Just two games were played this week in the Women’s Premier League, with the lower half taking the week off before the finals. In the top half, UTS took on Lindfield in a massive clash between the Premier League Champions and State Cup Champions. North Sydney United hosted West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook in a match that the away side needed to win to stay in finals contention.
North Sydney United 1 – 2 West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook FC
West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook needed at least a point to keep their finals hopes alive, but all three points were the ultimate goal. Standing in their way were North Sydney United, who were looking to turn around a difficult run of recent form and cause an upset.
It was a dream start for the visitors, with Natasha Hartley opening the scoring in just the 5th minute. The early goal gave West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook the perfect platform, but North Sydney United refused to let the game slip away.
Their pressure eventually paid off, with Zoe Seeley finding the equaliser in the 29th minute. Parity lasted just two minutes, however, as Hartley struck again to restore the visitors’ lead and complete her brace. West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook took their 2-1 advantage into the break.
North Sydney United came out firing after halftime, searching for a way back into the contest and hoping Seeley could find the net for a second time. They pushed forward, but West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook defended resolutely, driven by the prospect of keeping their finals dream alive.
The visitors held firm through the second half, securing a crucial 2-1 victory and all three points.
The result leaves West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook just one point outside the finals places heading into the final game of the season. They now face a tough test against UTS, knowing a win would be enough to give their finals hopes a huge boost and potentially seal their place in the final four.
UTS FC 2 – 1 Lindfield FC
UTS have been fantastic this season but faced their toughest test yet up against an in-form Lindfield side. Whichever side came out on top in this one would build extra confidence ahead of the finals series.
Lindfield came out strong in the opening minutes of the clash, going close a few times. UTS were able to find their feet and started to create chances early too. They found the opener through Ashleigh Trupiano, who had the ball fall to her feet from a corner. From this moment, UTS began to assert dominance in the match, extending their lead 16 minutes later through Emily De Freitas, putting them in a strong position heading into half-time.
Facing a 2-goal deficit, Lindfield had to work hard to get back into this one. They started the second half strongly, beginning to push to bring a goal back. They were able to do so in the 57th minute, as Molly Woods found the back of the net after threatening all evening.
Lindfield looked for a way back in, but UTS proved why they are already the Champions this season. They expertly defended, seeing out a 2-1 victory. The win was even better as they got to officially lift the trophy post game, cementing themselves as champions in an incredible season.
Congratulations to Emily De Freitas, who is the Player of the Round after another important goal for UTS.
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