Belconnen United 8 (Whittall 8’, 42’, Carnegie 44’, Cutaia 90+’, Bobbin 50’, Callaghan 78’, Maguire 90+’, 90+’)def. Monaro Panthers 0

Round three of the PlayStation 4 NPLW saw reigning premiers Belconnen United get back to winning ways, putting on a dominant performance as they scored eight goals against sixth placed Monaro Panthers.

Coming off a disappointing 4-1 loss to Canberra FC, Monaro were hoping to capitalise on a wasteful Belconnen side from last round, but the Blue Devils shock loss in Kambah was soon forgotten, as the hosts started the game on the front foot and never looked back.

Belconnen’s fluid passing and quick movement opened up the field early on, leading to an eighth minute goal as Maddy Whitall found the ball in the box and finished with finesse past Panthers goalkeeper Grace Lockard.

The hosts continued to stretch the visitors, but after 30 minutes a moment of panic from the Blue Devils defence resulted in a chance for Jackie Alferink, who struck the post with an effort from outside the box.  

After 42 minutes Whittall struck again, creating space on the turn and drilling home to the keepers left giving her side a two goal lead.

Two minutes later the hosts scored again, as Leah Carnegie surged forward and pounced on a loose ball in the box before slotting home to close out the first half.

One way traffic at McKellar Park continued into the second half, as Keira Bobbin cut inside the defender and perfectly placed the ball into the top right corner, leaving Lockard with no chance.

After striking the post a number of times, Belconnen notched another goal in the 78^th minute, as Chloe Callaghan forced her way through the fragile Monaro backline and finished 1-on-1 against Lockard.

Not long after conceding their fifth, play halted as Monaro’s Alferink was treated on the sideline following her substitution.

As play resumed, Belconnen capitalised on a visibly run-down Panthers side piling on three more goals including two from striker Jasmine Maguire and one from Cara Cutaia to cap off a strong showing from the reigning premiers.

Belconnen United will look to carry their goal-scoring form into round 4, as they travel to Deakin Stadium to face Canberra FC in a grand final rematch, whilst Monaro will aim to shore up their defence as they welcome Woden Weston FC, who are coming off the back of an upset win against title contenders Tuggeranong United.