Report by Tommy Doleman

Abbey Meakins scored a stunning opener for Perth SC against Fremantle City. Photo by Rob Lizzi

Northern Redbacks maintained their unbeaten start to 2021 and hit top spot in the NPLWA - Women's competition as they defeated Curtin University 3-2 at Celebration Park.

Last season's Top Four Cup winners sit a point clear of the chasing pack after four games. Next up are Fremantle City, whom they beat in that final and have now replaced at the summit of the NPL.

Lauren Continibali could not quite turn home Larissa Walsh's superb pass before Redbacks did hit the front on 19 minutes through Sarah Carroll.

Last season's top scorer beat Curtin keeper Stacey Cavill at her near post from a direct free-kick to get off the mark in her first start since returning from W-League commitments with Perth Glory.

It was 2-0 on 33 minutes as Jayna Ridley's perfectly weighted lay-off found Walsh, who sprinted clear and finished emphatically into the roof of the net.

Curtin pulled one back in spectacular fashion a minute into stoppage time when Tayna Campos struck brilliantly over Quyen Doan from 30 yards for her second long-range goal of the season.

Walsh flashed an effort across goal early in the second half, but it was the visitors who pulled level when Katie McDermott's left-footed volley looped over Doan for her second goal in as many games.

However, with five minutes to play Redbacks scored again and it was Walsh who made a captain's contribution when she arrived late to lob Continibali's cross over Cavill and into the net.

Sunday's other fixture was also a five-goal thriller as Hyundai NTC won their first game of the season, 3-2 over Balcatta.

NTC survived an early scare when Janelle St Pierre's strike was tipped onto the bar by Lily Bailey with Cass Harvey putting the follow-up on to the post.

Elizabeth Doust then skied a good chance over the bar, while at the other end Balcatta’s Gabby Dal Busco made an excellent low save to block Judy Connolly's effort.

It was an open first half at Ashfield Arena, but it took 43 minutes for the opening goal to arrive when Cameron Barreiro's cross was headed in by Monique Prinsloo from six yards.

But Balcatta responded straight from the kick-off as a long ball went forward and Alanah Veroni lobbed a stranded Bailey to score her first NPL goal.

Harvey tried her luck from range early in the second half with Bailey off her line, only to see her effort sail narrowly over. NTC may have been fortunate on that occasion, but Balcatta went ahead on 54 minutes when Harvey netted for the second time this season when Bailey was caught out of position.

It appeared the Night Series winners were on course to bounce back from last week's heavy defeat to MUM FC, but they conceded twice in six minutes to make it consecutive defeats.

Grace Johnston swept home as Georgia Cassidy's corner fell loose in the area for 2-2 before Connolly's curler from distance deceived Dal Busco and landed in the back of the net.

On Friday night, Perth Soccer Club got their season up and running with a 2-0 win over Fremantle City at Wauhop Park.

Abbey Meakins opened the scoring on 12 minutes as she flick up Jamie Duncanson's pass and volleyed brilliantly over Dayle Schroeder from the edge of the area.

Gemma Craine came off the bench against her former side and provided the assist for Duncanson to make the result safe late on, as Danielle Brogan's side won for the first time this season and shot up to fifth place.

Finally, Murdoch University Melville won their third straight game with a 3-0 win over Subiaco on the synthetic.

The defending champions returned home for the first time since round one and opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Katarina Jukic arrived on the edge of the area to power home from Tia Stonehill's cut back.

The reigning NPLW Gold Medal and Golden Boot holder doubled MUM FC's lead a minute after the restart when she headed home Sadie Lawrence's free kick.

Marissa Pidgeon saved Stonehill’s penalty to keep Subiaco in the game, but the loss of Amy Sarandopoulos for a second yellow card meant they were always up against it and the hosts completed the scoring as Lawrence played a one-two with Jukic and found the bottom corner.

Results

Fremantle City 0-2 Perth SC
Hyundai NTC 3-2 Balcatta
Murdoch University Melville 3-0 Subiaco
Northern Redbacks 3-2 Curtin University