front.
A moment before the referee called half time in extra time, the Koalas were again on the attack. This time it was midfielder Carmel DiMarco who got her name on the scoresheet and ultimately securing the win for her side. With many of her family and friends at the game, there was no doubt that Carmel got the biggest cheer when her strike hit the back of the net.
With the match finishing at 3-1, the girls from NWS Koalas began to celebrate. A much deserved win for the team who took their chances and were consistently strong in the final third of the field. With a date with destiny set for next Sunday afternoon in the Preliminary Final against either Macarthur Rams or Illawarra Stingrays, the smile on the faces of every player and coach could be seen from ear to ear.
Though the season might be over for Sydney University FC, the club can be proud of every single player who put their heart and soul onto the pitch at Wilson Park on Saturday. It might not have been the desired result but with a number of girls already being scouted by W-League sides, there will always be another match to look forward to.
Full list of Minor Semi Final Fixtures on Saturday:
Grade 12: Sydney University 1 ? 1 Northbridge FC (Sydney University win 2-1 in extra time)
Grade 14: Blacktown Spartans 3 ? 0 Marconi Stallions
Grade 16: Central Coast Mariners 3 ? 1 Sutherland Shire FC
Reserve Grade: NWS Koalas 2 ? 0 Manly United
First Grade: Sydney University 1 ? 1 NWS Koalas (Koalas win 3-1 in extra time)
-By Peter Nowakowski 
Women?s Premier League Major Semi Final
Ah, the second day of spring. The scent of football finals is in the air; no moreso than at Lynwood Park where the Premiers, Macarthur Rams took on the defending champions, the Illawarra Stingrays in the Major Semi Final of the Football NSW Women?s Premier League.
This match loomed as a classic with two sides bristling with talent. A place in the Grand Final beckoned for the winners so neither side would be taking a backward step.
In the opening minutes it was all Rams with the home side attacking with pace down each flank. Lauren Ralston was the first to unsettle the Stingrays defence before Elisha Williams created similar damage on the opposite wing. The Stingrays put their bodies on the line to hold The Rams at bay before slowly establishing themselves in the game.
A Michelle Carney free kick hit the defensive wall followed by a Talitha Kramer shot which flew just above the crossbar. An Illawarra corner a few minutes later zeroed in on the Rams goalmouth but was knocked down and held by Rams custodian Trudy Burke.
After 13 minutes it was Macarthur?s turn to trouble Stingrays with a free kick; Stephanie Haim?s long distance bomb being punched away by Stingrays keeper Dimi Poulos.
The match was developing into quite an arm wrestle with Illawarra appearing to gather some leverage.
Renee Rollason then released Ralston down the left sideline on another Rams raid. Ralston returned the ball to Rollason who lined up a shot from 20 metres which looped towards goal only to hit the post with the keeper beaten.
Illawarra worked the ball around the park as they sought to relieve the pressure but Macarthur were persistent in keeping the visitors trapped in their half.
Macarthur now looked the team more likely to score as their attack built momentum. 
Illawarra replied with some strong work that had them attacking on the break. But long balls to the final third weren?t looking likely to be the key to unlock either defence. The Rams were hitting their free kick opportunities straight into the arms of Illawarra keeper Poulos, only supplying catching practice to the former Sydney FC W League player.
The Stingrays weren?t without chances of their own but Rams keeper Burke was not being overworked. As the game neared half time the two sides were in something of a stalemate. Michelle Carney had that dangerous presence about her but Macarthur were doing a good job of keeping the Illawarra Captain away from the face of goal. A dash down the left by Kim Bonilla suddenly opened play up, with Bonilla?s cross finding Carney running straight at goal but the Macarthur defence was able to push the ball wide and save the day.
The whistle blew for half time with the match evenly poised. The scoreboard attendant was not needed with the score at the break being 0-0.  
The second half commenced with Illawarra having an early shot at goal through Kim Bonilla. Rams then moved to the other end of the field where a Danielle Brogan free kick caused some heart palpitations for Illawarra before being cleared from the 18 yard box.
The match was centred around the middle of the park with neither side looking effective in the final third. Carney and Bonilla created an opportunity but Bonilla?s angled shot was well over the crossbar.
Renee Rollason seemed content to feed the ball to supports rather than run at the defence: something that was certainly taking plenty of pressure away from Illawarra.
The game was being played in patches; a period of Rams ascendancy being followed by a similar period of control for Illawarra.  It wasn?t proving to be a ?pretty? game but rather a tooth and nail semi final dog fight.
At the 65 minute mark Macarthur Coach, Matt Turvey, went to his bench, substituting Kirrilee Cook with Matilda Potter.
The Stingrays were now causing plenty of blushes from the Rams defence with successive corners that Rams keeper Trudy Burke was unable to handle. Goalmouth melees saw Macarthur clear the ball in a desperate manner but the home side were now pinned in their defensive third.
Illawarra now replaced Courtney Danyi with Talitha Kramer whilst Rams subbed Lauren Ralston with Jemma Crane.
Claire Walsh picked up a yellow card before Caitlin Cooper rampaged forward through the middle to test the Macarthur defence.
A great ball from Ann Mayo found Kim Bonilla open in front of the Macarthur goal. However, the US import wasn?t quite able to reach the ball in time to steer it into the back of the net.  The Stingrays were right on top with The Rams struggling to hang on.
On the odd occasion when Macarthur were able to venture forward Illawarra appeared to have all the defensive answers. Stephanie Haim was producing a solid work rate as she toiled away in a sole striker role.
Full time came with the scores locked at 0-0. Extra time was going to be required to find the winner.
The chess game continued into the first period of extra time. Illawarra seemed the team destined to score but one got the impression that this was a match that would turn on one moment.
Right on queue such a moment came. With the ball looking as if it was heading innocuously over the goal line for a goal kick a Rams defender appeared to hinder a Rams player coming through. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, bringing Stingrays youngster Ann Mayo into the spotlight as she attempted to repeat her penalty heroics of the previous week. Mayo stepped into the kick, unfortunately punting the ball deep into the undergrowth behind the Rams goal. Chance lost!
A Laura Donnelly back pass was then intercepted by Kim Bonilla but the experience of Danielle Brogan came to the fore as she shepherded the Illawarra striker away from goal.
Macarthur then grabbed a little oxygen, capitalising on some indecision in the Stingrays defence to launch a raid of their own. The stingrays bounced back quickly though and were on the attack once more when the halfway mark of extra time was reached.
The second stanza of extra time unfolded in similar fashion to the first with the ball in the Rams half as Illawarra pushed forward.
But this match had the smell of a penalty shoot out about it. Illawarra were peppering the goal but couldn?t find their radar. Rams were clinging to the precipice by their fingernails as Carney, Bonilla, Mayo and crew sprayed the ball wide of goal. A Stingrays corner found Caitlin Cooper in the goal mouth but her header was held on the goal line by Rams keeper Trudy Burke.
Then a superb ball from Blake Miller put Carney through on goal. The Stingrays Captain turned and cut inside the advancing keeper before inexplicably shooting wide of the open goal. Stephanie Haim had the final scoring chance of the game as she raced upfield from the turnover. As Haim ran to the edge of the box she attempted to chip keeper Dimi Poulos only to see the ball fly over the cross bar.
The referee?s shrill whistle signalled that time was up and we were heading for penalties.
Penalty shoot outs test the nerve of the very best players. Stingrays keeper Dimi Poulos excelled though, pulling off saves from the spot kicks of Hayley Todd and Renee Rollason to see her side through to yet another Grand Final appearance.
This outcome was all that the visitors deserved. They were the better side on the day and, with any sort of good fortune, may well have won in normal time. Macarthur were not their fluent selves on the day, leaving many wondering whether the week off had disrupted the Premiers rhythm. Whatever the case The Rams now meet the NWS Koalas next weekend to decide Illawarra?s Grand Final opponent.
Caitlin Cooper was in wonderful form for Illawarra, proving solid defensively but also providing yet another outlet to the Illawarra attack. Carney, Bonilla and Miller were also solid for The Stingrays. Young Laura Donnelly and striker Stephanie Haim worked tirelessly for The Rams whilst Danielle Brogan was the backbone of the defence.
MACARTHUR RAMS 0
ILLAWARRA STINGRAYS 0
(Illawarra Stingrays win 4-3 in penalties)
In the days other matches the results were as follows;
UNDER 12 GIRLS
Marconi Stallions 1 NWS Koalas 0
UNDER 14 GIRLS
Sutherland Shire 2 Illawarra Stingrays 1
UNDER 16 GIRLS
Illawarra Stingrays 2 Manly United FC 0
RESERVE GRADE
Sydney University 4 Marconi Stallions 0
-By Ross Anderson