Report by Tommy Doleman

Hyundai NTC and Perth SC served up a five-goal thriller in the rain at E&D Litis Stadium on Friday. Photo by Rob Lizzi

Fremantle City put four goals past Subiaco to join Perth RedStar at the top of the league with two wins from two to start the 2022 NPLWA – Women’s season.

The visitors won 2-0 against Curtin in Round One and despite an early scare from Frankie Murray, they took the lead at Rosalie Park on Sunday when Mikayla Lyons' inch-perfect free kick was nodded in by Matilda Boyle

But Subiaco took confidence from last week's point at champions Murdoch University Melville and they responded on 32 minutes.

Murray's free-kick was tough for Dayle Schroeder to deal with in the driving wind and rain, and skipper Chelsie Winchcombe eventually prodded home to make it 1-1 at the break.

City took stock at the interval and Lyons added a goal to her assist to restore City's lead when she made a yard for herself on the edge of the area and fired across Zara Board and into the back of the net.

Phoenix Brownlie tried her luck from range as Greg Farrell's side chased another quickfire reply, but Lyons made it three when she followed in after Kayla McCulloch's thunderous drive cannoned back off the bar.

McCulloch eventually got her goal as she drove through Subi's defence late on to bag a fourth for Garry Church's side, who now turn their attention to next week's top-of-the-table clash at Redstar.

Sunday's other game saw defending champions Murdoch University Melville claim their first win of the season 1-0 at Balcatta.

Poppie Hooks headed Rachel Gillies' free-kick straight at Gabbie Dal Busco early on, while Tayna Campos had a shot blocked for the hosts at the other end.

But the game’s key moment came four minutes before half-time as Samantha Mathers, who kept a clean sheet as a stand-in goalkeeper last week, burst down the right and crossed for Hooks to head into the bottom corner.

Mathers went solo midway through the second half as she cut inside and shot straight at Dal Busco with the visitors' best chance of doubling the lead.

Balcatta went close to leveling at the end when Monique Prinsloo broke clear, but Monique Tood stuck up a strong glove to preserve a first win of the season for Luke Thompson's side.

On Friday, Hyundai NTC and Perth played out a five-goal thriller at E&D Litis Stadium with the youngsters coming from behind twice to win 3-2.

Faye Phillips' magnificent cross was volleyed home by Jaime Duncanson, but Perth gave up their advantage on the half-hour mark when Rebecca Bennett's clearance was charged down by Olivia Trueman for the leveller.

Duncanson doubled her tally and restored Perth's lead on 61 minutes when Lily Bailey misjudged a free kick from deep, and the forward was on hand to prod home a second.

But Ben Anderton's side netted twice in the final 13 minutes to seal their first win of the campaign. Louise Tana came off the bench and ripped home a stunning strike from outside the area before Georgia Cassidy scored directly from a corner to give NTC the points.

Friday's other game saw Perth RedStar maintain top spot as they won 6-1 at Curtin University.

Hannah Insch found the bottom corner as she scored for a second successive week, but Curtin drew level just before half time when Darcy Van-Vugt netted from a tight angle.

But having put five past NTC last week, RedStar's rich vein of form in front of goal resurfaced as they ran out comfortable winners.

Larissa Walsh struck twice in three minutes from a similar spot inside the area before Renee Leota's stylish touch and volley made it 4-1 on 60 minutes.

There was time for RedStar to add two more goals in the final eight minutes. Jacinta Coleman's inch-perfect pass found Alkira Mogridge who scored high into the net for a first senior goal, before Coleman herself finished the job with a tap-in from close range.

Results

Round Two: Balcatta 0 Murdoch University Melville 1, Curtin University 1 Perth RedStar 6, Hyundai NTC 3 Perth SC 2, Subiaco 1 Fremantle City 4.