Round 11 Review – League One Women’s
Round 11 of the Football NSW League One Women’s competition delivered another action-packed weekend, featuring exciting contests, dramatic momentum swings, and key results that continue to shape the ladder.
Across six matches on Sunday, teams battled hard for crucial points, headlined by the Match of the Round between Sutherland Strikers FC and Blacktown Spartans FC. Let’s dive into the review.
Match of the Round: Sutherland Strikers FC 3 defeated Blacktown Spartans FC 1
Sutherland Strikers FC produced a strong second-half surge to defeat Blacktown Spartans FC 3-1 at Harrie Dening Centre on Sunday evening.
The Strikers responded in style after recent setbacks, delivering a statement performance and some superb goals against a genuine contender. Jasmine Maguire gave the hosts a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute, before Blacktown hit back through Gemma Woolley to send the sides into half-time level at 1-1.
After the break, Sutherland lifted another gear. Ami Takitani restored the lead in the 60th minute before Ebony Freeman produced a highlight-reel strike just three minutes later to seal the win in spectacular fashion.
For Blacktown Spartans FC, it was a frustrating afternoon as they were unable to control the game at their preferred tempo. Despite Woolley’s equaliser and periods of attacking pressure, they were ultimately overrun in the second half.
The first chance of the match came from a set piece, with Lili Rosandic delivering a dangerous free-kick that caused early issues for the Spartans defence.
Sutherland started brightly, with Maguire testing Spartans keeper Alexis Tan, while the visitors soon found their rhythm as Maya Prostan and Rita Boateng both threatened in attack.
The Strikers struck first in the 26th minute when Matilda McParland threaded a precise pass through for Maguire, who calmly slotted into the bottom corner for 1-0.
Blacktown responded quickly, with Woolley finding space inside the box and curling home in the 30th minute to level the contest.
Buoyed by the equaliser, the Spartans finished the half strongly with Sheiden Jabour forcing a save and another effort cleared off the line.
The second half opened with intensity from both sides. Takitani came close with a chipped effort before eventually making no mistake in the 60th minute, volleying home from a recycled corner to make it 2-1.
Just three minutes later, Freeman sealed the result with a stunning strike into the top corner, putting the Strikers firmly in control.
Blacktown continued to push late, with Eleonora Daga and Jabour both testing the defence, but Sutherland held firm to secure a crucial three points.
Post-match, Sutherland Strikers FC coach Guillermo Rubio praised his side’s intensity and execution:
“We have competed well in every game and tonight we showed we can compete at the top level against those sides. The game plan was followed to a tee and the most important thing for me is the effort we produce. We talked at half-time about going up an extra gear and I think we did that well tonight.”
Blacktown Spartans FC coach Andrew Ienna admitted his side fell short of their standards:
“I am very disappointed to be honest, we didn’t control the game at the pace we wanted to and couldn’t connect our passes tonight. Well done to Sutherland for getting the win tonight.”
St George FC 1 drew with Nepean FC 1
St George FC and Nepean FC shared the points in a dramatic 1-1 draw at Barton Park.
It marks back-to-back draws for an injury-hit St George side, who will feel this was another opportunity missed in their push up the ladder.
After a tense, goalless opening, the game exploded into life in stoppage time. Jordan Baker looked to have secured all three points for St George FC with a 93rd-minute strike, only for Nepean FC captain Tiana-Louise Barton to respond in the 95th minute, sweeping home from a corner to rescue a dramatic equaliser.
St George FC will be left wondering what more they need to do to secure victory.
Camden Tigers FC 1 defeated by Newcastle Jets FC 3
Newcastle Jets FC returned to winning ways with a solid 3-1 victory over Camden Tigers FC at Ron Dine Reserve.
The Jets struck early through Aaliyah Kilroy in the 4th minute and held their advantage until half-time despite strong resistance from the Tigers.
Camden responded after the break with Trinity Gibson levelling the score in the 52nd minute, but the Jets quickly reasserted control. Layla Sharpe restored the lead in the 68th minute before Hope Cleur added a third just a minute later to seal the result.
Central Coast Mariners FC 2 defeated by SD Raiders FC 4
League leaders SD Raiders FC continued their dominant season with a 4-2 comeback win over Central Coast Mariners FC at Pluim Park.
The Mariners struck first through Claire Denning in the 9th minute and held their lead until just before half-time, when Christina Putrus levelled the scores.
The Raiders took full control after the break. Taiana Almeida put them ahead in the 50th minute, before Anjelina Katsoras made it 3-1 shortly after.
Peyton Scollay pulled one back for the Mariners in the 73rd minute to set up a tense finish, but Almeida completed her brace a minute later to secure all three points.
Bankstown City Lions FC 1 drew with South Coast Flame FC 1
Bankstown City Lions FC earned a hard-fought point in a 1-1 draw with South Coast Flame FC at Jensen Park.
Samantha Payne gave the Lions the lead in the 15th minute, a goal they carried into half-time after a disciplined first-half display.
The Flame fought back strongly after the break and found their equaliser through Shaylee Meehan in the 80th minute to secure a share of the points.
Inter Lions FC 3 defeated Blacktown City FC 1
Inter Lions FC claimed a vital 3-1 win over Blacktown City FC at Majors Bay Reserve, moving off the bottom of the ladder in the process.
After a tight first half, Jenny Hughes opened the scoring in the 48th minute. Blacktown City responded through Layla Hamden’s corner equaliser in the 55th minute.
However, Inter Lions regained control with Alyssa Walsh scoring on debut in the 60th minute before Kiara Coscia sealed the win in the 70th minute.
Marconi Stallions FC had the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
