Report by Tommy Doleman

Balcatta hit MUM FC with two early goals before winning the Night Series final 2-1. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo

Balcatta look to maintain top spot in the NPLWA – Women’s competition when they face Murdoch University Melville at Grindleford Reserve on Sunday.

Round Four picks up following last week’s lockdown with a repeat of March's NPL Night Series final which Balcatta won 2-1 at Macedonia Park.

Tim Cash’s side have carried that strong form into the early weeks of the league campaign with 2-0 wins over Subiaco and Curtin University.

One of the key figures for Balcatta is forward Ashleigh Panaia, who has scored in the opening two league games.

Panaia has been with Balcatta for over a decade and will extend her streak as the club's most capped player – female or male – when she makes appearance number 229 on Sunday.

"It's crazy really. I started here at age 15 and have been fortunate enough to stay at this club for over 10 years," she said.

"It is great to reflect on coming through as a kid, but now I'm questioning whether I'm one of the oldest these days (at 26)!

"I've played over 200 women's games, hit a lot of milestones here, and I love the club and the culture it has.

"It's a great environment and it's been amazing coming through with this group of girls. I hope I can keep playing well and hit the next milestone soon."

Panaia is a teacher away from football and while her attentions are predominantly towards on-pitch matters at the club, she has enjoyed using her career skills to occasionally help mentor the next generation of Balcatta females, including the juniors and the Bambini.

It is something Panaia feels passionately about, having grown up in that positive club environment herself at Grindleford Reserve.

"When I look back, I used to be the quiet kid when I was younger. Now I have a voice and I am confident to have a say, whilst hopefully being able to encourage and lead others in the team," she said.

"Growing up in this environment has shaped me a lot, so it's a credit to the club and I want to give back to that as well.

"Hopefully, I can do the same thing for some of the younger girls, in terms of watching their teams grow and having the opportunities I did. I do enjoy the coaching part of it in terms of giving advice, sharing and passing on anything I have learned."

Panaia naturally enjoyed Balcatta’s Night Series final triumph over MUM FC but says the players’ focus has now turned to other targets.

"It was definitely rewarding (to win the Night Series), a real confidence boost, and it was great to achieve that with girls. It shows the potential we have and that win really gives us belief," she said.

"It would be great to get the three points off them to put ourselves in a good position, even though it's early into a long season.

"But it'll be another big match and a challenge we know we have to be up for. We got the win last time and now it is about backing it up and doing it again.

"The Night Series win was good, but we've already celebrated that and now it's about achieving the next goal."

Round Four begins on Saturday afternoon when Curtin University host a Fremantle City side who can take advantage of the early kick off by going top should they continue their 100% start to the season.

The other two games are on Sunday afternoon. Perth SC and the Hyundai NTC meet at Dorrien Gardens, with both sides still to win this term. And Northern Redbacks will aim to keep their unbeaten start intact when they travel to Rosalie Park to face an improved Subiaco team.

Fixtures (all 3pm)

Saturday
Curtin University v Fremantle City 

Sunday
Balcatta v Murdoch University Melville
Perth SC v Hyundai NTC
Subiaco v Northern Redbacks