NPLW Top Four Cup: RedStar put five past Azzurri, NTC KO Freo

Perth RedStar stormed into the NPLWA - Women's Top Four Cup final with a dominant second-half performance against Perth SC on Sunday.

The league champions scored four times after the interval at RedStar Arena as they defeated the Azzurri 5-1 to book a place in next Saturday's final at the State Football Centre in Queens Park.

Perth SC, who finished second in the league, must now regroup for their second chance at home to Hyundai NTC on Wednesday night. 

Perth RedStar Perth SC Top Four Cup Rob Lizzi
Perth RedStar congratulate Chiori Ikeda after her opening goal. Photo by Rob Lizzi

Chiori Ikeda gave RedStar the lead on 18 minutes, turning the ball home from Olivia Wood's cross, before Faye Phillips fed Gemma Craine to level for the the visitors nine minutes later.

But once Renee Leota pinched Matilda Boehm's pocket to set up Ikeda for her and RedStar's second six minutes after the break, the home side ran away with the contest.

They went 3-1 ahead not long after thanks to Jay Coleman's brilliant 25-yard volley. Then Sarah Carroll broke through unchallenged to make it four, and near the end, Abbey Woolley punished more poor defending to put a cap on a one-sided game.

Hyundai Women's State Cup winners NTC knocked out Fremantle City 3-1 at Hilton Park.

NTC struck first just after the half-hour when Mischa Anderson received the ball from a short corner and fired in a cross which flew over Freo keeper Dayle Schroeder and into the far corner.

The lead lasted five minutes before NTC keeper Lilly Bailey dropped the ball at the edge of the box and Jamie-Lee Gale tapped into the empty net.

But it was NTC who won the game thanks to two quickfire goals in the final 17 minutes.

First Emily Garnett, fresh from her hat-trick in the State Cup final win over MUM FC, pirouetted past Nina Boorman before smashing home from the edge of the box. Then Maja Archibald escaped down the left and crossed for Garnett, whose volley was saved but fell kindly for Louise Tana to tap in.

Perth RedStar Perth SC Top Four Cup Rob Lizzi
Perth SC keeper Rebecca Bennett is beaten by Jay Coleman's volley. Photo by Rob Lizzi

RedStar are also through to the NPLWA - Women's U21s Top Four Cup final after they beat champions Balcatta Etna FC 2-1.

Balcatta can still make the U21s final but will need to get past NTC, also on Wednesday. NTC beat Fremantle on penalties on Friday night.

Fixtures

Top Four Cup

Wednesday 13 September

Dorrien Gardens

NPLWA - Women's

Perth SC v Hyundai NTC (8.15pm)

NPLWA - Women's U21s

Balcatta Etna v Hyundai NTC (6.15pm)