By Georgie Lewis 22/7/25
With just a few rounds remaining, Round 20 delivered key results that have tightened the battle for fourth and given Bulls FC Academy control at the top of the ladder.
Match of the Round – Northern Tigers 0-1 Gladesville Ravens
Ravens extended their unbeaten run to six games with a deserved 1-0 win over Northern Tigers. Alyssa Ng Saad scored a late winner—her 13th of the season—with a brilliant curling finish into the top corner. Ravens controlled much of the match and created the better chances, while Tigers never looked like threatening consistently. With Tigers’ finals hopes already over before this game, Ravens continue to build momentum as they push for a strong finish.
NWS Spirit 2-0 Manly United
A huge result in the finals race. Spirit took control of the match after halftime and punished Manly through two brilliant finishes from Siena Hawkins, who stepped up with a double to seal the points. Skye Halmarick provided the assist for her opener, while Beth Gordon continued her dominant season in midfield.
For Spirit, it’s a result that keeps them firmly in the hunt for that last finals spot, while for Manly, it’s a costly loss in what’s becoming a tight battle for fourth.
UNSW 2-1 Sydney Olympic
UNSW claimed a 2-1 win over Olympic, their second straight victory. While the win keeps them in the conversation mathematically, they’re realistically outsiders in the finals race at this stage. Olympic competed well but couldn’t find an equaliser late, as their difficult season continues.
Illawarra Stingrays 0-1 Bulls FC Academy
Bulls took control of the premiership race with a narrow but important 1-0 win over Stingrays in the top-of-the-table clash. Isabella Coco-Di Sipio scored from a corner to put Bulls ahead, and Mio Nemoto made a massive penalty save to preserve the lead. Bulls were disciplined and composed, showing why they’re top of the table with only a few rounds to go.
Newcastle Jets 0-4 APIA Leichhardt
APIA kept their finals push alive with a commanding 4-0 win over the Jets. Goals from Sophie Hoban, Ashlie Crofts, Ashlee Brodigan, and Estelle Fragale saw them take full control in the second half. APIA are now in red-hot form after four straight wins and their Sapphire Cup victory—firmly placing themselves as serious contenders for fourth.
Western Sydney Wanderers 4-5 Macarthur Rams
The most chaotic match of the round, with Rams coming from 4-2 down to win 5-4 against Wanderers in a wild relegation battle. Amelia Cassar, India Breier, and Sakura Nojima were all key for Macarthur as they pulled off a massive late comeback to grab three crucial points.
Sydney University 2-1 Mt Druitt Town Rangers
Sydney Uni’s late-season form continued with another upset, this time against Mt Druitt. Goals from Charlotte Hogan and Kiara Bonora gave Uni a 2-1 win, continuing their run as the league’s surprise giant-killers. For Rangers, that’s more dropped points, though they remain top with games in hand.
Ladder Picture
Bulls are now in control of the premiership race. The battle for fourth is realistically between APIA, Spirit, and Manly—with UNSW needing results elsewhere to go their way to have a real shot. With APIA facing Bulls and Spirit taking on Mt Druitt in the final round, this top-four race looks set to go right to the wire.
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