Round 2 Review – League One Women’s
Round 2 of the Football NSW League One Women’s competition delivered another action-packed weekend as goals flowed across the league and several sides made early statements in the race for points.
Five matches were contested, headlined by the Match of the Round between Blacktown City FC and Nepean FC, with late drama, hat-tricks and high-scoring thrillers ensuring supporters were treated to another memorable chapter of the 2026 campaign.
Match of the Round: Blacktown City FC 0 defeated by Nepean FC 1
Nepean FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Blacktown City FC in a tense Match of the Round clash at Landen Stadium on Sunday night, with a late Eden Smith strike proving the difference between the two sides.
Blacktown City FC began brightly and produced the first opportunity of the contest when Isabella Rodrique found space inside the box but fired her effort over the crossbar. The hosts controlled much of the early possession, with Layla Hamdan proving a constant outlet, though her effort was comfortably gathered by Nepean goalkeeper Laura Tredinnick.
Nepean began to settle into the match around the 22nd minute when Tiana-Louise Barton floated a dangerous free-kick into the area, safely claimed by Blacktown goalkeeper Amy Harkin. Rodrique remained the most dangerous attacker for the home side, again finding room in the penalty area but directing her attempt straight at the keeper.
Naomi Carle also threatened from a set piece soon after, getting on the end of a free-kick but failing to direct her shot on target. Despite several promising passages from both sides, neither team could find the breakthrough before half-time as heavy rain added another challenge, leaving the match locked at 0-0 at the break.
The second half burst into life quickly with Nepean pushing forward in search of the opener. Barton again went close when she craned a header wide, while a wicked corner from Ruth Wigley moments later crashed against the left post before the Blacktown defence cleared the danger.
Nepean continued to apply pressure and forced Harkin into action in the 58th minute, the goalkeeper diving low to deny a fierce effort. Blacktown responded by introducing last season’s top scorer Rhea D’Mello in an attempt to inject attacking spark into the contest.
Rodrique came closest for the hosts with a powerful surging run that saw the winger cut inside and force Tredinnick into a diving save. But with time running out, it was the visitors who found the decisive moment.
In the 84th minute, Nepean produced a beautifully worked attacking move that ended with a clever cut-back into the area where Eden Smith calmly curled her finish into the back of the net to break the deadlock and seal a 1-0 win.
Blacktown pushed desperately for a late equaliser, with their best chance arriving deep into stoppage time when Jaime Clarke unleashed a shot that was bravely smothered by Tredinnick, ensuring Nepean walked away with all three points.
Post-match, Nepean FC coach Sean Payer praised his side’s determination after already surpassing their total points tally from the 2025 season.
“It was a grinding game where both teams had to be direct with their play. The girls have worked hard in the first two weeks and we’re hoping to show the competition that we’re not here to make up the numbers,” said Payer.
Blacktown City FC coach Nick Verdos reflected on a tough contest played in difficult conditions.
“It was what we expected. It was a tough contest in the conditions and there was plenty of tension in the game. Now we move on to next week,” said Verdos.
Match Stats
Blacktown City FC 0
Nepean FC 1 (Smith ’84)
Sunday 8 March 22026
Landen Stadium
Referee: Dimitri Violentis
Assistant Referees: Henry Benjamin & Hayden Talmage
Blacktown City FC: 1. Amy Harkin, 2. Jessica Anand (39. Sarah Lievano ’72), 4. Nicola Ciocca, 5. Molly Reckless, 6. Kahtia Bedano, 7. Amber Precious, 8. Nyssa Castillo, 9. Layla Hamdan (3. Paris Kambouris ’70), 12. Jaime Clarke, 19. Isabella Rodrique, 34. Naomi Carle (11. Rhea D’Mello ’62)
Unused subs: 33. Isabella Saunders, 37. Caley Donohoe, 50. Samantha Edwards
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
Nepean FC: 1. Laura Tredinnick, 2. Jessica Robinson, 4. Ellie Howard, 6. Kiera Geoghegan, 8. Gemma Morgan, 9. Lania Fili, 10. Ruth Wigley, 11. Paris Staal (16. Alyse McCutcheon ’70), 12. Tiana-Louise Barton, 15. Hannah Plaatjies (14. Hannah Haberman ’56), 17. Eden Smith
Unused subs: 13. Samantha Weatherburn, 21. Jasmine Crouch, 28. Tahlia Mitchell, 32. Evelyn Batchelor
Yellow cards: McCutcheon ‘90+3
Red cards: nil
South Coast Flame FC 2 defeated Blacktown Spartans FC 1
South Coast Flame FC continued their impressive start to the season with a 2-1 victory over Blacktown Spartans FC at Sir Ian McLennan Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts burst out of the blocks with Abbey Crapp opening the scoring in just the 3rd minute courtesy of a superb free-kick. Emily Kostovski then continued her strong early-season form, striking in the 18th minute to double the advantage and give the Flame full control of the contest.
Blacktown Spartans FC responded just before the break when Gemma Woolley converted from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1. Despite pushing hard throughout the second half, the visitors were unable to find an equaliser as South Coast Flame FC held firm to secure all three points.
Central Coast Mariners FC 5 defeated St George FC 3
Central Coast Mariners FC opened their home campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating St George FC 5-3 in an eight-goal thriller at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Mariners produced a blistering first-half display to take a 4-2 lead into the break. Eliza Familton starred for the hosts with a superb hat-trick, while Peyton Scollay and Isabella Beresford also found the back of the net.
St George FC fought bravely and were inspired by a remarkable hat-trick from Aya Seino, but the Mariners’ attacking firepower ultimately proved too strong in one of the most entertaining matches of the round.
Newcastle Jets FC 4 defeated Bankstown City Lions FC 2
Newcastle Jets FC made it two wins from two with a 4-2 victory over Bankstown City Lions FC at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Sunday afternoon.
The Lions struck early through Karen Bennett in the 4th minute before Makayla Crofton equalised for the Jets in the 15th minute. Bennett restored the visitors’ lead soon after, but Crofton struck again in the 37th minute to level the contest at 2-2 heading into half-time.
The Jets took full control after the break. Crofton completed an outstanding hat-trick in the 57th minute to give her side the lead before Layla Sharpe converted from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute to seal the 4-2 victory.
Inter Lions FC 3 defeated Camden Tigers FC 0
Inter Lions FC bounced back strongly from their Round 1 defeat with a commanding 3-0 win over Camden Tigers FC at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts opened the scoring when Jenny Hughes finished from a precise Cate Gyzen cross. Hannah Charak then produced a moment of brilliance by scoring directly from a corner to double the lead before adding her second soon after with a composed finish into the bottom corner.
With a 3-0 lead by half-time, Inter Lions FC managed the second half confidently to secure a clean sheet and their first win of the season.
The clash between Sutherland Strikers FC and Marconi Stallions FC was washed out due to weather conditions, while SD Raiders FC had the bye.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
