Round 20 Review – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

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Round 20 of the NPL 2 NSW Women’s had some cracking matches as Justin Davies reports.

Western NSW Mariners 0 defeated by SD Raiders 2

Kicking off the weekend was SD Raiders FC moving back into the winner’s circle with a 2-nil result against Western NSW Mariners at Sir Jack Brabham Park.

Heading to the central west is never an easy contest. SD Raiders FC scored twice in the first half to secure the result on a windy afternoon in Orange where they gave a pair of debuts to under 17s Emily Pahor and Alaa Mohammed.

The visitors first goal came from a well-directed ball from Kate Mateffy that picked out the run of Kristi Pavlicevic to nestle it into the bottom corner. Their second came from Christina McGrath cushioned a ball for Sarah Mandile to slot home for 2-nil. Some fine stops from custodian Natasha Pentecost ensured they held onto the result after their bright opening 45.

For SD Raiders coach Terry Gray it was a “satisfying victory as we look to finish the season on a high,” and finish as high on the ladder as they can. Josh Ward in the Western NSW Mariners dugout lamented their absences as the season has taken a toll on the side.

Inter Lions 0 defeated by Sutherland Shire FA 4

Sutherland Shire FA remain in the hunt for the Premiership after a 4-nil result against a stubborn Inter Lions side this afternoon at Concord Oval.

The shire side were made to work for the result as Inter Lions kept them to a single goal in the opening 45 minutes. Sutherland Shire FA found their shooting boots in the second to run out to a four-goal margin.

Jordan Baker continued her strong end to the season. The sharpshooter has piled in nine goals in her last three games which has her making a late charge to the Golden Boot. Ursula Bratjanscak netted the other goal in a victory that keeps Sutherland Shire FA two points behind APIA with two weeks to go.

Marconi Stallions 6 defeated St George FC 0

The Marconi Stallions hit St George FC for six as they triumphed 6-nil this afternoon against St George FC at Marconi Stadium.

It was a welcome return to scoring form for Marconi Stallions. Today’s result puts them within a point of the fifth place Central Coast Mariners with their catch-up game to come on Tuesday night. It is all set up for a grandstand finish to the season.

The Stallions were in control from the opening whistle today as they raced out a 2-nil half-time lead before piling on four more goals to help their goal difference. Emma Voloder and Alyssa Rose netted their second and first goals of the season.

Jasmin Courtenay has kept the chase up for the Golden Boot with her hat-trick which has moved the striker to 25 goals for the season, two behind current leader Ash Palombi. Jessica Beale rounded off the rout with a strike as well.

Central Coast Mariners 2 defeated by APIA Leichhardt Tigers 5

APIA Leichhardt Tigers defeated the Central Coast Mariners 5-2 at Pluim Park.

APIA Leichhardt Tigers were put through the wringer against a gutsy Central Coast Mariners side. The two sides played out another intense contest as the prospect of a repeat meeting in the finals looms.

The first half was the slow burn as Danielle Wise opened the scoring for the Mariners with her 24th goal of the season before APIA defender Jennifer Bissett leveled. Georgia Bridges handed APIA the lead before a late sucker punch from Nina Collins for the home side ensured it was 2-2.

Bridges completed her hat-trick in the second half which takes her to 19 for the season while fellow 2019 signing Kerrie Ryan put the icing on the promotion cake with the fifth goal. The day ended on a sour note as APIA attacker Logan Garard suffered a season-ending injury, we wish her the best in her recovery.

UNSW FC 2 defeated by Gladesville Ravens 7

Remaining rock solid in third place, Gladesville Ravens swept past UNSW FC 7-2 this afternoon at Seymour Shaw.

Gladesvile Ravens have timed their run perfectly as they have won back-to-back games and ensure they won’t be on the outside looking in for the finals this season. The first half was the Yume Kashima show with a brace for the talented midfielder.

There was also a pair of goals from Kasia Wojtowicz and Emily Diaz saw them strut to a 4-nil lead. The second half saw Diaz complete her brace and Annalise Schiraldi netted twice to take her total for the season into double figures.

UNSW FC found some second half consolation with Alexandra O’Rourke returned to the scoresheet. Eleni Tsintominas scored in her first game for the season to give the students something to cheer despite the 7-2 result.

Southern Branch FC 0 defeated by Nepean FC 4

Putting on a workman-like performance, Nepean FC went down to South Nowra Football Complex and completed a 4-nil result against Southern Branch FC.

Nepean FC didn’t have to shift out of first gear in the 13th victory of the season which has almost secured them at least fourth. Aisling Davidson, Annie Halls, Imogen Lane and Stefanie Trovato found themselves on the scoresheet.

Speaking afterwards Nepean FC coach Alan Tasses was pleased with the ease that his side went about their work today and made sure it was smooth afternoon for goalkeeper Keeley Segavcic as the larger challenges loom in the upcoming finals series.

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)