Round 17 Review – League One Women’s
Round 17 in the Football NSW League One Women’s competition was another compelling weekend of action which helped shape the top four.
There were six games played across the weekend, including a pair of derby contests, and it was highlighted by the Match of the Round between Marconi Stallions FC and Nepean FC.
Let’s get into the review!
Match of the Round: Marconi Stallions FC 2 defeated Nepean FC 1
Marconi Stallions FC won 2-1 against Nepean FC in the Match of the Round at Marconi Stadium #2 on Sunday night.
The Stallions maintained their advantage at the summit of the League One Women’s competition with a grinding win. Marie Herrera scored both goals, curling home in the 49th minute before slotting home a penalty in the 81st minute to make it 2-0, with Nepean FC pulling one back late.
Nepean FC battled throughout the match, with their best moments coming through Paris Staal and Ruth Wigley. Captain Tiana-Louise Barton headed home in the 88th minute to bring it back to 2-1 and set up a tense finish.
Nepean FC created the first shot of the contest, with Wigley finding space and striking a low effort that Marconi goalkeeper Elizabeth Kerkham collected comfortably.
The hosts responded soon after, with Erinn Cleghorn driving towards the box and firing an effort wide.
Buoyed by that, the Stallions went close again through their captain. Daniela Brekic strode forward and struck an effort straight at Nepean goalkeeper Laura Tredinnick in the 14th minute.
Marconi continued to apply pressure. Elana Lekov had a volley blocked from a corner as they searched for the opener.
Next, the hosts threatened from a set piece. Pene Bonovas delivered a free-kick onto the head of Charmaine Marquinez, who directed it straight at Tredinnick.
Neither side could find a goal in the opening 45 minutes of a physical encounter, and the match went into the break at 0-0.
The Stallions came out firing in the second half. Bonovas drove into the box and poked an effort just wide.
Marconi made it 1-0 in the 49th minute when Herrera was played in and curled the ball into the top corner.
Nepean pushed for an immediate equaliser. Eden Smith flew down the flank before cutting it back for Paris Staal, who skewed her effort over.
The Stallions looked to double their advantage, with Bonovas whipping a free-kick just past the post.
They were given the chance to make it 2-0 in the 81st minute when Cleghorn weaved into the box and was fouled by Nepean’s Jessica Robinson.
Herrera stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty to make it 2-0 and extend the Stallions’ lead at the top of the table.
Nepean have shown this season they will not go quietly. Barton powered home a header in the 88th minute to bring it back to 2-1.
The visitors surged forward in stoppage time in search of an equaliser, but the Stallions defence held firm to continue their unbeaten run.
Post-match, Marconi Stallions coach Michael Beauchamp reflected on a grinding encounter:
“We battled at the end there. Credit to our players, they are backing their ability and sometimes grinding out a result. When they are on the ball, some of the football they play is exceptional,” Beauchamp said.
Nepean FC boss Sean Payer was disappointed but proud of his side’s effort:
“It was a tough game, a very physical game and both teams came in to battle and we lost a close one from a penalty. I am proud of the girls working hard right to the end which is a great quality and means we put teams under pressure,” Payer said.
MATCH STATS
Marconi Stallions FC 2 (Herrera 49’, 81’)
Nepean FC 1 (Barton 88’)
Sunday 21 June 2026
Marconi Stadium #2
Referee: Kristina Hraiki
Assistant Referees: Nicholas Violentis & Justin Pantich
Marconi Stallions FC: 2. Elana Lekov, 3. Emma Voloder, 4. Daniela Brekic, 5. Erinn Cleghorn, 6. Pene Bonovas (20. Olivia Cole 78’), 8. Marie Herrera, 10. Hannah Voloder, 13. Charmaine Marquinez (30. Ava Zaami 66’), 16. Carissa Herrera, 17. Kaitlin Kiparizov (11. Michaela Rattos 78’), 34. Elizabeth Kerkham
Unused subs: Ella Stewart
Yellow cards: H. Voloder 24’, M. Herrera 41’, Brekic 50’, E. Voloder 68’
Red cards: Nil
Nepean FC: 1. Laura Tredinnick, 2. Jessica Robinson, 6. Kiera Geoghegan (16. Alyse McCutcheon 86’), 7. Kellie Wilding, 10. Ruth Wigley, 11. Paris Staal (8. Gemma Morgan 78’), 12. Tiana-Louise Barton, 15. Hannah Plaatjes (9. Lania Fili 82’), 17. Eden Smith, 19. Aaliyah Wawi (98. Jessica Anand 45’), 25. Amelia Wood
Unused subs: 21. Jasmine Crouch, 23. Catriona Haberman, 37. Ella Hewson
Yellow cards: Wawi 24’, Robinson 80’
Red cards: Nil
South Coast Flame FC 3 drew with SD Raiders FC 3
South Coast Flame FC and SD Raiders FC played out a pulsating 3-3 draw at Sir Ian McLennan Oval on Saturday evening.
It was an entertaining clash from the opening whistle to the final seconds of stoppage time. SD Raiders FC took a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute through Aoife Horgan, before Taiana Almeida fired home for 2-0 in the 35th minute to give them a two-goal lead at the break.
SD Raiders looked on course for a much-needed bounce-back after last week’s defeat, but South Coast Flame were not going away. Substitute Sariah Wilson pulled one back in the 58th minute to spark the comeback.
The visitors restored their two-goal advantage in the 67th minute through Almeida for 3-1, bringing her to 17 goals for the season. Molly Lawless gave the Flame hope in the 83rd minute, making it 3-2.
There was one final twist in stoppage time as the Flame pushed forward, with substitute Olivia Cornall finding the back of the net in the 93rd minute for 3-3 — her first goal of the season in a crucial moment for the hosts.
St George FC 2 defeated Camden Tigers FC 0
St George FC won 2-0 against Camden Tigers FC at Barton Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints continued their resurgence with another strong home performance, looking more like the side that has consistently featured in finals. Caitlin Webster opened the scoring in the 3rd minute, a lead that held until half-time.
St George were wasteful in front of goal at times but sealed the result late when Janan Codmani produced a well-taken finish in the 83rd minute.
Blacktown Spartans FC 2 defeated Blacktown City FC 1
Blacktown Spartans FC won 2-1 against Blacktown City FC in their derby clash at Blacktown Football Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Spartans retained bragging rights in an entertaining second Blacktown derby of the season. For the second week in a row, Blacktown City struck first, with Ana-Liese Lobos curling home in the 43rd minute for a 1-0 half-time lead.
The Spartans turned to their star striker, with Gemma Woolley sweeping home in the 67th minute to level the match. Substitute Isabella Grech completed the turnaround in the 82nd minute with a driving run and finish that flew into the top corner.
Central Coast Mariners FC 0 defeated by Newcastle Jets FC 3
Newcastle Jets FC defeated Central Coast Mariners FC 3-0 at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Jets completed the season sweep over their rivals and maintained their spot in the League One Women’s top four. Abi Paterson scored the opener in the 11th minute for a 1-0 half-time lead.
Paterson added a second in the 53rd minute to complete her brace, before Layla Sharpe made it 3-0 in the 58th minute.
Inter Lions FC 4 defeated Bankstown City Lions FC 2
Inter Lions FC won 4-2 against Bankstown City Lions FC at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday evening.
The Inter Lions returned to the winner’s circle in emphatic fashion against their fellow “pride” members. Kiara Coscia gave them the perfect start in the 5th minute.
Coscia then completed a first-half hat-trick with goals in the 18th and 38th minutes, sending Inter into the break 3-0 up in a dominant display.
Bankstown City pulled one back in the 75th minute through Samantha Payne, before Inter restored their three-goal cushion via substitute Jenny Hughes in the 77th minute. Stephanie Ambrose added a late consolation for Bankstown in the 79th minute.
Sutherland Strikers FC had the bye
