Report by Tommy Doleman

Sadie Lawrence scored MUM FC's first, with Marianna Tabain grabbing the late equaliser. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo

Marianna Tabain came off the bench to score an equaliser two minutes from time as Murdoch University Melville grabbed a valuable point in their top-of-the-table clash with Northern Redbacks.

The 2-2 draw at Celebration Park means Mark Jones' side maintain their two-point advantage over Redbacks in the NPLWA – Women’s competition, having played a game more.

Redbacks came from two goals down in the midweek semi-final meeting between the sides before losing 5-2 after extra-time. Four days later, they struck first when Shawn Billam spotted Danelle Cornish off her line and chipped the goalkeeper for her first goal of the season.

MUM FC looked to hit back immediately. Thalia Organ was denied by Maya Diederichsen with Tia Stonehill's follow-up blocked and then Ellie La Monte rounded the goalkeeper but put wide of the post.

That pressure told on 32 minutes when Sadie Lawrence arrived at the back post to nod in after Stonehill's cross was given a helping hand by Diederichsen.

La Monte tested the goalkeeper again the second half as MUM FC continued to dominate the chances, but Redbacks took the lead again midway through the second half. Larissa Walsh was fouled by Jaymee Gibbons and Kim Carroll stepped up to score a third penalty of the season.

It looked as though Redbacks would regain their position at the summit of the division, but the defending champions found a way through on 88 minutes when Tabain headed in Rosie Lehane's cross for a share of the points.

The day's eye-catching result came at Edinburgh Oval as Curtin University defeated Hyundai NTC 3-2 to win their first game in 2021.

Monique Prinsloo forced Stacey Cavill into an early save, while at the other end Tayna Campos' lob was spectacularly tipped around the post by NTC goalkeeper Jayde O’Donohoe.

Campos then headed over and Curtin's bright start was reward when Stephanie Waycott ghosted in to finish Eleanor Bates' free-kick for her first goal of the season.

And Curtin took full control just before the half-time whistle. The lead was doubled five minutes before the break when Campos let fly from distance with a stunning strike.

Jess Darmago added a third after good pressing from Campos, before NTC pulled one back on the stroke of half-time through Olivia Trueman.

They then set up a nervous finale when Judy Connolly was fouled in the area and Tijan McKenna scored from the penalty spot with 13 minutes to play.

Grace Johnston went closest to an equaliser with the shot from range. However, the midfielder was later sent off as Curtin held firm for a first three points this season.

Perth SC moved back into the Top Four Cup spots at the expense of NTC as two goals from Abbey Meakins helped the Azzurri win 4-0 at Subiaco.

Liana Cook had an effort deflected wide from Jaime Duncanson's cross early in a first half of few chances, while at the other end Fiona Mays headed wide.

The visitors went ahead six minutes before the break when Gemma Craine teed up Duncanson to take a touch and arrow a shot into the bottom corner.

Four minutes into the second half it was 2-0 as Cook's corner went in off a combination of Abbey Meakins and Marissa Pidgeon. But it didn't deter Subi who came close to pulling one back when Jen Walsh's header was brilliantly saved by Rebecca Bennett.

Perth struck twice within the space of two minutes though to run out as comfortable winners. A well-worked short corner led to Meakins tapping in from close-range before the midfielder fired home her fifth of the season from a free-kick.

Finally, Fremantle City gained revenge on Balcatta for their midweek Women's State Cup defeat as they won 2-0 at Grindleford Reserve to move within six points of top spot.

Goals in the opening four minutes from Georgie Ireland, her first since round three, and Matilda Boyle mean Cisco Jorquera's side now have a stranglehold on third place after a third win in a row.

- MUM FC and Balcatta meet in the Women’s State Cup final at Inglewood Stadium on Saturday 17 July (3pm kick-off).

Results

Balcatta 0-2 Fremantle City
Hundai NTC 2-3 Curtin University
Northern Redbacks 2-2 Murdoch University Melville
Subiaco 0-4 Perth SC