When Macarthur Rams drew first blood in their big clash with Apia Leichhardt at Lynwood Park yesterday a home side win was on the cards.
But in fact the joy from Tenealle Hay’s goal only lasted 60 seconds, with the visitors scoring their own goal to set up a thriller in Campbelltown for Round 13 of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition.
This was an intense game of football between two fantastic sides, and it was a pity one had to lose.
Unfortunately, that team was the Macarthur Rams, who are defending the title they won in 2023 and have now dropped to fifth on the ladder.
The winner in the 2-1 win for Apia came five minutes into the second stanza, a goal by midfielder Estelle Fragalle.
The game started at quite the pace with some tenacity as well, adding to the occasion of two teams in the hunt for the premiership.
The Rams never gave up and had several good goal scoring opportunities, but it wasn’t be on this occasion.
The other local side competing in the women’s NPL competition, the Bulls FC Academy, recorded an upset win on the road, defeating top side Manly United 1-0 to climb to eighth spot on the ladder of the 14 team competition.
The result was more evidence that despite their inconsistent form this season the Bulls remain a competitive side.
The first half action was largely kept contained in the midfield, with both teams attempting to gain a foothold on the match through keeping possession and dictating play.
Attempts on goal were few and far between as both sides crafted chances from distance and set pieces.
A goal to break the deadlock would arrive late in the second half off the back of a corner which Tamires Souza headed toward goal and into the path of Jessica Seaman, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net from close range.
Picture courtesy of Football NSW.
