Redbacks look for top four finish as MUM FC close on title
Football West News
Northern Redbacks head coach Conrad McKelvie. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo
Murdoch University Melville can all but sew up the NPLWA Women’s league championship before the remaining three games kick off on Sunday.
Last week’s late win over Northern Redbacks, coupled with Perth SC’s even later collapse against Curtin University, left MUM FC three points in front with two rounds remaining.
Throw in a 16-goal advantage over their nearest rivals, and three points against Hyundai NTC in the 12.30pm kick-off at Celebration Park will complete the job for Murdoch.
With NTC in third and looking to secure a place in the Top Four Cup, there is still a possibility the title race will go to the final week.
That would require MUM FC to drop points and Perth to deliver against Redbacks at Kingsway (3pm).
For Redbacks, like NTC, it is all about grabbing a spot in the Top Four Cup. Unlike NTC, it is out of their own hands.
They currently sit fifth, three points adrift, and head coach Conrad McKelvie conceded: “We want to get a result out of both of our final two games and hope other results go our way.”
As the final winners of the Premier Division before the formation of the Women’s NPL, Redbacks were talked of as potential champions in 2020. However, they have failed to mount a title challenge.
“It’s been a tough one. We’ve had a fair few injuries this season and that’s shown in the results,” McKelvie said.
“We haven’t been able to have a consistent attack, in stark contrast to last year.
“We have had a lot of draws after leading in games and playing good football - if you can’t keep pressure on opponents you are bound to concede.”
Of their four draws this season, three have been from winning positions against sides currently below them in the table – Balcatta twice and Curtin.
“That’s six points dropped, that puts you in contention,” McKelvie said. “The teams that have been able to keep a consistent line-up are up there.”
Despite the setbacks, McKelvie said there were plenty of positives to take from the season. Lauren Continibali, who joined from Stirling Panthers, has performed consistently well while others have been given opportunities.
“The injuries mean a lot of young players have been getting game time, which is great for the club going forward,” McKelvie said.
The team currently sitting in fourth spot are Fremantle City, who host sixth-place Balcatta.
In the other game, Curtin University are hunting a third successive victory when they travel to bottom club Subiaco.
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