Round 16 Review – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s
Only two rounds remain in the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Women’s competition with things far from decided.
Blacktown Spartans 2-3 Manly United
The Blacktown Spartans and Manly United played out an intense five-goal thriller at Blacktown Football Park on Sunday afternoon.
It was a battle of two young squads full of potential with Manly extending their undefeated run.
The away side started well, holding most of the possession in the opening exchanges.
It was on 14 minutes that they opened the scoring.
Remy Siemsen broke away into the box and her ball across goal found the feet of Louise Neville whose first attempt was saved by Sarah Easthope before she somehow bundled the ball over the line.
Claudia Cholakian then almost double United’s lead but her looping header went inches over the bar.
Michelle Brown was next to try her luck for Manly as she unleashed from distance.
With her shot destined for the top corner, Easthope came to Blacktown’s rescue, making a fantastic fingertip save.
In Blacktown’s first real foray forward they equalised in the 39th minute.
Teigen Allen made a great run down the left wing before cutting back for Patty Charalambous who fired the ball into the back of the net with a neat finish.
Only four minutes later and the Spartans had an opportunity to turn the score on its head.
Linda O’Neill was bundled over in the box, giving Charalambous an opportunity to grab her second of the afternoon.
She put her shot straight down the middle, giving the Spartans a surprise lead.
Siemsen was the first to test Easthope in the second period but the Spartans ustodian made another fine save.
Siemsen had the equaliser in the 62nd minute though.
Once she burst through the Spartans defence there was no catching her as she moved in on Easthope.
Easthope got a touch onto the shot but the spin of the ball helped it bounce over the line.
Siemsen tested Easthope again but it was the keeper who got the better over the striker with another good save.
In the 70th minute it was Manly who hit the front again.
Cholakian moved to the far post, connecting with a well timed cross from the left at the far post to head home.
Siemsen turned provider with 5 minutes to go for substitute Emily Minett but Easthope was quick to come off her line and close the winger’s angle as the shot squirmed inches wide.
Illawarra Stingrays 0-1 Macarthur Rams
It was always going to be an intriguing match between the Illawarra stingrays and Macarthur Rams at JJ Kelly Park.
It was the away side that came away with a valuable three points that puts them only two points behind the Stingrays with a game less on the ladder.
Leena Khamis scored the winner and the lone goal of the match, extending her fantastic scoring run.
The result has thrown the finals battle into overdrive with only two round remaining.
North Shore Mariners 3–3 North West Sydney Koalas
It was derby day at Northbridge Oval as the North Shore Mariners entertained the North West Sydney Koalas.
Kate Hensman put the Mariners in front before the break to send the home side 1-0 in front at the break.
Tara Andrews then equalised for the ladder leaders before Tiffany Paterson put the home side back in front.
Nat Penman was next to find the back of the net for the Koalas, levelling the scores at 2-2.
When Paterson picked up her second, she must’ve thought she had all three points in the bag for the Mariners.
But it would be Tara Andrews who equalised for the third time in the match, also scoring her second.
In a highly entertaining game, the sides had to settle for a share of the spoils.
Stephen Peters’ side can smell Premiership glory now and the Koalas coach is pleased with his side’s fight saying they are lifting and showing real character when it’s tough.
Marconi Stallions – Emerging Jets W/O
Football NSW Institute – Sydney University Postponed
