Hills United crowned 2025 League One Women’s Champions
The curtain has come down on the Football NSW League One Women’s competition and Hills United FC have finished their season being crowned Champions.
They won the Grand Final 1-0 against SD Raiders FC in a tense encounter in the League One Women’s Grand Final at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday night.
The win was a cherry on top of a historic season for Hills United FC who picked up a treble of trophies. The winner came from Monique Holder in the 52nd minute, firing home from a slick team move for 1-0.
SD Raiders FC battled gamely but couldn’t find a way through the miserly Hills United FC defence in a pulsating game. Their best chances fell to Taiana Almeida and substitute Sarah Mandile who hit the crossbar late in the game.
Hills United FC and SD Raiders FC walked onto a packed out Valentine Sports Park to contest the 2025 League One Women’s Grand Final.
It was a tense opening to the game with neither team giving an inch in their search for the silverware.
Hills United FC had the first chance from a set piece. Bella Donaldson put the free-kick onto the head of Monique Holder who nodded right to SD Raiders FC custodian Natasha Pentecost.
They were the side that started the faster. Bianca Galayini wriggled free and shaped an effort wide of the mark.
SD Raiders FC were trying to use their flanks to form attacks. Both Abigail Boag and Tenealle Hay put in a big shift.
Neither team could find a breakthrough in the first half and the Grand Final went into the break at 0-0.
Hills United FC tried to prise open the SD Raiders FC defence in the second half. Striker Gemma Woolley found space and fired right at Pentecost.
The Premiers made it 1-0 in the 52nd minute. It was a slick move around the box which ended with Holder drilling home to send the Hills United FC fans wild.
SD Raiders FC responded by making a change. They brought on Sarah Mandile to add to their front three.
It was Hills United FC who kept pushing for a two-goal advantage. Rachel Glendenning curved wide then Woolley fired straight.
Taiana Almeida tried to be the spark for SD Raiders FC. She weaved through the defence and whipped an effort right at Hills United FC keeper Nicola Simmons.
Woolley almost settled the game for Hills United FC in the 67th minute. The ball was flicked to the striker and her header hit the left post and rolled away.
SD Raiders FC weren’t going quietly into the night. Mandile won the race in chasing a ball against Simmons but couldn’t direct it home.
Next, Holder tried to repeat her effort for the goal. She had a low shot which Pentecost took gratefully.
SD Raiders FC emptied their bench in search for a late equaliser and break the hearts of Hills United FC.
Their final chance came in the 91st minute. Mandile broke into the box and crashed a shot against the crossbar.
Hills United FC held on for the final few minutes and completed their trophy collection for the 2025 campaign.
An emotional Hills United FC boss Alan Tasses got choked up talking about the historic season for his club.
“It was an absolutely fantastic way to finish the season and it was third time lucky for us this time and winning a treble. To win all the trophies was special and I’m proud of the girls, the club and everyone associated with us.” said Tasses.
Hills United star Aisling Davidson took out the Player of the Match something Tasses was very proud of.
“She was our rock tonight, she is a special one and I’ve coached her since she was 16. She has grown well and leads us well and she deserves every accolade that comes her way this season.”
While for SD Raiders FC coach Bojan Radmilo, he reflected on a tight contest which could’ve gone either way.
“It was a tough one, someone has to win and lose and we drew the short straw in this game tonight. We battled hard with them all season and unfortunately we couldn’t get the win tonight.”
Match Stats
Hills United FC 1 (Holder ’52)
SD Raiders FC 0
Sunday 7 September 2025
Valentine Sports Park #2
Referee: Mia Velarde
Assistant Referees: Hannah Sheridan & Casey Flemming
Fourth Official: Charlotte Flynn
Hills United FC: 1. Nicola Simmons, 3. Aisling Davidson, 7. Gemma Woolley (12. Jess Wootton ’70), 8. Bella Donaldson, 10. Bianca Galayini, 13. Helena Berridge, 14. Elin Rosenberg Cemazar, 15. Tamsin Buchanan, 17. Rachel Glendenning (5. Rhanni Plummer ’84), 25. Monique Holder (9. Ellen Berios ’81), 33. Zoe Murdoch
Unused subs: 19. Portia Berios, 27. Amie Mastop, 99. Sarah Easthope
Yellow cards: Wootton ‘86
Red cards: nil
SD Raiders FC: 1. Natasha Pentecost, 2. Sharina Harris, 4. Mia Mastoris, 5. Amanda Radmilo, 6. Jessica Neville, 7. Abigail Boag, 8. Laune Knight, 10. Taiana Almeida, 18. Madeliene Malone, 22. Erin Phelan, 35. Tenealle Hay
Unused subs: 9. Amelia Savetta, 19. Brittany Duggan
Yellow cards: Neville ’34 Almeida ‘86
Red cards: nil
Thanks to the players, coaches and officials for their help across the 2025 season and for helping the league grow again. It has been another fantastic year and I’ll see you all for next season
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
