Round 11 of the Women’s Premier League saw a massive Match of the Round clash between UTS and WPHC, in which UTS picked up all three points. Northbridge, Lindfield, the Flying Bats and Macquarie Dragons got wins, whilst Epping got a well-earned draw against an inform Hornsby Heights side.
Northbridge FC 2 – 1 Beecroft FC
Northbridge needed to take all three points in this clash if they were to keep up with the top in the hunt for the title. Beecroft remained yet to draw coming into this one, winning 4 and losing 5.
The game was evenly matched early in the first half, but it was Northbridge who pushed to find the back of the net and did so twice with a quickfire double through Jenna Kim and Valerie Change in the 27th and 31st minutes. They kept the scoreline at 2-0 going into halftime, looking to build on it in the second half.
Beecroft came out of the blocks quickly, with Shelba Vala getting one back for the away side in the 48th minute. This set up a tense second half, in which Beecroft looked to take a valuable point against one of the most inform sides this season.
Despite their efforts, it was not to be, and Northbridge saw out a 2-1 victory. The three points were valuable, keeping them in touching distance of the top of the ladder.
Northern Galaxy 3 – 6 Flying Bats FC
The Flying Bats entered this clash in red-hot form, having won their previous three matches, while Northern Galaxy were also full of confidence after defeating Macquarie Dragons the week before and were eager to secure another important victory on home soil.
The start to the game in Berowra was the most remarkable opening to a match all season. Lauren West fired Northern Galaxy ahead in the opening moments, only for Riley Dennis to respond immediately and level the scores straight away. Dennis then struck again in the fourth minute to give the Flying Bats a 2-1 lead, but the drama was far from over.
Galaxy hit back spectacularly through West, who scored twice to complete an incredible hat-trick in just 16 minutes and restore her side’s advantage at 3-2. The frantic pace continued as Dennis scored twice more in the 25th and 32nd minutes to complete a first-half haul of four goals and send the Flying Bats into the break with a 4-3 lead.
While the second half couldn’t quite match the chaos of the opening 45 minutes, the Flying Bats remained in control. Matilda Vaughan added her name to the scoresheet before Dennis completed a five-goal masterclass, sealing a 6-3 victory for the visitors.
Congratulations to Lauren West, whose sensational 16-minute hat-trick for Northern Galaxy earns her Player of the Round honours.
West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC 0 – 3 UTS FC
This was a crucial clash in the title race, with West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook eager to bounce back from last week’s defeat and close the gap on the league leaders. For UTS, victory would ensure they remained on top of the ladder.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both sides battling for control. UTS eventually found the breakthrough in the 31st minute when Hannah Macri converted to give the visitors a deserved lead. Despite chances at both ends, the score remained 1-0 heading into the halftime break.
UTS came out strongly after the restart and doubled their advantage early in the second half through the ever-reliable Stefanie Aisbett. The league leaders continued to apply pressure and were rewarded again in the 78th minute when their attacking intent forced an own goal, putting the result beyond doubt.
It was another composed and professional performance from UTS, who controlled the game well and secured a convincing 3-0 victory. The result keeps them two points clear at the top of the table and extends their outstanding winning streak to six consecutive matches as they continue to set the pace in the title race.
Hornsby Heights FC 2 – 2 Epping FC
Hornsby Heights entered the clash in strong form, looking to build on their victory from the previous week. Epping FC had been inconsistent throughout the season but arrived at Montview Oval confident they could challenge the hosts.
The home side made the perfect start, taking the lead just two minutes into the match through Jasmine Karlsson. However, Epping responded well to the early setback and found an equaliser in the 15th minute, with Karen Koh bringing the visitors back level.
The contest remained evenly poised throughout the first half, but Heights regained the advantage eight minutes before the break when Cheyenne Dearie found the back of the net, sending her side into halftime with a 2-1 lead.
Epping came out determined after the interval and pushed hard for another equaliser against a disciplined Heights defence. Their persistence was eventually rewarded in the 69th minute when Zolzaya Amrabat converted to make it 2-2.
Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, with the points ultimately shared at full-time. The result gives Epping a positive platform to build on ahead of their clash with Northbridge next week, while Heights will turn their attention to another difficult test against the in-form Flying Bats.
Lindfield FC 5 – 0 Normanhurst Eagles
Lindfield knew all three points were vital if they were to keep pace with the league leaders in what continues to be a fiercely contested race at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Normanhurst travelled to Charles Bean determined to frustrate the home side and make life difficult.
The visitors executed their game plan well in the opening half, restricting Lindfield’s attacking opportunities and ensuring the scores remained locked at 0-0 heading into the break. With the match still up for grabs, Lindfield needed a response in the second half.
That response came quickly after halftime, with Emma Hochart breaking the deadlock in the 52nd minute. The goal sparked the home side into life, and they began to take control of the contest. Molly Woods doubled the advantage in the 67th minute before Taylor Ireland and Bronte Finegan added their names to the scoresheet, with Hochart completing her brace to cap off an impressive attacking display.
The convincing victory sees Lindfield climb one place up the ladder and move to within three points of the league leaders, although they have played one game more than UTS.
League Table
