Bulli FC-2, Woonona Sharks FC 4 @Balls Paddock
Bulli make a second-half push to level the game, but Woonona’s impressive first-half display gets them through.
In the 12th minute, Matilda Armitt made an entrance in the game as she finished her effort to make it 1-0 to Woonona.
Armitt returned with her second of the match in the 20th minute.
Three minutes later, her teammate, Jordan Wheatley, put her name on the scoreboard, the Sharks’ third of the game.
The away team were already in a comfortable position after half an hour into the game, but Fiona Leafe decided to widen the gap to four as she scored in the 36th minute.
The Sharks seemed to be walking away with a four-goal lead in the second half; however, it was interrupted by Michelle Carney.
She fired her shot in the net to break Woonona’s clean sheet in the 68th minute.
Carney became a handful for the opposition defence as she buried another to make it a brace for herself in the 75th minute.
The score was put up at 4-2, with Woonona’s lead, once comfortable, now shaky.
The game eventually went to a close with neither team adding another goal to the scoreline.
Bulli will have to depart away for their next game, which is against Shellharbour City.
Woonona find themselves hosts against second place, University of Wollongong.
Only six points separate the two, so a win for the Sharks will be instrumental for their season.
Shoalhaven FC-2, University of Wollongong FC-1 @Ison Park
Shoalhaven got their revenge with a home victory against the top two side, University of Wollongong.
University’s expectation of a quick goal to ease themselves into the game was shattered with a strike by Sami Wilkie to put Shoalhaven up front in the 12th minute.
Shoalhaven’s home advantage appeared to have helped Shoalhaven keep Wollongong from finding a leveller as the first half ended at 1-0 to the home side.
Five minutes into the second half, Shoalhaven stunned University again as Sarah Kilby bagged a goal to double the advantage.
The game was getting away from the visitors as the score remained at 2-0 after the hour mark.
Ariana Fleming gave back a reply in the 79th minute to give University a lifeline with her goal, making it 2-1.
Unfortunately, the clock ran out for Wollongong, which had to settle for a loss.
Victors, Shoalhaven, will hope to bring their form into the next game, which is against Coniston, who sit below them in fourth.
With their victory against their second-place opponents, University, Shoalhaven have the chance to grab another win.
University head to another away fixture, this time against Woonona, a game in which they need a result to keep their second spot intact.
Coniston FC-0, Shellharbour City FC-1 @JJ Kelly Park
One goal was enough to help Shellharbour break through in the end.
The match was quiet in terms of goal-scoring output, and Coniston was giving a fair fight against the league toppers, especially with their home field advantage.
Shellharbour had a golden chance to break the deadlock after 20 minutes but Ciara Wade did well to save the penalty kick.
It took a late goal in the final minute of the first half to break the deadlock for Shellharbour. Dajana Popovic came to clutch a lead before the break. The game was turned around by one goal. Coniston were on the back foot.
Shellharbour were awarded a second penalty midway through the second half however, this time Maddy Costanzo missed the target.
The home side pushed for a goal to level the two sides; however, City remained calm and composed in defence.
Their defence has created a reputation for stability with seven clean sheets in a row in the Women’s Premier League.
Coniston were no different and could not break through the Shellharbour barrier and instead had to be given their first loss after their three games.
Coniston will have to defend their home again with Shoalhaven travelling away to their ground.
In Shellharbour’s case, they welcome Bulli at home.
By Thomas Panayiotou
