Report by Tommy Doleman

MUM FC thumped Balcatta at Grindleford Reserve. Photo by FotoEnzo

Murdoch University Melville got revenge for their Night Series Final defeat to Balcatta as they produced a statement 6-0 win over their rivals at Grindleford Reserve.

Balcatta went into the weekend sitting top of the NPLWA - Women's competition but after seeing Cass Harvey and Georgia Alford go close early on, they could not live with the 2020 champions.

MUM FC went ahead when Kat Jukic's flick-on was gathered by Thalia Organ and the in-form winger drove a superb strike across Gabbie Dal Busco into the far corner.

Kim McCartney denied Organ a second with a clearance off the line, but it was 2-0 three minutes before the break when Abbey Green turned on the edge of the area and curled spectacularly into the top corner.

Tia Stonehill and Marianna Tabain were then introduced early in the second half and the defending champions put the foot down in style. Organ was first to Katie Schubert's ball forward and division's leading scorer headed in her sixth in three games.

It was 4-0 on 54 minutes when Grace Betti stole possession in midfield and curled a looping long range shot over Dal Busco for a first goal for her new club since joining from Perth SC.

The stunning goals continued as Charli Wainwright won the ball and rifled brilliantly off both posts and into the net from 25 yards.

There was still time for Betti to complete her brace when she lashed in powerfully as the visitors brought up a half-dozen and sent a warning to the rest of the competition.

The win saw Murdoch University Melville leapfrog Balcatta up to third in the league and a point behind Northern Redbacks who went second with a 1-0 win at Subiaco.

The 2020 Top Four Cup winners got off to the perfect start after 10 minutes when Andrea Teixera scored her first senior goal at NPL level.

Larissa Walsh had a good chance to double Redbacks' lead near half time but curled straight at Marissa Pidgeon from inside the area.

Sarah Carroll came off the bench for the second half and had two opportunities in quick succession, only to be thwarted by determined Subiaco defending.

Clear-cut chances were rare for Subiaco in the second half, but a wayward back pass nearly allowed the hosts to sneak in and level. 

A strong defensive performance was not enough to earn a first point of the season, though, and Redbacks stood firm to move within two points of leaders Fremantle City, who went top on Saturday with a 3-1 win at Curtin University.

In-form Georgie Ireland gave the visitors a perfect start on six minutes as she extended her streak of scoring in every league game this season.

Curtin responded when Katie McDermott volleyed over from a tight angle before Ireland forced Stacey Cavill into a superb save after nice link-up play with Mikayla Lyons.

Curtin's Andrea Preiato forced a good save from Dayle Schroeder, before McDermott made it 1-1 when she capitalised on an error and fizzed in at the near post.

Fremantle regained the lead before half time though as Laura Waltman pounced at the back post to finish after Clare Woods scuffed her shot across the box.

The second half was well contested, but the away side scored a decisive third goal in the final minutes. Waltman raced away from Curtin's defence and calmly finished to complete a third win in three games for early pacesetter Fremantle.

The final round four fixture saw Hyundai NTC score with virtually the last kick of the game to rescue a 1-1 draw at Perth SC.

NTC were coming off a 5-1 defeat to MUM FC last time out but they started brightly as Georgia Cassidy shot at Rebecca Bennett and Taneesha Baker poked wide of the post.

Caitlin Doeglas headed over on her Perth SC debut following a W-League spell with Perth Glory, before Jamie Duncanson shot at Lily Bailey from six yards as the half ended goalless.

Bennett made a great one-handed block to deny Grace Johnson and that save proved vital on 65 minutes when Liana Cook headed in her second of the season from Duncanson's corner.

Perth's first three points edged closer, but there was one final twist late on as Kate Armstrong drove into the penalty area and fired across Bennett to ensure both sides remained winless.

Results

Balcatta 0-6 Murdoch University Melville
Curtin University 1-3 Fremantle City
Perth SC 1-1 Hyundai NTC
Subiaco 0-1 Northern Redbacks