Salute for new NPLW champions Perth SC
It was a day of celebration at Dorrien Gardens on Saturday as Perth SC played their first game since winning the NPLWA – Women’s title.
There was a nice touch before kick-off as Tom Glavovic’s side were afforded a guard of honour from the players and coaches of the Azzurri and Olympic Kingsway men’s teams, who had just completed their NPLM fixture.
NPLW RESULTS, FIXTURES & STANDINGS
For the second time in four days, Perth faced Balcatta Etna, whom they had defeated 3-1 in midweek to clinch the league. On this occasion, the points were shared 1-1.
Perth were in front on 64 minutes courtesy of a Kim McCartney free-kick. Etna levelled six minutes later when two former Azzurri players combined, Jaime Duncanson’s cross finished from close range by Abbey Meakins.
The draw means Balcatta drop out of the top four, although they should still qualify for the post-season competition based on their three games in hand over fourth-placed Fremantle City. They will return to the top four should they win at Murdoch University Melville on Wednesday in one of their catch-up games (7.45pm).
Perth RedStar moved back into the top two of the NPLW on Sunday as Jayna Ridley scored three and set up another two in a 6-0 win against MUM FC.
The result means RedStar will earn a double chance as they look to defend their Top Four Cup should they defeat Balcatta next week, while MUM FC are guaranteed to finish bottom of the league having so far picked up a single point.
Ridley put RedStar ahead after six minutes when nodding in after Renee Leota’s initial effort hit the bar, before turning supplier when teeing up Jay Coleman for a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes.
Ridley was at the double when latching onto Abbey Woolley’s ball over the top before Alkira Mogridge scored her first NPL goal with Ridley once again supplying the cross from the right.
The forward completed a hat-trick when collecting Leota’s through ball and finishing one-on-one past the goalkeeper, before Mogridge capped the win when finishing from a tight angle.
Ella Mastrantonio forced Jess Skinner into a low save with MUM FC’s best effort of the second half, but the wait for a first win of the season continued as Chris Atturo’s side bounced back after two straight losses.
RedStar were able to move up to second spot after Subiaco claimed a 2-1 victory over Hyundai Football West Academy in one of three games played on Saturday afternoon.
Skipper Klaudia Houlis had the Academy ahead after a quarter of an hour, but Subiaco were swiftly levelled when Savannah Oolsthorn raced clear and put into the bottom corner.
Oolsthorn scored what proved to be the winner on 27 minutes when latching onto a through ball from Nikayla Hughes and hitting the back of the net. Subiaco need one win in their final two matches to record their highest points tally in the NPL era, while the Academy need a result at champions Perth to stand a chance of a top-two finish.
Finally, Fremantle City have moved into fourth, a point clear of Balcatta, after Abbey Green scored a hat-trick in a comfortable 7-0 win at UWA Nedlands.
Mia Yeo had Sam Geddes’ side out of blocks quickly with a firm finish on two minutes from Leyna Wood’s cutback.
Yeo collected Sophie Meaden’s pass to curl home a nicely taken second before Green scored the first of her treble from close range following a one-two with Meaden.
UWA’s task was made harder a minute after the restart when Amy Hartley was shown a red card for a last-ditch handball with Wood scoring the resulting penalty for 4-0.
Wood completed a quickfire brace when slotting into the corner from the edge of the box before Green beat the offside trap twice to bring up 15 goals of the season and make it seven before the hour.
