Round 8 Review – League One Women’s
Round 8 of the Football NSW League One Women’s competition delivered another fascinating weekend of action, featuring big wins, exciting finishes, and plenty of passion as teams continued to jostle for position.
There were six matches across the weekend, headlined by the Match of the Round between South Coast Flame FC and Newcastle Jets FC.
Let’s dive into the review.
Match of the Round: South Coast Flame FC 0 drew with Newcastle Jets FC 0
Points were shared in a 0-0 draw between South Coast Flame FC and Newcastle Jets FC at Sir Ian McLennan Oval.
Both sides strode out onto a sun-drenched pitch for this crucial top-four clash, and the game began at a lively tempo with each team looking to push forward early.
South Coast created the first real chance, with Chrystal Duggan shooting straight at Jets goalkeeper Allie Boertje. Shaylee Meehan then tried her luck, driving forward before unleashing a shot that sailed over the crossbar.
The Flame looked dangerous in behind, particularly through Meehan, who broke the offside trap but couldn’t bring the ball under control. Set pieces also proved a key avenue, with Alexis Malizis delivering a dangerous free-kick in the 22nd minute that Duggan met but steered wide. Another Malizis corner soon after was nodded just past the post.
Aaliyah Kilroy was central to the Jets’ best moments in the first half, driving into the box and firing into the side netting in the 45th minute.
The visitors started the second half strongly. Makayla Clifton surged down the wing and cut the ball back for Layla Sharpe, whose effort was comfortably saved by Flame custodian Sophie Emery.
Newcastle continued to press, with Mackenzie Preston-Poole sending an effort narrowly wide as the match searched for a breakthrough. The Jets began to rack up corners, but the Flame defence held firm.
Lillia Rae was pushed further forward and nearly found the opener, guiding a shot wide from inside the box. The Jets had one final opportunity in stoppage time from a free-kick on the edge of the area, but it struck the defensive wall.
Despite both sides’ efforts, neither could find the decisive goal, and the match ended in a hard-fought stalemate.
SD Raiders FC 8 defeated Bankstown City Lions FC 1
SD Raiders FC recorded a dominant 8-1 victory over Bankstown City Lions FC at Cirillo Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts made a blistering start, with Taiana Almeida opening the scoring in the 7th minute after a shot rebounded off the crossbar. Just two minutes later, Abigail Boag doubled the lead to cap off an electric opening.
Almeida continued her outstanding form, adding a second in the 22nd minute before an own goal made it 4-0 in the 33rd. She completed her hat-trick before half-time, giving SD Raiders a commanding 5-0 lead at the break.
The second half brought more of the same, with Almeida scoring her fourth to make it 6-0. Bankstown pulled one back through top scorer Karen Bennett in the 55th minute, but the response was swift.
Substitute Anjelina Katsoras made an immediate impact off the bench to score, before Sharina Harris capped off the performance with a शानदार strike in the 77th minute that clipped the crossbar on its way in, sealing an emphatic 8-1 result.
Central Coast Mariners FC 5 defeated Camden Tigers FC 1
Central Coast Mariners FC claimed a convincing 5-1 win over Camden Tigers FC at Ron Dine Reserve.
The visitors got off to a flying start, with Eliza Familton opening the scoring in the 4th minute. Peyton Scollay then took control of the contest, scoring twice in quick succession in the 9th and 11th minutes.
Scollay completed a remarkable first-half hat-trick inside ten minutes, giving the Mariners a 4-0 lead at the break.
Camden responded early in the second half, with Eve Wilson scoring in the 47th minute to make it 4-1. However, the Mariners maintained control, and Scollay added her fourth goal late in the match to seal a dominant 5-1 victory.
Marconi Stallions FC 2 defeated St George FC 0
Marconi Stallions FC secured a 2-0 win over St George FC at Marconi Stadium.
The victory marked their fourth consecutive win and lifted them into the top four. Erinn Cleghorn opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a quality strike, before Pene Bonovas converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to double the lead.
St George came out strongly after the break, but the Stallions defence stood firm to secure the clean sheet—just their second of the season—in an impressive all-round performance.
Blacktown City FC 1 drew with Sutherland Strikers FC 1
Blacktown City FC and Sutherland Strikers FC played out a 1-1 draw at Landen Stadium.
The Strikers struck early, with Lili Rosandic scoring from a corner in the 5th minute. Blacktown responded quickly, as Molly Reckless headed home from a set piece in the 12th minute.
Both sides pushed for a winner in a tightly contested encounter, but neither could break the deadlock, settling for a point apiece.
Nepean FC 1 defeated Inter Lions FC 0
Nepean FC edged out Inter Lions FC with a 1-0 win at Majors Bay Reserve.
After a goalless first half, the breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Eden Smith rifled home her fourth goal of the season.
Nepean held firm under late pressure from Inter Lions to secure a valuable three points and bounce back from last week’s defeat.
Blacktown Spartans FC had the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
