Shellharbour City FC-1, University of Wollongong FC-0 @Myimbarr Park
One goal is enough to break the tension between the two leading sides of the Women’s Premier League.
University had the tough challenge of travelling away from home against league leaders, Shellharbour; however, they managed to keep City at bay for the entire first half.
An early goal in the second half would put the opposition on edge and cause them to lose composure.
That goal came from the home side, Shellharbour, with a goal in the 63rd minute by Kari Gonzalez.
The midfielder in a high-pressure game stepped up with the goods as she netted the goal to give City the advantage in the game.
Wollongong’s attempts to put the game square were prevented by City, who remained strong throughout the whole game.
Shellharbour face Bulli, who have all the odds against them as they sit at the bottom of the table.
As for University, they will have the home advantage against visitors, Woonona.
Wollongong will need to be prepared, though, as the Sharks were able to snatch a point from third place, Shoalhaven, who are under Wollongong in the ladder.
Woonona Sharks FC-3, Shoalhaven FC-3 @Ocean Park
Woonona hosted a 6-goal thriller, which ended in a high score draw between Shoalhaven.
Rachel Guess opened the game with her finish in the 13th minute to put the visitors in front.
Sami Wilkie joined in on the momentum and added to her side’s tally to make it 2-0 in the 16th minute, a surprise start by the visitors in the first 20 minutes.
In the 24th minute, the Sharks fought their way back into the game with a goal by Matilda Armitt to make it 2-1.
In the second half, Shoalhaven returned to the score sheet as Kaitlyn Sennitt made her mark in the 47th minute.
It was not over for the home side as Woonona made a comeback in the span of 11 minutes to level the game.
In both the 52nd and 53rd minutes, Danielle Blackett makes a heroic brace to help her team claw back into the game.
Shoalhaven went from leading 3-1 to drawing 3-3 with less than half an hour to go.
Unfortunately, neither side could get the upper hand, as the game drew to a close, both sides sharing the spoils.
Woonona travel away to Wollongong University, a performance like this game could stun their hosts again and possibly attain a surprise win.
The game for Shoalhaven is a home match against Coniston, both teams needing a win to keep up with University, who sit in second place.
Coniston FC-5, Bulli FC-0 @JJ Kelly Park
Coniston reassert themselves with a win against Bulli at home after their two consecutive losses as hosts.
In the 24th minute, Coniston found a way through the Bulli defence as Jessica Rossi powered her side into the lead.
Jessica Cruickshank doubled the score as she picked her spot and put it into the back of the net in the 37th minute.
Bulli were able to keep the home team out for the remainder of the first half and the minutes leading into the second half.
Tara Cannon started the momentum again in the 63rd minute for Coniston.
The leading scorer for her side put her name on the score sheet to make it 3-0 to the hosts.
Two minutes later, Kellie McIntyre joined the scoring to make it four to the good for Coniston.
In the 70th minute, Cannon caused trouble again for Bulli and managed to get her second of the match to end the scoring.
Coniston heads into the next game with a high-intense challenge of Shoalhaven away, an even fixture for both teams.
Bulli have another major match ahead of them coming into the next round, this time against league leaders, Shellharbour.
By Thomas Panayiotou
