UPDATE: Hyundai NTC advanced to the Hyundai Women’s State Cup final after prevailing in a five-goal thriller with Perth Soccer Club on Wednesday night.
Goals from NTC’s Perth Glory signings Tanika Lala, Grace Johnston and Georgia Cassidy got the job done as Ben Anderton’s team look forward to a showdown with Murdoch University Melville at the State Football Centre on Saturday 2 September.
It is also an opportunity for NTC to claim their first piece of silverware in the NPLWA – Women’s era in what is their first State Cup Final appearance since a 5-0 defeat against Northern Redbacks in 2017.
They had to come from behind as Perth turned around a first-half deficit to lead 2-1 at the interval. Lala had put the youngsters in front when her turn and strike went through a sea of bodies and goalkeeper Rebecca Bennett in the fourth minute.
But a slip from Cassidy in the middle of her own half allowed Gemma Craine to put Ella Lincoln through on goal for the equaliser, then right on the stroke of half-time Jaime Duncanson stayed onside before judging the wind to perfection as she curled a terrific effort over NTC keeper Lilly Bailey from wide on the left.
Early in the second half, Johnston responded when slotting in Ruby Cuthbert’s long pass, before Cassidy scored from the penalty spot with five minutes remaining after Ischia Brooking was clipped in the area.
NTC central defender Mischa Anderson said it was difficult contest in wet and windy weather at E&D Litis Stadium, but was pleased with the fight her side showed.
“The quick turnaround from the weekend wasn’t ideal with a lot of injuries and some sickness, but I’m very proud of the team’s hard work on the night. We all had to give 100% throughout the 90 minutes in challenging conditions for both sides,” she said.
“Conceding on the stroke of half-time is never easy, but we knew we were still very much in the game given the chances we created in the first half.
“Ben and the coaching staff asked us to continue playing our game, keep the ball on the floor and keep everything simple, and we are pleased to have come out on top.”
This current NTC group had a taste of playing on a big stage last season when they lost 3-0 to Perth RedStar in the 2022 NPLWA – Women’s Top Four Cup final.
They are currently on track to reach the post-season again, but have a busy schedule in the back end of the campaign with two rearranged fixtures from their time away at NTC Challenge.
NTC go into this weekend’s Round 18 league fixture against Subiaco in fourth place and three points clear of Balcatta Etna with a game in hand. Anderson said that while the games were coming in thick and fast, it was a chance to build on recent progress and reach September’s final in good form.
“Having so many games in a short period, we will have to recover well to make sure we are all set for each game. But it gives us an opportunity to build momentum at an important time of the season,” she said.
“We will take it one game at a time but continue to do what we do best. I believe when we play with confidence we are capable of causing damage to any team in the league.
“Everyone is really excited to have the chance to play at the new State Football Centre. We’re looking forward to facing MUM FC, who are always a challenging opponent, but we will all be up for the game and hope to win a piece of silverware.”
This weekend’s opponents Subiaco had their outside hopes of a top-four run dashed by a heavy defeat to Balcatta last time. But Greg Farrell’s side had won their previous two matches prior to Sunday and look to continue building with one eye on next season.
Etna are NTC’s closest rivals in the top four race and they face an important clash at home to Fremantle City on Sunday afternoon.
With games ticking down and Etna having played a game more, Yash Pratap’s side can ill afford to drop points if Balcatta are to reach the post-season for the first time in the NPL era. Freo are third with an eight-point buffer on Sunday’s opponents and victory at Grindleford Reserve will all but secure a top-four berth.
Murdoch University Melville are also in the hunt, but they are a further point back in the race ahead of this weekend’s game against Perth SC.
David Biancuzzo’s team are winless in five league outings despite back-to-back draws against top-four opposition and progression to the Women’s State Cup final. Itis a must-win game for them, given they have played more games than their play-off rivals.
Despite defeat in the cup on Wednesday, and their eight-game unbeaten run coming to an end last weekend, Perth are likely to reach the Top Four Cup for a fourth successive season in the NPLWA – Women’s era.
Sunday's game was originally scheduled for Dorrien Gardens but has been switched to Besteam Stadium for a 3pm kick-off.
Round 18 starts on Friday night when Curtin University host leaders Perth RedStar at Edinburgh Oval. It looks an extremely tough brief for Curtin, who are yet to take a point in 2023 ahead of this top-versus-bottom clash, while the defending champions are looking to move nine points clear in their pursuit of back-to-back NPLW titles.
Round 18 fixtures
Friday
Curtin University v Perth RedStar (6.30pm)
Sunday
Balcatta Etna v Fremantle City (3pm)
Subiaco v Hyundai NTC (3pm)
Perth SC v Murdoch University Melville (3pm - Besteam Stadium)