Reigning National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition champions Bulls FC Academy have opened their 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw with Hills United on Sunday night.
The Bulls struck first midway through the opening half when Claudia Valletta finished at the back post after a well-worked move.
Playing away from home, the Bulls deserved their lead, which came after a strong start in which they applied early pressure through several corners and attacking passages.
The home side’s first real opportunity arrived after a rare error from Bulls goalkeeper Nicole Simonsen.
The half time score was 1-0 to the Bulls, who also controlled large periods of the second half, but just could not find a second goal, leaving Hills within striking distance.
The hosts made their chance count with less than 10 minutes remaining to level the scores.
Bulls pushed late in search of a winner, but Hills held firm to claim their first point in the top tier.
Across town at Lynwood Park in St Helen’s Park, the Macarthur Rams were held to a 1-1 draw by Manly United.
Both teams started the match cautiously in an evenly contested encounter with defences holding firm.
The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute when Abbie Puckett delivered a sensational cross that was met by the perfectly timed run of Matilda Dias Wadewitz, who managed to get the slightest touch to guide the ball home and give the Rams a 1-0 lead.
Manly found their equaliser eight minutes into the second half.
The goal followed a moment of misfortune for Rams goalkeeper Issabella Coelho.
A free-kick from the right was spilled by the keeper, allowing Phoebe Gilbane to react quickly and slot the ball home.
Both sides pushed for a winner late on, but neither could break the deadlock as the points were shared.