Report by Tommy Doleman

MUM FC secured an important win at Perth SC in the battle for the top four. Photo by Rob Lizzi

Murdoch University Melville breathed new life into their chances of making the Top Four Cup with a 1-0 win against Perth SC at Dorrien Gardens in Round 14 of the NPLWA - Women’s competition.

On a weekend where second to fifth in the division all dropped points, Luke Thompson’s side now trail fourth-placed Balcatta by four points after a fourth win of the campaign.

Monique Todd smothered at the feet of Courtney Butlion inside the first three minutes as Perth created the game’s first chance. But the visitors hit the front soon after when Sophia Neal’s cross was headed onto the bar by Andrea Preiato and the rebound hit the unfortunate Rebecca Bennett for an own goal.

It turned out to be the game’s decisive moment on one of those afternoons for the Azzurri. Monique Todd was outstanding all day in the Murdoch goal, saving from Jaime Duncanson, Butlion and Ella Lincoln in the first half, while at the other end Meghan Hulsman fired at Bennett on the counter.

The MUM FC stopper showed great reactions to deny Liana Cook after the interval with possibly her best save of the day. The hosts still had to be aware at the other end as Hulsman forced Bennett into a fingertip stop around the post, but the majority of the second half was being played at the other end with Todd called upon time and time again.

Zoee Spadano was the latest Perth player to be frustrated by Todd with the goalkeeper down to save a left-footed shot, before getting in the way of the midfielder’s curler from the edge of the area. There was no way through for Pete Rakic’s team though as his former side came away with three big points.

Sunday’s other game saw Fremantle City solidify second spot and Hyundai NTC creep closer to fourth as the sides shared a 1-1 draw at Hilton Park.

Chances were few and far between in the first half, but NTC got the breakthrough 18 seconds after the restart. The visitors pressed from the kick-off which led to Louise Tana bringing a good stop from Dayle Schroeder, but Olivia Trueman was on hand to put in the rebound.

NTC sought a second as Tanika Lala forced Schroeder into a low save, while Anna Powell had a strike blocked by Fremantle City defence.

But Fremantle drew level with 14 minutes left as Annabelle Leek threaded a pass through for Maja Archibald to score her first senior NPLW goal with a strike into the bottom corner.

Sophie Meaden lifted straight at Schroeder and Kayla McCulloch’s long-ranger were the best chances of a winner for both teams, but none was forthcoming and it ended all square.

On Saturday, Sarah Carroll’s hat-trick helped Perth RedStar extend their winning run to 13 games this season following a 4-0 defeat of Balcatta Etna.

The leaders made a flying start at RedStar Arena with two goals inside the first 20 minutes. Carroll met Olivia Wood’s cross at the near post after nice build-up play to score her 10th of the season, despite Gabby Dal Busco getting gloves to the ball.

Soon after it was 2-0. Dal Busco made a fine save to block Carla Bennett’s initial strike from Larissa Walsh’s cut back. But the league’s leading scorer Walsh was in the right spot to slam in the rebound.

Balcatta came close to pulling one back, but Shivani Battaglia saved well after Monique Godding put Lauren Continibali through one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

RedStar would treble their lead early in the second half when Carroll planted a penalty into the bottom corner with confidence. The league’s best defence kept another clean sheet and put the icing on win number 13, as Carroll collected Shawn Billam’s pass and rolled home to make it a dozen for the season.

On Friday night, Subiaco came from behind to win 2-1 at Curtin University for their second victory of the campaign.

The hosts were looking for their first win of 2022 and took the lead after 20 minutes when Taylor Reid’s solo run and strike broke for Samara Riches to fire past Zara Board.

Frankie Murray’s shot was blocked as Subiaco pushed for an equaliser and they got it midway through the second half. Murray’s corner wasn’t dealt with by Curtin’s defence and Ashlee Byrne prodded home from close range for her second of the season, both coming against this opposition.

Murray would assist the winner leading into the final five minutes, as her perfectly weighted through pass found Ingrid Gomez Basallo with the former Perth SC player striking past Gabriele Maluga.

Round 14 results: Curtin University 1-2 Subiaco, Fremantle City 1-1 Hyundai NTC, Perth RedStar 4-0 Balcatta Etna, Perth SC 0-1 MUM FC.