Bulls FC Academy disposed of Northern Tigers 2-0 at Northbridge Oval on the weekend to be just one game away from back to back titles in the NPLW premiership.
Indeed the premiership was on the line for the Bulls as they welcomed the Tigers to Northbridge Oval, with the league leaders knowing a victory would put them within touching distance of securing another Premiership.
A double from substitute Jade Guichon proved decisive.
After arriving on the pitch as a replacement for the injured Olivia Vanderlaan in the first half, Guichon delivered instantly after the break.
The Bulls won the ball high up the pitch before the substitute produced a superb half-volley that sailed beyond the goalkeeper and into the net from a tight angle to open the scoring.
Petria Phillips then produced a terrific run to bypass the goalkeeper before setting up Guichon for a simple finish on the goal line.
The 2-0 victory kept Bulls FC Academy firmly in control of their Premiership destiny heading into the final round, when they will be away to bottom of the table Western City Rangers.
The league leading Bulls have a two point buffer, but will still need to win their last game to claim the silverware.
Macarthur Rams defeat Western City Rangers 3-2 at Lynwood Park
Entering Round 25 in ninth place, Macarthur Rams were looking to end their season on a high against an already-relegated Western City Rangers side.
The Rangers showed they were still ready to compete, with Catalina Wyrzynski opening the scoring in the fourth minute.
Macarthur eventually found their response in the 28th minute when Marcella Santos levelled the scores after the Rams had hit the post twice in a matter of seconds.
Santos then produced a classy header in a crowded penalty area in the 59th minute to send the Rams 2-1 ahead.
She completed her hat-trick shortly afterwards when Sakura Nojima’s effort rebounded off the crossbar and fell into Santos’ path, allowing the striker to complete a memorable afternoon in front of goal.
The Rangers pulled another goal back through an Amalia Plummer own goal, but Macarthur held firm to secure a 3-2 victory and finish the season strongly.
After a stormy start to the season, the Rams have got their mojo back in the second half of the season.
While they are out of finals contention, an away win against the Illawarra Stingers in the final round this coming Sunday could see the Rams finish as high as seventh.
