Football West News

Northern Redbacks celebrate victory in their final match. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo

Northern Redbacks signed off in style with a 4-2 win over Balcatta Etna to win the NPLWA - Women’s Night Series final at E&D Litis.

In their last match before they assume the Perth RedStar name, Redbacks found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening 15 minutes. But they rallied to force extra-time before pullling away from a Balcatta side who struggled to impose themselves as the game wore on.

Redbacks midfielder Carla Bennett received the Tracey Wheeler Medal for player of the match.

Balcatta lifted the Night Series trophy 12 months ago, shocking Murdoch University Melville in the final with two early goals. They did the same against Redbacks and once more it was Kimberley McCartney who struck first. Twelve months ago she was on the scoresheet after just four minutes - this year it was earlier, as her cross from the right went over the head of keeper Shivani Battaglia and found its way into the net.

It got even better for Balcatta when the unfortunate Andreia Teixeira played a back-pass beyond Battaglia and into her own goal.

Redbacks' farewell was not going to plan but they were given a lifeline before half-time when skipper Shawn Billam's speculative effort from 25 yards bobbled over keeper Gabby Dal Busco. 

The second half was largely one-way traffic as Redbacks pressed for an equaliser, only for Dal Busco to keep them at bay. But Balcatta finally cracked on 77 minutes and it was Quyen Doan who appeared to get the final touch as Redbacks' pressure told.

Redbacks' tails were up and they went for the kill. Olivia Wood blazed over from 10 yards out when she should have at least hit the target, before Dal Busco made up for her earlier error with a smart low save after a free-kick from deep found its way to Renee Leota.

That was the last chance of normal time, yet it took Redbacks under two minutes of the extra-time period to get in front. Leota slipped in Larissa Walsh and she shot beyond Dal Busco as the keeper attempted to narrow the angle.

Balcatta were unable to build any momentum, despite the best efforts of Mia Yeo. And as they left gaps at the back, Bennett cashed in with a curled effort beyond the exposed Dal Busco.