Round 5 Review – NPL 2 NSW Women’s
Round 5 is in the books as it sees St George FC take the mantle at the top of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens ladder.
This weekend saw the top five become a logjam after five fascinating fixtures which has helped to shape the competition.
Let’s get onto the review!
Match of the Round: Northbridge Bulls FC 0 drew with Nepean FC 0
The spoils were shared in an even contest between Northbridge Bulls FC and Nepean FC in a 0-0 contest which played out at Northbridge Oval this afternoon.
Northbridge Bulls keep their spot in the top five with two other sides on ten points. The Bulls will be disappointed to not take their chances this afternoon and their work seemed to be in fast forward against a dogged Nepean FC defense.
For Nepean FC, it was a fabulous point but could’ve been more. The visitors were resolute in their defensive structure which limited Northbridge’s chances. Nepean FC did have chances through Stefanie Trovato and substitute Ellen Barios to snatch all three points.
Coming to Northbridge Oval has been a tough task for most sides in recent years, Nepean FC knew they needed their best performance today. Both sides battled for the midfield in the opening stages and the chances came from set pieces.
It was Nepean FC who had the first chance of the afternoon. Annie Halls took the free-kick which she piloted over the crossbar. The first warning shot at the Northbridge Bulls defense from the undefeated side.
Next it was Northbridge Bulls who tried to find the opener. Twice Elizabeth Grey found herself free on corners and connected well with headers. Both those headers whistled wide of the post though as the Bulls started to push forward.
Rita Boateng has been a bright spark for Northbridge Bulls since her arrival and tried to spark some life into the contest. Boateng found the slightest space inside the box, turned and had an effort right at Nepean FC custodian Sarah Easthope.
Headed close to the break, Nepean FC had a pair of chances to break the deadlock. Firstly, Imogen Lane forced Northbridge Bulls keeper Trudy Burke into a save then minutes later, Stefanie Trovato flashed wide. Despite all the bluster from both sides, the game was 0-0 at half-time.
Coming out of the break, Northbridge Bulls were feeling fine in the 47th minute. The Bulls earnt a penalty after Emma Jackson’s foul in the box. Golden Boot Evelyn Chronis stepped up for the crucial chance but sent her spot kick wide of the post.
Not letting the penalty miss phase them, Northbridge Bulls struck the bar again through Grey. She found space in the box and rattled the bar before the Nepean FC defense were able to clear their lines like they did throughout the contest.
The visitors almost had the lead after the hour mark. Fanastic work down the wing by Janie Hansen who combined with Trovato to make space then it fell to Brittany Pelle whose first effort was denied at the near post then the follow up trickled out.
Headed into the final stages, both sides aimed to find the potential winner. Hannah Brewer had a pair of chances to put Northbridge Bulls ahead but her strikes were wayward. For Nepean FC, substitute Ellen Barios broke free in the box but flayed wide. Points shared on an entertaining afternoon of football.
For Northbridge Bulls coach Grant Lee, he was happy with the effort from his side despite not taking their chances and having to share the points today:
“It was a good battle tonight. Nepean gave us some issues tonight but the only disappointment for us is not punishing them when we had the opportunity. If we punish them with the penalty or the crossbar hit, it is a different story.” said Lee.
“We didn’t help ourselves at times. Not moving the ball fast enough and rushing our chances. Oh well, it is another point and a good performance from our side.” he finished.
For a delighted Nepean FC coach Alan Tasses, he enjoyed going toe-to-toe with one of the toughest sides in the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens and might’ve taken the spoils on another night:
“I was very happy with that game. This is such a tough place come but we came with a gameplan which worked out for us. We kept a side which scores for fun scoreless which is a feat in itself.” said Tasses.
“We had our chances in this game and put for a coat of paint could’ve taken all three points. Having the bye last week helped us to formulate the plan and implement it tonight. Also remaining undefeated still is another great feeling for this side.” beamed Tasses.
MATCH STATS
Sunday May 2nd 2021
Northbridge Oval, Northbridge
Referee:
Assistant Referees:
Northbridge Bulls FC 0
Nepean FC 0
Northbridge Bulls FC: 1. BURKE Trudy, 2. BOATENG Rita, 6. FARQUHAR Kiara, 10. CHRONIS Evelyn, 11. GREY Elizabeth, 12. BEARD Hannah, 16. DI SCIASCIO Erica, 19. CLOUT Tessa, 22. BREWER Hannah, 26. JOHNSON Rochelle (25. GYZEN ‘72), 35. PIRIZ Sara (37. FISHER ‘75)
Unused subs: 14. CASAMENTO Ciara, 21. SEGAVCIC Keeley, 30. HANNIGAN Emma
Yellow cards: Di Sciascio, Brewer
Red cards: nil
Nepean FC: 1. EASTHOPE Sarah, 2. JACKSON Emma, 3. DAVIDSON Aisling, 5. HANSEN Janie, 6. HALLS Annie, 7. TROVATO Stefanie (14. BASS ‘65), 8. LANE Imogen (4. BARTLE ‘83), 9. PELLE Brittany (11. NAGY ‘71), 10. GALAYINI Bianca (17. BERIOS ‘65), 12. CHAPLIN Tayla, 15. WHEELER Cassandra
Unused subs: 16. BRIEN Bridget
Yellow cards: Lane
Red cards: nil
Sutherland Shire FA 0 defeated by St George FC 2
Local bragging rights went to St George FC in a 2-nil success against Sutherland Shire FA this afternoon down at Harrie Denning Centre.
Sticking true to the nature of a derby, the first half was a tight and feisty affair between these two sides looking to take the honours. Due to that tight nature, the game went to the half-time break still deadlocked at 0-0 with all to play for in the second half.
Eventually, the Saints were able to break down Sutherland Shire FA. Jordan Baker scored her seventh of the season to make it 1-nil before Maddison Farmer completed the Saints fourth win of the season with her first goal of the year.
That result keeps St George undefeated and gives them a two-point gap at the top of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition. For Sutherland Shire FA, they remain near the mid-table pack and look to rebound next weekend.
Marconi Stallions 5 defeated South East Phoenix FC 0
The Stallions continue their galloping ways with a confident 5-nil success against South East Phoenix FC this afternoon at Marconi Stadium.
Marconi moved themselves into the top five with this afternoon’s success. The home side had five different goal scorers as they put the Phoenix side to the sword. Tania Baban kept her purple patch of form with another goal to open the contest.
Consistent performer Tahlie Walton also found the back of the net alongside Erin Leah Tavares, Hannah Voloder and Christa Olivia to make up the five-star performance. The result also gives the Stallions goal difference a healthy boost.
Central Coast Mariners 2 defeated UNSW FC 1
Central Coast Mariners notched up their second win of the season with a tight 2-1 success against UNSW FC this afternoon at Pluim Park.
Both sides were chasing an important result to help themselves up the ladder. Central Coast Mariners were able to find the finishing touches to take home all three points. Mariners coach Dan Barrett will be pleased with the win after their recent run of form.
The goals for the Mariners came from their usual suspects. Emily Diaz scored her second goal of the season while Annalise Rasmussen was the other Mariner to find the back of the net. This result moves Central Coast into sixth just outside the top five.
UNSW FC have slumped to their third loss of the season after their opening weekend success against Gladesville Ravens. The students did find the back of the net once for some consolation but it is back to the drawing board for UNSW FC.
Gladesville Ravens 1 defeated Inter Lions 0
Gladesville Ravens moved themselves into the log jam in the mid-table with a 1-nil victory against Inter Lions tonight in the night cap at Christie Park.
It was a tight tussle on a crisp night at Christie Park. Gladesville Ravens found the winner to take the spoils against the struggling Inter Lions side. Lara Halmarick opened her account for the season with her strike which puts the Ravens in the mid-table.
That result leaves Inter Lions as the only side left to get into the winner’s circle this National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens season. They continue to put in an effort in their games so the sweet taste of victory might not be far off.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
