Both the Bulls FC Academy and Macarthur Rams recorded victories in round 22 of the National Premier Leagues women’s NSW premiership.
The Rams defeated UNSW FC 2-0 in an away match played at The Village Green, while the Bulls were too strong for Northern Tigers, winning 4-2 at Northbridge Oval (pictured above).
Bagging three points has kept the Bulls in with a chance of making the finals, although they will have to do something special in the four matches remaining.
As for the Rams, who won the grand final last year, are now just one point off top spot on the ladder and could claim the minor premiership if their current good form continues.
Against UNSW FC the Rams took the lead just 14 minutes into the first half.
Melissa Caceres’ initial run and cross to Kelli Brown was impeded by a UNSW defender, leading to Miku Sunaga arriving late in the box to confidently dispatch a blistering finish into the far post.
Caceres again stepped up 48th minute to dictate proceedings for her side, playing Bronte Trew through on the right edge for the No. 11 to attempt a difficult strike from a tight angle which was saved by Tiahna Robertson.
However, Sunaga was again in the right place at the right time and was able to bury her finish through the sea of UNSW defenders stationed in front of goal.
Across town at Northbridge Oval, Bulls FC Academy and the Northern Tigers entered the match both desperate for a win to keep them in the hunt for finals footy.
Tigers took the lead with a goal four minutes into the game, but the Bulls gradually worked their way back into the match, finding an equaliser nine minutes before the half time break.
They took a 2-1 lead when they scored again, three minutes after the resumption, but their joy was short lived because the Tigers hit straight back to equalise.
Bulls showed how determined they were to pocket the three points when they responded three minutes later to go up 3-2.
It came courtesy of a bit of individual brilliance from Daniella Naeimi, who unleashed a lethal strike from
A fourth goal soon after sealed the match for the Bulls.
