Round 15 Review – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

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The rain did it’s best to wash away the football including two choices for Match of the Round but four games were contested in another fascinating round of National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens football that gave the middle of the table a chance to shine.

Western NSW Mariners 2 defeated Inter Lions 0

Victory tasted sweet for Western NSW Mariners, they triumphed 2-nil against Inter Lions in a scrappy contest to kick off this shortened round on Sunday afternoon.

Today marked Western NSW Mariners first three points since Round 6 which left them belting out the team song with some gusto once the final whistle went in Orange. The result keeps them safely in ninth position in the mini league around the bottom of the table.

Teegan Courtney netted both goals for the Mariners, taking her tally for the season to four goals making her their second leading goal scorer behind youngster Anna Hunt. Mariners boss Josh Hunt was glad to get the points in what was a scrappy contest on a wet afternoon.

Sutherland Shire FA 4 defeated St George FC 1

Sutherland Shire FA returned to the top of the competition after they strolled to 4-1 success against St George FC in the southern derby tonight at Harrie Denning Centre.

The first half hour was a tight contest on a wet afternoon as both sides worked each other out. Sutherland Shire FA were getting themselves in position but were denied by St George FC goalkeeper Lani Dodd.

Late in the first half, Sutherland Shire FA picked the lock twice to take a 2-nil lead. Firstly, Morgan Maxwell threaded a ball through for Maddison Farmer to score. Kate Dale struck a wonderful long range free-kick to double their advantage and put Sutherland in firm control.

Their second half performance followed the same script. Brittany Christie clipped a ball into the path of Morgan Maxwell to make it 3-nil then who else but sharpshooter Jordan Baker rounded off the scoring with a calm finish.

St George FC found some late consolation through Ana Arujo late in the contest to make it 4-1. Sutherland Shire FA has found their form once again, now sit at the head of the table due to the washouts and ready to take on all challengers.

Central Coast Mariners 2 defeated Nepean FC 0

The Mariners have launched themselves back into the top five, after a solid 2-nil victory against a downbeat Nepean FC this afternoon at Pluim Park.

After their lack of polish last weekend, the Mariners were much more compact this afternoon. They kept a strong Nepean FC side at bay for the whole contest while they found goals through Danielle Wise and Mikala Tucker in each half to set up the 2-nil victory.

Nepean FC Alan Tasses admitted his side were “outplayed today. We were nowhere near our best and the Mariners punished us twice for their goals.” Although their long streak was snapped, Nepean FC remain in a strong position to play finals football.

For the home side, Dan Barrett enjoyed a “strong performance” from his side where they put their chances to bed this weekend. Last year’s Grand Finalists move back into the top five, as the NPL2NSW Womens ladder has tightened in the chance for the golden goose of finals football.

Southern Branch FC 1 defeated by UNSW FC 5

The field trip was a success as UNSW FC returned from Nowra with three points after they thumped Southern Branch FC 5-1 this afternoon at South Nowra Football Complex.

UNSW FC blew away the home side in the first half, where they piled on four goals. The Students held possession well, dominated the contest and were clinical in front of the net. Amy Ng netted a first half double alongside strikes from Darcey Read and Ashlee Sutherland.

Southern Branch FC clawed one back in the second half through Amanda Carney to reduce the game to 4-1 but the introduction of Alexandra O’Rourke finished off the contest. She added a fifth for the students to record their fourth win of the season.

Speaking afterwards, UNSW FC coach Alex Nolan praised his side for their performance tonight: “Today was something, maybe we needed to do more of in the first half of the season, picking up these points. The girls have grown in confidence, ready to tackle some tough fixtures in the next few weeks.”

Marconi Stallions vs Gladesville Ravens & SD Raiders FC vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers were washed out.

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)