Let’s check out the mini reviews from Round 13 of the National Premier Leagues Northern NSW Women’s competition.
Match of the Round - Charlestown Azzurri 1-1 Broadmeadow Magic FC
Azzurri and Broadmeadow had to share the points in a 1-1 draw after an entertaining top-of-the-table match-up at Lisle Carr Oval.
Both teams had multiple chances but neither team was able to walk away with the spoils.
Despite missing their star strikers Adrianna Konjarski and Lucy Jerram, Magic was able to put on a strong performance, showcasing the squad's depth.
Magic came out firing, taking the lead in the ninth minute when Emily Loader Weston spun around her defenders to score in the bottom corner.
It was a game of two very different 45 minutes for Azzurri, with coach Niko Papspiropoulos not impressed with how his side performed in the first half.
“I mean we rode our luck in the first half. We didn’t come out with the right intensity,” Papspiropoulos said.
“Going into the break 0-1, we were a bit lucky.”
But Papspiropoulos was impressed with how his side came out of the sheds after half-time, with Emily Diaz netting a long-range strike in the 49th minute to put Azzurri back into the contest.
“I thought we responded very well in the second-half.”
Azzurri thought that they had taken the lead after Lori Depczynski scored from a free kick, but the goal was ruled offside.
“Our second goal was wrongly disallowed,” Papspiropoulos said.
“In the moment I thought that Lori was onside and after reviewing the footage I still believe she was onside.
“It’s just disappointing to score two legitimate goals and still walk away with a draw.”
Azzurri had to finish the game with 10 players after Depczynski was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 85th minute.
In reflection, Azzurri were happy enough to walk away with a point.
“It was a game that really could of gone either way. A draw is probably fair,” Papspiropoulos said.
With multiple injuries and sickness running throughout the squad, Azzurri are looking forward to having a weekend off from football.
“Jessica Dominello came out of Saturday with a knee knock, but we are still waiting for results to see how serious it is,” Papspiropoulos said.
“Having a weekend off is good and has come at a good time for us.”
“It’s a pretty draining season, so it will be good to mentally rest and relax.”
The side are hopeful that most of their injured players will be fit to return in time for their next match against Newcastle Olympic.
The result means that Magic remains league leaders, one point ahead of Azzurri.
Mid Coast FC 0-8 Maitland FC
Mid Coast were unable to back up their win, going down 0-8 to Maitland FC at Taree Zone Field.
Middies were unable to shut down the attack of the Magpies after hoping to improve their defensive performance.
The victory makes this the Magpies fourth straight win and helps to cement their place in the top four of the competition.
Mercedes McNabb secured a first-half hat-trick, opening the scoring for the Magpies in the second minute of the match.
In the 12th minute, Bronte Peel was fouled in the box, allowing Chelsea Greguric to put her side 2-0 up with a calmly taken penalty.
Greguric continued her form, scoring off a scrappy deflection in the final minutes of before half-time.
Peel was able to put her own name on the score sheet, finding the back of the net in the 65th minute.
Lucy Kell snuck a ball past Mid Coast’s goalkeeper Grace Davies into the bottom corner of the net in the
Sophie Stapleford made an impact coming off the bench, beating the defence with her speed to slice the ball past the goalkeeper for the Magpies in the 90th minute.
Mid Coast will be disappointed to walk away with a big defeat after winning their second match against Warners Bay last weekend. Emma Stanbury’s side are seventh on the table on six points.
Adamstown Rosebud 1-1 Newcastle Olympic FC
Rosebud and Olympic were unable to snatch the win, walking away with a 1-1 draw.
Adamstown’s Ashleigh Vetter chased down a through ball to beat her defenders and take the lead for her side in the 31st minute.
Jets goalkeeper Claire Coelho returned to Olympic's lineup after being away, helping to keep a steady presence for her side.
Rosebud’s goalkeeper Olivia Sneddon also played a key role for her side making multiple crucial saves to keep her team in the game.
Olympic were able to respond in the second-half after Alesha Clifford headed the ball into the back of the net off a corner kick in the 50th minute.
Olympic had the better share of the chances throughout the match, with multiple shots on target but were unable to convert a winner.
The draw means that Olympic will stay in third on the ladder.
Adamstown were able to end their 3-match losing streak, gaining one more valuable point to keep them in the finals race.
New Lambton FC 17-0 Warners Bay FC
Tara Andrews was a standout for New Lambton, as they thrashed Warners Bay 17-0 on Sunday.
Andrews put seven in the back of the net, scoring the first and last of the 17 goals at Alder Park. Andrews put New Lambton on the scoresheet within the first 54 seconds.
Midfielders Cass Davis and Sarah Moore also proved their attacking prowess, with Davis scoring five and Moore hitting two into the back of the net.
Attackers Lauren Allan, Ameera Makunja, and Macy Anthony also made their way onto the scoresheet for the Golden Eagles, with one a piece each.
The result is crucial in keeping New Lambton’s season alive, with the three points edging them closer to the top four teams.
Warners Bay had no response to New Lambton’s attack and have now conceded 137 goals this season. The side are still looking for their first points of the season.