It has been a long and intense season, but with only two rounds remaining, the finals are close to being locked in after some big results this weekend.
Lindfield and West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook both won big, whilst Hornsby Heights had a statement victory over second-placed Northbridge. Beecroft and Epping played out a 1-1 draw, whilst Northern Galaxy got back on track with a win. Putney challenged again but came up short against Normanhurst Eagles.
Hornsby Heights FC 3 – 0 Northbridge FC
Northbridge entered the clash on the back of an outstanding season, having narrowly missed out on the premiership in their previous outing. Hornsby Heights, meanwhile, arrived in excellent form and were determined to make a statement on home soil.
The hosts wasted no time taking control of the contest. Mia Hing opened the scoring after just four minutes before Saba Murray doubled the advantage soon after. Grace Perring then capped off a blistering start, finding the back of the net to make it 3-0 inside the opening 17 minutes.
Hornsby Heights continued to dictate proceedings for the remainder of the first half, taking their three-goal advantage into the break.
Northbridge emerged with renewed intent in the second half, looking to mount a comeback, but the Heights defence stood firm. The visitors were unable to break through as Hornsby Heights comfortably saw out an impressive 3-0 victory.
The result leaves Hornsby Heights well placed for finals, and they will wait to see what will be required of them in the last game to secure a top four finish, depending on how WPHC go next weekend. Northbridge, meanwhile, will be looking to respond strongly as they aim to lock in a home semi-final.
Lindfield FC 6 – 1 North Sydney United
Lindfield have carried plenty of momentum since their State Cup triumph and know a strong finish to the regular season could set them up for a competitive finals run. North Sydney United, meanwhile, were looking to end a difficult post-split campaign on a positive note.
It was a closely contested opening half at Charles Bean Oval, with both sides creating opportunities in search of the breakthrough. Lindfield eventually found the opener in the 20th minute through Sophia Hamilton, and despite chances at both ends, the visitors took a slender 1-0 lead into the break.
Lindfield wasted little time extending their advantage after half-time, with Molly Woods scoring just three minutes into the second half. The goal sparked an attacking onslaught as the visitors took control of the contest. Hamilton grabbed her second of the afternoon before Woods added two more goals to complete a superb hat-trick before the 78th minute. Lilly Redding also got on the scoresheet to cap off an impressive team performance.
Audrey Suckling pulled back a consolation for North Sydney United, but ultimately Lindfield cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory.
The result keeps Lindfield firmly in the hunt for second place, while also providing plenty of confidence heading into the finals series.
Congratulations to Molly Woods, who is the Player of the Round after a stunning Hat-Trick in a strong victory for Lindfield.
Northern Galaxy 2 – 1 Macquarie Dragons
Northern Galaxy entered the match looking to respond after a disappointing result the previous week. Standing in their way were Macquarie Dragons, with the two sides having produced similar results throughout the season.
It was an entertaining first half at Berowra Oval, with both teams trading blows early. Georgia Waite gave Galaxy the perfect start, opening the scoring after 10 minutes, but the Dragons hit back soon after through Ashley Robinson to level the scores. With both sides searching for the advantage before the break, it was Waite who struck again, restoring Galaxy’s lead and sending the hosts into half-time with a 2-1 advantage.
Macquarie Dragons came out with intent in the second half, pushing hard for an equaliser and creating plenty of pressure as the game wore on. However, Northern Galaxy’s defence stood firm, protecting their one-goal lead and ensuring they claimed an important 2-1 victory.
The win sees Northern Galaxy finish level with Macquarie Dragons on points but remain behind on goal difference. With the lower-half finals beginning next week, Macquarie Dragons will take on Beecroft, while Northern Galaxy face Epping with a place in the final on the line.
Rest of the Round
Beecroft and Epping played out a 1-1 draw, which Beecroft will take confidence from should they meet again in the Grand Final. Putney Rangers competed again in their final game of the season, but Normanhurst Eagles came out as 2-1 winners, with both sides unable to make the finals.
West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook defeated the Flying Bats 6-1, keeping their finals hopes alive with two games remaining for them to play.
League Table
