Round 22 Review – League One Women’s

MicrosoftTeams-image-6-1-scaled

Round 22 was another weekend filled with action in the League One Womens competition as the jostling for the finals continues at a high pace.

We have a fantastic end to the season set up with six teams battling for the spots.

Let’s get onto the review!

Match of the Round: Blacktown City FC 1 defeated by Northbridge Bulls FC 2

It was a comeback win for Northbridge Bulls FC against Blacktown City FC in their 2-1 win on Sunday afternoon at Blacktown City Sports Centre.

Blacktown City FC got off to a flyer with a goal to Nicola Ciocca in the first half before they were pegged back twice by the visitors. The young side were unable to find another goal but it was an improvement from their first encounter.

They don’t write pictures in the scorebook which will delight Northbridge Bulls FC. They had to scrap for the three points with goals from Rochelle Johnson and Tamires Souza in either half kept them in the hunt for the finals race.

On a bright afternoon at Blacktown City Sports Centre, both teams got into their work quickly and tried to take control of the midfield. Northbridge Bulls FC had a few tame shots which didn’t trouble the Blacktown City FC keeper.

It was Blacktown City FC which hit the scoreboard first. Some wonderful link up on the left played through Nicola Ciocca who swept home well to make it 1-0 to the hosts.

Northbridge Bulls FC looked for a response in the 32nd minute through Tamires Souza. She drove through the midfield before slipping a pass to Rochelle Johnson to force a save from Blacktown City FC keeper Kiara Rochaix.

Johnson is an energiser bunny for this Northbridge Bulls FC side and got due reward with the equaliser two minutes later. She strode onto an errant pass to slot home for 1-1.

Buoyed by that goal, Northbridge Bulls FC started to find their groove. Alanna Fisher hit the post from another precise pass from Souza then Elizabeth Grey was off target with a header as the teams went into the break locked up.

Coming out of the break, Souza had a pair of chances to give the Bulls the lead. First an effort inside the box which was blocked then a header which went straight at Rochaix.

Blacktown City FC struggled to find their rhythm again at times in the second half but attacker Yasmin Aloisio registered a shot which was clutched gratefully by Bulls keeper Trudy Burke.

All the momentum started to turn for the visitors as they searched for the winning goal and a vital three points. They went close from a set piece then Souza was denied by the offside flag.

Souza did add another goal to her impressive 2022 tally in the 67th minute. She weaved through the Blacktown City FC defence before she slammed home to make it 2-1.

Johnson almost pulled off a magic trick passing to herself before she shot direct at Rochaix then once again Souza was once again denied by the offside flag.

Blacktown City FC coach David O’Keefe rung the changes to try and spark his side and find a late goal and share the points. They were unable to find a way past Burke again.

For Northbridge Bulls FC, it is a precious three points in their chase to remain in the finals hunt and they sat in fourth spot after the win this afternoon.

Speaking post-match Blacktown City FC coach was happy with his side’s effort against one of the heavyweight sides in a solid debut campaign:

“We started real brightly and defended well. We got a good goal based on good, quick movement then we fell back and let them dominate. You can’t do that against good teams. They have some great players that will hurt you.” said O’Keefe.

“Second half we scrambled well but couldn’t get the ball enough. We’re a young side and need to learn to do more with the ball. Disappointed to not get a point. We have got close against some of the top teams so we’re developing well for the future.” added O’Keefe.

For Northbridge Bulls FC coach Bill Papas, it was all about the three points. He was delighted with how his side scrapped against a tough outfit:

“I thought we were always in control but delayed getting out of first gear. They aren’t always pretty but a result is a result. I think it was good we had to work for it with our three tough games coming up in the next few weeks. Making the finals is the key and we’ll keep plugging away.” said Papas.

MATCH STATS

Sunday 17th July 2022

Blacktown City Sports Centre

Referee: Jackson Mackie

Assistant Referees: Manwell Limnios & Nicholas Kour

Blacktown City FC 1 (Ciocca ‘14)

Northbridge Bulls FC 2 (Johnson ‘34, Souza ‘67)

Blacktown City FC: 1. ROCHAIX Kiara (15. IVANOVIC ‘90), 2. KRAUSSE Hannah, 4. CHALHOUB Rachel (19. ABBAS ‘84), 7. SZYMONICZEK Claire (34. GOEHNER ‘84), 9. CHAPLIN Tayla, 11. ALOISIO Yasmin, 13. TILSED Bronte, 16. MORRIS Ella (25. PAYENS ‘71), 23. MCCUTCHEON Alyse-May, 28. CIOCCA Nicola (5. THORPE ‘57), 29. BYRNE Ainsley

Yellow cards: Szymoniczek ‘62

Red cards: nil

Northbridge Bulls FC: 1. BURKE Trudy, 4. SEAMAN Jessica, 5. MANOS Angelina (35. BROWNE ‘78), 6. FARQUHAR Kiara (18. COWARD ‘71), 10. SOUZA Tamires, 11. GREY Elizabeth, 15. BOZANIC Siahn (24. GYZEN ‘67), 16. DI SCIASCIO, 19. CLOUT Tessa, 26. JOHNSON Rochelle, 37. FISHER Alanna

Unused subs: 2. KING Isabella, 21. SEGAVCIC Keeley

Yellow cards: Seaman ‘82

Red cards: nil

Central Coast Mariners 1 drew with South Coast Flame FC 1

The points were shared in a 1-1 draw between Central Coast Mariners and South Coast Flame FC in a tight tussle at Pluim Park.

It was a good contest between two sides in the middle of the League One Womens competition logjam and both will be disappointed to drop points. For the Mariners, it makes their chances of a finals spot much tougher.

Central Coast Mariners were the first side to find the scoresheet through experienced campaigner Gabrielle Blanch for her sixth goal of the season. It is also back-to-back draws at Pluim Park for the yellow-and-navy.

For South Coast Flame FC, it is another point in the bank which brings them to 25 points for the season in a solid return for their debut season. Their goal was scored by Monique Koloski after a goal mouth scramble in the first half.

Camden Tigers 3 defeated Nepean FC 0

Three was the number for Camden Tigers in their 3-0 win against Nepean FC at Ron Dine Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

A win at Ron Dine Stadium is Camden’s second win of the season and a valuable one that breaks a long run of outs for the south-west side. Coach Troy Witton was pleased with the side’s effort in dominating the contest throughout.

Tigers top scorer Ashlee Taff scored a brace in the win while Charlotte O’Flynn scored a wonderful volley for her first goal of the season. Witton also made special mention for Charlotte Taylor for her chance creation and Merryn Clarke for a tireless shift.

Nepean FC will be disappointed to put in a better performance against a side close to them on the competition ladder. The visitors will have targeted some points from this game but turn the page for next weekend’s clash.

Hills United FC 3 defeated Marconi Stallions 0

Hills United FC put together a wonderful display to beat Marconi Stallions 3-0 at Bella Vista Public School on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts continue to put pressure on leaders Gladesville Ravens with a dominant performance and make it a season sweep against Marconi Stallions. Isabella Sciberras starred with a hat-trick with some clinical finishing.

For coach Alan Tasses, he was delighted that they followed up their big win last week with another strong performance as they start to build towards the finals. Tasses also enjoyed how they stuck to their gameplan and executed it at home.

Marconi Stallions did have some chances in the contest but were unable to find a way through the league’s best defence. Both Tania Baban and Candace Sciberras had threats at goal, but it wasn’t to be for the visitors.

SD Raiders FC 2 defeated Mt Druitt Town Rangers 0

SD Raiders FC got back in the winner’s column with a 2-0 win against a spirited Mt Druitt Town Rangers side at Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.

The finals hopefuls were made to work for the three points against the Town Rangers defence. Amanda Radmillo and Kristen Prior found the back of the net in the second half to keep fortress Ernie Smith Reserve unbreeched.

Three points have SD Raiders FC just outside the top four by three points and keep them well in the hunt for the finals headed into the final stretch. They have a big game against Marconi Stallions next week to keep their momentum going.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers once again showed some good resolve. They kept it to 0-0 for the first 45 minutes without two of their starting center backs alongside their striker. Now they hope to build on that performance in the next month.

Gladesville Ravens 3 defeated St George FC 0

Gladesville Ravens remain at the top of the League One Womens ladder after their 3-0 win against St George FC on Sunday night at Christie Park.

The Ravens hold their three-point advantage over Hills United FC albeit with the latter having a game in hand. The 3-0 win will also help their goal difference which might be crucial in deciding who is the Premiers at the end of the regular season.

Prolific goal scorer Gemma Woolley swept home the first goal from a goalmouth scramble followed by two fabulous goals from Maggie O’Reilly and Keiko Tanaka. Both scored late in the contest to help them breathe a sigh of relief.

St George FC’s hopes have been dented by their loss tonight. They now are level with Northbridge Bulls FC on 42 points headed into some tough contest. The Saints face off against Hills United FC at home next weekend.

Sutherland Shire FA 4 defeated South East Phoenix FC 1

It was three straight wins on the bounce for Sutherland Shire FA in their 4-1 win against South East Phoenix FC on Sunday night at Kareela Oval.

Sutherland Shire FA showed off their scoring power with three goals in the first half to move within three points of eighth place Central Coast Mariners on the League One Womens ladder. Youngster Violet Keelan fired home a brace for the hosts in another impressive outing.

Janan Codmani scored the opener for Sutherland Shire FA while Lacie Bowling rounded off the scoring in the win which keeps up their strong run. Coach Jon Long was pleased with how some of the younger members of his side stood up with some key absences.

For South East Phoenix FC, they were blown away in a short burst but did find some late consolation in the second half. Bronte Trew found the back of the net for her first goal of the season in the loss to the Sutherland Shire FA side.

UNSW FC 2 defeated Inter Lions 1

UNSW FC added another win to their streak with their 2-1 win against Inter Lions in the night cap at Hensley Athletic Field on Sunday night.

The students continue their long run which has them right in position to make the League One Womens finals this season. Coach Guillermo Rubio has them humming at the right time and ready for their key fixture against Northbridge Bulls FC next week.

Goals from Amanda Levaskevich and noted goal scorer Marcella Santos were enough to deliver the three points to UNSW FC. Hensley Athletic Field has become a fortress for the team and will be a bonus headed into the last two months of the season.

Inter Lions did pull a goal back in the second half. Zoe Katsionis curved home from a corner to make it 2-1 but the visitors were unable to prevail in the battle of the lions. Coach Adrian Contarino has improved the side since he took over mid-season.

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)