Report by Tommy Doleman

Mikayla Lyons scored two for Fremantle in their 3-0 win over MUM FC. Photo by Football West

Fremantle City strengthened their position inside the top four of the NPLWA - Women’s competition with a 3-0 win at Murdoch University Melville last night.

City’s win in the third-versus-fourth clash at Besteam Stadium means they sit five points clear of fifth-place with games against finals chasers Balcatta and yundai NTC remaining. Garry Church’s team are three points behind second-placed Perth SC, but likely need the Azzurri to drop points in both their final two matches if they are to finish runners-up.

MUM FC, meanwhile, remain fourth with NTC and Balcatta within a win of the two-time champions. Luke Thompson’s team also end the season with the league’s top two sides in their final two games.

Two goals from Mikayla Lyons and one from Janice Kiama gave Freo the win at Murdoch.

The hosts' Sadie Lawrence tested Dayle Schroeder with a long-range strike in the first half, while Matilda Boyle did similar at the other end. City did open the scoring four minutes before the break though when Lyons’ effort went in via a touch off Samantha Mathers.

Schroeder saved from Elysse Shore in the second half but two goals in the final 15 minutes broke a run of successive four-goal defeats for Fremantle.

Lyons burst through a couple of challenges and slotted past Monique Todd, before Janice Kiama headed in from Tash Rigby’s cross as City recorded a much-needed win.

The penultimate round of games begins tonight when Curtin University host NTC (7pm).

The home team are still looking for their first win in 2022, while NTC will hope to apply some pressure on those around them with the other three fixtures being played on Sunday. Ben Anderton’s team need to bounce back after missing an opportunity to go third in last week’s 4-2 defeat to Subiaco.

Sunday’s games begin at 1pm with Fremantle welcoming Balcatta to Hilton Park. It’s a must-win game for Steve Atkins’ team, who gave themselves hope of reaching finals for the first time in the NPLW era last weekend by beating Curtin, but they can’t afford to drop any more points with games running out. They did win 2-1 away at Fremantle earlier this year.

In the northern suburbs, champions Perth RedStar will be presented with their league title against MUM FC.

Carlos Vega Mena’s side have had a sensational campaign with 16 wins from their 18 matches in 2022. Only MUM FC, Curtin University and Balcatta stand between them and an unbeaten league campaign, and they will look to continue that momentum going into the Top Four Cup, which would add to their Night Series, State Cup and league trophies.

Finally, second place Perth SC have locked away their Top Four Cup spot, but a top two finish would see them earn a second chance in the post-season competition.

Given their goal difference, three more points would likely seal that position and they face much-improved Subiaco at Dorrien Gardens this week. Greg Farrell’s side have proven a tougher nut to crack in season 2022 and would love to claim another scalp before the season’s out.

TOP FOUR RACE

3rd - Fremantle City   P19 31pts   GD +11 - Rd20 – Balcatta (H), Rd21 – NTC (A)
4th - MUM FC             P19   27pts   GD +3 -  Rd20 – RedStar (A), Rd21 – Perth SC (H)
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5th – Hyundai NTC    P19   26pts   GD -6   - Rd20 – Curtin (A), Rd21 – Fremantle City (H)
6th – Balcatta Etna   P19   25pts   GD -1   -   Rd20 – Fremantle City (A), Rd21 – RedStar (H)