Womens Premier League Round 12 Review

In round 12 of the NSW Womens Premier League, there were some interesting results.
The Stallions stay ontop of the league while the race for the top 5 really hots up with some absolute eye catching results.
Our match of the round takes us to Lynwood Park as the first placed Marconi Stallions take on the third placed Macarthur Rams
MATCH OF THE ROUND – Macarthur Rams 0-1 Marconi Stallions
On Sunday, a sunny winter afternoon, we were promised a blockbuster in the local derby as the third placed Macarthur Rams played host to the table toppers Marconi Stallions. Only one point separated the two at the start of play.
In round 1 at Marconi Stadium, the Rams ran away with a win by the odd goal in a five goal thriller. Marconi would be looking to turn the tables and continue their great undefeated run. They’ll be seeking help from new signing and ex-Matilda Heather Garriock who signed mid-week in a massive move for the club.
Garriock was at it after only four minutes on the clock as she attempted a speculative effort from about 25 metres out. Her shot was blocked out for a corner. The ensuing corner went over the head of the on rushing Rams keeper but Tamika Wearing was there to save the day and head away.
A few minutes later Nicola Bolger was played in over the top of the Rams defence. Jada Mathyssen-Whyman in the Rams goal came out to meet her and in a bone crunching tackle took out Bolger and her own team mate Laura Donelly. Fortunately, all were okay to continue.
The Rams finally made their first foray forward after 10 minutes but the effort was placed slightly over the bar.
Nicola Bolger and Linda O’neill then connected well for a one two as O’neill layed the ball off for the on rushing Garriock. Garriock’s strong effort was easy for Mathyssen-Whyman as she collected the ball into her arms.
Garriock then became provider as she played in a delightful ball for Helen Petinos to run onto. Mathyssen-Whyman was aware and quick off her line to thwart the danger to keep the scores locked at 0-0.
The best chance of the first half fell to the Rams on 20 minutes. A long searching ball was sent from the back and was met by Renee Rollason who flicked on for the lively Kylie Ledbrook. Ledbrok read the play well and ran off Rollason and found herself one on one with the Marconi keeper. Ledbrook opted for a cheeky chip but Renee Krstanovska held her ground and made a great save.
Garriock was getting closer and on the half hour mark had another shot from distance saved by Mathyssen-Whyman. The move of the half came just before the end of the first half. Garriock and Bolger combined well through the middle, Garriock then played out Petinos who took on her defender and layed the ball back for O’neill who’s shot went wide.
That was the last move of the half as the score stayed at 0-0.
Macarthur came out buzzing for the second half as it seemed the Stallions forgot to make their way out of the sheds. Rollason made a run down the left and got to the by-line only to be stopped by some last ditch Marconi defending.
Slowly the Stallions awoke from their slumber as Alexandra Huynh, who had an excellent game at the back, who first did some great work to get rid of the on rushing attacker and to then play a fine ball over the top of the Rams defence for Petinos. Petinos done well down the left playing the ball across goal but unfortunately for Marconi there was no one there to apply the finish.
The Rams then struggled to clear a ball as the Stallions started applying more pressure, peppering the Macarthur goal. Petinos found the ball at her feet and somehow got it away to Garriock. Garriock expertly turned her defender and shot with her right foot, but her shot went just over.
Marconi was looking dangerous as wave after wave of attacks saw them edging closer to that elusive goal.
Garriock then lined up a free kick just outside the box. Her attempt was goal bound had it not been a fantastic save from Mathyssen-Whyman as her fingertip touch saw the ball hit the bar and get cleared out.
Mathyssen-Whyman was the only one keeping the scoresheet at 0-0 as again she made a fantastic save with 15 minutes to go. Marconi substitute Melissa Caceres turned two defenders and made space for herself inside her box. Her right footed effort was heading for the net but Mathyssen-Whyman stuck out a hand to palm the ball onto the post.
Doris Osman then played a ball down the left for the ever dangerous Petinos who once again whipped in a great cross across goal. This time she found a team mate, but Caceres scuffed her effort and missed the target.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, absolute absurdness from Linda O’neill. She chased down Rollason off the ball and lashed out at her. What should’ve been red was only yellow and the Marconi coach did well to pull her off straight away. A disgraceful move by O’neill who could have seen herself suspended but also let her team mates down.
The Rams had a free-kick on the edge of the area as a result of O’neill’s silliness. Ledbrook stepped up to take the set piece and almost punished Marconi and O’neill but her effort slammed against the crossbar and over.
Again Mathyssen-Whyman came to the rescue for the Rams as she pulled off another save from Garriock with only a couple minutes remaining on the clock.
Then, in stoppage time, Petinos again did well down the left finding Garriock on the edge of the area. With all her experience and brilliance she placed the ball over the fantastic Mathyssen-Whyman into the top right corner of the net cleaining the cob webs out. That was enough for the victory and for the run to continue for Marconi.
Heather Garriock showed why she has over 100 caps for Australia and how good she will be for this Marconi team already.
 
Central Coast Mariner Academy 1-3 Blacktown Spartans
In the early game on Sunday, the Central Coast Mariners Academy entertained the Blacktown Spartans at Pluim Park. With both sides finals chances all but over so early in the season, it was a match played for pride.
The Spartans beat the Mariners 5-1 in the first game of the season and they completed the double as they stole a 3-1 win from Pluim Park. This win puts the Spartans in 9^th spot, 9 points away from finals football. Can they get there?
The Mariners on the other hand stay in 10^th spot on the competition ladder with four points.
 
North West Sydney Koalas 1-0 Manly United
At ELS Hall Park on Sunday afternoon, the North West Sydney Koalas played host to Manly United FC. The earlier fixture in the season went the way of the Koalas and they made it two from two as they won 1-0.
Shayna Killey got the lone goal for the Koalas in the first half and it was enough for them to hold on to the end and claim the victory.
This victory see’s the Koala’s keep pace with the Stallions atop of the WPL on equal points while Manly United’s faint hopes of finals football have taken another blow and they sit in 8^th spot.
 
Sutherland Sharks Football Association 0-9 Sydney University SFC
At Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon, the Sutherland Sharks Football Association looked to make it back to back wins as they registered their first win of the season last week, they took on the Sydney University SFC.
University came away with a 4-0 win the first time around and they made it two from two as they smashed nine past the hapless Sharks winning 9-0.
Four goals to Meegen Shephard, a hat-trick to Erin Wilson and a goal each for Carmel-Ann Dimarco and Samantha Spackman did the damage against the Sharks.
The Sharks stay in 11^th position on the ladder while University head ever closer to that 5^th spot as they sit in 6^th.
 
Northbridge FC 8-0 Inter Lions
At Hills Sports High on Sunday afternoon, Northbridge FC took on the Inter Lions. Backing up from their confidence boosting victory last week over the Illawarra Stingrays, Northbridge looked to show the rest of the competition they mean business. That they did with a humbling 8-0 win over the Lions. This victory will send shock waves through the competition as Northbridge continues to climb up the ladder.
The Lions beat Northbridge the first time round 1-0 but the tables were turned in some way in the reverse fixture.
Tara Andrews put the Lions to the sword scoring 5 while Ariela Cabezas, Leah Giuffre and Hannah Bromley all got themselves on the scoresheet for this massive win.
Northbridge stay in 7^th, now only 4 points adrift from the 5^th placed Inter Lions making for an interesting second half of the season.
Northern Tigers 0-4 Illawarra Stingrays
At Mills Park on Sunday, the bottom placed Northern Tigers hosted 4^th placed Illawarra Stingrays. The Stingrays suffered a shock defeat to Northbridge last week and were keen to get out and set the record straight with a resounding win against cellar dwellers Northern Tigers.
In the earlier clash of the season, the Stingrays put 7 passed the Tigers. This time the Tigers improved but still weren’t good enough as Illawarra went home with a convincing 4-0 win. Michelle Carney ad Jordan Baker each collected a brace to put the Stingrays back on track for a premiership challenge.
With the victory, the Stingrays move up one position into 3^rd and sit a comfortable two points behind the Stallions and Koalas. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they still sit in bottom place and are still searching for that maiden win of the season.
-By Nikola Pozder