Report by Tommy Doleman

Perth SC boosted their Top Four Cup hopes with a 2-0 win at Balcatta. Photo by FotoEnzo

Northern Redbacks returned to the top of the league with a 4-0 win over Fremantle City before their focus switched to this Friday's NPLWA – Women’s title decider against Murdoch University Melville.

Redbacks lead MUM FC by a point and a draw on Murdoch’s synthetic pitch will see them win their first NPLW title. The defending champions, however, know nothing but a win will do if they are to make it back-to-back league wins.

Redbacks put their game with Fremantle to bed in the first half on Sunday, scoring three times as the visitors’ defence had a collective shocker.

Sarah Carroll's in-swinging corner found its way through a crowd of bodies and finished in the back of the net, before Siobhan Longmore's back-pass evaded keeper Dayle Schroeder to make it 2-0.

Clare Woods then forced Redbacks keeper Maya Diederichsen into a good save, but Fremantle were down on their luck and inadvertently put a third into their own net. Kim Carroll's lofted free-kick ran through to Jacinta Coleman whose volley went in via post, goalkeeper and Coral Buxey for 3-0 on 35 minutes.

Jayna Ridley added a fourth early in the second half and that was how it stayed despite Larissa Walsh hitting the post with a penalty, a miss which means she remained one goal clear of Tia Stonehill in the race for the Golden Boot.

Fremantle’s Aaliyah Jorquera was shown a second yellow card midway through the second half, but City's defeat did little damage as results elsewhere guaranteed their Top Four Cup place.

On Saturday, Murdoch University Melville put nine past Curtin University to ensure the title race would go down to the wire.

Grace Betti coolly took the opening goal on 21 minutes before Stonehill struck twice in two minutes with the latter a fine free-kick.

Stonehill completed her treble early in the second half before Sadie Lawrence and Thalia Organ got in on the action as another rampant MUM FC display unfolded.

Stonehill then made it 13 goals for the season before Ellie La Monte and Marianna Tabain added late gloss to the scoreline which completed the rout.

Subiaco sprung one of the surprises of the season and handed the initiative to Perth SC in the race for the final Top Four Cup place after a 1-0 win over Hyundai NTC at Rosalie Park.

Subi's first home win of the NPLW era, and second of the season, came thanks to Dylan Davidson early goal. Keziah Burgis' long throw-in wasn't dealt with by NTC and Dylan Davidson slammed home against her former side.

Jen Walsh headed Anna-Lena Dymowski's corner over the bar as Subi threatened a second, while at the other end Georgia Cassidy's free-kick cannoned back off the post.

Subi then survived a scare as Cassidy's corner slipped through the grasp of Marissa Pidgeon, but the ball came off a NTC head and somehow went over the bar. Late on Judy Connolly and Monique Prinsloo also wasted fantastic opportunities for NTC, whose post-season hopes took a hammer blow.

Finally, Perth SC now need one win from their final two games to confirm a fourth-placed finish after Sunday’s 2-0 win at Balcatta.

Danielle Brogan's side finish their regular season with a Round 13 catch-up clash against Balcatta, this time at home, and Subiaco.

Balcatta striker Ash Panaia rifled wide of the target on 15 minutes before brave goalkeeping from Perth’s Rebecca Bennett saw her smother at the feet of Monique Godding.

Liana Cook headed Jaime Duncanson's cross over the bar, but the pair would combine to give Perth the opener leading into half-time. Duncanson's corner was floated to the back post and Cook looped a header over Gabby Dal Busco for 1-0.

The Azzurri put themselves in a more comfortable position six minutes after the restart. Sophia Neal surged down the right and pulled across for Gemma Craine to continue her good form in front of goal.

Bennett made a stunning save to deny Christi Astorp as Tim Cash's side tried to reduce the deficit, but no goal was forthcoming as Perth tightened their grip on that coveted fourth place.

Results

Balcatta 0-2 Perth SC
Curtin University 0-9 MUM FC
Northern Redbacks 4-0 Fremantle City
Subiaco 1-0 Hyundai NTC