Report by Tommy Doleman

The introduction of Lisa De Vanna, third right, turned the game in Subiaco's favour against Hyundai NTC. Photo by FotoEnzo

Former Matildas superstar Lisa De Vanna came off the bench to score a second-half hat-trick as Subiaco came from two down at the break to defeat Hyundai NTC 4-2 at Rosalie Park.

It was a fifth win of the campaign for Subi and their third successive home win, extending their unbeaten run against NTC to four matches over the past two seasons.

Yet in the first half it seemed things were going to plan for Ben Anderton’s team, who knew a win would send them third in the league with two games remaining.

Louise Tana dinked home after four minutes for her fourth goal of the season and Tanika Lala doubled the lead when nodding in on the rebound after Grace Johnston’s cross was turned away by Zara Board. Lala is now the league’s second top scorer with 13 for the campaign after a ninth in eight games. Only RedStar striker Larissa Walsh is ahead of her on 18 goals.

Board then saved from Anna Powell, Lala and Georgia Cassidy as NTC continued to stamp their authority on the game, before NTC keeper Lily Bailey denied Ingrid Gomez-Basallo after she tried to round the goalkeeper.

On came De Vanna at half-time, and she was straight into the game three minutes after the restart. Marianna Tabain fed the forward and even though her initial strike was saved, Gomez-Basallo was on hand to roll in the rebound.

The 150-time Matilda then dispatched an 18-minute hat-trick to blow NTC away in a ruthless display of finishing. The first was provided by Ella Mastrantonio for De Vanna to stay onside and finish past Bailey at the near post.

It was the second time Subi had come from two down against NTC this term, but it was going to get even better for Greg Farrell’s side. This time, Melissa Shepherd released the pass and De Vanna kept her cool to round Bailey and slot in.

De Vanna then made it 4-2 soon after with a gorgeous chip over an onrushing Bailey and the stunned visitors could not muster a comeback, and have work to do to finish in the top four.

It proved to be a good weekend for Balcatta Etna who kept their finals hopes alive with a 4-1 win over Curtin University at Grindleford Reserve.

Monique Prinsloo slipped Lauren Continibali through on goal after 19 minutes and the forward finished into the bottom corner for her third of the season.

Two minutes later it was 1-1. Gabby Dal Busco saved initially from Dakota Van Vugt, but Danielle Brown was on hand to smash in the equaliser from close range for her maiden NPLWA - Women’s goal.

Two goals in four minutes after the equaliser put Balcatta back in control and they have set up a finals six-pointer away at Fremantle City next week. Monique Godding continued her good season of scoring from midfield with her second in successive weeks, before Angelique Alberts made it three with her first league goal in 2022.

A fourth goal arrived just before the hour mark when Elizabeth Doust curled in from outside the area via post and goalkeeper.

Three points now separate third through to sixth after the weekend’s results. Fremantle City and fourth-placed Murdoch University Melville currently hold the final two positions in the top four and have a game in hand against each other after their meeting on Saturday night was abandoned just 24 minutes in due to lightning with the score at 0-0.

The fixture will be rescheduled and played over the next fortnight and looms as an important fixture for the make-up of the top four.

Also on Saturday, Perth SC held unbeaten leaders champions RedStar for a second time this season as they drew 1-1 at Dorrien Gardens.

The Azzurri were wearing a special pink jersey and socks to support and promote awareness for the Breast Cancer Network Australia as part of the Play4BCNA Pink Sports Day.

It was RedStar who hit the front on 17 minutes in their bid to extend their unbeaten streak to 18 league games. Carla Bennett stood up a cross to the back post and an unmarked Olivia Wood headed home to score for the fourth time in three games.

Peter Rakic’s side levelled midway through the second half when Alyssa Van Heurck’s cross was palmed into the path of Jess Byrne, who registered her first league goal of the season.

That is how it finished despite a late red card for RedStar’s Grace Monteiro, as Perth remain the only team to take the points off RedStar this term. Carlos Vega Mena’s side stay on track to go through the season without losing.

Round 19 results: Balcatta Etna 4-1 Curtin University, Perth SC 1-1 Perth RedStar, Subiaco 4-2 Hyundai NTC. Abandoned: MUM FC v Fremantle City.