By Georgina Lewis
Above Photo by Georgina Lewis
Round 16 of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition delivered plenty of drama, with key battles across the park shaping the race for the finals. From shock wins to red cards and breakout performances, here’s how it all unfolded.
Match of the Round: Mt Druitt Town Rangers 1–0 Manly United
A single moment of class from Leena Khamis sealed a gritty win for Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park. The veteran striker struck early in the second half to keep her side at the summit of the table. Manly United’s task was made harder when Grace Arnold was shown red for a last-player challenge on Khamis, as Mt Druitt closed out a statement win at home.
NWS Spirit 2–2 Sydney University
It was a first-half frenzy at Christie Park as Sydney University took an early 2–0 lead through two sublime free-kicks from Talia Kapetanellis. But Spirit didn’t stay quiet for long—goals from Ariana Stoltzfus and Skye Halmarick inside five minutes brought the hosts level before the break.
The chaos continued into the second half, with Uni keeper Sofia Fante sent off late for a last-ditch challenge outside the box. Still, neither side could find a winner in a game full of momentum shifts and individual brilliance.
Northern Tigers 1–2 Sydney Olympic
Sydney Olympic’s charge up the ladder continued with a gritty 2–1 win over the Northern Tigers. The hosts opened the scoring through Haley Johnson just before the half, but Olympic’s pressure told in the second 45. Peta Trimis equalised after Jasmine Black parried Aideen Keane’s effort, before Keane netted the winner in the 78th minute following smart work from Tiana Fuller and Rochelle Borromeo. Olympic have now won five straight and are charging out of the relegation zone with purpose.
Bulls FC Academy 3–0 Newcastle Jets
Nine games unbeaten and now firmly in the finals conversation, Bulls FC Academy dispatched the struggling Newcastle Jets 3–0 at Northbridge Oval. Petria Phillips pounced on a defensive error to open the scoring late in the first half, before Amber Luchtmeijer converted from the spot early in the second after drawing a penalty. Gemma Ferris capped things off with a sharp volley from a set-piece in the 63rd minute. For the Jets, the wait for a win goes on.
UNSW 3–1 APIA Leichhardt
UNSW turned on the style at The Village Green with a blistering first-half performance against APIA. Angelique Hristodoulou opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick in the 5th minute before Annalise Rasmussen and Hristodoulou again—this time from the spot—had the home side cruising at 3–0 by the 29th minute.
Te Reremoana Walker pulled one back for APIA early in the second half, but the visitors couldn’t mount a full comeback. UNSW snapped a two-game losing streak, while APIA’s Premiership hopes took a serious dent.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1–1 Illawarra Stingrays
Alvina Khoshaba’s thunderous free-kick gave the Wanderers a surprise lead at Wanderers Football Park, but the Stingrays hit back through Sofia Christopherson’s poacher’s finish from a set piece. The draw halts Illawarra’s recovery after last week’s heavy defeat to Mt Druitt, while Western Sydney showed resilience as they continue to push for relevance in their debut season.
Macarthur Rams 0–4 Gladesville Ravens
Allyssa Ng Saad lit up Lynwood Park with a sensational hat-trick as the Ravens ran riot over Macarthur Rams. The forward opened the scoring in the 6th minute, added a second after a sharp counter in the 65th, and completed her treble with a cool chip in the 81st. Bianca Galic also got on the scoresheet with a composed header from a set piece.
It’s a crushing fifth straight loss for the Rams, whose survival hopes grow more fragile by the round. Meanwhile, the Ravens continue to put daylight between themselves and the drop zone.
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