Report by Tommy Doleman

Katie Schubert (grounded) was straight back in the thick of the action against Perth SC last week. Photo by Rob Lizzi

The race for Top Four Cup places is on as Round 15 of the NPLWA - Women’s competition begins on Friday night with a clash between Murdoch University Melville and Subiaco.

Both teams come off wins and with second to fifth place all dropping points last weekend, it presents an opportunity for these two sides to close the gap again.

Subiaco came from behind to defeat Curtin 2-1 after a second half onslaught. MUM FC, meanwhile, defeated Perth 1-0 thanks to a terrific rearguard display led by goalkeeper Monique Todd.

“Mon had an absolutely fabulous game and definitely kept us in it,” defender Katie Schubert said.

“I am super proud of the resilience and fight all the girls showed last week and this win is just what we needed to keep momentum going into this week's game.

“Overall, it has been a tough year for us with so much sickness, injuries and departures of players to deal with. But the young girls have really stepped up and this win will help us have the belief that we can still make the top four.”

Schubert has recently returning to the playing ranks at MUM FC after taking a year away from the football pitch to have a child.

She wasn’t completely lost to the club throughout the past 12 months, as the two-time NPLW winning captain remained involved around the Besteam Stadium with mentoring, coaching and player-liaison work. But having completed 90 minutes in the win over Perth at the weekend, she hopes to continue contributing on-field as the season reaches the business end.

“It has been a different looking squad for us this year, but it’s also a very exciting time here at Murdoch with so many young players showing their potential and getting exposure to the league. I’ve enjoyed seeing the growth and development from everyone over the past year,” she said.

“Having my little girl has definitely taken a toll on the body, but having the end goal of returning to the pitch has really motivated me to continue to work very hard while away from the squad.

“Last weekend was my first 90 minutes and it was really special to have my daughter and my husband watching the game and for us to come away with the three points. It’s something I will always cherish and at five months old, she is already loving football.”

It is a potentially season-defining month for MUM FC with the next four games against Subiaco, Balcatta, Hyundai NTC and Curtin crucial if they are to make a third-straight Top Four Cup appearance.

This fixture was a goalless draw on the opening night of the season, but in Round Eight the defending champions won 3-0 at Rosalie Park. Schubert believes the club are still capable of reaching the post-season cup and expects Friday’s opponents to put up a stern test.

“That is definitely our target as a squad and we are going to really fight for it,” she said.

“Subiaco will definitely come out strong, but the girls are really excited and will be ready for the challenge on Friday night to try and continue our momentum from last week.”

Elsewhere on Friday night, Fremantle City will look to maintain their stranglehold on second spot and a double chance in the Top Four Cup when they host Curtin University.

The last time these sides met it ended 6-2 at Edinburgh Oval when all the goals were scored in the second half. Curtin are still in search of their first win of the campaign ahead of a Hyundai Women’s State Cup semi-final meeting with Perth RedStar next Tuesday.

On Saturday there is an important game for the Top Four race when Perth face Balcatta at Dorrien Gardens in the second game of an Azzurri v Etna double header, following the men’s game at 3pm.

Both teams are split by one point in the league and the losers may end the weekend vulnerable to the chasing pack below. Balcatta’s 2-0 win over Sorrento on Tuesday means there will also be another Italian derby in the other Women’s State Cup semi-final next Wednesday.

The round wraps up on Sunday afternoon when Hyundai NTC travel to leaders Perth RedStar, who aim to continue their stellar season with a 14th straight league win.

Round 15 fixtures

Friday (7.30pm): Fremantle City v Curtin University, MUM FC v Subiaco. Saturday (5.30pm): Perth SC v Balcatta Etna. Sunday (3pm): Perth RedStar v Hyundai NTC.