NPLW WA Night Series Semi-Final Review

Words by Ben Gilby, photography from Denyse McCulloch (18/3/24)

Above: Balcatta Etna celebrate in their 2-0 semi-final win over Fremantle City. Photo supplied to Impetus 71 by: Denyse McCulloch.

This coming Saturday will see a repeat of the thrilling 2022 Night Series Final as Balcatta Etna face off against Perth RedStar after both teams won their semi-finals at the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Friday night.

Much-changed for 2024 and under the guidance of new head coach Pete Rakic, Balcatta have been in hugely impressive form during their four matches in the Night Series to date which included a 2-0 win last weekend over RedStar in the final round of group-stage games.

However, that will count for nothing in Saturday’s Final as Carlos Vega Mena’s side will be coming out all guns blazing to put that result to behind them and lift yet more silverware.

In Friday’s last four encounters, Balcatta Etna defeated Fremantle City 2-0 thanks to goals from close season signings Alyssa van Heurck and Abbey Meakins after the interval.

Denyse McCulloch’s photo gallery from Balcatta Etna v Fremantle City:

Perth RedStar booked yet another spot in a Final after seeing off Perth SC. RedStar have generally found a way to defeat the Azzurri in the games that matter and this was the case once more in their semi-final showdown thanks to a hat-trick from former Perth Glory star Caitlin Doeglas.

Saturday’s Final, which kicks off at 7:15pm local time at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, should be a fascinating prelude to the new NPLW WA season which begins the following weekend with Balcatta Etna and Perth RedStar, both highly fancied for further honours in 2024, going head to head.