Report by Tommy Doleman

Perth RedStar goalkeeper Shivani Battaglia is heading to the US to play college football in Oklahoma. Photo by Football West/FotoEnzo

Perth RedStar will wrap up the NPLWA – Women’s title on Sunday if they avoid defeat against Fremantle City at RedStar Arena.

RedStar’s coronation was temporarily put on ice on Wednesday after they dropped points for the first time this season in a goalless draw with Perth SC.

The Azzurri put in a strong display again, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to the RedStar in last Sunday’s Hyundai Women’s State Cup Final

Goalkeeper Shivani Battaglia played an important role in what will be her last game for RedStar with big first-half saves from Ella Lincoln and Jaime Duncanson.

The shot-stopper is off to the United States to embark on the next step of her playing career at a college in Oklahoma.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game because they wanted to get a little bit of revenge from the cup final,” Battaglia said.

“We didn’t play as well as we can in the first half, a bit like the final on Sunday, but we picked ourselves up for the second half and couldn’t quite take our chances in the end. As a goalkeeper, you’ve always got to be switched on from the start and I was glad I could make those saves to help the team early.

“Obviously, it was disappointing not to wrap up the league, given it was my last game. But we’re still undefeated and I couldn’t be prouder of the team for what they’ve achieved. The club have had an amazing season and I’m sure they’ll finish it strongly.”

Round 17 kicks off under the lights tonight when Murdoch University Melville host Hyundai NTC with plenty still to play for.

MUM FC’s 5-1 win over Curtin University in midweek and Perth’s draw at RedStar means three points separates third to sixth with five rounds remaining.

Andrea Preiato set the tone with a first-half brace for the two-time NPL winners who led 3-0 after half an hour. Head coach Luke Thompson was pleased with the attitude and application shown by his young side as they won for a third time in four games.

“In the first half, we had a plan and stuck to it where we knew they like to play out from the back and could be aggressive with our press. I was really pleased and it reaped its rewards,” he said.

“We made a few changes in the second half with Friday’s fixture coming up and the game got a little messy, but we still scored two good individual goals.

“We’ve had a plan in place to work on our defensive structures and ensure we’re hard to beat, and that’s come at a cost with us maybe not being as fluid up front. But we’re getting there with that part of the game, having brought in so many news faces and integrating those players in attacking positions.”

Wins over Curtin, Perth and Subiaco, as well as a late defeat to leaders RedStar, has given MUM FC belief there is still plenty to achieve this year. Three points on Friday would put them fourth in the league and Thompson says that is where they would like to be by season’s end.

“Half of our squad is 16 or under, so to try and get that consistency is difficult, but I’ve been so impressed with the girls’ eagerness to learn, particularly having coming from the men’s game,” he said.

“They take on so much information and act on it immediately. It’s been outstanding and I’ve been very proud of their efforts so far. Working hard on being hard to beat is what’s created our form at the moment.

“That’s always been our aim this season, to make the Top Four Cup. We knew it was going to be a challenge with the young squad we had, but we’re happy to be thereabouts and in with a chance. With the league how it is, aside from RedStar really, anyone can take points off anyone.

“We definitely want it to be in our own hands and to do that we need to have a win on Friday. But even if we don’t, it’s far from done because teams are dropping points all over the place. We’ve just got to keep fighting until the end and hopefully results go our way.”

Perth went outright third in the league with their point against RedStar and they still have a game in hand over the three chasers below. They host bottom club Curtin on Saturday with eyes on a double chance for the Top Four Cup and cementing their finals position. The visitors remain in search of their first win of the season.

Subiaco welcome Balcatta Etna to Rosalie Park for the second Sunday in succession, following last week’s 4-3 win.

With Lisa De Vanna, Ella Mastrantonio and Marianna Tabain arriving in the past few weeks, Greg Farrell will aim to build on a best-ever NPLW points tally for Subi and maintain outside hope of a finals finish, while Steve Atkins’ team try to return serve and boost their own play-off prospects.

All of the weekend matches are live on NPL.TV.

Round 17 fixtures

Friday (7.30pm): MUM FC v Hyundai NTC. Saturday (3pm) Perth SC v Curtin University. Sunday (3pm unless stated): Perth RedStar v Fremantle City, Subiaco v Balcatta Etna (3.45pm)