Freo look to halt NTC run

Round Six of the NPLWA – Women’s competition on Sunday features a repeat of last year’s Top Four Cup semi-final as Fremantle City host Hyundai NTC.

City are starting to find their groove after starting the season with two defeats, with their current three-game unbeaten run putting them into fourth position.

And while Faye Chambers’ side have played a game more than three teams below them, a win against the unbeaten league leaders on Sunday will put them back within striking distance of the title race again if other results go their way.

NTC are fresh off a 3-1 win over previous pacesetters Perth SC and go into this fixture full of confidence having collected four wins from their four games. It means Ben Anderton’s team are two points clear at the summit with a game in hand over the Azzurri and Perth RedStar.

The last time they faced Freo on the road was in last year’s elimination match at Wauhop Park when goals from Ischia Brooking and Tanika Lala gave the youngsters a 2-0 win.

In other Round Six matches, Balcatta welcome Murdoch University Melville to Grindleford Reserve in a meeting between sixth and fifth Both teams will look to capitalise on any slip-up from Fremantle and end the weekend in the top four places. MUM FC collected their first win since the opening weekend having put 10 past Curtin on Friday night and they sit a couple of points clear of Etna, who are three games without victory.

Tim Cash’s team have been boosted by the arrival of Perth Glory midfielder Sadie Lawrence, who could make her debut against the team she won league titles with in 2020 and 2021. 

Subiaco will have not been playing abdly but will want to return to winning ways when they face Perth RedStar at Rosalie Park. Greg Farrell’s side narrowly lost 1-0 at Fremantle last weekend while their previous home game saw them fall just short of an eye-catching comeback against NTC.

RedStar are unbeaten since the opening round loss to NTC, with Carlos Vega Mena’s team yet to concede a goal since that 2-0 defeat. The defending champions won this fixture 1-0 last season thanks to a goal from Sarah Carroll and are looking to protect a 100% record against Subi in the NPL  era.  

Perth SC will expect to hit back from their first defeat of 2023 when they face bottom club Curtin University at Dorrien Gardens. The visitors are yet to register a point this term and are still waiting for a maiden goal this campaign, having conceded 46.

Fixtures

Sunday (3pm unless stated)
Balcatta Etna v MUM FC
Fremantle City v Hyundai NTC
Subiaco v Perth RedStar (3.45pm)
Perth SC v Curtin University (4pm)