Report by Tommy Doleman

Northern Redbacks' win at Perth SC returned them to the top of the league. Photo by Rob Lizzi

Northern Redbacks capitalised on Murdoch University Melville’s postponed fixture with a 2-0 win at Perth SC to return to the top of the NPLWA – Women’s competition.

Redbacks’ lead at the summit is one point over the defending champions, whose clash at Hyundai NTC was called off prior to kick-off due to the unfit state of the pitch.

Redbacks have now defeated Perth in all three fixtures this season and remain unbeaten against the Azzurri in the NPLW era.

The visitors went ahead inside seven minutes when Jayna Ridley lifted a pass over the top and Sarah Carroll ran through and finished expertly into the top corner for goal number nine in 2021.

Perth came close to an equaliser when Liana Cook nodded wide from Tessa De Leo's free-kick, while Carroll may have made it 2-0 had she not fired over the bar.

Gemma Craine looped a header wide as Perth fought to level, but they would go into the interval a goal down and fighting to hold their Top Four Cup spot.

Redbacks’ Olivia Wood shot at Rebecca Bennett early in the second half, but they did get their second goal on 53 minutes. Renee Leota provided a magnificent assist on the turn to put Larissa Walsh through, who joined Carroll on nine goals for the campaign.

Carroll could have made it three when found by Walsh, but Bennett saved to keep her side alive, but two would prove enough for Carlos Vega Mena's side.

Perth meanwhile lacked the final third punch to test Maya Diederichsen throughout the afternoon, despite getting in some decent position as they drop down to fifth.

Replacing them in the fourth spot are Balcatta, who put six past Curtin University without reply at Grindleford Reserve.

Tim Cash's team needed just five minutes to hit the front after a flowing team move resulted in Alanah Veroni squeezing her effort under Stacey Cavill and just across the goal line.

It was 2-0 three minutes later as Monique Godding and Ashleigh Panaia combined to set up Epril Nossent, who lashed home her first of the season in spectacular style via the post.

Panaia netted the winner last week at Subiaco and she hammered in a third at the near post before Nossent completed her brace with a low finish.

Gabby Dal Busco was required to beat away Katie McDermott's drive, but Balcatta went on to score twice more with Panaia joining Carroll, Walsh and Tia Stonehill on nine goals and a share of second-place in the Golden Boot race.

Curtin conceded six for the second straight week when Ella Manso-Vukovich came off the bench to score her first senior goal late on when she latched on to Panaia’s mis-kick.

On Friday night, it was a landmark occasion for Subiaco who came from behind to win 2-1 at Fremantle City.

It was Subi's first win of the NPLW era at their 28^th attempt and they had skipper Jen Walsh to thank as she scored twice at Wauhop Park.

Iain Jolly's side looked set for another difficult night when Mikayla Lyons latched onto Georgie Ireland's pass and finished past Marissa Pidgeon inside 10 minutes.

But with their opponents having played on Wednesday night in a catch-up game, Subi seized their opportunity in the final 20 minutes.

First, Walsh rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home from Amy Sarandopoulos’ pass.

Then Walsh was then first to Keziah Burgis' cross on 76 minutes as she bravely volleyed in from close range and the visitors dared to dream.

They went on to celebrate in fine style at the final whistle with the joy there for all to see, while for Fremantle the loss brought them back to the finals chasing pack.

Results

Balcatta 6-0 Curtin University
Fremantle City 1-2 Subiaco
Perth SC 0-2 Northern Redbacks
Hyundai NTC P-P Murdoch University Melville