By Georgie Lewis 5/7/25
Above: Ash Brodigan. Photo Georgie Lewis
Torrential rain couldn’t dampen the drama in Round 22 of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition, as several sides made key statements in their push for the top four — and others slipped just when it mattered most.
Match of the Round: Manly United 1–1 Bulls FC Academy
Cromer Park
In a clash played under grim skies and swirling wind at Cromer Park, ladder leaders Bulls FC Academy were forced to settle for a point after a late penalty saw Manly United snatch a 1-1 draw.
The Bulls were the sharper of the two sides early, with Isabella Coco Di Sipio a constant threat. After forcing Nicole Simonsen into a strong save and nearly scoring with a flicked header, Di Sipio eventually broke through on the stroke of halftime — rising highest from a corner to nod home her 11th goal of the season.
The second half was wide open, with both teams pushing for a decisive goal. The Bulls had a golden opportunity to double their lead when Jynaya Dos Santos threaded Di Sipio through one-on-one, only for her effort to fly over the bar.
Manly were handed a lifeline late in the match after Anita Zordan was fouled inside the box. The midfielder stepped up to take the penalty and, despite Mio Nemoto getting a hand to it, buried the equaliser.
The final minutes saw end-to-end action, but neither side could find a winner in a thrilling conclusion.
NWS Spirit 0–3 APIA Leichhardt
Christie Park
APIA Leichhardt strengthened their finals credentials with a dominant 3-0 win over NWS Spirit at Christie Park — their fifth victory in six games.
Jessica Seaman opened the scoring from a set piece, powering a header past Tiahna Robertson despite the keeper getting a touch. The goal celebration took an amusing turn as Seaman tumbled over a teammate, but she was quickly back on her feet to celebrate.
A ruthless counterattack made it 2-0 before the break, as Sophie Hoban intercepted in midfield and released Ashlie Crofts, who teed up Charlotte Lancaster for a clinical finish.
Crofts then capped off the performance in the 82nd minute, reacting fastest after Robertson parried a Claudia Cicco header and poking home from close range.
UNSW 3–1 Gladesville Ravens
The Village Green
UNSW made a major statement on Saturday evening, bringing Gladesville Ravens’ seven-game unbeaten run to an end with a convincing 3-1 victory.
The deadlock was broken just before halftime when a Ravens handball inside the box gifted UNSW a penalty. Aya Yamahata stepped up and slotted it home with confidence.
Ten minutes after the break, Georgia Plessas doubled the lead with a dipping shot from distance that squirmed under Sham Khamis’ gloves and over the line.
Abbey Lemon added a third shortly after coming on, finding the net in the 71st minute to seal the result. Eliza Familton scored a late consolation for the Ravens, but the three points were already in UNSW’s grasp.
Macarthur Rams 1–4 Illawarra Stingrays
Lynwood Park
The Stingrays returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Macarthur Rams, powered by a standout first-half showing.
Caitlin Cooper opened the scoring with a tidy left-footed finish from range after holding off her defender. Minutes later, Ella Giles made it two — slotting home after a well-worked move involving Tara Cannon and Sofia Christopherson.
Siobhan Edwards grabbed a third before the break with a thunderous volley after latching onto a loose ball in the box.
The Rams pulled one back in the 63rd minute when Sophia Brokenshire pounced on a rebound following a strong save from Brianna Edwards, but the Stingrays had the last word. In the dying minutes, Edwards capped off her standout performance with a composed finish after a give-and-go at the top of the box.
Newcastle Jets 1–0 Sydney Olympic
Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
The Jets finally got their reward for weeks of improvement, securing a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Sydney Olympic at home.
After a cagey first half that ended goalless, Newcastle found their opener just two minutes after the restart. Emma Dundas drove through midfield and played in Alexis Collins, who delivered a precise cross for Makayla Clifton to slam home from close range.
Olympic pushed late for an equaliser, but the Jets held firm to bank their second win of the season and delight the Lake Macquarie faithful.
Western Sydney Wanderers 0–2 Sydney University
Wanderers Football Park
Sydney University’s late-season surge continued with a professional 2-0 win over a struggling Wanderers side now winless in nine.
Talia Kapetanellis lit up the match with a curling rocket from outside the box in the 40th minute, giving Uni a deserved lead. She was at it again just after the break, reacting fastest after her own shot was saved to sweep in the rebound and double the advantage.
The Wanderers were spirited but couldn’t find a breakthrough, as Uni comfortably closed out the match.
Northern Tigers v Mt Druitt Town Rangers – Postponed due to weather
Heavy rain forced the postponement of the clash between Northern Tigers and Mt Druitt Town Rangers, with a new date for the fixture yet to be confirmed.
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