Designs on a Double: Capital Football NPL 2022 - The Complete Review

5 EDITORIAL 6 CHARITY SHIELD 9 NPL1 PREVIEW 17 WNPL PREVIEW 25 THE STORY OF THE SEASON: PART 1 63 CUP FINAL 67 THE STORY OF THE SEASON: PART 2 128 FINALS SERIES 139 STATISTICAL SUMMARY: RESULTS NPL/AUSTRALIA CUP 153 GOLDEN BOOT / HAT TRICK HEROES (Men) 154 STATISTICAL SUMMARY: RESULTS – WNPL/FEDERATION CUP 161 GOLDEN BOOT / HAT TRICK HEROES (Women) 162 CAPITAL ALL STARS 2022 167 NPL AWARDS 168 TEAM OF THE SEASON: NPL 170 TEAM OF THE SEASON: WNPL 172 CLUB BY CLUB SEASON REVIEW: NPL 189 CLUB BY CLUB SEASON REVIEW: WNPL 206 THE SECOND TIER: CPL SEASON 247 CLUB BY CLUB SEASON REVIEW: CPL 264 GOLDEN BOOT / HAT TRICK HEROES 265 CPL TEAM OF THE SEASON

PREVIOUS TITLES IN THIS SERIES 2013 The Official NPL Canberra Yearbook 2014 The Official NPL Canberra Yearbook 2015 Sunshine and Shadow 2016 Living the Dream 2017 Not Published 2018 Red Dawn Rising 2019 Gunning for Glory 2020 Painting the Town Red 2021 The Eye of the Tiger For information on any of these titles, please contact the author, Russ Gibbs via email at russ.gibbs@mail.com

Photos: Kai Moebus, Sal Giovinazzo, Canberra Times, Anthony Caffrey All views herein are my own and not of Capital Football

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to everyone who shared a commentary box, booth, Ute, or shed with me in 2021, namely, Frank Cachia, Steve Forshaw, Grace Gill, Antoni Jagarinec, Jeremy Magan, Matt Nicoletti, Mitch Stevens, Andrew Woodman, and Ian Worthington.

Thanks to Chris Webb for the CPL Season Preview, Jeremy Magan for the Women’s NPL Season Preview and Round by Round wrap ups, and club reviews, and Matt Nicoletti for his CPL club reviews. Excellent work by all as usual and they certainly add to this review of the year.

Huge acknowledgement to the Head Coaches of all the NPL1 clubs for their assistance in providing team line ups in advance, plus information on their selections: Frank Cachia, Christopher Caggiano and Marcial Munoz, Robbie Cattanach, Dom English and George Economopoulos, Ryan Grogan, Michael Zakoski, Aleks and Miro Trninic and Dean Ugrinic. The same, of course, for our WNPL Head Coaches: Nicole Begg, Zoran Glavinic, Sam Gray and Rob Tuksar, Rey Castro, Paulo Romero, Scott Conlon, Pat Mills and Andrew Woodman, and Sarah West.

I would like to also thank the Head Coaches of all the CPL and State League clubs for their assistance in providing results and scorers, and in our FFA Cup Qualifying phases, their teams, formations, and special information. Again, as with every season, we thank the team managers, support staff and committees at every club for their amazing hospitality at their home venues.

Finally, as with every season, massive heartfelt thanks to my loving family, Alana, Lorelei and Kai for their support and patience with me during the football months, and to my father, Doug, who spent many an hour on debriefs via phone on the journey home from matches.

Russ Gibbs Canberra, ACT November 2022

EDITORIAL by RUSS GIBBS

Another remarkable season in the life of the National Premier League saw Monaro Panthers and Canberra Olympic emerge victorious as the winners of the Grand Finals. Both teams saw off the challenge of Canberra Croatia, the League Champions in both the men’s and women’s competition, and both teams also collected the respective cups. In Panthers case a Charity Shield meant a treble for them.

It was a season in which we were treated to some blinding goals, some stunning saves and arguably some of the most intense matches that we have witnessed in recent years. The closeness of the table in the men’s competition in the race for the top four, coupled with the relegation battle, ensured there was never a dull moment in covering all of these incredible games.

I was luckily enough to be behind the microphone for close to 100 matches in 2022. A significant number covered in my new role at Capital Football a Back to the Future moment for me incidentally. Commentating on this league, and its associated cup competitions, has long been a privilege and a treat. Seeing the emergence of new stars, the combination of new teams forming, and the continued excellence of our local heroes firsthand is unparalleled.

Within these pages, of which is now becoming an annual publication in all of its variant guises, you can relive the season just passed and, hopefully, it will stir the memories of the evocative moments and get you excited for 2023. It would be amazing to see more people at our grounds supporting their local club. These clubs are a haven for hospitality and are a great place to be on weekends. Head down and see what you’ve been missing!

Russ Gibbs Manager, Communications & Commentary Capital Football

Thanks for another superb year and roll on next season!

CHARITY SHIELD 2022

Saturday 5 March CHARITY SHIELD

Tigers FC 1 (Gulevski 64’) Monaro Panthers 7 (Carle 20’, 33’, 52’, Kalfas 28’, De Franceschi 65’, Selden 68’, Basser Silk 82’)

WOMEN’S CHARITY SHIELD

Canberra Croatia 6 (Birnie 2’, Barac 10’, Wilson 49’, Settin 88’, Palombi 89’, Giorgi 90+1’) West Canberra Wanderers 0

Following the experiment of the 2021 Charity Shield where the winners of NPL1 met the NPL2 Grand Final winners, the 2022 Charity Shield reverted to the League Champions taking on the Australia Cup Qualifying winners. As the Tigers had won both competitions in 2021, the beaten finalists, Monaro Panthers, provided the opposition at Gungahlin Enclosed as part of a double header which featured a Women’s Charity Shield for the second time. Both matches were streamed live on BarTV Sports and provided plenty of goals for those at the venue and those who tuned in.

Canberra Croatia were crowned the Women’s Charity Shield Champions after a dominant performance over West Canberra Wanderers. Croatia got off to the best possible start, scoring inside of two minutes. After some brilliant work from Isabella Barac, a well weighted pass found the feet of Sienna Birnie who calmly slotted the ball home to give her side the lead.

Less than ten minutes later and Croatia doubled their lead. After bouncing around the box, the ball ricocheted off Barac and into the back of the net for the second of the afternoon. Long range efforts from Jennifer Bisset and Krista Hagan could have put the score out further but both shots thundered off the crossbar.

Croatia started the second just as they did the first as Dianne Wilson slipped through the Wanderers backline and expertly slotted the ball into the bottom corner for a three goal lead. After an extended period of control, Croatia finished strongly with three goals in the final four minutes to Brittany Palombi, Mia Giorgi, and Shania Settin, somewhat harsh on the Wanderers but perhaps reflective of the dominance of the League Champions.

In the Men’s event after both sides took time to adjust to the wet conditions, it was Panthers that took the lead through new man Andre Carle. After a beautiful run from Nikos Kalfas, Carle was on hand to tap home the rebounded save to open the scoring with a well taken strike Kalfas would add to the score minutes later, controlling the ball well to smash it home past Jakob Cole.

Continuing their dominance, Panthers made it three nil as Carle added a second, meeting a Darren Bailey free kick at the front post. Panthers picked up where they left in the second

half, as Carle sealed his hat trick with a beautifully weighted lob over the on rushing Cole, to put the result beyond doubt for the Panthers.

Josh Gulevski pulled one back for the Tigers with a great strike just after the hour mark, running on to a loose ball to smash home am stroke from distance, but it counted for little as Monaro continued their rout soon after. Adam De Franceschi and Jai Selden both scored on their club debut, De Franceschi heading home from a corner and Selden ramming in from close range after superb approach work, putting the Panthers five to the good.

Ben Basser Silk scored late in the game to make it seven goals for Panthers in an utterly ruthless performance for the side, claiming the 20222 Charity Shield.

NPL 2022 PREVIEW

The start of a new NPL season always brings with it massive possibilities and the dreams of all eight clubs are the same, to make the top four and, ultimately take home the League Championship title and the Grand Final. There has been plenty of movement within our Premier League clubs for 2022 and the competition appears to be very open and difficult to predict. Here we look at the clubs who will form NPL1 in 2022.

BELCONNEN UNITED Head Coach: Michael ZAKOSKI

Last Season: 5th

A new dawn looms for Belconnen United under their young and up and coming Head Coach Michael Zakoski who has moved across from the WNPL program to take the reigns at the Blue Devils. With a new coach comes new ideas and playing styles, and Zakoski wasted no time in bringing in a raft of new signings to augment his tactical plans. There’s been a sea change in terms of personnel with many of the Blue Devils new recruits familiar with Zakoski’s intent from his U23 days at Canberra Olympic. Early indications have been good with some excellent performances in pre season added to a superb Australia Cup Qualifying Round win over Gungahlin United. Interesting new acquisitions have arrived to supplement the firepower in the form of Luke Vallone from Adamstown Rosebud and, more locally, Colombian forward Juan Ospina who has joined from West Canberra Wanderers whilst there’s guile in Jonathan Kerszberg and a top class shot stopper in the shape of Alex Connell.

In: David CARDER (Canberra Olympic), Alex CONNELL (Canberra Olympic), Adam FORNER (Canberra Olympic), Geordie FREEMAN (Weston Molonglo FC), Jayde JAMES WARD (O’Connor Knights), Jonathan KERSZBERG (Canberra Olympic), Tyson LIVERMORE (Canberra Olympic), Juan OSPINA (West Canberra Wanderers), Chris REAY (Canberra Olympic), Michael SOUTHAM (Canberra Olympic), Jonathan TUREK (Tuggeranong United), Luke VALLONE (Adamstown Rosebud), Nick ZAKOSKI (Sabbatical)

Out: Darren BAILEY (Monaro Panthers), Taylor BEATON (Sabbatical), Nelson CURLEY (Canberra Olympic), Luca FLOREZ (Canberra Olympic), Adrian MACOR (Canberra Olympic), Luca MACOR (Canberra Olympic), Max MELLICK (Canberra Olympic), Michael PICCOLO (Canberra Croatia), Curtis SCHAEFFER (Brindabella Blues), Murphy SHAW (Gungahlin United), Cassidy TANDDO (Canberra Croatia), Michael TAURASI, Jordan THURTELL (Monaro Panthers), Bailey TOSCAN

PRE SEASON RESULTS

22/1/22 v Corrimal Rangers (h) W 2 1 (Reay, Vucetic) 29/1/22 v Tarrawanna Blueys (h) L 1 3 (Ospina)

6/2/22 v NSW Spirit (h) L 1 2 (Green)

19/2/22 v Bulli FC (a) Cancelled

1/3/22 v White Eagles (h) W 2 0 (Reay, Vallone)

5/3/22 v O’Connor Knights (h) W 4 3 (Reay, Vallone, Garang (og), Kreskas)

CANBERRA CROATIA

Head Coach: Dean UGRINIC

Last Season: 2nd

Perennial title chasers Canberra Croatia have shuffled their deck in 2022 losing a couple of experienced stalwarts but replacing them with some real quality. It’s no surprise that the record title holders have been serious admirers of forward Stephen Domenici for several years now and, under Dean Ugrinic, have finally snaffled their man, luring him across from Monaro Panthers. Domenici might not have the speed of his youth, but still possess an unerring eye for goal and will be tasked with providing the goals for a team where expectations are high. Interstate arrivals Teeboy Kamara, who played five matches with the Australian U17 team, and Rory Spiers will add to the attacking threat whilst Michael Piccolo joins to add verve, exuberance, and no little skill into the midfield. Further back Marco Gayer makes the transition from Tuggeranong United and will fight for a place in the back four along with young centre back Cassidy Tanddo. Likely to be top four contenders.

In: Stephen DOMENICI (Monaro Panthers), Marco GAYER (Tuggeranong United), Teeboy KAMARA (Green Gully), Michael PICCOLO (Belconnen United), Rory SPIERS (Manly United), Cassidy TANDDO (Belconnen United), Hristijan TANOSKI

Out: Daniel COLBERTALDO (Retired), Thomas JAMES (Marconi Stallions), Nikos KALFAS (Monaro Panthers), Amilio KISTA (Monaro Panthers), Nikola TANESKI (Sutherland Shire), Marko VRKIC (Retired), Matthew WATERS (Melbourne)

PRE SEASON RESULTS

5/2/22 v Coniston FC (h) W 3 1 (Spears, Keir, own goal)

12/2/22 v South Coast United (h) W 7 2 (Tanoski (2, 2p), Barac, Busek, Ugrinic, Pilkington, own goal)

19/2/22 v Wollongong Olympic (a) Cancelled

26/2/22 v Blacktown City (h) L 1 2 (Barac)

8/3/22 v ANU FC (n) D 2 2 (Keir, Domenici)

CANBERRA OLYMPIC

Head Coach: Robbie CATTANACH

Last Season: 6th

It’s been a busy off season for Canberra Olympic Head Coach Robbie Cattanach who has added plenty of class and NPL quality to his pack for 2022, raiding Belconnen United in particular for a clutch of young, yet seasoned, NPL talent. Amongst those lured from the Blue Devils were Adrian and Luca Macor, adding silk and steel to the engine room, the energetic Max Mellick, who will likely play fullback, and the outstanding Luca Florez who offers pace and penetration in the final third. Excitingly, Cattanach has welcomed travelled goalkeeper Sebastian Usai to his playing group, the shot stopper listing Blackburn Rovers amongst a plethora of experience earned overseas. Seamus Carr and Mark Shields come across from West Canberra Wanderers and Queanbeyan City respectively to add some experience to a relatively youthful squad and both made their competitive debut in the 4 0 defeat of Tigers FC in the Australia Cup Qualifying Round.

In: Seamus CARR (West Canberra Wanderers), Nelson CURLEY (Belconnen United), Luca FLOREZ (Belconnen United), Adrian MACOR (Belconnen United), Luca MACOR (Belconnen United), David MCCARRON (O’Connor Knights), Max MELLICK (Belconnen United), Mark SHIELDS (Queanbeyan City), Sebastian USAI (Logan Lightning) Out: Rhys ANDERSON (Gungahlin United), David CARDER (Belconnen United), James CHRISTIS (Gungahlin United), Alex CONNELL (Belconnen United), James CRAWFORD (University), Adam FORNER (Belconnen United), Jonathan KERSZBERG (Belconnen United), Tyson LIVERMORE (Belconnen United), Chris REAY (Belconnen United), Michael SOUTHAM (Belconnen United)

PRE-SEASON RESULTS

5/12/21 v Queanbeyan City (AIS) D 1 1 (Exarhos) 5/2/22 v Wollongong Olympic (AIS) Cancelled 8/2/22 v Brindabella Blues (AIS) W 5 1 (Ringi, L. Macor, James, Faust, Mellick)

12/2/22 v Albion Park (a) L 1 5 (Florez)

19/2/22 v White Eagles (AIS) D 2 2 (Ringi, McCarron) 26/2/22 v ANU (Hawker) L 2 3 (Florez, L. Macor) 10/3/22 v Tuggeranong United (n) W 1 0 (Rohan Jones)

GUNGAHLIN UNITED

Head Coach: Marcial MUNOZ

Last Season: 3rd

There are minimal changes for Gungahlin United under Head Coach Marcial Munoz as the Gunners look to build on their third place finish from 2021. Munoz has welcomed back a trio of former Gungahlin players with the return of midfielders Tom McLachlan and the Habtemariam brothers, Jeremy, and Samuel. There will be a sense of unfinished business for those players who, despite winning a Grand Final in the black and white stripes, obviously feel there is more to add to the mantelpiece. A chastening Australia Cup exit at the hands of Belconnen United hinted at the work that needs to be done for the Gunners, but in Nick Rathjen, recently called up to the Futsalroos, and Jack Green, they possess two of the best players in the competition in their respective positions. Up front the talismanic goal getting of Philippe Bernabo Madrid will no doubt be in full flow, and if he can link up with Michael John and Misko Naumoski to the same effect as in 2021, the Gunners could challenge.

In: Rhys ANDERSON (Canberra Olympic), James CHRISTIS (Canberra Olympic), Jeremy HABTEMARIAM (Monaro Panthers), Samuel HABTEMARIAM (Monaro Panthers), Tom MCLACHLAN (Monaro Panthers), Murphy SHAW (Belconnen United)

Out: Roy ANDERSON (South Melbourne) Moses GARANG (O’Connor Knights), Miguel GONCALVES (Sydney FC Youth), Ryan GULEVSKI (Queanbeyan City),Tom KRKLEC (Tigers FC), Josh LAGUDAH (Northern Territory), Henri MULWILA (Germany), Alexandru URICARU (Queanbeyan City)

PRE SEASON RESULTS

4/12/21 v O’Connor Knights (n) D 3 3 (Bernabo Madrid, Gaspari (2)) 5/2/22 v Queanbeyan City (a) W 2 1 (Bernabo Madrid, Roberts) 12/2/22 v O’Connor Knights (a) D 2 2 (Bernabo Madrid, Stamatis) 19/2/22 v Wollongong Wolves (h) L 1 3 (Angelosante) 20/2/22 v Tigers FC (n) L 1 2 (Tunney)

3/3/22 v West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 1 3 (Green) 6/3/22 v White Eagles (AIS) W 6 3 (John, Giampaolo, Stamatis, Rowley, Roberts (2)) 12/3/22 v Brindabella Blues (n) W 3 1 (Bernabo Madrid, John, Green) 27/3/22 v Tuggeranong United (h) L 1 5 (Bernabo Madrid)

MONARO PANTHERS

Head Coach: Frank CACHIA

Last Season: 4th

After a season in which they fell at the final hurdle in Australia Cup Qualifying, and ended the shortened campaign in fourth, there are signs that 2022 could be a good year for the men in green and black. Head Coach Frank Cachia has wasted little time in adding lots of quality and depth to their roster and the Panthers displayed their talent with a 7 1 hammering of League Champions Tigers FC in the Charity Shield. Everywhere you look in the squad there has been a notable addition, from goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell and defenders Adam De Franceschi and Darren Bailey, through midfielders Gabe Cole and Amilio Kista, to the forward line which will boast Jai Selden and the free scoring Andre Carle. Keep an eye out too for Zac McLaren, a late inclusion from Wollongong United, who looks full of energy and desire and might prove to be a key signing.

In: Darren BAILEY (Belconnen United), Andre CARLE (Blacktown Spartans), Gabe COLE (West Canberra Wanderers), Adam DE FRANCESCHI (West Canberra Wanderers), Nikos KALFAS (Canberra Croatia), Amilio KISTA (Canberra Croatia), Zac MCLAREN (Wollongong United), Michael POCHI (Overseas), Jai SELDEN (West Canberra Wanderers), Kyle SENIOR (Wollongong), Jordan THURTELL (Belconnen United) Out: Evan ALEXANDROW RIDLEY (Sabbatical), Tim BOBOLAS (Sabbatical), Stephen DOMENICI (Canberra Croatia), James DRISCOLL (West Canberra Wanderers), Jeremy HABTEMARIAM (Gungahlin United), Samuel HABTEMARIAM (Gungahlin United), Beau HARVEY (West Canberra Wanderers), Tom MCLACHLAN (Gungahlin United), Lasse OLRIK (Tigers FC), Alessandro PENA (Southern District Raiders), Sam ROESTBAKKEN (Northcote City)

PRE SEASON

RESULTS

22/1/22 v Wollongong Wolves (h) L 2 4 (Carle (2)) 30/1/22 v APIA Leichhardt (a) D 0 0 5/2/22 v Port Kembla (h) L 1 2 (Mitchell)

18/2/22 v Wollongong Wolves (h) L 1 3 (Mitchell) 20/2/22 v Tuggeranong United (h) W 4 0 (De Franceschi (2), Kalfas, Carle (p)) 5/3/22 v Tigers FC (CS) W 7 1 (Carle (3), Kalfas, De Franceschi, Selden, Basser Silk)

O’CONNOR KNIGHTS

Head Coach: Miro TRNINIC

Last Season: 1st (CPL, Promoted)

Promotion to the rarefied atmosphere of NPL1 had barely been confirmed when the O’Connor Knights moved into action to augment their existing group of players by bringing in fresh blood in several key positions during a lengthy and detailed recruitment phase. There’s a real blend of youth and experience across the Knights set up with 2021 standouts Patrick O’Rourke and Niko Kresic up top, supplemented by the veterans Marcin Zygmunt and Liam Walsh further back. Keep an eye out for some emerging talent in the shape of solid central defender Noah Steinacker and the creative skillset of Connor Mynott Smith. Former Tuggeranong trio Andrew Slavich, Eddie Coggan and Regan Walsh will be keen to exorcise the memories of their previous NPL campaign, and Coggan set about that task by scoring twice in the 4 1 Australia Cup win over Belnorth. Midfield star Micheal Adams may be the Knights key player though, a creative goalscorer who could have a major impact.

In: Micheal Adams (Queanbeyan City), Sebastian ARRANZ (Canberra Croatia U23), Gabriel AYUEL (White Eagles), Jacob AYUEL (White Eagles), Nikola BARISIC (Sabbatical), Eddie COGGAN (Tuggeranong United), Moses GARANG (Gungahlin United), Michael KITA (Queanbeyan City), Connor MYNOTT SMITH (Canberra Croatia U23), Andrew SLAVICH (Tuggeranong United), Noah STEINACKER (Belconnen United U23), Regan WALSH (Tuggeranong United), Ryan ZANATTA (Canberra Croatia U23)

Out: Tom COSENTINI (Gungahlin Juventus), Robert HRSTIC (Gungahlin Juventus), Jayde JAMES WARD (Belconnen United), David KEIR (TBC), David MCCARRON (Canberra Olympic), Dean MISIC (TBC), Dennis MISIC (TBC), Tom OLSON (Overseas), Eamon RITCHIE (Interstate), Boyan TASESKI (TBC), Mitch STEENBERGEN (White Eagles)

PRE SEASON RESULTS

17/11/21 v Tigers FC (n) L 2 4 (O’Rourke, Kresic) 4/12/21 v Gungahlin United (n) D 3 3 (Adams, Zygmunt, Mynott Smith) 5/2/22 v Tigers FC (h) L 1 2 (Adams) 12/2/22 v Gungahlin United (h) D 2 2 (McCarron, L. Walsh) 20/2/22 v Queanbeyan City (h) W 3 1 (Mynott Smith (p), Kresic, Coggan) 27/2/22 v Brindabella Blues (n) L 2 3 (Adams, Mynott Smith) 5/3/22 v Belconnen United (a) L 3 4 (Mynott Smith (2), Coggan) 12/3/22 v Orana Spurs (a) W 4 1 (Mynott Smith (2), G. Ayuel, Shore)

TIGERS FC

Head Coach: Ryan GROGAN

Last Season: 1st

Interesting times lie ahead for the League Champions who’s never ending 2021 campaign was finally laid to rest by APIA Leichhardt in the Australia Cup Round of 32. Since then, there have been some underwhelming performances by the Tigers,’ a 1 7 shellacking in the Charity Shield by the Panthers and a 0 4 drubbing in the Australia Cup Qualifiers by Canberra Olympic ending their grip on the trophy. There has been minimal movement in and out of the club at the time of writing, midfielders Tom Krklec and defensive colossus Lasse Olrik the only additions to the champions squad, and only a fool would write them off as anything but challengers for 2022. There’s enough talent in the squad to prevail, and the emergence of Daniel Sparrow in the holding role will, when he is fully fit, be a welcome boon. Anything but a title challenge would be considered a failure by the club, but they will need to rediscover that title winning mojo to succeed.

In: Tom KRKLEC (Gungahlin United), Lasse OLRIK (Monaro Panthers) Out: Lachlan GRIFFITHS (Rockdale Illinden FC), Daniel GROVE (West Canberra Wanderers), Christian JUNNA (Brindabella Blues), Jay KELLY (Moreland Zebras), Niko UJDUR (Sydney Olympic)

PRE SEASON RESULTS

6/11/2021 v Brindabella Blues (n) W 4 0 (Gulevski, Strika, Borgna, Popovich) 13/11/21 v Brindabella Blues (n) W 8 1 (Gulevski (4), Timotheou (2), Whithear, Popovich) 17/11/21 v O’Connor Knights (n) W 4 2 (Popovich (2), Gulevski, Borgna) 5/2/22 v O’Connor Knights (a) W 2 1 (Timotheou, Gulevski (p)) 9/2/22 v ANU FC (n) W 5 1 (Whithear (3), Junna, Popovich) 12/2/22 v Queanbeyan City (a) D 0 0 20/2/22 v Gungahlin United (n) W 2 1 (Strika, Popovich) 26/2/22 v Bankstown United (h) L 1 3 (Popovich) 5/3/22 v Monaro Panthers (CS) L 1 7 (Gulevski)

WEST CANBERRA WANDERERS

Head Coach: Dom ENGLISH & George ECONOMOPOULOS

Last Season: 7th

A youthful look again for West Canberra Wanderers under their new coaching duo of George Economopoulos and Dom English exemplified by the retention of a vast crop of youngsters who gave a superb account of themselves in 2021. The Wanderers lost several of their key plyers during the off season but have recruited some intriguing prospects in their place with U23 goal machine Beau Harvey making the move across from the Monaro Panthers alongside James Driscoll. Tuggeranong pair Jakeb Wiseman, an excellent addition between the posts, and forward Jenno Ceruti add depth to the ranks with George Pavese coming from interstate. A remarkable Australia Cup Qualifying win over Canberra Croatia has hinted at the promise in the Wanderers ranks, culminating a terrific pre season campaign which will no doubt raise expectations amongst the supporters of the Red and Black Army. Meeting those expectations may be their biggest challenge in the forthcoming campaign.

In: Jenno CERUTI (Tuggeranong United), James DRISCOLL (Monaro Panthers), Daniel GROVE (Tigers FC), Beau HARVEY (Monaro Panthers), Kristian NEL (Brindabella Blues), George PAVESE (Griffith), Jakeb WISEMAN (Tuggeranong United)

Out: Seamus CARR (Canberra Olympic), Aaron CASHMAN (White Eagles), Gabe COLE (Monaro Panthers), Martin DENG (White Eagles), Adam DE FRANCESCHI (Monaro Panthers), Mason INTERLANDI (Overseas), Michael MENSAH (Queanbeyan City), Chris MCEWAN (Weston Molonglo FC), Zedan MUTLU (USA), Juan OSPINA (Belconnen United), Jai SELDEN (Monaro Panthers)

PRE-SEASON RESULTS

12/2/22 v Coniston FC (a) L 1 2 (Anderson) abandoned 60 mins due to an injury 20/2/22 v ANU FC (n) W 2 1 (Pavese, Ceruti) 26/2/22 v APIA Leichhardt (a) Cancelled 3/3/22 v Gungahlin United (h) W 3 1 (Thornton, Pavese, Obst) 12/3/22 v White Eagles (n) W 7 1 (Harvey (3), Ceruti, Anderson, T. Barbatano, Paesler)

WNPL 2022 PREVIEW

The Women’s NPL promises to be an enticing competition to view in 2022 with League Champions Canberra Croatia anxiously looking over their shoulder at the chasing pack. NPL commentator Jeremy Magan takes us through what we can expect for the six months ahead with stats supplied by Russ Gibbs

BELCONNEN UNITED

Head Coach: Scott CONLON Last Season: 2nd

After two seasons of young coaches in charge of the same teams trying to get the same results, 2022 looks more like a ripped band aid moment. With the likes of Michaela Thornton and Nicole Jalocha gone, new leaders need to be found, as well as a new dynamic with players coming from the Blue Devils’ youth. The challenge will put the Canberra Football powerhouse to the test, and it is only fitting that Scott Conlon, who played a role in getting Jagarinec to Belconnen in the first place over a decade ago, now sits on the bench. Conlon, a former Blue Devil himself has been coaching the U13 at the club and takes over at McKellar with a simple job: succeeding, when for the first time in over a decade, Belconnen is not tipped to win it all. Expect the front three of Keira Bobbin, Talia Backhouse, Olivia Bomford and Karen Clarke to help him in his endeavour.

In: Steffi LEJINS (Gungahlin United), Tatum MAZIS (Belconnen United Boys), Jayla MURPHY (Canberra United Academy), Marija RATHOUSKI (Gungahlin United)

Out: Cristina ESPOSITO (Sydney), Alexia FORNER (TBC), Mia GIORGI (Canberra Croatia), Nicole JALOCHA (Canberra Olympic), Sarah JOHNSTON (Canberra Olympic), Vanessa RYAN (Canberra Olympic), Isabella TAMMARO (Canberra Croatia), Michaela THORNTON (Canberra Olympic), Reilly YUEN (TBC), Jasmine ZABEL (Canberra Olympic)

CANBERRA CROATIA

Head Coach: Nik BROZINIC

Last Season: 1st

Zoran Glavinic has the challenging task of following in Nik Brozinic’s footsteps, the coach who won back to back titles at Deakin Stadium. Glavinic is no stranger to success at Canberra Croatia though, and his emphatic win in the Charity Shield showed that the team is a serious contender to their own succession. Keeping the core of the squad unchanged and adding talent in every department is the recipe for success at any club, and it is just what the reigning champion have done. The powerful midfield triumvirate of Jennifer Bisset, Krista Hagen and Jamie Berkeley is back, as well as the experienced Rhiannon Fensom and Alice Churchill in defence and the ever so lethal Brittany Palombi up front. These six alone could guarantee Canberra Croatia a sure trip to the finals, and the additions, Rebecca Kiting, Diane Wilson, Isabella Tammaro., Mia Giorgi and Sienna Birnie, have already impressed for their first minutes in the checked jersey.

In: Sienna BIRNIE (Tuggeranong United U18 Boys), Mia GIORGI (Belconnen United), Kassandra GUGLIELMIN (Tuggeranong United), Olivia GURNEY (Sabbatical), Sandra HILL (Sabbatical), Madeleine Rebecca KITING, Ann Marie SYMMS (Tuggeranong United), Isabella TAMMARO (Belconnen United), Natajsa VASTA (AFL), Diane WILSON (Promoted), Jasmine ZABEL (Belconnen United)

Out: Sharron CHAO (Gungahlin United), Olivia FOGARTY (Canberra Olympic), Ally HINSON (West Canberra Wanderers), Renee JUNNA (Canberra Olympic), Cecilija MATIC (Sabbatical)

CANBERRA OLYMPIC

Head Coach: Nicole BEGG

Last Season: 5th

Olympic shocked the Canberra Football community with a stellar off season, adding some of the very best players in the competition to their already talented pool. From the revelation of 2021 between the posts in Janet King, to one of the most awarded players in the Capital, in Michaela Thornton, Nicole Begg has brought in more strength everywhere on the pitch. O’Connor has become on paper, overnight, the hardest place to get a result at in WNPL. The task will not be easy for the coach in only her second year to ensure a team rises from all the individual talent lined up. The former Canberra United captain has shown an ability to learn on the go, and such versatility last season in her tactical choices, she looks just right for the job. Thornton, Sarah Johnston, Olivia Fogarty, Elke Aitolu could each transform any team they would join into a title contender, but put together, this is a group that feels like title contenders.

In: Elke AITOLU (Gungahlin United), Olivia FOGARTY (Canberra Croatia), Olivia GURNEY (TBC), Nicole JALOCHA (Belconnen United), Sarah JOHNSTON (Belconnen United), Renee JUNNA (Canberra Croatia), Janet KING (West Canberra Wanderers), Meg RODEN (Canberra United Academy), Vanessa RYAN (Belconnen United), Michaela THORNTON (Belconnen United)

Out: Anna BENNETT, Kelly BARNES (Wagga City Wanderers), Lara BURDETT, Lucy D’ARCY, Iesha DE ANDRADE, Olivia FARRELL, Emma FINCH (Wagga City Wanderers), Heather GARRIOCK (Relocated), Aurelia HAYNES (Relocated), Courtney HALSE, Rachael HARDWICKE (Coaching), Gaby JORDAN, Jodie KIRKNESS (Wagga City Wanderers), Louise KOCKUM, Audrey MCLAREN, Jemima MILLAR CARTON (West Canberra Wanderers), Jordan UJDUR (Sabbatical)

CANBERRA UNITED ACADEMY

Head Coach: Sarah WEST

Last Season: 4th

The Academy earned bragging rights last season, being the only team able to beat Canberra Croatia in the past 24 months in WNPL. In 2022, former Canberra United U17 coach, and Liberty A League assistant coach Sarah West takes over in what looks like a transition season for the Hawker based team. The Academy have lost a few influential talents that have illuminated the Capital’s pitches in the past few years, with names such as Sasha Grove, Anna Hunt, and Alyse Jensen having departed the team in green. To make up for these departures, CUA is doing what it does best, promoting and bringing in several new players. In the end, the Academy will do what it does every year: develop their squad technically, tactically, and physically to be a match against more experienced players and create some upsets along the way.

In: Alissa BARBOUR (Belconnen United), Sophia BISSEL (Interstate), Tiana BOOTS (Promoted), Ashleigh CARTY (Sydney University), Natalia CHANG (Promoted), Alyssa DI CAMPLI (Promoted), Eliza EVANS (Promoted), Charli GREGSON (Promoted), Angelina JUKIC (Promoted), Caitlin KOCH (Promoted), Tilly ROWE (West Canberra Wanderers), Sienna SCARANO (Promoted)

Out: Alicia BAMFORTH (Study), Mena BISCOTI (West Canberra Wanderers), Daisy CANAVAN (West Canberra Wanderers), Annie GROVE (College, USA), Sasha GROVE (North West Sydney Spirit), Anna HUNT (Sydney University), Alyse JENSEN, Jayla MURPHY (Belconnen United), Stephanie NIKIAS (West Canberra Wanderers), Bessie REITHMULLER (Interstate), Meg RODEN (Canberra Olympic), Caitlin SKILLICORN, Ellie SUMMERS

GUNGAHLIN UNITED

Head Coach: Pat MILLS

Last Season: 3rd

The shortened 2021 season robbed Gungahlin United of their opportunity to challenge the top two teams of the capital for a spot in the Finals. With a well oiled team, and Liberty A League Women all time leading scorer Michelle Heyman in his ranks, Diego Iglesias was ready to take his shot. The offseason saw the Gunners’ coach moving on, and Pat Mills bringing his wealth of experience to their bench. If the core of the team remains, Mills’ first task is obvious: replacing the firepower that left Gungahlin in the off season. Elke Aitolu, Jade Brown, and Heyman tallied 20 goals in 2021, so the coach has a clean slate to reorganize his offense. The addition of the experienced Sharon Chao and Cassia McGlashan will help. One to watch at the GEO will undoubtedly be Piper Lockley. The former creative mastermind of the Wagga City Wanderers is bringing her silky touch to a team challenging for finals. Her ability to rise to the occasion and her partnership with the De Marco sisters will be a key to the Gunners’ success.

In: Sharon CHAO (Canberra Croatia), Piper LOCKLEY (Wagga City Wanderers), Cassia MCGLASHEN (Sabbatical), Olivia NOLAN (West Canberra Wanderers)

Out: Elke AITOLU (Canberra Olympic), Jade BROWN (USA), Paige GREGSON (Tuggeranong United), Steffi LEJINS (Belconnen United), Marija RATHOUSKI (Belconnen United), Brigitte SANDER (USA)

TUGGERANONG UNITED

Head Coach: Paulo ROMERO

Last Season: 8th

After half a competitive season and a full pre season under his belt, it is finally time to see Paulo Romero’s full impact on Tuggeranong United. If the results did not follow in 2021 (only one win, late in the season), the intensity and the defensive solidity shown at times by the Tuggies fostered a lot of promises. Romero worked to add depth in his squad during the off season, whilst making up for the departure of some of his most important players of the past two seasons: Stephanie Coates, Rhiannon Daisley, Madeleine Magee, and Alyssa Bozinovska were all starters week in week out. The signing of Sammy Emms between the posts, famously selected for a Young Matildas training camp last July, is a sign of the ambition Romero has for his team. The former Wagga City goalkeeper has impressed with talent and maturity beyond her years and her move to the Capital is a crucial step in her development. That’s also a good summary of what 2022 is for Tuggeranong United: another step in their development, and their quest to establish themselves higher up on the ladder.

In: Maya BINNS (West Canberra Wanderers), Sophie COLE (UC Stars), Sam EMMS (Wagga City Wanderers), Paige GREGSON (Gungahlin United), Brooke JONES (Injury), Karen MILEWSKA (West Canberra Wanderers), Lilly NICHOLLS (UC Stars), Samantha WOOD (AFL) Out: Alyssa BOZINOVSKA, Stephanie COATES, Rhiannon DAISLEY, Claire FALLS, Kassandra GUGLIELMIN (Canberra Croatia), Madeleine MAGEE, Sophie ROLFE, Ann Marie SYMMS (Canberra Croatia)

WAGGA CITY WANDERERS

Head Coach: Sam GRAY

Last Season: 7th

All these off season coaching moves in the capital made Sam Gray the longest serving coach in the WNPL at the start of 2022. During a complicated 2021 season, Wagga City were only able to get points against fellow minnows Tuggeranong United, winning the head to head battle twice. The experimented Wanderers manager then went through the usual tumultuous break with his load of changes, but he is confident that he has strengthened his squad for the upcoming season. Every year the Riverina brings a wealth of talent to the competition and this season should be no different. Isabella Palmero will bring her experience of interstate NPL and help the youth of Wagga and the signings from the local clubs develop under Gray. Expect nothing else than the Scot’s usual brand of open attacking football at Gissing Oval in 2022. The Wanderers are here to climb the ladder and create some upsets, and Gray built a team to achieve these goals.

In: Kelly BARNES (Canberra Olympic), Maree CIRILLO (Hanwood FC), Ellie FAULDER (Promoted), Emma FINCH (Canberra Olympic), Hannah FORWOOD (Mid North Coast), Jodie KIRKNESS (Canberra Olympic), Isabella PALMERO (Queensland NPL), Anissa REES (Promoted), Marwa SULAIMAN (Promoted) Out: Madelyn EMMS (Local Football), Sam EMMS (Tuggeranong United), Christina GRAUER KOMPOS (Retired), Ash HOLDER (Local Football), Brianna HOWES (Study), Niki KRAJACIC (Local Football), Piper LOCKLEY (Gungahlin United), Tia LYONS (Study), Bonny MCKEAN (Study), Brandy NICHOLSON (Local Football), Susan WAIA (Local Football), Abby WOOD (Study)

WEST CANBERRA WANDERERS

Head Coach: Rey CASTRO

Last Season: 6th

2021 was tumultuous yet successful in West Canberra. A change of coach and the departure of their marquee signing halfway through the season would not tarnish the positive results that allowed the Wanderers to reach the Federation Cup Final and to stay in the battle for the Finals until the season was interrupted. The Charity Shield 2022 ended with a harsh score line despite West Canberra’s usual characteristics on display, a solid, dense defence and plenty of pace in transition with young forwards that did not shy away from the challenge. Rey Castro is back at the helm and built on the core squad that fought so hard for him last year. The revelation of last season, Janet King may have gone to Olympic, but is replaced by an equally talented goalkeeper, in back to back champion Ally Hinson. Academy products Daisy Canavan and Stephanie Nikias also signed with the Wanderers, bringing pace, technical and tactical talent, as well as much needed depth to Melrose.

In: Mena BISCOTI (Canberra United Academy), Daisy CANAVAN (Canberra United Academy), Ally HINSON (Canberra Croatia), Jemima MILLAR CARTON (Canberra Olympic), Stephanie NIKIAS (Canberra United Academy)

Out: Ellen BROWN (Study), Maya BINNS (Tuggeranong United), Sofia CHAVERRA (Interstate), Janet KING (Canberra Olympic), Karen MILEWSKA (Tuggeranong United), Olivia NOLAN (Gungahlin United)

THE STORY OF THE SEASON: PART 1

ROUND 1

NPL: PANTHERS OFF TO PURR-FECT START

Monaro Panthers made the perfect start to the NPL season claiming the maximum return with a 3 0 victory away to Belconnen United on a fresh afternoon in the nation’s capital. A trio of goals from new signings did the damage for the Panthers who, whilst not hitting full speed, did enough to see off the home side.

It was the Blue Devils who threatened first on a blustery day, young forward Maxx Green getting goal side of the visiting defence but lashing his strike off the base of the post when well placed inside the area. If that was a let off for the Panthers, there was to be no such reprieve for the hosts as Monaro went in front midway through the half.

Jai Selden, who was in the mood for damage, waltzed his way down the left flank and cut the ball across the six yard box for Nikos Kalfas to slam a first time effort into the net from close range to pout his team ahead at the interval. And it was Selden who was to score the game defining goal shortly after the re start.

Found inside the penalty area, the winger still had plenty to do, but hammered his shot across the face of Alex Connell and into the far corner. Belconnen’s response was excellent, led by a commanding performance from Nick Zakoski but, just as it appeared they might find a way back into the contest, the Panthers killed the game with a third.

Andre Carle, who had impressed in pre season, and scored in both the Charity Shield and Australia Cup, was felled inside the area, and brushed himself off to nonchalantly strike the resultant penalty home, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way, for his fifth competitive goal in three outings.

At the AIS the league Champions, Tigers FC, showed character to come from 0 2 down to earn a draw against Gungahlin United in an exciting match to begin the new season. It looked like it would be the Gunners celebrating early as Philippe Bernabo Madrid got his 2022 season of and running with a tidy finish to pout the visitors, who were playing away at their home ground, ahead early on.

When Leon Michl struck fourteen minutes later, his shot taking a deflection before looping over the head of Deakin Jewell in the Tigers goal, Gungahlin were set fair and the Champions, who had been unceremoniously dumped out of the Australia Cup a week

earlier, staring at a third competitive loss of the year. The loss of Bernabo Madrid with a hamstring injury slowed the Gunners' progress though and the Tigers hit back.

The Cooma side are the top dogs for a reason, and they began their fightback seven minutes into the second half when Nik Popovich netted from close range. Popovich was instrumental in the equaliser as well, controlling a forward ball on the chest before finding Josh Gulevski who slipped his effort underneath Jacob Quinn to earn Ryan Grogan’s team a point on the opening weekend.

The other matches for Round 1, Canberra Croatia’s visit to Canberra Olympic and O’Connor Knights NPL debut against West Canberra Wanderers were postponed.

WNPL: BIG WINS FOR TITLE FAVOURITES

Defending champions Canberra Croatia took on Canberra United Academy at Deakin stadium on Sunday afternoon and showed their championship credentials with an 8 1 success. Croatia would start the game off with intense pressure, breaking down United’s attacks and creating several chances throughout the first twenty minutes and finding their way through the Academy defence on a regular basis.

By the half hour mark, Croatia found themselves 3 0 up, with goals to Brittany Palombi, striking a stunner from range, an own goal by Eliza Norris and a superb third from Isabella Barac. Continued dominance from the hosts meant the score would be four by half time, the returning Dianne Wilson lobbing an impressive fourth over debutant stopper Eliza Evans who, despite conceding the goals, had a solid first outing between the posts.

The Academy started the second half in the worst way possible with Sienna Birnie adding another barely 40 seconds after the resumption. Sofia Christopherson gave the youngsters a response, the skipper scoring a goal her performance deserved in the 53rd minute, only for Croatia’s Jennifer Bisset to net her first and Croatia’s sixth moments later. The game would run away from the visitors late on, as Palombi and substitute Rhiannon Fensom added to the tally.

Canberra Olympic got off to a perfect start against a depleted Wagga City Wanderers with Nicole Begg’s championship contenders cruising to a massive 13 0 win away from home

Nicole Begg’s team only needed a couple of minutes to get the first signs of a successful off season. Meg Roden, the former Canberra United Academy player, was on hand to end Olympic’s first attack with a powerful right footed effort. Olympic’s new number 32 ended

the game with a hat trick and was not the only new recruit to put her name on the stats sheet.

Michaela Thornton (2 goals), Olivia Fogarty (2), Olivia Gurney (2) and Nicole Jalocha all scored in their first competitive game donning the new blue jersey, Jalocha doing so on her 100th NPL appearance. Taniah Miro twice, and Ali Cook from the penalty spot, joined in on the celebrations.

The new NPL powerhouse sent a message to the competition, scoring a handful more goals than their rivals, and recording the only clean sheet of the weekend to launch their campaign. The day was of course grimmer for Sam Gray and his Wanderers, before another tough match up, at Deakin Stadium in Round 2.

Belconnen United started their WNPL season off on the right foot, defeating an embattled Tuggeranong United 5 1 at Greenway Park on Friday night

The Blue Devils dominated the first half, cruising to a 3 1 lead, with one of their very few defensive slipups costing them their clean sheet. Keira Bobbin was the goal hero in the first stanza. Striking twice, alongside a volley from Talia Backhouse to ensure the Blue Devils were ahead at the break, but Lauren Hall, on debut, capitalised on a defensive mishap to pull Tuggeranong back into the match just past the half hour.

The second half started how the first ended, with Tuggeranong’s defence being pulled wide and punished. Leah Carnegie’s free kick hit the underside of the bar, allowing Bobbin to complete her hat trick and crisp bottom left hand corner finish from Carnegie herself, put the game to bed.

With devastating counterattacks led by Bobbin, Belconnen were well in control of the opening match. Belconnen coach, Scott Conlon, kicked off his new WNPL coaching role tremendously after coming up from coaching U13s in previous years. “You never know what to expect for the first game. We knew Tuggeranong had been building in the off season, more than happy to come away with the win,” Conlon said.

The Blue Devils face Gungahlin in their next match up and Conlon is looking forward to being back on the grass fields. “We’ll have two good sessions this week and we’ll be looking forward to doing something similar next weekend.”

NPL: KNIGHTS HIT SIX, GUNNERS GO TOP

It may have been thirteen years since O’Connor Knights graced the top tier of ACT football but they more than made up for their absence in an exhilarating debut in the competition, racking up half a dozen goals in a rampant 6 2 win over Canberra Olympic at O’Connor Enclosed.

The home side were simply irresistible as they thumped their co hosts in front of their home support on a memorable afternoon for Miro Trninic and his team. To win was the ultimate objective, but to do so in such style has made the rest of the NPL sit up and take notice of the project that the Knights are undertaking.

Marcin Zygmunt, a relative veteran of the youthful, exuberant collective from the Knights, rolled back the years, striding forward from central defence to poach two smart finishes, one in each half. Phakedi Manda equalled that feat, his brace coming inside the opening 45 minutes as the Knights led 3 1 at the break.

Elie Darwich had pulled one back from the spot for the home team, but the Knights were unperturbed. Even when Noah Steinacker put through his own goal to bring Olympic to within touching distance, all that did was spur on the home side and Patrick O’Rourke squeezed home the fourth after Micheal Adams had seen his penalty spectacularly saved by Sebastian Usai in the Olympic goal.

Zygmunt added the fifth and Adams rounded out the scoring on a never to be forgotten afternoon for the O’Connor club.

Gungahlin United moved into pole position at the top of the table with a narrow 2 1 win over Monaro Panthers in a feisty encounter at Gungahlin Enclosed. The officials issued three red cards during the second half, two to the Panthers as Josh Calabria and Amilio Kista were dismissed for second cautions, while Gunners’ defender Badreldin Abbas followed late on.

By that stage, the home side were 2 1 up as a pair of set pieces did for the Panthers who were missing their goal scoring machine in Andre Carle. The returning Josh Gaspari showed what an immense signing he is likely to be as he put the Gunners ahead with a sublime free kick from long range.

Kista replied in kind for the Panthers, driving a fierce effort from outside the box into the bottom corner for a spectacular leveller, but it was Gungahlin who were to come away with the three points. Awarded a penalty with ten minutes to play, Jeremy Habtemariam lashed his spot kick high into the net to send Gunners’ top.

Last season’s top two, Tigers FC and Canberra Croatia fought out a fierce 1 1 draw at Deakin Enclosed with the home side reduced to ten men for a twenty minute spell during the game as defenders Matt Grbesa and Luke Pilkington were sent to the sin bin.

The match featured plenty of strong tussles across the park and lots of presentable chances, but with both goalkeepers, Sam Brown and Jakob Cole in unremitting mood, a draw was probably the fairest result.

Croatia may feel they could have won it, Michael Piccolo being denied a chance to put them 2 0 up by a world class stop from Cole midway through the second half, the Tigers shot stopper stretching out a right boot to divert a certain goal around the post, much to the disbelief of all those associated with the home team.

Daniel Barac had given Croatia the lead in the first half, cushioning a superb volley past the onrushing Cole after an exquisite long ball from Jadon Ugrinic, but there was always the threat that the Tigers might draw level and they were presented with that chance with nineteen minutes remining from the spot.

Josh Gulevski accepted responsibility and crashed the penalty into the roof of the net to draw the teams’ level and, although there were late half chances for both teams to win it, honours remained even.

Belconnen United recovered from an opening day defeat to bounce back with three points as they travelled to Melrose Synthetic and came away with a 2 1 win over West Canberra Wanderers thanks to a pair of goals before the break, netted in contrasting circumstances.

Phil Borgeaud gave the Blue Devils the advantage after only two minutes when his in swinging cross from the left flank was mysteriously misjudged by Wanderers goalkeeper Jakeb Wiseman who allowed the ball to eke past him and into the net at the near post, much to Borgeaud’s delight.

There was a second for Belconnen before the interval when the visitors were awarded a penalty. Maxx Green, who will fly out to trial with La Liga side Rayo Vallecano this week, accepted responsibility and arrowed his penalty low into the bottom corner. Wanderers replied late, a debut goal at this level from Jenno Ceruti reducing the arrears, but it was too late to affect the result and Belconnen were worthy winners.

WNPL: BLUE DEVILS, OLYMPIC AND CROATIA TWO FROM TWO

A swaggering second half display gave Belconnen United a second 5 1 win of the season in the Women’s National Premier League as they came from a goal down to sweep aside Gungahlin United at McKellar Park.

The visiting side had taken the lead just prior to the interval at the home of the Blue Devils as long serving midfielder Erika Pennyfield put the Gunners ahead in what was a tense and tight opening forty minutes, both teams offering a goal threat, but with the match very much in the balance.

That was all to change in a stunning eighteen minute spell during the second stanza. Olivia Bomford had enjoyed her usual quality game up front, bringing others into play and

orchestrating Blue Devils attacks, and she got the goal her performance deserved to kick start proceedings in the 51st minute.

Ten minutes later Keira Bobbin, fresh off a hat trick in Round 1, turned the game on its head to put Belconnen ahead and, when Bomford made it three some eight minutes later, the turnaround was complete. Bobbin netted her second, and fifth of the campaign, late on and there was still time for teen substitute Tatum Mazis to score her first goal at this level ins stoppage time.

A solitary goal proved enough for West Canberra Wanderers to edge out the Canberra United Academy in an enthralling match at Melrose Synthetic. That goal came in added time at the end of the first half as young striker Hattie Cram bagged her first ever senior NPL goal at a crucial time of the match, latching onto a sublime pass from Tara Cannon to strike.

Both these outfits featured a plethora of young talent who entertained on the artificial turf with chances coming throughout the course of ninety minutes. But the Wanderers goal proved the difference and gave Rey Castro and his team a maiden victory in their first outing of 2022.

Canberra Olympic continued their winning streak in the 2022 season with a routine victory over Tuggeranong United at O’Connor Enclosed, seeing off the challenge from the Southsiders to record a 6 0 win.

Both sides started strongly with Olympic dominating the first half hour and finding themselves 2 0 up with goals from Anna Vandenbroucke and Michaela Thornton. Tuggeranong responded immediately off both kick offs but would go into halftime needing a big second half.

Olympic started the second half with the same dominance, picking up two goals in the first ten minutes, both within sixty seconds of each other. Nicole Jalocha scored her first after fifty minutes, and an own goal from Tuggeranong’s Lara Mustaine, less than a minute later put the game out of reach.

Things would go from bad to worse for Tuggeranong as Ashleigh Sykes, introduced off the substitute’s bench, made it three goals in seven minutes with her first goal of the season. Vandenbroucke scored her second in the 68th minute to round out the scoring and, despite chances for United, Olympic would keep their clean sheet.

Canberra Croatia lined up with a somewhat experimental squad, without the likes of Brittany Palombi, Rebecca Kiting, Alice Churchill, and Grace Gill against Wagga City Wanderers at Deakin Stadium, but it made little difference as they steamrollered their youthful opponents winning 16 0.

The hosts opened the score within the first three minutes and dominated head and shoulders from there on. Without Palombi, Krista Hagen stole the show with five goals and is now tied with Bobbin at the top of the early goal scoring ladder. Hat tricks from Jennifer

Bisset, Mia Giorgi and Isabella Barac, and a goal each from Sienna Birnie and Jamie Berkeley tallied up the result.

The team for the Riverina have faced arguably the two best squads in the competition to start their season and will have a couple of weeks to learn from the heavy defeats. Despite the result, the performance of their captain Bella Palmero, as well as left back Marwa Suleiman and goalkeeper Ebony Warner is to be commended. Sam Gray and his troops have some work to do but these are good foundations to build upon, before travelling back to the capital after the Easter break.

MIDWEEK: RAMPANT CROATIA IN NPL & FEDERATION CUP

Canberra Croatia handed out a midweek mauling on Thursday evening in their rearranged Round 1 match with Canberra Olympic at Deakin Stadium. The home side swamped their opponents in the ‘Canberra Classico’ running out winners by eight goals to nothing

It was a ruthless and domineering performance from the most storied club in the national capital as, from then moment Matej Busek volleyed them into the lead inside half an hour, they cut loose to put their opponents to the sword.

Daniel Barac made hay, claiming a hat trick, netting his first two before the break whilst Stephen Domenici helped himself to a double, grabbing his first goals for the team in red who were in rampant form throughout, the attacking duo in particularly inspiring form.

The lively Busek added a second after the resumption of activities and there was a lovely finish to a sweeping team move from midfield general Ryan Keir, before Barac completed his treble on ma chastening evening for Olympic.

The Women’s section of Canberra Croatia cruised into the Semi Finals of the Federation Cup with an ultimately comfortable 5 0 win over West Canberra Wanderers but, having taken the tie by the scruff of the neck early on, they had to wait until the final quarter before securing their place in the last four.

Early goals from Rebecca Kiting and Sienna Birnie gave the visitors a two goal cushion and threatened a repeat of the Charity Shield where Croatia put six on the Wanderers after a similarly rapid beginning.

The hosts responded well however, and it wasn’t until Birnie struck again with fifteen minutes remaining that the Cup holders could rest easy. An 89th minute strike from Dianne Wilson added gloss to the scoreline before an unfortunate own goal from Wanderers’ Kaitlyn Colwill gave the final result a harsher perspective.

ROUND 3

WNPL: OLYMPIC DOWN BLUE DEVILS IN FIVE GOAL THRILLER

The mid week to begin Round 3 was billed as the first blockbuster showing in Canberra’s WNPL and it did not disappoint! After five goals and a game winner two minutes before the final whistle, Canberra Olympic took the maximum return of points against Belconnen United at the AIS on Wednesday night.

The protegees of Nicole Begg would feel like they deserved their win, based on the number of chances created, but they struggled against the well prepared Blue Devils who contained the free scoring Olympic well

Olympic dominated the game for the first half hour, testing Jaya Murphy’s reflexes on a couple of occasions. The home team were forced to call on their Liberty A League Women player Ashleigh Sykes to make the difference. In 90 seconds, just past the half hour mark, the striker scored twice, once from each foot, to put her team ahead.

Five minutes before half time though, a clumsy challenge from Sarah Johnston on Olivia Bomford offered Talia Backhouse the opportunity to bring her team back into the contest from the spot kick. The visitors’ captain was not about to turn down the opportunity and rifled the penalty into the corner.

The second half was a cagey affair, until this 75th minute and a free kick from a distance from Leah Carnegie that surprised substitute ‘keeper Janet King and snuck between the ‘keeper and her crossbar.

Olympic threw all care to the wind and pushed to get the points. They were rewarded with a penalty at the 88th minute. The experienced Ali Cook, Olympic’s penalty expert, took on the responsibility and offered her team a third win in a row to start the season with a beautifully struck effort

Despite the loss, the Blue Devils can keep their heads high. Their defensive solidity and constant threat in transition were nothing short of impressive. No doubt these two teams are contenders for the trophy.

NPL: GUNNERS LEAD THE WAY AFTER THREE-GOAL SALVO

Gungahlin United moved to the top of the NPL table after the completion of three rounds with a convincing, and comprehensive, three goal win away to Belconnen United under a blue sky bereft of clouds at McKellar Park, inflicting a second three goal home loss on the Blue Devils.

Having been defeated by Monaro Panthers in Round 1, the home side were hoping to put on a better display for their loyal home support and they had the best early chance of the contest when winger Christian Kreskas, who was proving to be a thorn in the side of the Gunners throughout, stabbed just wide after a glorious through ball from Chris Reay.

It was an uncharacteristic mistake from Belconnen captain Izach Clements that paved the way for the opening goal of the fixture, Clements misjudging a pass through the heart of the Blue Devils defence, allowing Jeremy Habtemariam to run clear and place an accurate finish past Alex Connell for his second goal in two matches.

The killer goal arrived on the stroke of half time and it was a thing of beauty. Josh Gaspari and Michael John exchanged passes with the latter freeing the former into the area for Gaspari to lash a violent finish under Connell. A third strike, finished from close range by substitute Samuel Habtemariam on his 50th NPL appearance, rounded off the win and put Gunners clear of the chasing pack.

League Champions Tigers FC dealt the O’Connor Knights a dose of reality at the AIS with a 3 1 victory which inflicted a first loss on the Knights since their return to the elite level. It wasn’t as simple as the score may suggest though as the Knights pushed their opponents to the max and only succumbed deep into stoppage time.

The opening goal of the clash, finished with aplomb by Antoni Timotheou, was a first class demonstration of why the Tigers held the league and cup in 2021, a multi player, multi pass move ended with a super strike. If that was quality, the equaliser was just as good, albeit in a different manner as Connor Mynott Smith bent an exquisite free kick over the Tigers wall and beyond the grasp of Jakob Cole.

Josh Gulevski has started the new season in good form and scored for the third successive league appearance ten minutes into the second half to restore the Tigers advantage and, despite having most of the possession thereafter, Tigers had to wait until time added on to settle the result once and for all as Nik Popovich made it certain with the third.

There was a vital return to form for Canberra Olympic who moved off the bottom of the NPL table with a 3 1 win over West Canberra Wanderers who replace them at the foot of the pile after three rounds. Having leaked 14 goals in their opening two matches of the year, Olympic were much better defensively and made their chances count on their forays into the Wanderers final third.

A brace of goals in the five minutes before the interval dealt the harshest blow to Wanderers hopes as Alen James struck first before Elie Darwich landed his second penalty of

the season, proving to be a deadly ace from the spot, to give Olympic a comfortable cushion heading into half time.

Wanderers responded well and, with just three minutes left on the clock, forced themselves back into the contest as Beau Harvey, a summer signing from Monaro Panthers, underlined his burgeoning reputation with a well taken goal to give the visiting team hope of an unlikely comeback.

That was snuffed out when, in the final minute of the match, Olympic substitute Aisosa Ihegie, who top scored for his club in 2021, grabbed his first of the new campaign.

Canberra Croatia will perhaps be wondering quite how they didn’t take the maximum return from their visit to Monaro Panthers on Saturday evening, but the form of the Panthers gloveman Jordan Thurtell was the critical difference. Thurtell made a string of outstanding stops, none better than the one in the first half when he miraculously clawed away a Stephen Domenici pile driver that appeared destined for the top corner.

There are counter arguments to the made that the Panthers themselves might well have stolen the points and they can point to a glorious opening wasted by Kofi Danning in the early exchanges, the former A League front man volleying over when well placed inside the penalty area.

As ever, the truth lies somewhere in between, and a draw was probably a fair result and one that both teams would have been happy with. No goals, but a fine example of a match which was eminently watchable from a neutral perspective and did little to dissuade the notion that both are more than capable of challenging for honours.

WNPL: CROATIA, WANDERERS AND ACADEMY SEAL VICTORIES

Sienna Birnie took her season total of goals to an impressive eight in five competitive matches after bagging a first WNPL hat trick in Canberra Croatia’s 5 0 defeat of a plucky Tuggeranong United at Greenway Enclosed on a an unseasonably warm Friday evening.

Having watched Canberra Olympic seize the initiative with their midweek win over Belconnen United, the league champions wasted little time in asserting their authority in this one and, after only five minutes had elapsed, went ahead when Isabella Barac reacted fastest to a shot saved by United stopper Sammie Emms, to tap home.

If Croatia thought that they would stroll to a victory after that early goal, Tuggeranong had other ideas and, under Paulo Romero, look to be a stronger force in 2022 than they were twelve months ago. However, it was Birnie who took the game away from them in the second half.

After making it two four minutes into the second half, Birnie struck twice more to seal the points and when Barac netted her second in stoppage time, waltzing her way through a tiring United backline, the result was iced.

The battle of the Wanderers was the first game played on Sunday. On Melrose synthetic, West Canberra got the better of Wagga City thanks to a goal each side of the half time break.

In a game where both teams answered blow by blow, the hosts had the better opportunities in the first half. The reward came, just like against Canberra United Academy before the Easter break, in the dying the second of the first act, when Ginger Oliver’s cross found her captain Sarah Whitfield forgotten at the far post. The skipper calmy headed the ball in the empty net.

Sam Gray’s troops searched for the equalizer in the second half but conceded again just after the hour mark. After a one two between Kaitlyn Colwill and Hattie Cram, Tara Cannon was found near the edge of the box. The midfielder took a chance from a distance and her effort found the opposite side net, too high for Ebony Warner to put a hand on.

West Canberra recorded their second win in three games and stay in reach of the top runners, while Wagga City is one of the trio of teams in the competition yet to get a point in 2022.

Canberra United Academy claimed their first win of the season at Hawker Enclosed on Sunday evening as they eased past Gungahlin United with a four goal win on the Synthetic surface.

Gungahlin started the game aggressively, shutting down the Academy’s build ups and controlling the tempo of the game. As the game continued, Canberra united would slowly take control and be the first to score through Charli Gregson in the 11th minute

Things went from bad to worse for Gungahlin, as an accidental handball in the 46th minute, and a poor tackle in the 62nd minute, gave the hosts a pair of penalties, both converted by Isabella Hindmarsh as the lead was extended to 3 0.

The final goal of the game was well worth the wait as Jaya Bowman met a cleared corner some 35m from goal and executed an outstanding chipped finish into the Gunners net for an early contender for goal of the season.

MIDWEEK: CUP DELIGHT AND HEYMAN RETURNS

There were semi final places up for grabs in both the Australia Cup Qualifying and Federation Cup during the week whilst Gungahlin United welcomed all time Liberty A League top scorer Michelle Heyman back into the fold for their rearranged Round 1 Women’s NPL match against West Canberra Wanderers.

FEDERATION CUP: ACADEMY AND BLUE DEVILS PROGRESS

Canberra United Academy eased their way into the hat for the final four in the Women’s Federation Cup after they came out on top against Tuggeranong United in the replayed Quarter Final encounter.

With the first match having been abandoned after 58 minutes due to a lightning storm with the Academy 4 3 to the good, the teams had to do it all again and it took the Academy less than twenty minutes to take control of the contest, Charli Gregson striking first, before Sofia Christopherson made it two.

A spurt of three goals in the space of just nine minutes killed off brave Tuggeranong intentions with Latisha Babic and Tayla Hampson putting the tie out of reach of Tuggeranong before Christopherson added her second to round off the evening and secure a second win in succession for the youngsters.

Belconnen United joined the Academy in the semi finals as they made their way past the challenge of lower ranked opposition in ANU WFC. Noting the threat of the University side, the Blue Devils swept into action early and any thoughts of an upset were assuaged when Keira Bobbin and Olivia Bomford netted inside eight minutes.

Bobbin made it three before twenty minutes had elapsed and Bianca Kimpton sealed Belconnen’s progression before half time. Credit to ANU WFC though who stuck to the task and only shipped two more, Talia Backhouse, and a first for Ella Palframan in a senior shirt, making the final tally 6 0.

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING: HEARTBREAK FOR TUGGERANONG,

OLYMPIC THROUGH

A 92nd minute equaliser from West Canberra Wanderers defender Harrison Palic broke Tuggeranong United hearts in the Australia Cup Qualifying Quarter Final at Greenway Enclosed on Wednesday evening, forcing the match into extra time where the extra quality of the NPL side saw off their Capital League opponents.

United had led for most of the match after a Sean Kiddey drive had deflected in off the luckless Connor Bill, but the Wanderers had gone close, no more so than when Rhys Anderson saw his effort come back off the inside of the post and away to safety.

There were chances at both ends in an engrossing match, Sam Walker denied when one on one by a superb save by the legs of former Tuggeranong gloveman Jakeb Wiseman, whilst Jenno Ceruti, off the bench for the Wanderers, thought he had levelled only for Harrison Buesnel to pull off a quite astonishing goal line clearance.

Once Palic did score, poking home from close range following a goalmouth melee, the momentum swung to the NPL team and Ben Obst curled in a stunner to give them the lead in extra time. Substitute Thomas Barbatano rounded James Benivento in the Tuggeranong goal for three, and Anderson sealed the result in stoppage time.

Monaro Panthers booked their semi final place with a ruthless display to dispose of ANU FC at the AIS.

Four first half goals did for the CPL promotion chasers with Amilio Kista, on his return to the team scoring twice, Andre Carle taking his season goal tally to half a dozen, and Gabe Cole putting the Panthers into the last four.

They eased off after the break, although could have added more than the one netted by Ben Basser Silk with five minutes remaining.

The Panthers will meet Canberra Olympic in the semi final after Olympic defeated Belconnen United 4 1 at Gungahlin Enclosed. All the damage was done before the interval as Luca Florez, Elie Darwich and Aisosa Ihegie capitalised on Blue Devils mistakes to give Olympic a three goal cushion.

Belconnen responded well in the second half and pulled one back via a crisp finish from Adam Forner, and then struck the post from close range, as nerves began to jangle for Olympic. They were settled late on when Ihegie broke clear to calmly stroke home his second to despatch the Blue devils and sed Olympic through to the last four of the competition.

WNPL: WANDERERS SPOIL HEYMAN RETURN

The return of Canberra United Liberty A League star Michelle Heyman was a surprise to many of the watching public at Gungahlin Enclosed as the top scorer pulled on the black and white of Gungahlin United, but not even her presence would deny the West Canberra Wanderers a superb win.

There was little in the match but the one moment of real quality proved to be decisive. Tara Cannon collected the ball a long way from the Gunners goal but unleashed a dipping swerving strike that lanced over the ‘keeper and into the net for a deserved match winner.

The three points meant Wanderers won for the third game in succession to go joint top on nine points and have yet to concede a league goal in 2022, their clean sheet record standing at 270 minutes.

ROUND 4

NPL: CROATIA GO TOP WITH WIN AT GUNGAHLIN

A first half brace of goals were enough for Canberra Croatia to claim the three points in the top of the table clash with Gungahlin United at the AIS as the visitors held on under a late Gunner barrage to secure a vital win.

In a match that featured nine yellow cards, there was a real feel of a proper contest between these teams, and it was Canberra Croatia who started the brightest. An injury to Stephen Domenici precipitated the early introduction of Jason Ugrinic from the substitutes bench and the forward was the beneficiary of some excellent approach work from Matej Busek to open the scoring.

It was two in the 26th minute as Daniel Barac was on the end of a swift break to force the ball past Jacob Quinn in the Gungahlin goal, the ball adjudged to have just crossed the line before a desperate attempt to clear, for the striker’s fifth league goal of a productive start to 2022.

The Gunners came out in the second half in a different mood and reduced the deficit when they were awarded a penalty with ten minutes to play, Jack Green fouled inside the area. Jeremy Habtemariam expertly scored from the spot, but despite a flurry of chances at both ends, there was no further score and Croatia held on for an important victory.

Tigers FC remained undefeated after four rounds but had to settle for a third draw of the 2022 season as they were held to a 1 1 stalemate by West Canberra Wanderers who, based

on an excellent second forty five minutes, deserved a share of the spoils at Wanderers Park, Melrose.

In a scrappy contest, two moments illuminated the fare and both resulted in well taken goals. The first came from the Tigers early on as winger Tomas Krklec somehow found his way past his marker in a cul de sac and laid off a pass to Josh Gulevski at the top of the area. There was still much to do and yet Gulevski made it look easy, skipping past his marker to blast in his fourth goal in four games this term.

The Wanderers would have felt that their second half display warranted a tangible reward, they dominated a lot of the possession and had the better chances, and they got it with a superb goal in the 68th minute, Ben Obst finding Jenno Ceruti who coolly finished for his second of the year to earn a point.

Honours were equally even over at O’Connor Enclosed as O’Connor Knights match with Monaro Panthers ended all square at 1 1, a result that means the Knights remain unbeaten at home since their return to the top flight.

The visitors took the lead in the first half, taking ten minutes to score as Andre Carle reacted well to a header across goal from Michael Pochi to nod in at the far post, his seventh goal in all competitions to date. And the striker could have had another but was denied from the spot by Knights ‘keeper Jack Miller who saved his 20th minute penalty.

The Panthers paid for that as the Knights levelled in the second half of the fixture. A long ball released Phakedi Manda behind the visitor’s defence and the winger showed the pace and calmness required, racing clear and arrowing a finish across Jordan Thurtell into the far corner to bring the team’s level.

Over at McKellar Park Canberra Olympic compounded a miserable week for Belconnen United who, for the third time in three home games this season, conceded three times as Olympic secured a 3 1 away win to go with their 4 1 Australia Cup Qualifying success in midweek.

A superb finish from Mark Shields, rolling back the years with an exquisite chip over Alex Connell in the 24th minute, got Olympic off and running before the Blue Devils suffered a sense of déjà vu as, for the second time in 48 hours, Aisosa Ihegie charged down an attempted Connell clearance to slot home early in the second half.

There was a third for the visiting team as substitute David McCarron rose highest to nod a wonderfully placed ahead past substitute ‘keeper Zac Pagan to seal the points. A penalty, converted by Jayde James Ward deep into stoppage time, was scant consolation for the beaten home side.

WNPL: WEST CANBERRA WANDERERS UNEXPECTED LEADERS

The West Canberra Wanderers sit at the top of the table after a fourth win in as many games in 2022. The team coached by Rey Castro can thank Tara Cannon this week. The sole goal scorer midweek against Gungahlin United was at it again on Sunday against Tuggeranong United whom they defeated 3 0.

The trajectory and the power of her free kick from the edge of the box left Sam Emms no chance and showed the Wanderers the way at Melrose. Hattie Cram happily followed suit and won her duel against the Tuggies goalkeeper twenty minutes later.

Despite losing goalkeeper Ally Hinson to a broken finger, West Canberra was rarely put in danger by the visitors in the second half, and instead kept on pushing to score a third. Their reward came with 6 minutes left on the clock when Johanna Biddle outpaced Tuggeranong’s defence and tapped the ball in Emms’ net. The Wanderers are yet to concede a goal this season and will visit Canberra Olympic next Sunday as the surprise early leaders in the WNPL.

Canberra Olympic were visiting Deakin for Round 4 and the clash between the two powerhouses ended in a 1 1 draw. Canberra Croatia, already without usual starters Brittany Palombi and Jamie Berkeley, unfortunately lost their goalkeeper Nat Vasta for the rest of the season at the 40th minute to a broken ankle. Experienced left back Alice Churchill put on the gloves and stood between the posts.

After an expectedly cagey first half, it was the referee’s whistle that would decide the tie. Churchill was twice found guilty of a foul in her area on Michaela Thornton, offering Ally Cook two chances from the spot kick. The Olympic centre back netted the first attempted, but saw the interim goalkeeper save the second.

In the dying minutes of the game, Jennifer Bisset earned an opportunity from the spot kick for herself and left Janet King no chance. Nicole Begg and her troops missed an opportunity to put a rival three points behind with that goal conceded at the end, but the level of football played by both teams left us wanting for more.

Pat Mills finally recorded his first victory with Gungahlin United on Sunday with a 5 2 win over Wagga City Wanderers. The Gunners hit the ground running and after the Wanderers’ keeper fumbled Erika Pennyfield’s shot, were ahead after five minutes. Michelle Heyman opened her tally this season minutes later before Megan Castle brought the Wanderers back into the game just before the half hour mark.

The Gunners took a comfortable advantage thanks to two goals before half time, both almost offered by the Wagga’s defence, struggling to clear their line. Erika Pennyfield’s second on the day sealed the deal early in the second half.

Even if the sun helped Emma Finch scored her first goal in a Wanderers shirt, it was too little too late for the visitors, still after their first points after four rounds. Gungahlin on the other end get a breath of fresh air before a trip to Kambah next week to play Tuggeranong.

We expected an entertaining game in Hawker to end the weekend between Canberra United Academy and Belconnen United and we were not disappointed! After a strong start, the Academy allowed Belconnen to get comfortable and Chloe Lincoln needed to show her skills to delay the Blue Devils’ opener.

It came from a perfect strike from distance, courtesy of Talia Backhouse, which flew into the top left corner. The Academy pushed to come back but lacked in the final third. The second half started the worst way possible for Sarah West and her squad when Backhouse, again, headed in a corner kick past Lincoln.

Of course, the home team did not give up and answered ten minutes later through a header of their own, from Jaya Bowman. The score did not change after this, mainly thanks to a series of saves by Lincoln. The Blue Devils were still content to leave with three points and their third success in four games.

NPL: OLYMPIC WIN THREE IN A ROW, KNIGHTS PUNISH GUNNERS

A brace of goals from star striker Aisosa Ihegie, the second of which brought up his 50th NPL goal, pushed Canberra Olympic to the top of the table ahead of the pair of matches in Sunday afternoon as the hosts defeated Tigers FC 4 2 at O’Connor Enclosed in a superbly entertaining match.

Most of the action took place in the opening 45 minutes, a breathtaking rollercoaster of emotion that saw Olympic twice take a two goal cushion only for it to be reduced each time in a five goal half. Two goals within sixty seconds set the tone, Simon Rohan Jones firing home on nine minutes and Ihegie making it two from the kick off.

A thumping drive from Antoni Timotheou brought Tigers back into the game but, when Olympic were awarded a penalty, they looked to restore their two goal lead. Alen James was entrusted with the spot kick but saw his effort well saved by Jakob Cole in the Tigers net. The reprieve was short lived as Ihegie spun his marker and advanced to net his half century of league goals.

Nik Popovich’s beautifully placed shot made it 3 2 at the break, his curling effort past Sebastian Usai raising Tigers hopes, but they were dashed in the second half when Max Mellick crossed, and Luca Florez arrived at the back post to slot into the unguarded net to seal a third win on the bounce for Olympic their horror start to the season becoming a distant memory.

The second of the matches played on Saturday was the early evening encounter at the Riverside Stadium and it took an 88th minute penalty, finished with some feeling by Darren Bailey, to give Monaro Panthers a narrow 1 0 win over West Canberra Wanderers

In a game of few chances, Jakeb Wiseman in the Wanderers goal was the marginally busier of the two goalkeepers, clawing a Gabe Cole corner away when it looked likely to cross the line, watching on as a Bailey corner clattered the woodwork and then saving superbly from substitute Zak McLaren who had burst past three players in a wonderful solo run.

Wanderers battled hard and their substitute, Nathan Twomey on for the unfortunate Ben Obst, stung the palms of Jordan Thurtell in the Panthers goal. Beau Harvey, returning to his former club, also looked lively, but it was a late spot kick, awarded for a handball inside the Wanderers area, that allowed the Panthers to take the points.

Canberra Croatia maintained top spot in the competition thanks to a 2 0 win over Belconnen United at Deakin Stadium that was secured via goals from Matej Busek and Teeboy Kamara.

The first half was delayed due to an unfortunate injury to Belconnen defender Philippe Borgeaud and, if losing their centre back wasn’t bad enough, salt was rubbed into the wound when Croatia scored moments before half time, Busek firing a shot at goal that took a deflection off Tyson Livermore.

The home side had to wait until six minutes from time to secure the points that kept them top of the table, Kamara sent clean through to drive in off the post for his first goal for the club since his off season arrival.

There was a five goal thriller to round out the weekend as Gungahlin United saw a last minute penalty from Jeremy Habtemariam fly wide as they were defeated 3 2 by O’Connor Knights at the AIS. Habtemariam saw his effort skim past the post in stoppage time as the Gunners missed out on a point.

Earlier, the Knights had taken the lead when Patrick O’Rourke manoeuvred space inside the area to stab a finish past Jacob Quinn after only six minutes, but Gungahlin were on terms eight minutes later as Knights ‘keeper Jack Miller failed to hold a Josh Gaspari free kick presenting Jack Green with a tap in to level.

Knights restored their lead in the second half after a slick move saw Connor Mynott Smith find O’Rourke who steered his finish into the far corner. Incredibly, it was only eight minutes later again when Gunners equalised for the second time, substitute Will Roberts presenting Philippe Bernabo Madrid with a gilt edged chance he was never going to pass up.

But it was the Knights who were to win it. The impressive Micheal Adams turned his man in midfield and spread play wide to Gabriel Ayuel who fizzed in a cross that was inadvertently turned into his own net by the luckless Gungahlin skipper Green.

WNPL: CROATIA AND OLYMPIC REMAIN UNBEATEN

Canberra Croatia and Canberra Olympic remain the only two teams undefeated in the WNPL as both won on the weekend, a welcome boost of confidence before their midweek clash in the Federation Cup Semi Finals.

The Deakin side, Canberra Croatia, travelled to McKellar Park on Saturday to face an injury laden Belconnen United. The absences and injuries forcing Scott Conlon to line up forward Reilly Yuen in goals. The interim keeper defended her line well for most of the game but could not do anything about the three goals she conceded.

Jennifer Bisset struck first. After a corner cleared only as far as the edge of the box, the experienced midfielder armed a precise left footed effort to pick the bottom right corner. Masked by a forest of legs, Yuen could only watch the ball rolling in. A few minutes later Shania Settin’s effort landed just under the crossbar, before Diane Wilson made it three from close range.

The Blue Devils once again had to trust their captain Talia Backhouse to show them the way. After a foul that earned Rhiannon Fensom a red card, Backhouse’s left footed free kick took a deflection, wrong footing Angelica Pahina Nat Vasta’s replacement after she broke her ankle last week. Unfortunately for the home team, which was the only goal they were able to score.

The first game on Sunday was played in the Riverina, where the Wagga City Wanderers were hosting Canberra United Academy. For the first game of the post Sam Gray era, the Wanderers could not get a result, losing emphatically 5 0.

Sofia Christopherson put her team ahead at the half hour mark, showing bravery to beat the ‘keeper to a through ball to tuck home, but most of the action happened in the second half. Four minutes after coming back for the locker room, Charli Gregson coolly doubled her team’s advantage.

Alissa Barbour won her duel with Ebony Warner Chilstone just passed the hour played, Christopherson recorded a double minutes later and a powerful cross in the dying minutes of the game forced Casey Smith into an own goal.

The Academy simply was too strong for the Wanderers on Sunday and prepared ideally for their semi final against Belconnen midweek. Wagga, on the other end, are now the only team without a point in the competition.

Canberra Olympic were hosting the undefeated West Canberra Wanderers at O’Connor Enclosed. Sarah Whitfield and her troops, who had not conceded a single goal in their first four games, unfortunately had to fetch the ball in the back of their net five times on Sunday.

Nicole Jalocha’s run on the wing and cross at the 17th minute offered Meg Roden her first goal of the day, before a prolific sequence just after the half hour, where Olympic scored three times in as many minutes. Michaela Thornton’s pace and intensity were all over her first goal, before Tianah Miro’s powerful shot went through Sam Briggs’ gloves. Another run on the left wing, by Victoria Jamieson this time, offered Meg Roden the opportunity to copy and paste her first chance and record her fifth goal of the season.

Up by four half time, the hopes of a comeback were thin for the visitors. Nicole Begg and her troops wrapped it up 15 minutes after the break, with a long through ball for Thornton, who left Briggs no chance in 1v1.

Gungahlin United were aiming to build on their first win of the season last week but could not get more than a point against a brave Tuggeranong United outfit.

The Gunners started the game the perfect way, scoring twice in the first 15 minutes. Sharon Chao, like a real poacher, scored the first goal for her team by volleying a loose ball within the box. When a cross from Erika Pennyfield found Natalie De Marco all alone in the box, the skilful midfielder took her time to pick the bottom right corner and give her team what looked like a comfortable lead.

The Tuggies did not let their head drop and started putting more intensity into the game. A real battle of the midfield ensued, with Gungahlin still getting a few opportunities. The home team came back into the tie just before half time however, thanks to Sophie Burns, the quickest at the rebound after a shot from the edge of the box hit Gaby O’Brien’s crossbar.

The Gunners’ keeper did her part in delaying Tuggeranong’s equaliser but could do nothing to stop Lauren Hall’s perfect header at the 70th minute. Despite the better chances to score the 5th goal of the game, Gungahlin had to settle for the draw, offering Paulo Romero and his troops their first point of the season.

MIDWEEK REVIEW: CUP ACTION IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL

There was cup action aplenty during the week as the Women’s Federation Cup sorted out it’s finalists whilst the Australia Cup Quarter Finals were concluded with West Canberra Wanderers learning who their opponents would be next week.

FEDERATION CUP: OLYMPIC AND BLUE DEVILS IN FEDERATION CUP FINAL

A first half blitz from Belconnen United moved them into the Federation Cup Final after a year’s absence, their 6 2 win over Canberra United Academy an eminently watchable semi final played in difficult conditions at Woden Park. The Blue Devils led 3 0 inside half an hour, a lead they never looked likely to relinquish.

Belconnen couldn’t have asked for a better start to the contest as Leah Carnegie, one of the more experienced players on the park, opened the scoring after only ninety seconds of the match. When Keira Bobbin made it two on the 13th minute, it was already evident that the Academy were in for a tough task.

That became even harder after Olivia Bomford made it 3 0 before the interval but it was the fourth of the evening that sealed the contest, Tatum Mazis netting ten minutes into the second half.

Bomford made it five with another precise finish before a brief Canberra United Academy resurgence, a brace of goals within the space of two minutes from Sofia Christopherson and Latisha Babic giving the visiting team a glimmer of hope of an unlikely comeback. That was swiftly annulled when Reilly Yuen made it six, sending the Blue Devils to the Final.

Canberra Olympic moved into the Final with a supreme display to see off the cup holders Canberra Croatia 3 1 at Hawker Football Centre with two goals in five minutes before half time doing most of the damage.

After a cagey opening, in which Olympic had the better of the possession, they took the lead in the 40th minute. A long ball from Ali Cook released Michaela Thornton in behind the Croatia defence, and the midfielder showed poise to skip round Angelica Pahina in the Croatia goal and slot into the empty net.

Thornton was a big part of the second goal as well, her run into the channel and subsequent pass across the face of the goal finding Nicole Jalocha in space on the stroke of half time. Jalocha had time to take a touch and pick her spot to make it 2 0 at the break.

Croatia started the second half much better but went further behind to a freaky own goal. Vanessa Ryan chased a long ball down the right flank and her cross was inadvertently sliced into her own net by the unfortunate Isabella Tammaro.

Croatia pulled one back when Sienna Birnie pounced from close range following a Brittany Palombi free kick, but they couldn’t mount a sustained push to force an unlikely comeback and Olympic saw out the rest of the match to reach the Final.

AUSTRALIA CUP: KNIGHTS PROGRESS TO LAST FOUR

O’Connor Knights progressed into the semi finals of the Australia Cup Qualifying competition, where they will face West Canberra Wanderers, after seeing off a gallant Queanbeyan City 4 1 in front of a large, noisy, and enthusiastic crowd at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval.

The NPL side took the lead in the 11th minute when Phakedi Manda reacted quickest in amongst a goalmouth melee to lash home from around the penalty box mark as the Knights dominated the opening exchanges. City, who are five from five in the Capital Premier League, responded magnificently and equalised when Hussein Fureje scored directly from a corner.

After that the match was very much in the balance and swung on two penalty decisions, one not awarded to City before, moments later, Knights were given a spot kick when Niko Kresic was fouled in the area. Patrick O’Rourke nonchalantly slid home the penalty and the top flight side were ahead.

Three minutes later the secured the tie. Micheal Adams overturned a loose ball in midfield and advanced to lay off a pass to the impressive full back Patrick Shore, who fired a low drive past Phil Taleski in the City goal. A fourth goal, created by Adams and finished by Connor Mynott Smith completed the scoring and sent the Knights marching on.

NPL: BUSEK BREAKS KNIGHTS HEARTS IN STOPPAGE TIME

Matej Busek struck a dramatic 91st minute matchwinner to break O’Connor Knights hearts and give Canberra Croatia all three points in a memorable and incident packed Croatian derby at Deakin Stadium.

The first Croatian match up in thirteen years lived up to the hype and had a stunning denouement. With the teams locked at 2 2, Stephen Domenici unleashed a stunning overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area that clattered back off the Knights crossbar and fell for Busek to hammer home.

Earlier Connor Mynott Smith had given the Knights the lead, tapping in from close range after Patrick O’Rourke had seen his shot saved by Sam Brown. Mynott Smith would later hit the base of the post and the crossbar, the latter with a superb header, as the Knights threatened with every attack.

Michael Piccolo drew Croatia level with a shot that went in off the upright, he too would hit the bar in the second half, before Mynott Smith brought down a looping cross, cut inside his marker and lashed home to restore the Knights lead and give them a 2 1 advantage at the break.

O’Rourke passed up a glorious chance to make it 3 1, blazing over after he had picked his way through the Croatia defence, and the newly promoted side were made to pay when Jason Ugrinic was upended in the area by Miller and substitute Domenici calmly rolled the resultant penalty home to level the scores for a second time.

That set up the dramatic conclusion in which the home side struck late to go three points clear at the summit.

Monaro Panthers moved into second on the table after they leapfrogged their opponents, Canberra Olympic, winning 4 1 at O’Connor Enclosed via a brace of goals each from Nikos Kalfas and substitute Andre Carle.

The Panthers roared out of the blocks and were two to the good within twenty five minutes thanks to a brace of goals from striker Kalfas. The Greek forward was at his mercurial best in that opening portion of the match, as illustrated by the first goal of the encounter. Kalfas received the ball close to halfway and bumped off a couple of challenges on the way to racing towards goal, finishing with a low drive into the bottom corner.

Kalfas was at the double four minutes later, capitalising on some less than stellar Olympic defending, pouncing on an under strength back header to round Olympic ‘keeper Sebastian Usai and flick the ball into the empty net.

Olympic’s reply was spirited and they pulled one back before the interval, Alen James on the end of a one two on the edge of the Monaro box to rifle a finish past Jordan Thurtell in the

visitors goal. James almost levelled matters with a v free kick after the break, Thurtell denying him at full stretch.

The Panthers regained the initiative in the second half when Carle, introduced from the bench, flicked home from close range off a corner and then rounded off the scoring with a blistering free kick, struck from distance, which brought up a tenth goal of the season in all competitions for the free scoring striker.

Tigers FC leapt into third with their second win of the season as they came from behind to defeat Belconnen United at Nijong Oval, forward Josh Gulevski adding another two to his Golden Boot leading tally.

The Blue Devils were fastest out of the blocks and in front after only six minutes here Chris Reay arrived unmarked inside the area to meet a Dustin Wells cross field pass and nod past Jakob Cole and into the net.

Tigers got back on terms on the half hour as Josh Gulevski latched onto a ball played over the top to round Zac Pagan and, under pressure, roll the ball into the unguarded goal. And it was Gulevski who was at the heart of the goal that out the home side ahead before half time.

He collected a Ross Costanzo clearance, and advanced on goal, before squaring the ball for Antoni Timotheou to sweep home from close range, netting on his 100th NPL appearance. It was Gulevski who rounded off the scoring, securing the points with twenty two minutes to go banging home his sixth NPL goal of the season from the penalty spot.

Gungahlin United had to dig deep to see off West Canberra Wanderers at Gungahlin Enclosed with a double from Sam Habtemariam pushing the Gunners up to third on the table with a 3 1 victory.

Habtemariam struck either side of half time, the first into an open net after Will Roberts had won a fifty fifty challenge with Wanderers goalkeeper Jakeb Wiseman, the ‘keeper forced off in the second half with the leg injury sustained in the tackle, and the second after getting in behind the Wanderers defence with twenty minutes to play.

Earlier, Sam Habtemariam had somehow managed to hit the crossbar from three metres out when it appeared easier to score, but his blushes were eased when substitute Dom Giampaolo, on for the injured Philippe Bernabo Madrid, brushed off a challenge from Daniel Grove to sweep home a delightful finish.

Habtemariam made amends by making it two before half time but when Harrison Palic netted from close range in the second half, the Wanderers were back in the contest. As they pushed for a leveller though they left themselves exposed and Gunners hit them again through Habtemariam for the win.

WNPL: CROATIA STAND ALONE, HEYMAN DENIES OLYMPIC, BOBBIN GETS FIVE

Despite being on the field for the third time in seven days, the Blue Devils took no prisoners against the young team from the Riverina. The Wanderers were able to resist for 15 minutes. After that, they were unable to contain the waves of Blue Devils coming towards their danger area. Olivia Bomford started the party with a skilful control, a drag back and a precise shot from short range in the top corner.

A minute later, Tatum Mazis cleaned the cobweb in the other top corner, from the edge of the box. Keira Bobbin scored two of her five goals in the last fifteen minutes of the first half. The first after a well thought through pass by Mazis, the second to end a great sequence of passing football.

The striker’s header after a corner kick completed the hat trick ten minutes after the break, following a timid reaction from Wagga City. Bomford’s powerful left strike seconds later made it 5 0 before the hour mark.

The Blue Devils waited until the 79th minute to strike again Before outpacing the whole defence and winning her duel with Ebony Warner at the 84th minute, Mazis had twice served Bobbin on a platter, allowing the Belconnen’s most efficient weapon to end with a manita of goals.

Keira Bobbin moved onto to ten WNPL goals for the season showing no mercy to bottom club Wagga City Wanderers by grabbing five goals as Belconnen United cruised to a 9 0 victory over their visitors from interstate at McKellar Park on a picture perfect autumn afternoon.

2020 and 2021 Golden Boot winner Brittany Palombi has started her journey to catch Bobbin on Sunday afternoon, as Canberra Croatia beat the West Canberra Wanderers 6 1 to take the top spot on the table.

The team coached by Rey Castro surprised the reigning champions early with a long range attempt from Ginger Oliver that hit the post before landing behind Zoe Barling, playing in goal with Nat Vasta and Angelica Pahina both injured.

Zoran Glavinic answered by launching Grace Gill on the field before the half hour mark, to help a team already camping near Samantha Briggs’ goal for most of the first half. A brace of penalties allowed the home side to level and take the lead before half time. Brittany Palombi was only too happy to take charge of both spot kicks, finding each time the bottom right corner.

Back from the locker room, it took Grace Gill only 30 seconds to score the third for the season. Like a real poacher, she was there to tap the ball in when Briggs could only slow down an attempt by Palombi. S

Sienna Birnie and Palombi added goals to the total as Croatia remained top of the table.

Late drama was on the cards at O’Connor Enclosed, where Gungahlin United, led by an inspired Michelle Heyman, visited Canberra Olympic, the game ending in ab entertaining 2 2 draw.

The home team, after seeing off Canberra Croatia in the Federation Cup semi final midweek, started out with their usual high press and high intensity football. Despite several chances for Victoria Jameson’s teammates, the Gunners were the one striking first, thanks to the Liberty A League all time leading goal scorer’s pure talent.

Launched by Stella De Marco behind the defence, Heyman saw Sarah Johnston and Elke Aitolu trying to close her down, only to dribble and outpace both and finish from close range.

Olympic was quick to respond thanks to a star of their own, Michaela Thornton, whose left footed lob from just within the box surprised Kailey Tonini and tied the game at the half hour mark.

Both teams had chances to take the lead in the second half, but we would have to wait for the dying embers of the game to see more goal action. Johnston thought she had done enough by slotting the ball beautifully in the top right corner following a scramble in the Gunners’ box just as we were entering injury time.

Unfortunately for the home team, on the kick off, Heyman’s long ball almost perfectly found Stella De Marco in their box, only for Vanessa Ryan to involuntarily brought down the midfielder. The referee did not hesitate and pointed at the spot kick. Heyman placed the

ball 11 yards from Janet King and found the top corner to equalise, a kick that sees Croatia stand alone at the summit.

MIDWEEK REVIEW: DOZEN GOALS AS PANTHERS AND WANDERERS HOLD THEIR NERVE

There were a dozen goals scored in the semi finals of the Australia Cup Qualifying in Canberra in midweek as the Monaro Panthers and West Canberra Wanderers held their nerve to win thrilling penalty shoot outs and progress to the Final on Saturday 4 June and a shot at a place in the Round of 32.

The Riverside Stadium in Queanbeyan was the venue for the first of two epic midweek matches with Panthers edging out Canberra Olympic after 120 minutes of astonishing football drama.

Action kicked off midway through the first half when Panthers’ striker Nikos Kalfas was adjudged to have been brought down by Olympic goalkeeper Sebastian Usai, much to the ire of the Olympic custodian and his teammates. Kalfas picked himself up to crash the spot kick in off the underside of the bar.

Olympic’s response was rapid. Barely three minutes had passed when Aisosa Ihegie reacted sharply to a quickly taken corner from Alen James to lash home the equaliser. Incredibly, Panthers hit back on the half hour as a magnificent cross from Darren Bailey was nodded home at the far post by midfielder Zak McLaren.

It was a lead that lasted less than two minutes as Olympic levelled again this time Nick Subasic arriving on the back post to plant a header past Jordan Thurtell, and Olympic were ahead on the stroke of half time as Ihegie got in behind the defence and raced clear to pick his spot in the corner.

Thurtell then denied Oliver Wiederkehr as a pulsating opening first forty five minutes concluded. There was just as much action in the second half, but less goals. Crucially however the one that did arrive came for the Panthers as substitute James Wilson turned in a corner from close range as the game went to extra time.

With no further goals in that extra period, the match would be decided on penalties and when Elie Darwich and Ihegie missed, Kofi Danning was presented with the chance to send his team to the Final for the second successive year, and he didn’t pass it up.

Twenty four hours later and the football community was treated to an instant replay as West Canberra Wanderers and O’Connor Knights shared six goals between them in an amazing semi final, the Wanderers prevailing when Micheal Adams and Kynan Dodd missed in the shoot out.

Jakeb Wiseman was the Knights hero, smashing home the winning penalty after saving three himself, one in the shoot out and two in a remarkable opening twenty minutes of this sparkling encounter.

In a breathless opening, Beau Harvey was on hand to stab home from inside the six yard box after Seb Arranz saved from Blaise Vlazlovski, to put the Wanderers ahead. The Knights had a chance to get back on terms when they were awarded a penalty in the 8th minute, but Adams saw his strike saved by Wiseman.

The Wanderers were given a penalty of their own just before the quarter hour and Harvey made no mistake to double the home team’s advantage. Unbelievably, the Knights were given a second penalty just four minutes later. Patrick O’Rourke was tasked with the shot and Wiseman superbly saved again.

A goal from Phakedi Manda, smashing in a loose ball after a fortuitous ricochet brought the Knights back into it, ended a superb opening half of football.

Wanderers must have thought that they had secured a final place when Jenno Ceruti, at the second attempt, slotted home with just over twenty minutes to play but there was still time for loads more drama.

Connor Mynott Smith has been in wonderful form recently and his goal underlined that, dragging a cross into his path, and arrowing a finish high into the top corner. With time running out the visiting side drew level when Josip Jadric swung in a free kick that Daniel Roberts met with a looping header that dropped into the net.

As per 24 hours earlier, there were no further goals in the extra half hour despite a very late effort from Jacob Ayuel that came back off the top of the bar, as the match went to penalties where Wiseman, man of the match for his penalty heroics, was the difference both between the posts and from the spot.

Belconnen United finally found their scoring touch and, in some style, as they routed O’Connor Knights 7 1 at McKellar Park with strike partnership Maxx Green and Luke Vallone netting a brace apiece.

The result completed a miserable week for the Knights who lost the Croatian derby to a stoppage time goal, saw their Australia Cup dreams ended after losing a penalty shoot out and now suffered their heaviest loss since their return to the elite level of the NPL competition.

Few would have predicted the outcome, even after the returning Green, back after a trial in Spain, headed the Blue Devils ahead with a superb finish in the 19th minute. The Knights responded well and equalised when Micheal Adams ghosted into the box and fired over a cross that the unfortunate Zac Maybury diverted past his own ‘keeper.

Belconnen hit back straight away, and Green made it two just six minutes later, before Izach Clements rose majestically to thunder in the third, another header, this time from a well placed corner.

Vallone added the fourth, a wonderful sweeping move involving Green flicking a pass into the path of Keegan Vucetic who sent a through ball weighted to perfection allowing Vallone to cut inside and poke his finish past Seb Arranz in the Knights goal. Vallone netted for a second time eight minutes later as the Blue Devils ran riot.

Vucetic rammed home the half dozen with twenty minutes to play and the afternoon’s work was complete when, fittingly, Christian Kreskas wearing the number seven, made it seven by slamming a stunner, arguably the pick of the bunch, into the top corner.

A stoppage time winner from substitute Ryan Keir kept Canberra Croatia three points clear at the top of the table and inflicted NPL heartbreak on West Canberra Wanderers who were seconds away from claiming a second point of the season, the hosts falling to a 1 2 defeat to the table toppers.

Keir, introduced into the match only ten minutes prior, was unmarked at the back post to nod in the winner much to the delight of his teammates and the travelling Croatia supporters.

Earlier, Hristjan Tanoski has fired Croatia ahead four minutes into the second half, advancing from fullback unchecked into the penalty area to slip a finish beyond the Wanderers ‘keeper Jakeb Wiseman and into the far corner.

Wanderers, after the glory of 120 minutes and a penalty shoot out win over the Knights in midweek to reach their first Australia Cup Qualifying Final, dug deep and levelled when Jenno Ceruti pounced on a Sam Brown save to equalise from close in. But the league leaders had the last word as Keir secured three precious points.

Monaro Panthers came out on top in the battle of the big cats at the Australian Institute of Sport as a winner, netted ten minutes from time via central defender Adam De Franceschi, secured a narrow 1 0 win over Tigers FC

De Franceschi was left unmarked at the back post to volley in past Jakob Cole and seal a vital win for the Panthers who, after reaching the Australia Cup Qualifying Final themselves following a gruelling 120 minutes and a penalty shoot out on Tuesday evening, kept in touch with the pacesetting Canberra Croatia.

It’s been a tough season so far for the defending champions who find themselves eight points off top spot and ended the match with ten men when striker Nik Popovich was sent off in the final minute after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Panthers’ goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell.

Meanwhile, a goal just past the hour from Tom McLachlan ensured that Gungahlin United also kept in touch with the front runners as the Gunners narrowly defeated Canberra Olympic 1 0 at O’Connor Enclosed.

McLachlan finished off an incisive Gungahlin move in the 63rd minute scoring against one of his former clubs after coming off the bench, the second substitute to have a telling impact on a match at the top end of the league table.

It was a timely intervention from the Gunners midfield general, securing a vital win against a tenacious opponent who made several changes from the team that pushed the Panthers the whole way in their Cup semi final at the Riverside Stadium. Olympic remain fifth, four points behind Gungahlin.

WNPL: WANDERERS BACK IN WINNERS CIRCLE

West Canberra Wanderers brilliantly resisted a late surge from Belconnen United to post the standout result of Round 7 as the Women’s NPL reached the one third stage of the season.

It took the hosts fifteen minutes to slip into gear and striker Hattie Cram was involved in both goals. She first took advantage of a slip in the Blue Devils’ defence and used her speed to get to the ball faster than Jayla Murphy and lob the keeper.

Ten minutes later, Cram again was found behind the defence, and again out paced Murphy but this time crossed her ball to find Ginger Oliver alone at the far post.

Belconnen pushed to answer as quick as possible and relied on their experienced full back and set piece taker, Leah Carnegie to do so. The defender sneaking in a free kick from the right between Sam Briggs’ post and crossbar.

Unfortunately, from there on, it would be a frustrating afternoon for the Blue Devils. Unable to put the Wanderers defence off balance, unable to really trouble Briggs in dangerous situation, Belconnen looked for an equaliser but never found it.

In the Riverina, the Wagga City Wanderers were outdone by Tuggeranong United, in the duel between 2 teams looking for their win of the season with the away team running out winners 5 0 thanks, in main to a nine minute four goal burst either side of the break.

The visitors were off to a strong start and less than three minutes in, Zoe Terry’s cross was perfectly met by Karen Milewska ahead of Ebony Warner for the first goal. The confirmation of the good things we have seen a couple of weeks back from the Tuggies did not take long to come.

In the last 5 minutes of the 1st half, Tuggeranong scored three times to take an advantage Wagga could not overturn. Lauren Hall first stole the ball in the feet of Warner to score in the empty goal, before Samantha Wood scored the goal of the game, a long range effort that took a dive just under Warner’s crossbar.

The 4 goal for Tuggeranong was unfortunately the work of Wanderer Zoe Jenkins. In attempting to clear a free kick, the defender volleyed the ball into her own net.

The little bit of faith the Wanderers had of coming back on the pitch was blown away when Hall, again, was able to arm a shot and wrong foot Warner from within the box. The home side weren’t without chances and could have scored three or four of their own but for the brilliance of Sammie Emms in the United goal.

Gungahlin United hosted Canberra Croatia at Gungahlin Enclosed and the strong start of the visitors proved too much for the home team to overcome. Four minutes into the game, two of the best midfielders of the competition combined to punish the Gunners.

Krista Hagen’s perfect ball found Jenny Bisset in the box, and Croatia’s number 10 showcased all her composure to beat Kailey Tonini from close range. The goal of the weekend came next, again from Bisset 15 minutes later, after a corner kick not cleared by the Gungahlin’s defence. Bisset, at the edge of the box, volleyed a missile in the top corner, leaving Tonini no chance.

The visitors kept pushing to try and get a comfortable advantage but were unable to score a third goal. Instead, the Gunners found an opening, when Ella Brown’s free kick found her captain Maddie Perceval at the far post. The centre back’s header was saved by Angelica Pahina first, but Perceval was the fastest to the ball and tapped it in the net.

The final game of the round was at Hawker between Canberra United Academy and Canberra Olympic, and despite a very entertaining game of football, the visitor took the three points, and recorded a clean sheet on the synthetic with a three goal win.

It took Nicole Begg’s players less than 10 minutes to score, when Ashleigh Sykes, in stellar form, ran the left wing before finding Vanessa Ryan at far post. The former Croatia winger just had to tap in the ball in the empty net and did not miss the opportunity.

After 15 minutes dominated by Olympic, the Academy slowly woke up and intensified their pressing and the speed of their build up play. The rest of the first saw them showing more intent and ability to create danger than their visitors, without unfortunately troubling Janet King.

Back from the locker room, Sykes and her teammates knew what to do to avoid a complicated 2nd half: come out all guns blazing and strike quick. Dour minutes was all it took for Victoria Jamieson to make a run on the left wing. Her cross was tapped in her own goals by Eliza Jane Norris, under Olympic pressure, for the 2nd goal of the game.

The 3rd did not take long to arrive, with Ryan completing her brace after a scramble in the box. The Academy was not able to reiterate their performance of the first half, allowing the visitors to manage their advantage and let the clock run down.

NPL: CROATIA STEAL CLASSICO WIN AT THE DEATH

A late brace of goals in the final eight minutes enabled Canberra Croatia to come from behind to defeat Canberra Olympic and win by two goals to one to maintain their lead at the top of the NPL table after eight rounds.

The league leaders were, for the third match in succession, forced to dig deep to get the result as Canberra Olympic threatened the upset after taking the lead just past the hour mark from the penalty spot.

Alen James was upended in the area and Elie Darwich, who had missed in the Australia Cup Semi Final shoot out against Monaro Panthers, banished those demons to crash home his effort via the post.

For a long time, it appeared that the goal would be the difference and yet Croatia always have something up their sleeve. They equalised via a quality goal, substitute Teeboy Kamara back heeling a ball into the path of leading scorer Daniel Barac who swept home a left foot shot.

And, far from being satisfied with a point, the home side went and won it when Jason Ugrinic struck with just four minutes remaining to deny Olympic a deserved point and keep Croatia at the top as the team to beat.

A second half goal fest saw Monaro Panthers enjoy the ideal preparations for their Australia Cup Qualifying Final against West Canberra Wanderers next weekend as they hammered Belconnen United 6 0 on a cool evening at the Riverside Stadium.

The Panthers found the key to unlock a dogged Blue Devils defensive line early into the second stanza and, once they did via a thumping header from central defender Kyle Senior from a Darren Bailey corner, they regularly found a way past the visitors back line who were ran ragged by the end.

Kofi Danning struck the post via a deflected volley early on in a first half in which the Panthers had the most of territory and possession without unduly threatening a stoic Belconnen rear guard.

However, once Senior scored the opener, the gaps started to appear and Danning found space to wonderfully rifle in the second from the edge of the area. That precipitated a flurry of four goals in thirteen minutes as the roof fell in on the Blue Devils.

Amilio Kista rammed in the third off the base of the post after Zac Pagan had saved, before Nikos Kalfas rounded the ‘keeper to make it four. Less than sixty seconds later Adam Neou swept in the fifth and Danning rounded off the Panthers biggest ever NPL victory by skipping around Pagan in stoppage time to slide home his second and Monaro’s sixth.

O’Connor Knights garnered some measure of revenge for their Australia Cup Semi Final defeat by West Canberra Wanderers by winning an enthralling contest at O’Connor Enclosed by the odd goal in seven.

There was little indication of the feast to come in the second half in what was a rugged first forty five minutes, as the teams went into the changing rooms all square at one apiece, the Wanderers levelling late on.

Eddie Coggan took advantage of a fortuitous break in the 34th minute to get in behind the West Canberra defence to lash in his first league goal in Knights colours, but the lead was cancelled out three minutes into first half stoppage time as Blaise Vlazlovski strode clear to score.

A deflected free kick from Regan Walsh, his shot flicking off the wall to give Jakeb Wiseman no chance in the Wanderers goal, restored the Knights lead and when Patrick O’Rourke slid home from a Micheal Adams cut back, the home side looked in complete control.

The Wanderers are made of sterner stuff these days and pulled one back within sixty seconds as Beau Harvey netted, only for O’Rourke to tap in a second after superb approach work from substitute Connor Mynott Smith. Lachlan Fields pulled one back, and Ibrahim Obeid could have equalised, but the Knights held on for a 4 3 success.

The misery continues to be piled on defending League Champions Tigers FC as Gungahlin United swept aside their challenge at the Australian Institute of Sport winning as comprehensively as the 5 1 scoreline suggests.

The Gunners didn’t need long to take control of the contest as winger Leon Michl cut inside and fired an effort from outside the box that took a deflection to loop up over the head of Jakob Cole and into the back of the net.

Tom McLachlan put the home side in total command eight minutes from the interval when he broke the Tigers FC offside trap and was afforded way too much time to flick a right footed stab past Cole from medium range and push the Gunners into a two goal advantage at the break.

There was more to come in the second half as Will Roberts made it three and Gungahlin continued to turn the screw. Michael John bagged the fourth, breaking his NPL goal drought in the process before substitute Dom Giampaolo netted the fifth a minute from time as Tigers capitulated.

Antoni Timotheou pulled one back in stoppage time with the last kick of the match, but it was small comfort for the Tigers.

WNPL: TOP FOUR BREAK AWAY FROM THE PACK

Belconnen United wrapped up their fifth win of the season in preparation for the Federation Cup Final as they defeated Tuggeranong United, Scott Conlon’s players scoring six times in the first 28 minutes of the game, happily managing their advance for the following hour.

Tatum Mazis kicked off the festivities after four minutes following a scramble in the box. Her technique was on display, with a quick control and shot ending in the bottom left corner. Seven minutes later, a selfless Keira Bobbin served Olivia Bomford on a platter to beat Sammy Emms from close range.

Mazis’ second of the day was a real poacher’s goal, following a shot from the edge of the box from Bomford that Emms could only parry away towards the winger. Belconnen would then score three times in five minutes thanks to their killer “B’s”.

A header from Talia Backhouse on a corner kick, a duel won by Bobbin and a powerful shot from point blank range by Bomford sealed the fate on the game. Tuggeranong, praised for their defensive efforts since the beginning of the season, had been picked cold and ran over by the Belconnen goal scoring machine. Karen Milewska, the Tuggies’ most lethal weapon this season, did add one to her tally just before the hour mark.

At Melrose Synthetic West Canberra Wanderers eased past Gungahlin United as they cemented their top four place. As so often for the Wanderers, the first goal came from Hattie Cram. The pocket striker used her pace to follow up on Sarah Corbett’s misjudgement and tapped the ball in the empty net.

Almost as often, West Canberra can count on their deep lying playmaker, Tara Cannon, to arm a missile from long range. Sunday was no different, and the second goal was one for the season highlights. 35 meters away, Cannon’s right footed effort dipped perfectly under the crossbar.

Sharon Chao just before the half hour mark answered for the Gunners with her own effort from range. From the corner of the box, she placed her ball perfectly out of reach of her former teammate, Ally Hinson, back in the Wanderers goals after a finger injury.

Cram secured the three points with 8 minutes left to play, thanks to another great run. In the six yard box, she saw Corbett anticipating the cut back and threaded the ball between the keeper and her near post. The Wanderers keep their remarkable run in 2022 and remain in the top three, two points behind Olympic.

Canberra Olympic had the points sewn up early against Wagga City Wanderers at O’Connor Enclosed with the young players of the Riverina battling stoically but finding themselves down and out at half time.

Michaela Thornton completed a hat trick before the break, starting with a corner kick tapped into her own net by Ebony Warner after five minutes. The skippers’ two other goals were scored from short range.

Between Thornton’s goals, Tiana Miro found the back of the net from 35 meters out, and Nicole Jalocha picked Meg Roden in the middle of the box, to offer an in form player another place on the scoresheet.

The second half started like the first, with a goal from a corner kick early on. This time it was played short and quick, and Roden from the edge of the box armed a perfect shot that ended under the crossbar.

Olympic would not reiterate their season opening performance, but still added a last goal in the last ten minutes by Brittany Fiorese. An uncharacteristic defensive mistake by the home team finally offered Megan Castle her second goal of the season to give the Wanderers something to smile about.

The reigning champions, Canberra Croatia, put a comfortable cushion between them and their opponents, Canberra United Academy, within the first half hour as they claimed another three points at Hawker Football Centre.

Like in week one, the Academy were punished by Croatia’s high press. Jamie Berkeley stole the ball and shot with one touch ten minutes in, putting the ball out of reach of Chloe Lincoln.

A hat trick for Jennifer Bisset followed, bringing her tally to 11 for the season. If all 3 goals were scored from close range, they displayed the midfielder’s ease ball to feet. Grace Gill’s scored one of the most forgettable goals of her successful career, deflecting a shot from Isabella Barac just before the half hour mark.

A change in tactics and intensity allowed the Academy to show a better side after the break. Jaya Bowman’s brace was matched by one each from Diane Wilson and Sienna Birnie, cutting short hopes of a miraculous comeback.

Croatia could have scored more if it wasn’t for some defensive heroics by the home team and Lincoln’s post. The champions are comfortable on the front seat, and never doubted against the only team able to beat them in the NPLW in the last two seasons.

MIDWEEK REVIEW: ACADEMY TAKE VICTORY

A goal in each half ensured Canberra United Academy came away with all three points in their rearranged Round 6 fixture with Tuggeranong United at Greenway Enclosed on a bitterly cold winter’s evening. The Academy hit Tuggeranong late in each half to ensure the maximum return but were made to work every step of the way by a gallant home outfit.

The breakthrough that the visitors craved, and which had looked likely for most of the opening half, arrived with six minutes remaining of the first forty five minutes. A chipped ball over the heart of the Tuggeranong defence freed Sofia Christopherson and the Academy striker made the most of the chance, taking a touch and rifling a drive beyond the reach of Sammie Emms in the home goal.

Emms needed to be at full stretch twice during the match, palming long range shots over the crossbar, but she could do little to prevent the killer goal in the final minute. Alyssa Di Campli forced a fine save from Emms, the keeper diving low to push away the fierce shot, but only as far as defender Tayla Hampson who reacted fastest to ram home her first senior WNPL goal and secure the 2 0 win.

JUNE TRANSFER WINDOW TRANSFERS

The month of June is often a merry go round as clubs look to strengthen their squads ahead of the run in, hoping to improve to make the finals, or to help them stay up. The following were some of the key transfers that took place in the NPL men’s competition during the opening of the window.

BELCONNEN UNITED

In: Chris FAYERS (Bonnyrigg White Eagles), Beau HARVEY (West Canberra Wanderers) Out: Jonathan KERZSBERG (Queensland)

CANBERRA CROATIA

In: Nik TANESKI (Sutherland Sharks), Sebastian MAZZARESI (USD San Rocco) Out: Teeboy KAMARA (Interstate), Michael PICCOLO (Queanbeyan City), Rory SPIERS (ANU FC)

CANBERRA OLYMPIC

In: Brandon HAWKER (O’Connor Knights), Nathen MEGIC (Tigers FC), Nik POPOVICH (Tigers FC), David RUSSELL (O’Connor Knights)

GUNGAHLIN UNITED

In: Nico ABOT (Krabi FC)

Out: Riley ANGELOSANTE (O’Connor Knights), Callum COOK (White Eagles), Michael JOHN (Monaro Panthers), Ethan STAMATIS (West Canberra Wanderers)

MONARO PANTHERS

In: Michael JOHN (Gungahlin United) Out: Kofi DANNING (Tigers FC)

O’CONNOR KNIGHTS

In: Riley ANGELOSANTE (Gungahlin United), Kristian TOKIC (Gungahlin United) Out: Brandon HAWKER (Canberra Olympic), David RUSSELL (Canberra Olympic), Nikola TRAJKOVSKI (Queanbeyan City), Ryan ZANATTA (West Canberra Wanderers)

TIGERS FC

In: Kofi DANNING (Monaro Panthers), Facundo MAZZARESI (USD San Rocco) Out: Nathen MEGIC (Canberra Olympic), Nik POPOVICH (Canberra Olympic)

WEST CANBERRA WANDERERS

In: Angus BAILEY (Houston Baptist University Huskies), Ryan ZANATTA (O’Connor Knights) Out: Beau HARVEY (Belconnen United)

CUP FINALS

OLYMPIC GLORY FOR MAIDEN CUP WIN

Canberra Olympic claimed their first ever Federation Cup with a hard fought 2 1 win over a fast finishing Belconnen United in front of a raucous set of travelling supporters at Deakin Stadium on a cold Saturday afternoon.

A brace of goals at either end of the first half proved to be decisive for Olympic who, favoured as they were to claim the silverware, were made to work for the entirety of the ninety minutes by a youthful Blue Devils team who no doubt will be back for more in future years.

They were forced to respond to an early setback as the conceded after only ninety seconds of the contest. Karen Clarke, placed in between the posts in the absence of regular ‘keeper Jayla Murphy, was called into action early, blocking a fierce drive from Meg Roden from the edge of the penalty area.

Unfortunately for Clarke, and those of a light blue persuasion, the ball fell straight to the feet of Tianah Miro, later to be named player of the match, who made no mistake in rifling in the loose ball for the opening goal of the match.

The Blue Devils responded well with their young central defensive partnership of Sofia Doumos and Lauren Preston excellent in repelling an experienced Olympic forward line, whilst Ella Palframan and Sofia Palywoda worked hard in midfield to gain a foothold. The critical moment in the match came on the cusp of half time as Olympic made it 2 0 with a brilliantly worked goal. Nicole Jalocha provided it, swinging in a devilish cross that was met by Vanessa Ryan arriving unchecked at the back post. Ryan’s looping header was perfectly placed over Clarke and into the corner of the net.

Belconnen needed a way back into the game and Head Coach Scott Conlon turned to his bench to provide the necessary impetus. Reilly Yuen twice went close, one curling effort cannoning back off the crossbar after dipping late to deceive Janet King in the Olympic goal, whilst a volley off the knee also made sure King was alert.

They finally found a way past the Olympic shot stopper with nineteen minutes remaining as another substitute, Pearl Tein, got on the end of a free kick to clip a delightful finish over the advancing King for 2 1.

That made for a nervy finale for the favourites but, despite the best efforts of Belconnen, they were unable to find a way through for the equaliser as Olympic held on to create club history.

RESULT

Canberra Olympic 2 (Miro 2’, Ryan 45’) Belconnen United 1 (Tein 71’)

Canberra Olympic: 1. Janet KING, 5. Sarah JOHNSTON, 6. Vanessa RYAN (4. Olivia FOGARTY 45’), 8. Michaela THORNTON, 9. Elke AITOLU, 13. Meg RODEN (21. Arusha CHEW 66’), 17. Nicole JALOCHA, 23. Victoria JAMIESON (10. Katrina PERIC 88’), 30. Tianah MIRO, 33. Renee JUNNA, 34. Ali COOK

Belconnen United: 1. Karen CLARKE, 2. Lauren PRESTON, 4. Sofia DOUMOS, 7. Steffi LEJINS, 8. Sofia PALYWODA, 9. Talia BACKHOUSE, 10. Olivia BOMFORD (12. Tia BURRIDGE 85’), 11. Keira BOBBIN, 13. Tatum MAZIS (22. Reilly YUEN 59’), 15. Leah CARNEGIE (17. Bianca KIMPTON 59’), 16. Ella PALFRAMAN (21. Pearl TEIN 68’)

DISCIPLINE

Yellow Cards

Canberra Olympic: 17. Nicole JALOCHA 30’, 5. Sarah JOHNSTON 70’, 8. Michaela THORNTON 84’

Belconnen United: 7. Steffi LEJINS 73’

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: 30. Tianah MIRO (Canberra Olympic)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Scott BOON

Assistant Referees: Lara SMITH, Alexandra MACKAY

Fourth Official: Aisha STRUTT

PANTHERS BREAK WANDERERS’

HEARTS IN LATE DRAMA

Monaro Panthers will take their place in the Australia Cup Round of 32 for the first time following a dramatic conclusion to the Qualifying Final at Deakin Stadium as they tore the heart out of a valiant West Canberra Wanderers, winning 3 1 in a remarkable finish to the contest.

A strike from substitute Andre Carle with the last kick of the match ensured that the Panthers would equalise and send the game to extra time, prompting bedlam amongst the Panthers support and deflating the Wanderers in the process.

Carle was quickest to react to a pinball around the penalty area as Monaro goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell caused chaos in the West Canberra box, his presence seeing a loose ball driven goalwards by Kyle Senior, a deflection prompting it to fall perfectly for Carle who rammed his shot into the roof of the net from close range.

That caused delirium amongst the ranks of the Panthers fans who, quite rightly, must have thought that they were destined to fall short following an unbelievable goalkeeping display from Wanderers’ custodian Jakeb Wiseman who was presented with the man of the match award for a series of superb blocks.

Indeed, it was Wiseman’s acrobatic save that denied Panthers’ skipper Josh Calabria which led to the corner that tied the fixture, having earlier made a stunning save to turn a Zac McLaren shot, which took a heavy deflection off Kofi Danning, around the post.

That was in the first half, a 45 minutes that saw Panthers hit the crossbar direct from a corner from Darren Bailey and which had seen the underdogs take the lead six minutes prior to the break.

Angus Bailey, whose ITC only came through on Friday afternoon, swung a corner into the near post where former Panther Beau Harvey finished with an exquisite back heel flick to net against his former club and send the Wanderers support, of which there were many, into ecstasy and provide a hint of an upset.

Carle’s leveller sent the match into the extra half hour and the Wanderers fairy tale was finally punctured with ten minutes of the game remaining. A long ball from Josh Calabria sent full back Bailey scampering clear and a moment of hesitation from Wiseman opened the door which Bailey rammed ajar, clubbing a quality finish low beyond the ‘keeper and into the corner.

Wanderers were stunned and to rub salt into the wound, the Panthers sealed their progression onto the national stage with a third in stoppage time of extra time.

Carle used his pace and power to break into the area and was adjudged to have been felled by the Wanderers defence. The number nine picked himself up to dink a cheeky ‘Panenka’ penalty down the middle, his twelfth goal in all competitions this season to bring the trophy to the Riverside Stadium.

RESULT

Monaro Panthers 3 (Carle 90+3’, 120+1’ (p), Bailey 110’) West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Harvey 38’)

Monaro Panthers: 1. Jordan THURTELL, 4. James WILSON (9. Andre CARLE 65’), 5. Darren BAILEY, 6. Gabe COLE, 7. Nikos KALFAS, 10. Amilio KISTA (14. Michael POCHI 109’), 11. Adam NEOU (17. Ben BASSER SILK 58’), 16. Kyle SENIOR, 23. Kofi DANNING (20. Jai SELDEN 58’, 2. Adam DE FRANCESCHI 84’), 91. Zac MCLAREN, 99. Josh CALABRIA West Canberra Wanderers: 1. Jakeb WISEMAN, 3. Harrison PALIC, 4. Connor BILL (5. Daniel GROVE 90’), 8. Jackson PAESLER (33. Brandon TALIANO 88’), 9. Beau HARVEY, 14. Blaise VLAZLOVSKI, 16. Jenno CERUTI (6. George PAVESE 68’), 19. Lachlan FIELDS, 25. Shae THORNTON, 34. Angus BAILEY (20. Roy ROMEO 86’), 35. James DRISCOLL

DISCIPLINE

Yellow Cards

Monaro Panthers: 6. Gabe COLE 41’, 91. Zac MCLAREN 47’, 20. Jai SELDEN 72’, 16. Kyle SENIOR 90’, 5. Darren BAILEY 115’, 99. Josh CALABRIA 116’, 9. Andre CARLE 120+2’ West Canberra Wanderers: 19. Lachlan FIELDS 2’, 9. Beau HARVEY 79’, 25. Shae THORNTON 84’

PLAYER OF THE MATCH: 1. Jakeb WISEMAN (West Canberra Wanderers)

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Georgia GHIRARDELLO

Assistant Referees: Delfina DIMOSKI, Alex EAGLETON

Fourth Official: Scott BOON

THE STORY OF THE SEASON: PART 2

ROUND 9

NPL: NO CHANGE AT TOP AS BLUE DEVILS SEAL VITAL VICTORY

There was no change at the top of the National Premier League with the top six teams all drawing with each other to maintain the status quo in the race for the title and the top four, whilst Belconnen United secured a massive win at the foot of the table with success over West Canberra Wanderers

The Blue Devils were forced to come from behind in their massive encounter with the Wanderers who, on the back of this defeat, find themselves eight points adrift at the foot of the table. Even with thirteen games remaining for the Cup Finalists, there’s a sense that relegation might be on the cards unless they can find some form, and luck.

The visitors went ahead in this one after only seven minutes, Jenno Ceruti finding space at the back post to nod across Alex Connell and into the far corner for his fourth league goal of the season.

But Belconnen were ahead by half time and, but for the assistant referee’s flag, may have been home and hosed before the 45 minutes were up. Maxx Green has been a welcome return to Michael Zakoski’s team and, unsurprisingly, was the man to draw his team level, wriggling through a crowd scene on the edge of the box to slide a finish past Jakeb Wiseman.

And Belconnen were in front by the break as Riley Brown picked an opportune time to score his first goal at NPL senior level. His exchange of passes with Green found room inside the box to slot home a tidy strike. By that stage Green, via a cute back heel flick, had seen a goal ruled out for a marginal offside call, but it mattered little as Belconnen sealed a tremendous victory.

An early goal from Ryan Keir looked to have set the league leading Canberra Croatia on the way to three more points but Tigers FC, the defending champions, dug deep to dig themselves out and earn a point from their fourth draw of the season.

Keir nodded Croatia in front when he arrived unchecked at the near post to meet a corner with a firm header that flashed past Jakob Cole and into the net, the worse possible start for a Tigers FC side that look short on confidence.

With Croatia enjoying most of the possession and opportunities, it appeared to be a long road back for the Tigers and yet with character and determination which they offered in spades in 2021, they managed to find a way back as Croatia’s discipline suddenly dissolved.

Skipper Matt Grbesa, already having been booked, was sent to the sinbin for dissent midway through the second half and, during his spell on the sideline the home side managed to find a way back. Nik Popovich was the man on target, ending a frustrating spell in front of goal for the enigmatic forward.

Croatia ended the match with ten men when Daniel Barac, who was in the sinbin himself for dissent, received a second yellow card and was subsequently dismissed as the match ended all square.

The dropped points from Croatia weren’t to prove costly however as their nearest challengers, Monaro Panthers and Gungahlin United shared the honours themselves in the evening game at the Riverside Stadium, a 2 2 draw a suitable outcome in a frenetic encounter.

The match will live long in the memory for two of the greatest goals scored in Canberra NPL history, the pair of strikes exchanged between Josh Calabria of the Panthers and Nick Dahl of Gungahlin within the space of three minutes of each other in the first stanza.

Calabria’s goal was a thing of real venom. Andre Carle’s cross eluded everyone inside the Gunners box and found the Panthers skipper at the top of the penalty area. He took a touch before taking aiming and unleashing a swerving, viscous, strike that flashed past Jacob Quinn in the away goal before he barely had time to move.

If that was stunning what followed from Nick Dahl was out of the top drawer. Will Roberts cross was only half cleared and Dahl, lining one up from almost thirty metres, clubbed a thunderous drive at goal that brushed the cobwebs out of the top corner of Jordan Thurtell’s goal with the Panthers stopper at full stretch unable to get near it.

Earlier, Roberts had opened the scoring with a firm downward header, meeting a Josh Gaspari corner, whilst the Panthers levelled with four minutes remaining. Albanian midfielder Amilio Kista’s free kick taking a hefty deflection off the Gunners wall and crashing into the net off the inside of the post.

In the ‘BBQ Derby’ at O’Connor, the points were also shared as Canberra Olympic, and O’Connor Knights ended the ninety minutes unable to be separated with the final scoreboard reading 1 1.

Both the goals were scored inside the opening quarter of an hour of the match as the Knights went ahead only for Olympic to respond. Having lost 2 6 in the first meeting of the clubs in 2022, this would be a welcome point for Robbie Cattanach and his team with both teams having chances to win it.

Knights struck first after only seven minutes, a silky, slick move ending with Niko Kresic being played clean through on goal and clipping a neat finish with the outside of the boot past the onrushing Olympic keeper Seb Usai.

Usai was to make a super save later in the half, arcing backwards to palm over a dipping drive from Daniel Roberts but, by that stage of the match, the hosts had drawn level thanks to a well crafted goal of their own.

Aisosa Ihegie was at the forefront, swapping passes with energetic midfielder Alen James and allowing James to break into the box and slip a tidy finish underneath Jack Miller in the Knights goal from an acute angle.

WNPL: CUP WINNERS BACK UP WITH SIX OF THE BEST

A week after her player of the match award at the Federation Cup Final, Tianah Miro offered another recital of skills, pace and finishing bagging a hat trick as Canberra Olympic defeated Tuggeranong United 6 0 at Hawker Football Centre.

The winger was the first to beat Sam Emms, who was again in brilliant form, after a ball was lost by the Tuggies in their defensive area. Ten minutes later it was Olympic's leading goal scorer, Michaela Thornton who added one to her tally at the end of a great run on the left wing.

Olympic looked unstoppable from there and made it three just before the break, thanks to Olivia Gurney's powerful right footed effort. Back from the locker room, Miro only needed fifteen minutes to complete her hat trick, using her pace and skills to score either side of an own goal by Charlotte McAvoy.

Tuggeranong defended well for most of the game, but only really tested Janet King once at the end of the first half. Olympic were simply too strong for the team of the South.

The reigning champions, Canberra Croatia were travelling to the Riverina two days later to claim back their seat at the top of the ladder and did so with a 6 1 win over Wagga City Wanderers.

Despite their domination, the visitors only scored once in the first act, at the half hour mark. Brittany Palombi’s thunderous right footed effort in the top right corner is what it took to finally beat Ebony Warner.

Jamie Berkeley stole the show in the second half with three goals. She is the seventh player in the Canberra Croatia outfit this season to record a hat trick (after Mia Giorgi, Jennifer Bisset, Krista Hagen, Bella Barac, Sienna Birnie and Brittany Palombi), proof, if necessary, of the firepower the Deakin side possesses.

The midfielder’s first goal, five minutes into the second half, was a tap in at the end of a scramble in the box. Her second seven minutes later was a showcase of her strength and a duel won against Warner.

Wagga City tried to come back in the contest with an opportunistic goal by the quick footed Paula May Mitchell with just under 20 minutes to go, but their hopes were shut down in four minutes by the visitors. Birnie at the 76th minute, Berkeley at the 78th and a somewhat lucky goal by Palombi at the 80th sealed the fate of the game and allowed Canberra Croatia to remain at the top of the table.

Gungahlin United and Belconnen United were meeting at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval on Sunday, with Diego Iglesias back on the Gunners’ bench. Maddie Perceval was celebrating a century of WNPL games on the occasion, but unfortunately could not help her team to an elusive second win of the season.

Despite a strong start of the game, the Gunners conceded just past the half hour. Two of the most experienced players on the pitch combined to score the one and only goal of the game, when Karen Clarke’s long throw offered Talia Backhouse an unmissable chance to head the ball in the back of the net for close range.

In difficult windy conditions, the second half was mostly a cagey affair between two teams well positioned defensively, and unable to put their opponents off balance. The comeback of Darby Whitely on the wing for Gungahlin brought more speed upfront but was not enough to find an equaliser.

The weekend ended at Hawker as is often the case, with Canberra United Academy and West Canberra Wanderers sharing the spoils in a 1 1 draw.

As expected with these two squads, it was an entertaining game with quite a bit of action on both ends despite the result. Bessie Reithmuller was credited with the best opportunity of the first half, an attempt on the crossbar in the first ten minutes, but the teams went back to the locker room on a scoreless draw.

The first goal came in less than two minutes into the second act when Isabelle Hindmarsh inherited the ball at the edge of the box. Her powerful shot seemed in reach of Ally Hinson, but the otherwise solid shot stopper on Sunday did not have firm enough hands on this occasion.

Chasing the equaliser, the Wanderers were rewarded fifteen minutes before the break by a real striker’s goal from West Canberra Captain Sarah Whitfield. The captain received the ball into the box, carefully positioned herself on her right foot and launched a rocket in the top right corner.

NPL: CROATIA TAKE COMMAND IN TITLE CHALLENGE

A solitary goal from ex Panthers’ striker Stephen Domenici was the difference in the top of the table meeting at the Riverside Stadium as Canberra Croatia moved clear of their nearest challengers Monaro Panthers with a 1 0 win in a closely fought contest.

The Panthers were forced to play most of the match with only ten men as midfielder Amilio Kista was sent off for the second time in the 2022 National Premier League campaign, seeing red for retaliation after he was mercilessly hacked down by Croatia full back Marco Gayer.

By then though Croatia had already made the breakthrough, starting the match in exhilarating fashion and opening the scoring with a beautifully constructed goal in only the fifth minute. Matej Busek, who was in fantastic form throughout, burst through the Panthers midfielder and sent a weighted pass behind the defence where Domenici stretched to fire past Jordan Thurtell.

The home side responded well to adversity and could have grabbed an equaliser in the second half only for Nikos Kalfas to see two presentable efforts go to waste, the first denied by a brave bit of ‘keeping from Sam Brown, the second go awry due to an errant touch. As it was Croatia, as they usually do, did enough to gain a massive win.

Gungahlin United took advantage of the Panthers slip up as they defeated Belconnen United 3 0 at the AIS on Sunday afternoon, a result that whilst very much deserved, also owed much to some unfortunate luck for the Blue Devils in the final third of the pitch.

Belconnen struck the woodwork twice in the first half, Luke Vallone with a neat back heel flick that came back off the base of Gunners’ ‘keeper Jacob Quinn’s right hand post, whilst Christian Kreskas thrashed a venomous shot off the crossbar. Later, Vallone headed wide from less than two metres as the visitors went looking for a way back.

By then they were two behind. Samuel Habtemariam gave the Gunners the lead, tapping in from close range at the end of a wonderfully fluent attacking move, before the in form Will

Roberts bagged his third goal in three matches, drilling an accurate shot beneath Alex Connell just before the break.

There was a third in the second half, Jeremy Habtemariam finishing off a scything move from one end to the other, fellow substitute Nico Abot feeding the elder Habtemariam who brilliantly cut inside to slide home.

At the other end of the table there was a second point of the season for West Canberra Wanderers but, yet again, they may feel they should have come away with the maximum return as they twice led against Canberra Olympic only to end with a share of the spoils in a 2 2 draw.

Jenno Ceruti, who has been in great form in recent weeks, gave them a seventh minute lead, just as he had done at McKellar Park in Round 9. His sharp finish inside the area was his fifth of the season and the big striker could easily have had a second at the other end of the half, being denied by a brilliantly one handed save from Olympic custodian Seb Usai.

At that stage the score was already two apiece as Olympic replied to early setback by levelling just past the half hour. Aisosa Ihegie broke the Wanderers offside trap, playing Luca Florez onside in the process, before drawing Jakeb Wiseman and allowing Florez a tap in from two yards.

Wanderers flourish was excellent, and they regained the initiative when Thomas Barbatano arrived unmarked at the far post to slide in and restore the lead, only for a needless handball to present Alen James with the chance to level again from the spot only three minutes later, a chance he did not waste.

A brace of goals from Patrick O’Rourke within 62 seconds of each other in the first half put O’Connor Knights on the way to a 3 2 win over Tigers FC and a place in the top four where they sit with a game in hand on those around them in the table

O’Rourke’s double took him to seven for the season and a spot at the top of the Golden Boot charts with both goals scored in differing circumstances. The first was a real poacher’s effort, scrambled in from a couple of yards in the 36th minute as a corner caused panic in the Tigers FC defence.

Barely a minute had passed before it was two, Phakedi Manda’s outrageous rabona pass freeing O’Rourke who lifted his lob over the advancing Jakob Cole as the Knights took a form grip on proceedings. That grip become a stranglehold ten minutes into the second stanza as Noah Steinacker bundled in his first senior goal from close range for a three goal cushion.

The Tigers finished with a wet sail, a double salvo, an own goal from O’Rourke and a strike from Nik Popovich in the 89th and 91st minutes, the second from the penalty spot, but it merely papered over some glaring cracks in the Tigers FC performance. For some reason the reigning champs can’t find their mojo, and to make the finals, they’ll need to rediscover it soon.

WNPL: THREE DRAWS MEANS ADVANTAGE CROATIA

Three draws in four games this weekend in the WNPL, was a situation that Canberra Croatia gladly took advantage of to increase their advantage at the top of the table to four points.

The action started at McKellar on Saturday, where Canberra Olympic visited Belconnen United. The rematch of the Federation Cup final, won two weeks ago by Nicole Begg’s team, was as intense and disputed as expected. The two squads fought hard for 90 minutes, showcasing their defensive solidity. The first half was rather poor in opportunity, although Jayla Murphy had to show off her skills both from long and point blank range.

It took something very special to finally break the deadlock. An Olympic corner kick at the 78th minute was not cleared by the Blue Devils and Olivia Fogarty, ideally served by Michaela Thornton, launched a rocket from the corner of the box to hit the top left corner. Olympic were only ahead for eight minutes, however.

At the 85th minute, Karen Clarke, brilliant defensively on Saturday, lined up a free kick from thirty five meters away. Olympic decided to bring support around Janet King, allowing Belconnen players to crowd the six yard box as well. The free kick landed in a crowded penalty area scene and appeared to deflect in off Reilly Yuen, although the goal was credited to Clarke. The late equaliser might leave a bitter taste in the mouth of Begg and her troops.

The battle of the Wanderers in Melrose ended in the first scoreless draw of the season. Against West Canberra, Wagga City finally earned their first point of the campaign and can thank Ebony Warner for it. The goalkeeper from the Riverina frustrated Hattie Cram, Sarah Whitfield, and the Melrose armada on Sunday. The home team dominated most of the game, and created the best scoring opportunity, but unfortunately found on their way a solid defensive unit, and an inspired goalkeeper.

Wagga City came with a plan and stuck to it. They defended well and tried to explode on the counterattack. They did not test Ally Hinson enough to hope for a goal, despite trying their luck several times. West Canberra thought they had finally found the opener with a couple of minutes left in the game, when Tara Cannon’s free kick found its way in the back of the net, but a foul by Whitfield on Warner was signalled by the referee. The draw means West Canberra are now four points behind Canberra Olympic and eight behind Croatia.

The reigning champions were hosting Tuggeranong United. In Deakin, Canberra Croatia took no prisoners, and Brittany Palombi was seen challenging Sammy Emms from the first minute onwards. The first home goal came from Krista Hagen. At the receiving end of Jamie Berkeley’s corner kick, the experienced midfielder perfectly weighed in a header out of Emms’ reach.

The floodgates were open. A one two between Palombi and Bella Barac offered the former the first goal of her Sunday hattrick before the half hour mark. Deakin’s number 11 was at it again three minutes later, with a powerful left footed effort from the edge of the box that landed just under Emms’ crossbar. A Jennifer Bisset header made it four ten minutes before half time.

The home team started the second half the same way they ended the first. Eight minutes in, Palombi earned a penalty, and despite her best Andrew Redmayne impression, Emms was not able to stop Grace Gill from scoring from the spot kick. Palombi did complete her hattrick with 15 minutes left to play, bringing her WNPL career total to a mind blowing 149 goals!

Barac and Bisset finished the job at the 85th and 86th minute respectively, bring the score to 8 0. It is another successful round for Zoran Glavinic’s team, now four points clear of their runners up before visiting them in O’Connor this Sunday.

Gungahlin United and Canberra United Academy were closing the curtain on round ten on Sunday afternoon, and the usually exciting match up did not disappoint. In a game mostly dominated by the Academy, the Gunners used their experience to wait for their moment to find the equalizer twice.

Sarah West and her players started the game the right way, testing Kailey Tonini from long range several times in the first 15 minutes. A training combination allowed the visitors to break the deadlock. A corner kick played fast by Isabella Hindmarsh found Riley McQueenie at the corner of the box. The young left back hit the ball with her first touch, launching a missile under Tonini’s crossbar.

The goal woke the Gunners up, who found solace in their DNA, passing football and movement. A seamless sequence of football between Stella De Marco, Sharon Chao and Erika Pennyfield ended with the latter crossing the ball at the far post, where Darby Whiteley was ready to pounce and beat Chloe Lincoln.

The second half started like the first, with the Academy dictating the tempo. Their second goal came with a bit luck, when Tayla Hampson’s cross surprised Tonini and landed behind the goalkeeper, in the side net. Sadly, for West, her team would not hold that lead until the end. Whiteley again, this time after a solo showcase on the left wing, won her duel with Lincoln.

REVIEW: WANDERERS BREAK WINLESS DROUGHT OVER TIGERS

West Canberra Wanderers claimed their first win of the season as they downed the defending League Champions Tigers FC with a thoroughly deserved 3 1 win at the Australian Institute of Sport on a sunny, but chilly, Saturday afternoon in the Capital Football national Premier League.

The victory has put the Wanderers to within five points of the Tigers and Belconnen United, with a game in hand, and means that the Tigers have only won twice in eleven matches and haven’t won for six matches.

It all looked so different for the Tigers in the opening quarter. They had started the game well and had taken the lead in the seventeenth minute as central defender Alex Wilson stole in unopposed around the back at a corner to volley into the net for his maiden NPL goal at first grade level.

Wanderers though hit back. An Angus Bailey corner was met a flick on from George Pavese which may have taken a further nick off Tigers full back Tim Nguyen before crashing into the net past Jakob Cole off the base of the post. The goal was eventually credited to Pavese, his first for the club.

Incredibly, before the interval, the team at the bottom of the table had taken the lead. A beautiful ball forward from Lachlan Fields picked out the run of James Driscoll and the Wanderers defender plucked it out of the air to send a shot into the bottom corner via the shin of Nguyen.

They sealed their result with a crucial third ten minutes after the re start. Bailey swung in another tantalising corner and Blaise Vlazlovski rose above the pack to thump a header past Jakob Cole and secure a first, and possibly priceless, win.

Canberra Olympic struck twice in the last eleven minutes to rescue a point against Belconnen United with an injury time equaliser from former Blue Devils midfielder Adrian Macor securing a 2 2 draw.

The first half belonged to the home side who went into the interval with a 2 0 lead thanks to a brace from Maxx Green who moved onto six for the season and into the Golden Boot race. Both goals were created by winger Christian Kreskas, the first with a drop of the shoulder and a square ball, the second with a pinpoint delivery from out wide following a break from an Olympic throw in.

Olympic fought hard to get back into match and they had a glorious chance in the 79th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Alen James is usually reliable from the penalty spot and the midfielder made no mistake in lashing home his fifth goal of the season to give the visitors hope.

And it was hope that was turned into a point one minute into stoppage time as two former Belconnen players combined. Luca Florez delivered, and the ball diverted into the net off a combination of Adrian Macor and home defender Harry Menham.

After the disappointment of losing at home to Canberra Croatia in Round 10, Monaro Panthers roared back into the winner’s circle with a convincing 2 0 away win over O’Connor Knights at the always tricky O’Connor Enclosed.

On a difficult surface that didn’t help either team, it took until the 59th minute for the Panthers to take the lead. A patient build up that involved Josh Calabria and Gabe Cole ended with Nikos Kalfas attempting a lofted pass into the penalty area. The ball deflected kindly onto the path of Zac McLaren who rolled a composed finish past Jack Miller for his first NPL goal for the club.

Knights broke effectively on occasion, but the Panthers appeared to have the upper hand and created the better chances, Kofi Danning missing a great opportunity, before they managed to secure the victory and the points with the second goal of the game twelve minutes from time.

Darren Bailey created it, the Scottish defender marauding from full back to slide a pass in behind the Knights defence. Kalfas beat Miller in the foot race for the ball and rounded the ‘keeper to clip the ball into the empty net and seal the points.

In the only match played on Sunday afternoon, Gungahlin United threw the title race wide open with a crucial 1 0 win to end Canberra Croatia’s unbeaten run at Deakin Stadium. A single goal from Philippe Bernabo Madrid, on the occasion of his 100th NPL appearance, proved to be the difference in an entertaining match.

Bernabo Madrid struck for the 75th time in the NPL three minutes before the break to put the Gunners into a lead which they were never to relinquish, keeping Croatia at arms length for the majority of the second forty five minutes having established their lead.

Before Bernabo Madrid struck, a sweet hit on the turn from the edge of the penalty area that fizzed past Sam Brown in the Croatia goal, the home side could, and perhaps should, have been ahead.

Jason Ugrinic took a touch instead of shooting first time when presented with an open goal, allowing Jacob Quinn to make a stunning save, whilst from the resultant corner a powerful downward header from central defender Daniel Subasic was hacked off the line as Croatia had Gungahlin stretched.

Chances were at a premium throughout, but the Gunners took the half chance that came their way to slash the gap to Canberra Croatia at the top to one point with a deserved success.

WNPL: TOP TWO IN O’CONNOR STALEMATE

The two best teams this season so far were facing each other in O’Connor, and the game ended the same it did in round four, with 1 1 draw. Canberra Croatia achieved what most teams can’t, putting Canberra Olympic under pressure and forcing them to play deep in their own half from the moment the kick off was taken.

The reigning champions were rewarded at the 21st minute when Bella Barac was at the receiving end of a perfect cross from Rebecca Kiting. The striker, more known for her silky touch, showcased another of her talent, perfectly heading the ball in the bottom corner, out of Janet King’s reach.

The visitors used the momentum to try and get a more comfortable advantage, but Olympic quickly showed they would go down without a fight. Minutes after the goal, Cook’s free kick was a first alert on Angelica Pahina’s goals, but the keeper was quick enough to clap the ball on her crossbar before her defence cleared the danger.

Tianah Miro’s effort from the edge of the box past the half hour mark was deflected by the keeper on her crossbar, but this time Vanessa Ryan was the fastest on the rebound, happy to tap the ball in the empty net. The second half started by a lengthy interruption (30 minutes), after an awkward fall resulted in a dislocated shoulder for Krista Hagen, which required the intervention of an ambulance.

When the game finally started again, a cagey affair was on the cards, dominated by Olympic this time, but the real chances on goal were too scarce and the scoreboard remained unchanged. Zoran Glavinic and his team keep their comfortable cushion of four points ahead of Nicole Begg’s troops.

Down south, Tuggeranong United are confirming their solid progression this year with another marquee result, taking a point against third place West Canberra Wanderers. The players coached by Rey Castro had started the game ideally, taking the leading within the first three minutes. A pacey run by Hattie Cram, a cross, a genius backheel touch by Sarah Whitfield and Tara Cannon had beaten Sammy Emms from close range.

The midfielder was at it again half an hour later, this time from the spot kick after an avoidable foul by Lara Mustaine on Sophia Medina. Cannon’s missile from 12 yards left Emms no chance. Up two goals at half time, the Wanderers thought they had done the hardest part.

Tuggeranong had other plans and picked their opponents cold seconds into the second half, a long range effort by Cara Ceruti putting her team back in the game. 15 minutes later, the momentum had completely shifted and Ariadne Stergiou, after a through ball that the Wanderers’ defence was inches away from clearing, found herself facing Samantha Briggs alone. The young forward went for power and buried it over the visitors’ keeper.

The WNPL was welcoming a coach back this weekend. In the Riverina, Andrew Woodman was at leading Gungahlin United for the first time officially after taking on the head coach

job left vacant by Pat Mills earlier this week. The new Gunners coach was met with success for his debut, at Gissing Oval against the Wagga City Wanderers.

It did not take long for the visitors to take the lead, when 17 minutes in, Natalie De Marco was beating Ebony Warner from the spot kick after Erika Pennyfield had been fouled. Ten minutes later at the other end, the Wanderers were gifted the equalizer, after an uncharacteristic mistake by Kaley Tonini offered Megan Castle a free goal.

The Gunners regrouped, and within 10 minutes in the second half, had taken an advantage they would keep until the end. Cassia McGlashan was the first to strike, in a very narrow angle at the far post. She was imitated four minutes later by Sharon Chao, served on the platter by Stella De Marco.

The former Canberra Croatia striker was at it again in the final minutes of the game to secure the win, after another great sequence of play, from Natalie De Marco’s pass to Pennyfield’s cross. Chao picked the corner with precision, sending Warner to get the ball in the back of her net for the fourth time. Tamara Cochrane’s volley through a forest of legs with two minutes left to play offered the home fans a meagre consolation.

Round 11 was delayed for Canberra United Academy and Belconnen United who were 4th and 5th before the game, the two teams met on a Tuesday night at Hawker Football Centre, and the Blue Devils took all three points, and the third place after an entertaining evening of football.

Expectedly with these two teams, the game was played at pace, and the football enjoyable to watch. The Academy at times were dominating in the first half, creating dangerous situations off build up plays, and using the width of the pitch efficiently, and the Blue Devils showed they were a threat every chance they got.

The intensity increased in the second half, and Belconnen United showed one more time how reckless they can be offensively. The team coached by Scott Conlon struck twice in three minutes around the hour mark, making the most of two half mistakes by Academy players.

A dangerous back pass to Chloe Lincoln forced the Young Matildas’ keeper to clear the ball without her usual precision. It landed on Katie Woodman’s head, who perfectly found Talia Backhouse at the edge of the box. The Blue Devils’ captain used her pace and physicality to get into the box ahead of her defenders and picked found the back of the next in the bottom left corner, despite Lincoln’s hand slowing down the ball.

Two minutes later, Backhouse intercepted the ball in her own half and went on a Sam Kerr type run to reach Lincoln’s second later, winning her duel once again. Belconnen United had done enough to secure the three points, despite the Academy’s best efforts. They sit third on the table, a point ahead of West Canberra Wanderers, and eleven ahead of Canberra United.

ROUND 12

NPL: GUNNERS PIP KNIGHTS IN SEVEN GOAL THRILLER

Gungahlin United held off a tricky challenge from O’Connor Knights in a feisty match at the Australian Institute of Sport, winning by the odd goal in seven to keep on the coattails of the league leading Canberra Croatia who swept aside the challenge of Belconnen United at Deakin Stadium.

There was a total of eleven cards shown at the AIS with

as the Knights closed the gap

win of the season over the Gunners.

Gungahlin were ahead early in this one as Philippe Bernabo Madrid got goal side of the Knights defence and his composure to slide home his fourth goal of the season. O’Connor though hit back within thirty seconds. Straight from the kick off Micheal Adams took advantage of a defensive error to make it 1 1.

Another error at the back presented Eddie Coggan with a chance to put the visitors ahead in the 43rd minute and, after clashing with goalkeeper Jacob Quinn, Coggan picked himself up to slide home the goal that gave the Knights the 2 1 lead at the half time break.

Gungahlin have been quietly pushing themselves back into the title chase and weren’t about to let their hard earned win at Croatia last week go to waste and they levelled through Leon Michl before hitting the front when Josh Gaspari scored with thirteen minutes of the match remaining.

Tom McLachlan made it 4 2 with two minutes to play and the midfielder’s goal was to prove crucial as Adams netted his second of the contest in stoppage time to reduce the arrears, but the Knights had no time left to force an unlikely draw.

Canberra Croatia were off to a flier in their home match with old foes Belconnen United, striking three times inside the opening forty five minutes to virtually seal the destination of the points before half the encounter had been completed, eventually winning the Round 12 match 4 0.

The league leaders maintained their advantage at the top of the table after going ahead via a towering header from Hristjan Tanoski after only seven minutes, the wide player rising highest to meet a perfectly delivered corner from Matej Busek.

Knights Assistant Coach Aleks Trninic sent off in stoppage time

on the Gunners but ultimately fell just shy of a second

The home side went 2 0 up when Stephen Domenici reacted fastest to a ricochet in the penalty area, turning and lashing a shot past Alex Connell, highlighting his predatory instincts that see him closing in on 150 National Premier League goals, this being his 143rd strike at the top level.

There was more to come from Croatia as they made it three before the break, as Tanoski rounded off a wonderful move, taking a touch and rifling home inside the area with the Blue Devils chasing shadows.

The second half was a much better showing from Belconnen United, but it was the home side that added to the tally with ten minutes to play. Davide Seselja supplied it with a superb cross from the right flank and Daniel Barac arrived at the far post to nod home his seventh goal of the season.

A sensational goalkeeping display from West Canberra Wanderers number one Jakeb Wiseman thwarted the Monaro Panthers and ensured that the clash between third and eighth ended in a goalless stalemate at Melrose Synthetic.

It wasn’t the first time that the Wanderers ‘keeper has saved his team in 2022 and yet this point, earned in the face of adversity from an unusually out of sorts Panthers, may prove to be crucial in the long term, moving the bottom of the table club onto six points and clawing their way closer to the pack above.

West Canberra weren’t without opportunities of their own during the ninety minutes, their new found levels of confidence obvious against an opponent that they have pushed all the way in three encounters in 2022. In the end, neither team could make the breakthrough, and both had to settle for a point.

There was a similar tale over at O’Connor Enclosed as neither Canberra Olympic, nor their visitors Tigers FC, could find a way through on a difficult playing surface with the teams nullifying each other in a 0 0 draw.

Chances for both sides were few and far between with Olympic perhaps posing the biggest threat in the opening half as Aisosa Ihegie side footed wide from close range, not making the cleanest contact, as he slipped the shackles of the ultra impressive Alex Wilson, to connect with a Tupaia Ringi cross from the right.

The new Olympic recruits, Nathen Megic and Nik Popovich, worked hard against their former club having switched from the Tigers in midweek, but perhaps the familiarity meant they were unable to take a firm grip on proceedings. For Tigers, their newcomer, Kofi Danning was lively in the attacking third whilst Tony Madaffari hit the base of a post.

Danning created the best chance of the second half for the visitors, slipping his marker and squaring a pass that just eluded the onrushing Tom Krklec whilst, at the other end, Adrian Macor poked a rather tame effort straight at Jakob Cole as a late hit from Simon Rohan Jones fortuitously ricocheted into his path.

WNPL: WAGGA STUN ACADEMY FOR FIRST WIN OF CAMPAIGN

Canberra United Academy were at the wrong end of the upset of the day in Round 12 of the Women’s National Premier League as Wagga City Wanderers stunned their hosts with a 2 1 win at Hawker Football Centre.

Piper Scott started the party early for the players from the Riverina. The midfielder took advantage of a ball the Academy defence could not clear to wrong Eliza Evans from close range. Unable to level before half time, Canberra United conceded again within the first five minutes of the second half.

Megan Castle celebrated her 50th WNPL appearance with a free kick expertly taken and lodged in the top right corner to give her team a two goal advantage, her 20th goal at this level.

Bessie Riethmuller’s goal minutes later woke the home team up, but the Academy would not find the back of the net again. The last win for the Wanderers was 385 days ago, justifying the joy and celebrations at the final whistle. The Academy missed the opportunity to close the gap with the top four, despite West Canberra and Belconnen’s defeat.

Round 12 of WNPL in the Capital also confirmed the pre season predictions that Canberra Croatia and Canberra Olympic are the best teams in the competition. In a weekend that saw the four teams in the top four battling it out, the reigning champions struck first, seeing off historic rivals Belconnen United.

At McKellar Park, the two historical rivals battled it out for the whole ninety minutes, and as it is now almost becoming the norm, the defending champions took all three points. Just like in Round 5, the team coached by Zoran Glavinic scored their goals in the first half.

Rebecca Kiting headed in a corner kick taken by Jamie Berkeley fifteen minutes in, before Brittany Palombi gave Anna Ross her first goal on a platter after the half hour mark.

And just like earlier in the season the Blue Devils responded with 20 minutes left. Karen Clarke was at a receiving end of a corner kick from Olivia Bomford to score her second goal in three games.

The experienced defender tried to get the equalizer with attempts from long range at the tail end of the game but found a focused Angelica Pahina on her way every time. Canberra Croatia keep their comfortable advantage in the driver seat, but Belconnen see the top two going away with this loss.

On Sunday, West Canberra Wanderers were hosting Canberra Olympic at Melrose and were unable to stop the Blue armada, the visitors winning 3 0. After two consecutive draws, Nicole Begg’s players were eager to win again, and had done the job within the first 20 minutes.

Olivia Fogarty’s corner kick at the 12th minute was followed by a scramble in the six yard box, ending with a half volley from Nicole Jalocha under the crossbar. Two minutes later, Sarah Johnston found Meg Roden alone at the spot kick, with ample time to arm a glancing left footed effort out of reach of Ally Hinson.

Ashleigh Sykes added a third goal five minutes into the second half after another assist by Johnston ended in another duel with the keeper won by an Olympic player.

Gungahlin United closed the round with a win over Tuggeranong United on a windy Sunday afternoon at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval. Erika Pennyfield struck first, at the end of a good sequence of football on the left side of the pitch only for Lauren Hall took advantage of the wind to launch a missile from 25 meters that dipped just before the crossbar and equalised seconds later.

The team coached by Paulo Romero brought their usual intensity to the Northernmost pitch and made life difficult for Gungahlin United. The two teams were sent back to the locker room on an even score, and the wind blowing behind Gungahlin United in the second half promised a difficult moment for Tuggeranong.

The game became a cagey affair, the Gunners less comfortable with the ball than they were against the wing, but Piper Lockley, alone in the six yard box ten minutes into the second half, left former teammate Sammy Emms little chance.

Down 2 1, the visitors pushed for an equaliser but were punished in the dying moments of the game by Ella Brown and her perfect shot that nestled into the top right corner to seal the three points.

MONDAY NIGHT REVIEW: MANDA DOUBLE SEES KNIGHTS HOME

O’Connor Knights cemented their status inside the top four by extending the gap over Canberra Olympic to four points earlier in the week with a 3 1 victory over West Canberra Wanderers in the rearranged Round 1 catch up match played at Melrose Synthetic, now known as Wanderers Park.

Again, as has often been the case in the 2022 National Premier League season, the Wanderers did enough to warrant something from the match, but some naïve defending and a rampant Knights start to the second forty five minutes made the difference on a chilly evening in Canberra.

After a goalless first half, in which both goalkeepers were forced into making smart saves down low, Jakeb Wiseman in the Wanderers goal from Connor Mynott Smith and Jack Miller up the other end from Wanderers main marksman Jenno Ceruti, the fixture burst into life at the start of the second period.

Barely 25 seconds had passed from the resumption when Mynott Smith lofted a ball to the back post where Phakedi Manda arrived unmarked to volley home. The lead was then doubled just five minutes later as, following an uncharacteristic error from Wiseman, O’Rourke bundled home his eighth goal of the season from close range.

Wanderers thought they had given themselves a glimmer of hope in the 65th minute as Babin Paudyal met a cross with a firm header that beat Miller across goal, but that faded within thirty seconds of the restart as Manda improbably squeezed home a strike from the most acute of angles.

That proved too much for Wanderers to cope with, and they remain rooted to the bottom of the pile, despite a bright end to the match in which Miller was forced into making a world class stop from a dipping Angus Bailey drive.

ROUND 13

NPL: LAST GASP WILSON EARNS TIGERS STRIPES

A 93rd minute equaliser from substitute Alex Wilson earned Tigers FC a vital point, rescuing the league champions deep into stoppage time to earn a 2 2 draw with Belconnen United at McKellar Park.

The young defender snuck in unmarked at the back post, ghosting into the six yard box to get on the end of a Daniel Sparrow free kick and guide a bouncing ball past Alex Connell to steal a point.

It was particularly galling for the Blue Devils who had led the match twice, the first time nine minutes into the second half, following a goalless opening period, as Sparrow put through his own net, glancing a dangerous free kick that was whipped into the box past his own ‘keeper.

Tigers levelled when Josh Gulevski found Julian Borgna inside the area and the forward forced his way past his marker to slide home, only for Belconnen to re take the lead five minutes from time after the returning Juan Ospina netted. That might have been enough but for Wilson’s late, late intervention.

In the early kick off West Canberra Wanderers earned their seventh point of the season after the drew 2 2 with second placed Gungahlin United at Melrose Synthetic, with the Gunners forced to come from behind to gain a share of the spoils.

Dom Giampaolo struck twice for the Gunners, once in each half, displaying his calmness in front of goal on both occasions, as the visiting side showed the kind of attacking prowess that has pushed them into title contention. And yet, as ever, the Wanderers fought hard and refused to buckle.

Angus Bailey drew the hosts level from the penalty spot twenty minutes in before an excellent move fifteen minutes later culminated in a first of the season for Jackson Paesler who arrived to slot home from inside the area.

The Wanderers also had to weather a ten minute spell with no recognised goalkeeper, Jakeb Wiseman sent to the sin bin by the match officials and midfielder Shae Thornton forced to don the gloves for the intervening period.

Canberra Croatia took home the honours from the Croatian derby as they ruthlessly swept aside the challenge of O’Connor Knights triumphing 4 0 in front of a large crowd at O’Connor Enclosed.

The Knights went closest early on when Connor Mynott Smith saw his effort clip the top of the crossbar but that was as good as it got for the Knights who were gradually ground down and then run roughshod over by a visiting team that is increasingly looking like champions in waiting.

Matej Busek had last scored against the Knights in the dramatic 3 2 win at Deakin Stadium and was back on the scoresheet in fine fashion, lifting a stunning free kick over the Knights wall and high into the top corner giving the O’Connor custodian, Jack Miller, absolutely no chance.

A double from Jason Ugrinic after the break sealed the points, the forward reacting quickest to a loose ball in the area to bang home after his initial shot had come back off the post and then getting in behind the Knights defence to slip the ball past Miller and make it 3 0.

The visitors made it four, rubbing salt into the wound, when Nik Taneski broke away from a tiring defence and kept his head to slip home his first goal of the season, and maiden strike since his return to the club. Daniel Roberts was sent off late on after receiving a second caution.

A second half penalty from Darren Bailey secured an important 2 1 win for Monaro Panthers over Canberra Olympic in an exciting evening match to round out the round at the Riverside Stadium.

Bailey thumped home the spot kick, at the same end he did for the West Canberra Wanderers from the spot earlier in the season, after the highly impressive Zac McLaren was brought down inside the penalty area after out foxing Nelson Curley.

If the winner was struck with power, the two goals that preceded it were something to behold. The opener, on the half hour and finished by Nikos Kalfas was outstanding.

The Greek forward took possession at the angle of the penalty box an unleashed a missile of a strike that Sebastian Usai in the Olympic goal did well to get a hand to but could not stop it arrowing into the top corner for a sensational strike.

Olympic’s response was superb. Dave McCarron received a pass just inside the area, shifted it onto his left foot and hammered a drive beyond Jordan Thurtell in the Panthers goal that was still rising as it hit the back of the net.

WNPL: 150 UP FOR HOT-SHOT PALOMBI

Canberra Croatia’s lethal hot shot Brittany Palombi hit her 150th career WNPL goal as the league leaders consolidated their position at the top of the table with a come from behind 6 1 win over West Canberra Wanderers at Deakin Stadium.

Palombi struck seven minutes before half time, scrambling home a loose ball inside the penalty area to reach the 150 goal milestone in just 148 appearances, a phenomenal goals to game ratio.

West Canberra Wanderers extended their poor series of winless games to five despite getting off to the best possible start. Hattie Cram finding the bottom corner of Bonnie McKean’s net less than five minutes in, her shot taking a deflection of defender Rhiannon Fensom

Caught cold, the home team took a bit of time to start the engine. They intensified their game slowly and just before the half hour mark, a deflected shot by Isabella Barac left Ally Hinson no chance. But the Wanderers responded and should have re taken the lead.

Ginger Oliver wasted a great chance to restore the advantage before the usually reliable Tara Cannon blazed a penalty way over the bar after the visitors had been awarded a spot kick for handball.

Hinson, the former Deakin keeper would have more of a complicated afternoon. Brittany Palombi struck twice, either side of the half time break to give Croatia the lead before Barac got her second goal as well after some great work by Jennifer Bisset.

Minutes later it was almost copy and paste when Barac offered Sienna Birnie her first goal of the afternoon. Birnie’s second came with five minutes left, when she won her duel against Hinson. The Wanderers, as usual, could feel hard done by, a seemingly harsh result, given the amount of work they put on every time they face the lethal reigning champions.

In the Riverina, Belconnen United travelled to face the Wagga City Wanderers and came away with a comfortable 7 0 success. The Blue Devils did not waste any time at Gissing Oval and relied on their most prolific goal scorer to open the scoring after seven minutes.

Served by Reilly Yuen, Keira Bobbin aimed a shot from the corner of the box that surprised Ebony Warner in the Wanderers goal. The home side resisted well for the rest of the first half, conceding only once more, before the half hour mark.

A long ball seemed to target Yuen, who appeared to be offside, but Talia Backhouse used her speed to come from behind and pick apart the Wanderers’ defence. Warner, protesting for the offside, made the first save, but the Blue Devils’ captain got the rebound and tapped the ball in the empty net.

The second half was more free flowing. The visitors struck three times, between the 54th and 60th minute. Bobbin and Tia Burridge striking from close range either side of the goal of the afternoon, a powerful and precise effort from Backhouse that landed in the top corner.

Burridge was the third Blue Devil to record a brace 10 minutes later, and the job was finished by Karen Clarke in injury time, the experienced defender heading in a corner kick past Warner.

Gungahlin United and Canberra Olympic were braving the weather conditions at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval on a wet and wild weekend. Andrew Woodman was facing his former team and unfortunately for the Gunners, Nicole Begg and her troops started all guns blazing and were 4 0 up by the half hour.

The first goal was an unfortunate own goal by Madeleine Perceval who deflected a cross from Renee Junna past Kailey Tonini. Olympic unfortunately lost Jane Vanzino to injury at the 16th minute, but five minutes later they were back on the score sheet. Another mistake in the Gunners’ defence offered Olivia Fogarty a chance in front of the empty net that she did not pass up.

Ashleigh Sykes arrived on stage then. The former Julie Dolan winner ruined Tonini’s moment, scoring from close range after the keeper had parried Ali Cook’s penalty kick away, and added a second one 10 minutes later.

Stunned and punished for their mistakes, the Gunners had a bit to do to get a result, and could only score one, albeit incredibly special goal by substitute Kayla Wright who found the net with 20 minutes to go.

ROUND 14 NPL: GUNNERS EDGE OLYMPIC IN SEVEN-GOAL STUNNER

Gungahlin United won a bonkers match at home to Canberra Olympic to keep the pressure up on the league leading Canberra Croatia by defeating their visitors to the Australian Institute of Sport by the odd goal in seven in a thriller that could easily have ended up 8 all!

There were stunning saves, posts hit and goals galore on an afternoon of wonderful National Premier League football in the national capital with the scene set as early as the second minute when Gunners’ Will Roberts turned home a low Leon Michl cross at the far post.

The lead lasted only six minutes as Luca Florez levelled, before hobbling off injured, the forward sliding home a Simon Rohan Jones pass to make it 1 1. Rohan Jones should have scored himself, somehow hitting the bar with the goal at his mercy from six yards, but equally Seb Usai at the other end denied Philippe Bernabo Madrid twice.

Gungahlin custodian Jacob Quinn wasn’t to be outdone, pulling off two astounding saves from headers by Max Mellick and Dave McCarron whilst Usai would later claw a free kick from Josh Gaspari that was headed for the top corner, around the post.

Michl had thrashed home the Gunners second before the interval, a super finish across Usai into the top corner as a breathless opening forty five minutes ended with the home side narrowly in front.

It took Olympic just three minutes to equalise after the break, Aisosa Ihegie on off the bench, heading a through ball around Quinn before slotting home from an acute angle for his 51st NPL goal of a nascent career.

Robbie Cattanach’s team then went ahead for the first time, Rohan Jones appearing to mis hit a cross that somehow looped over Quinn and dropped into the far corner of the net, only for Gungahlin to make it 3 3 when one of their substitutes, Samuel Habtemariam, reacted quickest in the area to fire home his fifth goal of the season.

A winner was on the cards, and it came for the Gunners. Two further substitutes combined to claim it, Misko Naumoski squaring unselfishly for Nico Abot to stab in from inside the six yard box and claim the points for the title chasers, and yet you had to feel for Olympic who went home with nothing, despite playing their part in a modern classic to the full. Such is football.

It was honours even in the Battle of the Big Cats Part 2 and the outcome of a 1 1 draw was a fair result as Monaro Panthers and Tigers FC fought out a stalemate on a difficult surface at Nijong Oval in Cooma.

This was a rare home match for the team from Cooma, who have been playing their matches at the Australian Institute of Sport in the main during the 2022 NPL season, and both teams took time to settle on a pitch that, whilst looking better than it has in recent years, was still bobbly in parts.

However, outside of this, both teams were evenly matched across the park and chances were few and far between in the opening half, although it was during the first stanza that the Tigers went in front.

Josh Gulevski played a prominent part, his fierce drive was parried by Panthers’ stopper Gary Mehmetaj, making his debut in the NPL, only for Tom Krklec to follow up and ram home the loose ball from close range.

The Panthers drew level in the second half with a finely crafted goal of their own. Josh Calabria and Ben Basser Silk initiated it, finding Nikos Kalfas on the top of the penalty area. The Greek forward faked to shoot before back heeling into the path of substitute Seb Woods who gloriously found the bottom corner.

Both teams had half chances to win it, Tigers’ Kofi Danning going closest when he hit the underside of the crossbar against his former club, but a point each appeared to be a fair assessment.

Canberra Croatia eased past West Canberra Wanderers at Deakin Stadium claiming their tenth win of the season in far more prosaic fashion than the final score of 4 2 may have suggested.

The league leaders led comfortably at 4 0 before a late Wanderers resurgence threatened the most unlikely of comebacks, but in truth the home side were home and dry well before Angus Bailey converted two well taken goals within four minutes of each other during the final thirteen minutes of action.

It had taken Croatia only four minutes to get in front as Stephen Domenici fired home at the end of an incisive move, and they doubled that when Luke Pilkington arrived to slide in the second after only 25 minutes after yet another superb attacking combination from a side looking in ominous form.

The third goal arrived eleven minutes before the half time whistle and was the culmination of another sweeping move as Nik Taneski made it 3 0 with his second goal in successive matches.

With the points as good as won, Croatia relaxed their grip in the second half, but not before Domenici had converted his seventh goal of the season from the penalty spot nine minutes after the resumption. That allowed Bailey to show his quality in front of goal with two sublime finishes, but Croatia had already done enough for the points.

O’Connor Knights ensured they would end the Round still in possession of a top four spot as a late winner from substitute Gabriel Ayuel saw off Belconnen United on a tense and nervy afternoon at O’Connor Enclosed.

Ayuel was summoned from the bench by Knights’ Head Coach Miro Trninic and responded to the call to action with his first league goal of the season, latching onto a magnificent

through ball from Patrick O’Rourke to slip around debutant Blue Devils ‘keeper Izac Alves and roll the ball into the empty net.

It was tough to take for Belconnen, who will feel that they should have earned a share of the spoils, but the Knights win means that the Blue Devils remain just four points clear of the Wanderers at the foot of the table and slip further away from a potential outside burst for a place in the top four.

WNPL: HIERARCHY MAINTAINED AS TOP FOUR WIN

The hierarchy was respected in WNPL, with the four winners all higher on the table before the game claiming expected victories. The main consequence of the round, Canberra Croatia and Canberra Olympic have now officially, mathematically secured their tickets for the finals.

The weekend kicked off at McKellar, where third place Belconnen United only needed the first half to see off fourth place West Canberra Wanderers. The Blue Devils are a strong team, and don’t need gift to score usually, so when the Wanderers’ defence unfortunately offered the first two goals, they made Scott Conlon’s task easier.

The first goal came off a defensive pass in the box that Reilly Yuen had the smarts to anticipate, finding herself alone in front of Jelena Josipovic. By herself the number 22 did not hesitate and picked the bottom corner. Minutes later, a corner kick scrambled by the defence found Yuen again, who happily finished from point blank range.

The third goal came off a corner kick too, with Tia Burridge, like a fox in the box, ideally positioned to deflect a header in the empty net. Up 3 0, the Blue Devils could take a breather, but seconds before half time, Reilly Yuen was sent off for what was deemed to be an uncontrolled tackle on Josipovic.

Down to ten players, Belconnen was able to keep their margin, despite several attempts by Ginger Oliver, Hattie Cram, and company to bring their team back into the game. A few saves by Jayla Murphy and a couple of missed opportunities by the Wanderers let the Blue Devils increase the gap between both team to seven points.

On Sunday it was a battle at the bottom of the battle that opened the festivities. Tuggeranong United hosted the Wagga City Wanderers and secured their second win of the season against the team from the Riverina. Two goals, both scored roughly at the half hour mark in each period, sufficed to bring all three points to the home team.

The cagey first half was unlocked by a through ball from Allison Seeney in behind the Wanderers’ defence. Sophie Burns’ pace made the difference. The striker was faster than Ebony Warner, swerved around the keeper and tapped the ball in the empty net.

The Wanderers fought well and tried to equalise, and could thank Warner, once again repelling a few Tuggeranong chances to keep her team in the game, at least until Zoe Terry’s stunner with nineteen minutes to go.

The right back started from the halfway line, ran through the defence, and after a one two with a teammate, armed from the edge of the box a shot as powerful as it was precise,

leaving the Riverina keeper no chance. It was a second win of the season for Tuggeranong, who sit 7th with eight points.

At O’Connor Enclosed, title contenders Canberra Olympic saw off the Canberra United Academy, coming away with a 5 1 success. The team coached by Sarah West believed in a positive result for a bit more than a half, until Ashleigh Sykes’ talent came to shine on the afternoon.

Sykes teammates were the first to strike via striker Nicole Jalocha, who took advantage of Georgia Ritchie’s clumsy handling two minutes in to tap the ball in the back of the net. A defensive mistake at the other end offered the Academy the equaliser. Katrina Peric and Janet King’s miscommunication offered Bessie Riethmuller the ball in front of the empty net, and the young striker did not hesitate.

Olympic kept pushing to regain their advantage and were rewarded just before half time. Victoria Jamieson’ cross was successfully headed in by Vanessa Ryan, Nicole Begg’s troops this time would not let their lead go. Sykes’ hat trick in 15 minutes (51’, 54’, 65’) made sure of it.

The first goal came from the spot kick after Michaela Thornton was fouled. The second followed a set piece, and Sykes, like a real poacher volleyed in a ball not cleared by the defence.

The last goal of the day was Sykes’ special, a run from the halfway line, and the use of her pace and intelligence to run around her defender and beat the keeper one on one. The O’Connor residents mathematically secure their spot in the finals with this win. The third leg of games will need to be a successful one for the Academy if they want a chance at joining them there.

Canberra Croatia took no prisoners at home when visited by Gungahlin United romping to success and scoring half a dozen without reply in the process. What started as a tight encounter the first time around ended up being a way one match up at Deakin Stadium.

Isabella Barac put her team on the right path by scoring within the first two minutes, alone in the box. Brittany Palombi’s right foot imitated her past the half hour from point blank range. The goal of the afternoon was scored right before half time, when Jennifer Bisset’s shot from the edge of the box hit the crossbar at the top left corner before going in the net.

The Gunners tried to answer but instead conceded three more goals in the second half. First, a speedy counterattack by Brittany Palombi was stopped by Kailey Tonini, only for Grace Gill to take the rebound and score in the empty net.

A few minutes later it was Rhiannon Fensom’s header on a corner that gave Deakin their fifth goal. In the dying seconds of the game, Shania Settin made it six with a superb shot from twenty five meters that dipped right under the crossbar. The reigning champions are keeping their formidable rhythm in 2022 and are now officially qualified for the final stage. The Gunners sit fifth on the table, nine points behind West Canberra.

ROUND 15

NPL: FIELDS OF DREAMS AS WANDERERS SINK KNIGHTS

A goal eight minutes from time by central defender Lachlan Fields breathed new life into the relegation dogfight at the foot of the National Premier League table as West Canberra Wanderers secured a critical three points with a solitary goal success over O’Connor Knights at Melrose Synthetic.

Fields reacted sharpest to a loose ball in the Knights area in the 82nd minute to smash a half volley past Jack Miller in the Knights goal for his second strike of the 2022 season and close the gap on Belconnen United and Canberra Olympic ahead of them before their huge encounter with the Blue Devils in Round 16.

It was the crucial moment in a contest that, in stark contrast to the duo’s three previous meetings this season, failed to produce the glut of openings that was expected, Connor Mynott Smith going closest for the Knights in a tight but highly absorbing encounter.

But Fields was able to settle the contest, hammering home after a corner caused consternation in the Knights defence, and the late dismissal of defender Jake Wilsener for the visitors ensured that the home team were able to see out the final moments to claim only their second win of the year.

Belconnen United needed a response in the evening game at the Riverside Stadium and, to a certain extent, they got one as they fought their way back from two goals adrift to secure a point against the Monaro Panthers.

Panthers looked home and dry at the interval, dominating the contest and leading 2 0 thanks to a brace of superb goals, and yet wilted after the break, one eye perhaps on their impending Australia Cup Round of 32 encounter with Sydney United 58 at Edensor Park allowing the Blue Devils back into it.

But it was a credit to the Belconnen determination and character to ensure they took full advantage, easing their way back and securing a point that might in the long run prove to be extremely important.

In the first half Monaro went ahead when Ben Basser Silk drilled a superb finish into the bottom corner of the net past young Blue Devils goalkeeper Izac Alves, but that was merely

a prelude to what was to follow as Amilio Kista unleashed a sensational effort from 35 metres out that dipped and swerved past Alves.

Belconnen came back and Chris Fayers reduced the deficit with a shot that deflected off Adam De Franceschi and past Jordan Thurtell, his first goal for the club, before the visitors were awarded a penalty eight minutes from full time.

Maxx Green took the responsibility and hammered his spot kick high into the top corner to earn his team a vital point.

League leaders Canberra Croatia made sure that they continued their impressive form as they swept aside Canberra Olympic in the Canberra Classico, proving too classy for their opponents at O’Connor Enclosed, winning 5 1 and effectively sealing the points with a superb opening eighteen minute spell.

It was a devastating opening for the team at the top of the table as they scored three times to stun Olympic who had parted company with Head Coach Robbie Cattanach in the lead up to this fixture.

Daniel Barac, who would net a second hat trick of the season. opened the scoring in straightforward manner, heading home a corner in the eight minute, before the striker bagged his ninth goal of the season to make it two. Nik Taneski increased the lead to three, five minutes later, as Croatia threatened to blow Olympic away.

It took until the 51st minute for Croatia to add to the tally, Barac scoring again, before Nik Popovich struck a consolation, his first since re signing for Olympic. A late fifth, Barac volleying home to move onto double figures and a lead in the race for the Golden Boot, iced the cake for Dean Ugrinic and his team on a desperately disappointing day for Olympic

Tigers FC continued their resurgence as they dented Gungahlin United’s championship hopes with a 2 1 win at the Australian Institute of Sport in a match in which Gunners played with eight men for a time after Nick Dahl was sent off and Jack Green and Misko Naumoski were sent to the sin bin.

The defending league champions moved to within four points of the Knights in fourth with the win, going in front as early as the twelfth minute when Julian Borgna swept in a long range free kick to open their account.

A second was needed to shake off the Gunners response and it came when substitute Jared Tonini shook off the attentions of his marker to side foot a finish across Jacob Quinn and into the corner of the goal.

Gunners hit back late when they were short handed, the goal of the afternoon coming from Jeremy Habtemariam, his fifth of the season curled magnificently beyond Jakob Cole and into the top corner but it was too late to stop the Tigers claiming the points and allowed Croatia to increase their advantage at the top to six points.

WNPL: HEYMAN TREBLE KEEPS GUNNERS ON TRACK

In the catch up match from Round 13 that was played midweek, Canberra United Academy moved into fifth place on the league table and arrested a four game run without a victory, by defeating a game Tuggeranong United 2 0.

The Academy desperately needed a result if they were to harbour any ambitions of making it into the top four at the end of the season, but Tuggeranong were fresh off a win over Wagga City Wanderers and were determined to make it difficult for a depleted Academy outfit.

It took the home side until sixteen minutes from time to break down a resolute and stubborn United defence, Alyssa Di Campli opening the scoring with her first ever senior WNPL goal, but the destination of the points wasn’t to be confirmed until ten minutes from time.

Bessie Riethmuller’s return to the green has been most welcomed and the youngster plundered her third goal in just six matches this season to ensure that the Academy’s pursuit of Finals football remains intact.

The weekend action started on Saturday at McKellar, where Belconnen United had to fight hard for the victory against Tuggeranong United. You had to be here early to witness the first goal of the day.

Tia Burridge only needed 12 seconds to take advantage of an imprecise back pass and put the ball past Sammy Emms. The rest of the game was mostly the Tuggeranong keeper showing the extent of her talent though, almost unbeatable on Saturday.

The players coached by Scott Conlon had to wait for the hour mark to finally put the game to bed. A perfect ball by Karen Clarke found Tatum Mazis between two defenders, and the creativity of the forward did the rest.

Five minutes later, captain Talia Backhouse struck from set piece, a direct free kick just outside the box that Emms could put a hand on but not stop. Belconnen United came three points closer to Olympic for 24 hours, but more importantly ensured they would not be further distanced by the top two. For Tuggeranong, the defensive solidity is the main positive despite the three goals conceded.

On Sunday, Canberra Olympic did the job, earning all three points at Gissing Oval against the Wagga City Wanderers. Nicole Begg’s players were two goals up after 20 minutes but had to patient until the final seconds to score another two and offer a score sheet that looked harsh on the Wanderers.

Tianah Miro was the first to be in the light on Sunday, after a solo run from the half way line led to a duel won against Ebony Walker. Nicole Jalocha imitated her five minutes later, scoring in the empty net after dribbling the keeper.

Olympic would not beat Walker again until the dying embers of the game, and a harsh decision by the referee to give a penalty for a handball. Elke Aitolu picked the bottom left corner to give a third goal to her team.

Sarah Johnston finished the job in the very next minute with a header at far post, making the final score 4 0. The Wanderers fought well against a team obviously more experienced. Olympic are still undefeated this season, and will intend to remain so

A sliding door moment was on display at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval. The return of Michelle Heyman paid off for Gungahlin United who saw off the West Canberra Wanderers and are now only six points behind the team from Woden.

The Liberty A League Women all time leading goal scorer grabbed a hat trick, helped by Erika Pennyfield and Sharon Chao to round up the score. Heyman converted her very first opportunity, at the 19th minute, when she finally could free herself of Daisy Canavan’s marking and won her duel with Sam Briggs.

Her second goal came early in the second half, following a Natalie De Marco cross. Erika Pennyfield scored the third goal of the day just before the hour mark, with a chipped ball from the edge of the box.

Sharon Chao, seven minutes later, was at the end of one of the most beautiful collective goals scored this season, with the ball going from goalkeeper Kailey Tonini to the striker via six other players before a smooth finish from point blank range. Heyman completed her hat trick in injury time, after Ginger Oliver had scored a deserved goal for the Wanderers at the 87th minute.

The round ended at Hawker, where an even younger than usual Canberra United Academy came close to a glorious comeback against Canberra Croatia before falling 1 2. The Academy started the game the worst way possible. A ball lost in the midfield, and Brittany Palombi was launched on the left side seconds after kick off.

The three time Golden Boot winner used her powerful left foot to fire a rocket that landed in the top left corner. What could have looked like the start of a lesson turned out to be a battle of each instant.

The reigning champions would not be able to score more in the first half and had to wait for the hour mark and a penalty given for a shove on Grace Gill to double their lead. Brittany Palombi converted it from the spot kick and gave her team a much needed two goal advantage.

The Academy pushed to come back and were rewarded five minutes before the end with a spectacular goal by Alyssa Di Campli, a left footed effort from 25 meter that dipped perfectly under the crossbar. Despite a few late efforts, Canberra United would not equalise, and instead were inches away from conceding when Sienna Birnie hit the crossbar in injury time.

NPL: WANDERERS RECORD VITAL VICTORY OVER BLUE DEVILS

A stoppage time penalty calmly converted by midfielder Angus Bailey gave ten man West Canberra Wanderers a remarkable come from behind 3 2 victory over Belconnen United to shift them off the bottom of the table with six rounds remaining.

The Blue Devils sunk to the bottom of the table at the worst possible time having conceded twice with the numerical advantage on an astonishing, and potentially pivotal, afternoon at Melrose Synthetic.

Things couldn’t have started better for the visitors who went ahead after only ninety seconds as leasing scorer Maxx Green reacted fastest as Wanderers’ goalkeeper Jakeb Wiseman was beaten to a cross, Green alert to nod in his eighth goal of the season.

But the leas lasted just four minutes as Jackson Paesler squared for Babin Paudyal to sweep home. Izach Clements then cleared a Paudyal effort off the line and Bailey struck a post with a free kick as the Wanderers pushed for the lead.

However, it would be Belconnen who would restore their advantage as former Wanderer Beau Harvey crossed low from the left flank allowing Chris Reay to stab a shot into the net off the base of Wiseman’s left hand post and, when Shae Thornton was sent off following a bout of push and shove in midfield, the Blue Devils held the upper hand.

And yet, it was the team at the bottom of the table that struck. Belconnen may feel that ‘keeper Izac Alves was fouled in the build up before Blaise Vlazlovski slotted into the empty net. There could be little doubt about the penalty that was awarded in the 92nd minute as Paudyal was up ended by Tyson Livermore inside the box.

Bailey kept his nerve and slotted home down the middle to record a huge victory and allow West Canberra to leap up into 6th place with Canberra Olympic inactive.

At Deakin Stadium the league leaders Canberra Croatia underlined their championship credentials and took another huge leap towards the champions crown as they dismantled Tigers FC 7 0 in a consummate display that wouldn’t have flattered them had they managed to reach double figures.

Croatia were simply irresistible and but for Tigers goalkeeper Jakob Cole making two superb saves to deny Stephen Domenici and Hristjan Tanoski, plus Nik Taneski wasting two glorious openings alongside Domenici hitting the bar, the hosts could have been seven or eight clear by the half time whistle.

As it was, they had to settle for four. Taneski spun to fire home a low shot underneath Cole in the 8th minute to open the scoring and it was barely three minutes later when Matej Busek finished off one of the moves of the season, firing in off the post to complete a sensational attack as Croatia started brightly.

Incredibly, by the 20th minute mark they were four up. Luke Pilkington smashed in the third, a stunning drive from outside the area that left Cole with no chance, before Busek clipped home a well taken fourth, his second of the contest as the Tigers were swept aside in a red flood.

There was another two goal burst in the second half, Taneski racing clear and finishing adroitly with the outside of the right foot for his fifth of the campaign before Tanoski gloriously volleyed in off a Domenici flick as Croatia began to play some party football against their beleaguered opponents.

Golden Boot leader Daniel Barac was able to extend his tally to eleven for the season in stoppage time, allowed the freedom of the penalty area to pick his spot and round off a wonderful evening for the title chasers.

A rip roaring match at Hawker Football Centre ended honours even as Gungahlin United and Monaro Panthers shared four goals in an exciting 2 2 draw. The Panthers twice needed to come from behind to earn a point which maintained the status quo on the table as both slipped further behind Canberra Croatia.

The Gunners got off to a flier and had already warned the Panthers of their intent off a set piece when Niko Abot went close, only for the Argentinean to meet a second corner in the third minute and flick a header across goal and into the far corner of the net.

Panthers’ response was superb. Gabe Cole hadn’t scored for club since his move from West Canberra Wanderers but picked the time to do so, unleashing a ferocious hit from outside the area that flashed past Jacob Quinn and into the back of net for a thunderous equalising goal.

The start of the second half mirrored the first as Gunners hit the front, this time inside twenty seconds. Substitute Will Roberts, rushed into action when it became clear that Leon Michl was unable to continue, ran at the defence and cut inside to curl a cracking shot past Jordan Thurtell for his fifth league goal of a productive year.

Both teams had chances to add to their tally throughout, Thurtell having made a couple of stupendous stops in the opening 45 minutes, one from Jack Green on his 150th appearance was especially noteworthy.

But Panthers managed to find a leveller with seven minutes to play. Robert Tkatchenko handled the ball inside the area and Cole slotted home his second of the game from the spot to bring the game all square.

Tkatchenko made up for his faux pas with an outstanding goal line block from the last kick of the contest as Seb Woods, an early Monaro change for the stricken Amilio Kista, blasted a strike that was destined for the back of the net.

The match at O’Connor Enclosed between O’Connor Knights and Canberra Olympic was postponed.

WNPL: THIRTEEN GOALS IN A BRACE OF GAMES OFFERS PRIME ENTERTAINMENT

Weather conditions impacted our pitches and Round 16 in the WNPL, with only two games played this weekend. If the logic of the table was eventually respected, both games offered quality entertainment.

An eight goal thriller took place at Melrose Synthetic, between West Canberra Wanderers and Canberra United Academy, two teams that tallied a combined total of eight points in the last eight rounds.

Two minutes late to the game and you would have missed the action in Woden, with Tara Cannon opening the score following a free kick from Daisy Canavan that was perfectly weighed in the box. The Academy’s answer did not take long, and another set piece, Isabella Hindmarsh floating direct free kick, ended in the top left corner to put both teams back at level.

The game settled a bit until another crazy two minutes ended the first half on a bang. Luella Coleman was lucky to see the ball reach her in the box but perfectly placed it out of Jelena Josipovic’s reach, but seconds later, Ginger Oliver’s famous skips before taking a set piece sent a corner kick straight into Eliza Evans’ nets.

Oliver took another corner five minutes after the break, this time to find Sarah Whitfield’s header, too powerful for Evans to parry away. This time the Academy took 20 minutes to answer, with a tap by Charli Gregson on the far post

Unfortunately for the visitors, Rey Castro and his troops were eager to put serious distance between their fourth spot and the following teams. Another two set pieces, in two minutes, gave the Wanderers an advantage they would keep. Canavan first was given a goal in front of an empty goal, before offering Cannon a second goal from almost a copy and paste of the first goal.

The Academy, victim of their former players, missed maybe their last chance to challenge for the fourth spot and are now 10 points behind West Canberra. The Wanderers finally end the points drought and get their first win in 8 games

The second game took place in Deakin, where reigning champions Canberra Croatia hosted the Wagga City Wanderers. Zoran Glavinic ended up winning 5 0, but the visitors put up a good fight, resisting for 40 minutes before the start of the Brittany Palombi show.

The first goal had just the right amount of luck, a narrow angle free kick that landed between Ebony Walker and her crossbar. On the kick off, the Wanderers lost the ball, and Bella Barac launched Palombi in the box. The striker cut in front of Walker and simply had to tap the ball in the empty net.

It was all talent when the paid combined again with 20 minutes left to play in the game. Barac gave the ball to Palombi 30 meters from the goal line, Palombi ran towards the box and superbly executed a chipped ball in the top right corner.

As if a hat trick was not enough, Palombi scored a fourth goal seconds later, after recovering the ball on the halfway line. She made another run forward, and this time glanced her shot to find the opposite side nets. Four different ways, the left footed striker showed the competition why she is on the way to third Golden Boot title.

The fifth and last goal of the day was another screamer, a 25 metre half volley by Grace Gill, impossible to stop for Warner. Canberra Croatia moved seven points clear of Olympic, who have a game in hand, while the Wanderers stay put at the bottom of the table

NPL: CROATIA EDGE CLOSER TO LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP

Canberra Croatia have moved to within a win of the League Championship after a thrilling 2 2 draw with Monaro Panthers at Deakin Stadium, a point that moved them nine points clear at the top of the table.

The leaders were forced to come from behind to gain a point however as Monaro Panthers overturned a one goal deficit to go ahead in the second half and ended the match with ten men as centre back and skipper Matt Grbesa was dismissed for a second bookable offence late in the second stanza.

Daniel Barac gave Croatia the perfect start, stealing in at the near post to steer a Davide Seselja cross underneath Jordan Thurtell after only eight minutes. And Thurtell was called into action again moments later as he was forced to flip a sliced Seb Woods clearance over his own crossbar.

The Panthers response in the second half was bright and they drew level with a terrific goal from Michael John. Andre Carle and Darren Bailey linked up for the latter to weight perfect pass to John who, celebrating his 100th NPL appearance, clattered a low finish beyond the reach of Sam Brown.

The visitors then went ahead as a cross from the wing was diverted into his own net by Matej Busek under pressure from Ben Basser Silk, but Croatia hit back as Barac took advantage of a slip from Kyle Senior to clump home his thirteenth league goal of the season and draw parity.

Grbesa was then sent off, adjudged to have baulked the run of Carle and receiving a second caution, but neither side was able to find the winner and the match ended honours even.

Canberra Olympic pulled themselves away from the relegation zone for at least a week, keeping alive their hopes of a top four place in the process, and plunging West Canberra Wanderers back into the mire with a 2 0 win on a sticky surface at O’Connor Enclosed in National Premier League Round 17.

The Wanderers, who had leapt to sixth on the back of a win over Belconnen United at Melrose Synthetic suddenly were left occupying the relegation zone as news filtered through of the Blue Devils upset win over Gungahlin United.

Olympic, who also have a game in hand, could move to within two points of the finals’ places with a win over O’Connor Knights in midweek, took the lead in this tense encounter with a goal eight minutes before the interval. Luca Florez played in Alen James who was halted in his tracks only for Nik Popovich to pick up the loose ball and pass for James to strike.

The killer second arrived eight minutes the other side of the break as Luca Macor struck for the first time in 2022. Cale Brown charged down a clearance with James then latching onto the ball and squaring for Macor to crack a low effort beyond Jakeb Wiseman and into the far corner to seal a crucial three points in the fight to avoid the drop.

Belconnen United netted once in each half to spring an upset win over Gungahlin United, downing the team who went into the weekend occupying second place in the table, with a 2 0 success at McKellar Park.

The Blue Devils, whose inconsistency is perfectly showcased by their ability to gain a point against Monaro Panthers and beat the Gunners either side of losing away to West Canberra Wanderers, started exceptionally brightly in this encounter in front of a noisy set of home supporters.

Gungahlin gave a debut to young goalkeeper Dylan Peraic Cullen and the young stopper was unfortunate to be picking the ball out of his net after just seven minutes. Christian Kreskas was too quick for Stefan Vucic and, after Peraic Cullen saved his first shot, the winger stabbed in the rebound.

Izach Clements saw Peraic Cullen tip over his looping header in the first half whilst Blue Devils ‘keeper Alex Connell was called upon to make a couple of routine saves from Gungahlin strikes from distance.

A second was needed and it came in the 66th minute. Beau Harvey, who has struggled to gain a start since transferring from West Canberra Wanderers, broke away from the visitor’s defence and, as Peraic Cullen changed his mind about coming, poked his shot underneath the ‘keeper and into the net.

Jack Green fired a late effort wide of goal when well placed, but Belconnen were deserved winners and moved up to seventh, two points clear of the Wanderers with four matches remaining.

A remarkable denouement at Hawker Football Centre saw O’Connor Knights strike twice in stoppage time to salvage an unlikely looking draw in a 2 2 thriller with Tigers FC. Micheal Adams levelled in the 99th minute after Phakedi Manda had reduced the arrears seven minutes prior in a sensational ending.

There was little warning of the conclusion to come as Tigers FC took command of the match as they aimed to reduce the deficit to the Knights in fourth and keep alive dreams of making the top four and a chance to claim Grand Final glory.

The visiting team had gone ahead in the sixteenth minute with a beautifully crafted goal. Antoni Timotheou drilled a long pass over the defender for Josh Gulevski who was able to cut inside, draw his man, and lay the ball into the path of Sam Whithear. Whithear had time to take a touch and finish low into the corner.

It was the same combination that doubled the lead in the 56th minute with a far more straightforward goal. Gulevski swung over a pinpoint corner which Whithear met with a thumping header that flashed past Jack Miller in the Knights goal, leaving O’Connor with much to do.

They were handed a lifeline when an uncharacteristic defensive blunder from Roko Strika, the ball getting stuck under his feet, allowed Phakedi Manda to pounce in the 92nd minute and drill a shot past Jakob Cole.

Mere consolation? The Knights has other ideas as they went looking for more, Daniel Roberts and Gabriel Ayuel combining for the latter to cross into the box where Micheal Adams met it on the volley to slide a finish into the net and rescue a point much to the chagrin of the Tigers.

WNPL: OLYMPIC KEEP TITLE FIGHT ALIVE

Once again, this weekend, the rain stole the show. The game between Tuggeranong and Canberra Croatia and the battle of the Wanderers were both postponed. What we did get to watch however, was two nail biting duels that will shape the end of the season.

The half round kicked off at O’Connor enclosed, on a field impacted by the weather. Second place Canberra Olympic hosted third place Belconnen United and offered the crowd an entertaining afternoon of football despite the circumstances.

For almost an hour, the Blue Devils frustrated Olympic, bringing their usual defensive intensity and physicality. Keira Bobbin usually needs no more than half a chance to find the back of the net, and it is exactly what she did at the 14th minute. After fighting Victoria Jamieson for the ball on the right wing, Bobbin was lucky to see her cross dipping behind Janet King in the top left corner.

The half hour mark could have been a real sliding door moment for Olympic. A handball by Reilly Yuen in the box saw the referee pointing at the spot kick, just as Nicole Jalocha was scoring the equaliser. The penalty kick given, Michaela Thornton placed the ball, but blazed it over the crossbar.

Luckily for the experienced midfielder, she would eventually make up for it. Nicole Begg’s team had been pushing all game for a goal, and finally got their reward just before the hour mark.

Seconds after being denied from point blank range by Jayla Murphy, Ash Sykes got a second chance after a scramble in the box. This time, her volley was too much for Murphy. 20 minutes later, things became complicated for Belconnen.

A fine counterattack saw Sykes, Thornton, Meg Roden, Olivia Fogarty, and Olivia Gurney combining with no more than two touches each, ending with Thornton being fouled on the edge of the box by Stefanie Lejins, the last defender.

The Blue Devils got punished twice, with Lejins receiving a red card, and the subsequent free kick taken by Thornton slipping under Murphy’s arms. The score would remain unchanged until the final whistle.

The second and final game of the round took place at Hawker, where Canberra United Academy and Gungahlin United were fighting for a slim chance at making the finals. If the more experienced of the two sides ended up with all three points, they had to battle for it against an Academy team not impressed by their opponents.

Andrew Woodman’s team opened the score early on, at the 20th minute. A corner taken by Erika Pennyfield found none other than Rachael Corbett, who celebrated her 150th WNPL appearance by burying a header in the back of the net.

The Academy was dominating at times during that first half, without really being able to worry Kailey Tonini. The Gunners were serious defensively, and always dangerous with fast counter attacks and their use of the width.

The second half started perfectly for Andrew Woodman’s players. 60 seconds in, Sharon Chao was offered the ball 30 meters away from Eliza Evans’ line and without hesitation, the former Canberra Croatia striker executed a perfect shot that dipped just under the crossbar.

Surprised and picked cold, Sarah West’s players struggled to develop their football again, and could thank Evans for a couple of saves that kept them in the game. The Gunners kept pushing and forced the Academy to defend in their half for a solid 20 minutes.

The Academy found the best way to end the complicated period, a goal, with Letisha Babic imitating Chao with long range effort, with added luck when the ball struck the crossbar and Tonini’s head before ending in the back of the net.

The home team pushed for the equaliser until the very end, and Alissa Barbour came close to making it happen. The Gunners eventually held on to their second straight win and put their opponents four points behind them.

They are six points behind fourth place West Canberra and with five games left to play, Michelle Heyman and her teammate can believe in a small miracle.

MIDWEEK REVIEW: OLYMPIC RECORD IMPORTANT WIN

A goal from Luca Florez after only twelve minutes of play ensured that Canberra Olympic would enter Round 18 hot on the heels of their vanquished opponents, O’Connor Knights, and chasing down fourth place in the NPL after a 1 0 win in the catch up match at Gungahlin Enclosed.

Florez stole in unopposed early on to nod into an empty net as Alan James swung in a free kick that eluded Knights custodian Jack Miller and a cluster of defenders finding Florez free at the far post and with the relatively simple task of heading home.

The Knights evening was made worse in the second half as winger Phakedi Manda was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card, this time for kicking the ball away after he was penalised for a foul, even so they will feel they should have earned a point, having a goal controversially ruled out in stoppage time.

Olympic ‘keeper Seb Usai palmed a goalbound hit and hope from Regan Walsh to the ground and grabbed the ball in one hand before Micheal Adams bundled it into the net from close range. The officials however deemed that Usai had control of the ball in his outstretched hand and therefore chalked off the effort.

ROUND 18 NPL: CANBERRA CROATIA LAND 25th LEAGUE TITLE

Canberra Croatia claimed their 25th league championship crown with a 2 1 win over Gungahlin United at Deakin Stadium in a testing encounter that saw both teams reduced to ten men, Croatia temporarily, the Gunners permanently.

The visitors went down to ten men in the first half when goalscorer Philippe Bernabo Madrid was sent off after being adjudged to have led with an elbow into a challenge with Croatia defender Daniel Subasic, whilst the hosts were also depleted in number when Nik Taneski was sent to the sin bin for dissent.

There was plenty of good football between, and before, the incidents with Canberra Croatia taking the lead in the 28th minute with a well taken goal. Stephen Domenici got away from the Gungahlin defence, rounded Jacob Quinn in the goal and composed himself before tucking into the far corner.

Gungahlin’s response was almost immediate, handball given against Subasic inside the area, allowing Bernabo Madrid to score his second goal of the season at Deakin, and his fifth of a disrupted campaign.

After the sending off, Gungahlin actually played some bright football, but the killer blow was landed with nineteen minutes left to play. Domenici sprung the offside trap and burst into the penalty area. Drawing a defender and the goalkeeper to the near post, he cut the ball back for leading scorer Daniel Barac to volley home.

It was Barac’s 14th league goal of the season, extended his lead in the Golden Boot race and, rather more importantly, sealed the silverware for Croatia with three rounds to spare. A superb achievement from a side that has been the perfect blend of silk and steel and youth and experience.

A brace from Greek forward Nikos Kalfas allowed Monaro Panthers to move into second place, eleven points behind the new Champions, as his double saw off O’Connor Knights 2 0 at the Riverside Stadium.

Kalfas was introduced into the fray from the bench just past the half hour mark, on for the stricken Sebastian Woods, and it was to prove to be the difference as his two goals after the break secured the three points.

The first arrived eight minutes after the resumption from a Panthers corner. The Knights only half cleared the ball which fell to Kalfas. He hardly battered it goalwards, but it had enough pace and direction to sneak through a crowd of players and find its way past a wrong footed Jack Miller in goal.

Knights hung in the contest until deep into stoppage time when they conceded a second, preventable, goal. A free kick from wide out by Gabe Cole was allowed to float into the Knights box where Kalfas snuck in on the blind side of his marker to despatch a diving header past Miller and secure the win.

At the other end of the table West Canberra Wanderers and Tigers FC played out a 1 1 draw at Melrose Synthetic, earning a point each which leaves the Wanderers one point behind Belconnen United and four behind their immediate opponents.

It could well have been even better for the home side who went in front after 23 minutes. Blaise Vlazlovski fed Jackson Paesler who cut infield and unleashed a strike at goal that went straight at Jakob Cole, but somehow eluded the grasp of the Tigers custodian who was unable to keep it out.

That looked likely to be the difference in the opening half, but Tigers had other ideas and managed to draw level with a priceless goal two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the half. Roko Strika sent over a free kick which was met by the head of Sam Whithear, the midfielder diverting it past Jakeb Wiseman for 1 1.

There were chances for each team after the break, but neither could find the breakthrough, and both needed to settle for the point.

At O’Connor Enclosed Canberra Olympic eased into the top four thanks to a 4 0 drubbing of Belconnen United, a result that leaves the Blue Devils still very much in the scrap for relegation but sent Olympic fourth ahead of the Knights whom they’d defeated in the catch up game in midweek.

Olympic had this one by the scruff of the neck aby the ninth minute having established a two goal advantage. Lucas Florez, who grabbed the winner at Gungahlin Enclosed on Wednesday, opened the scoring in the third minute, driving infield to fire a low effort beyond the reach of Alex Connell.

When Dave McCarron got on the end of a cross to head in a second six minutes later, Olympic were in cruise control. The Blue Devils could muster no reply and the points were sealed when Florez darted into the area to head home his second of the match.

A fourth, beautifully crafted and neatly executed by Simon Rohan Jones, his third NPL goal of the season, ended the contest on a high for Olympic who have their sights firmly set on a top four finish.

WNPL: TEENAGE DREAMS AS SAWKINS CLAIMS DRAMATIC MATCH-WINNER

A goal with the last kick of the match from teenage substitute Maddison Sawkins set Canberra Croatia towards another League Championship crown with a dramatic 2 1 victory over nearest challengers Canberra Olympic.

Sawkins had only been on the field for barely thirty seconds when she responded to her own blocked shot to send a beautifully weighted chip over Olympic custodian Janet King and into the far corner to seal the points, sending her teammates and the watching Croatian support into delirium.

If mathematically the deed was not yet done, Zoran Glavinic has every chance to put at a new trophy in the Deakin cabinet this time next week. Just like the first time they met this season, the home team scored at the last second, but this time, rather than the equaliser, it was the goal to inflict on Olympic a first defeat in 2022.

Until then, we were going towards a third 1 1 draw between the two teams that have dominated the competition. A stunning free kick by Elke Aitolu two minutes before half time gave the visitors an advantage, one they held onto for 20 minutes.

Past the hour mark, Diane Wilson would respond with a powerful right footed effort from within the box that left King no chance. The following 25 minutes of the game saw both teams pushing for the winning goal, with the last work going to the reigning champions.

Two successes this week, for their postponed game against Tuggeranong on Thursday and next Sunday at home against Belconnen would see Grace Gill lift a third consecutive Premiers’ trophy.

Earlier on Sunday, fourth place West Canberra Wanderers secured a much needed win against Tuggeranong United at Melrose synthetic, triumphing 2 0. The team coached by Rey Castro kept their nine point cushion over Gungahlin United (who still have a game in hand) and are still the masters of their finals’ destiny.

As is almost always the case this season, the home team started all guns blazing. Five minutes in, Ginger Oliver almost scored a second straight corner kick in two weeks, only to see Sam Emms deflecting it on the crossbar. Daisy Canavan was lucky to be where the ball bounced diverting the rebound into the net.

The Wanderers doubled their lead just before the half hour mark, thanks to their most prolific goal scorer. Tara Cannon earned and converted a penalty to bring her tally up to nine in 2022.

Sarah Whitfield’s teammates stayed on the front foot for most of the game, getting closer to score a third than conceding. Tuggeranong United mainly proceeded in counterattack, but Lara Mustaine’s team was rarely able to put the Wanderers’ defence off balance. West Canberra is ever so close to secure their semi final berth, five years after their last post season adventure.

Gungahlin United is the only team left to challenge West Canberra for that fourth spot. On Saturday, the Gunners were hosting the Wagga City Wanderers at the GEO, and had to battle to get all three points, eventually winning 2 1.

On their turf, Andrew Woodman’s squad tried to weather the storm coming from the Riverina early on, but ended conceded an unlucky goal seven minutes in. Similarly, to a couple of weeks ago, Kailey Tonini found herself on the wrong end of the joke, with a shot crashing on the post and bouncing back on the keeper’s back before rolling into her net.

The home team did not chase the score for too long, the equalizer coming ten minutes later. After a trademark run on the right wing, Erika Pennyfield perfectly offered a goal on the platter to Natalie De Marco who finished from close range.

Both teams battled for the rest of the first half without breaking the deadlock. The answer came ten minutes into the second half for the home team thanks to experienced striker Sharon Chao.

Ebony Walker thought she had done the hardest part, winning her duel against Piper Lockley, but the subsequent loose ball was volleyed perfectly by Chao, giving her team an advantage that they would keep until the full time whistle.

Belconnen United moved to within six points of Canberra Olympic on the table after defeating Canberra United Academy 3 0 at McKellar Park. Three points, and three goals for

Scott Conlon’s protegees, all wearing pink socks to help raise awareness for the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Sofia Palywoda got the show on the road, with a great control shot sequence from outside the box, and high ball that dipped under the crossbar, out of Eliza Evans’ reach. The Academy thought they had answered promptly, but their goal at the 13th minute was disallowed for a foul in the corner scramble.

The Blue Devils managed the rest of the first half, before accelerating again in the second half. The scored twice, and killed all suspense, withing seven minutes around the hour mark. Reilly Yuen struck first, with just the right amount of luck.

During a scramble in the Academy’s box, Yuen was there to prevent the defence from clearing their line and was happy to see the deflected ball ending in the net. Yuen again six minutes later was awarded a penalty for an avoidable foul near the edge of the box. Keira Bobbin’s shot from the spot kick was too powerful for Evans.

The Academy is the only team to have played all 18 games this season, but with this loss, Sarah West’ squad are now mathematically out of the top four race.

MIDWEEK REVIEW

WNPL: SUPERB TUGGERANONG HOLD LEADERS TO DRAW

Tuggeranong United staged a smash and grab to earn their first point against Canberra Croatia for five years as Paige Gregson’s equaliser ten minutes from time secured a 1 1 draw against the League leaders at Greenway Enclosed.

The reigning champions were not able to break down a resilient and resolute United structure perfectly set up by Paulo Romero, and the home side was rewarded by a draw.

Zoran Glavinic’s side had most of the possession, and the best opportunities, but from the get go found an inspired Samantha Emms in their way. Any attempt on target was dealt with by the shot stopper, from Grace Gill’s free kick to Brittany Palombi’s powerful left footed effort from close range.

It took a special effort from Krista Hagen to finally beat Emms, the midfielder’s shot from the edge of the box, perfectly swerved above the keeper’s arms and ended in the back of the net ten minutes before the break.

The defensive skills of Paulo Romero’s troops proved too much for their visitors and the back four, led by Lara Mustaine, the midfield and Jade Emms’ relentless press, and even Lily Nicholls’ tireless runs upfront, all worked together magnificently to slow down, anticipate, intercept, and eventually frustrate the Deakin armada.

The reward for the Tuggies came ten minutes before the full time whistle, when the unstoppable Emms recovered yet another ball, and slid in Gregson, whose arrowed shot

fizzed past Nat Vasta in the Croatia goal and into the far corner. The home side fought to keep the point and celebrated it rightfully like a win when the final whistle was heard.

In the other catch up match played on Thursday, Belconnen United took no prisoners against Gungahlin United winning 6 2 at the AIS. If Michelle Heyman swiftly answered to Talia Backhouse’s lobbed volley to make it 1 1 after ten minutes played, the Blue Devils’ four goals within 15 minutes either side of the break were too much for the visitors.

Tia Burridge was at the end of a speedy counterattack just before the teams went back to the locker room, and Tatum Mazis imitated it five minutes into the second half. Olivia Bomford’s corner found her captain Backhouse’s header to make it 4 1, before the number 10 decided to go at it alone, dribbling past a forest of Gungahlin player to finish from close range.

Heyman’s beautiful left footed effort with 15 minutes to go was too little too late, and the reply from Bianca Kimpton, an inspired chipped ball over Kailey Tonini, closed the evening.

The Gunners missed the chance to put some pressure on West Canberra with that defeat. The Blue Devils on the other end, seems readier than ever to battle it out in the post season, and are now only three points behind Canberra Olympic, who still has a game in hand.

MIDWEEK: CROATIA DEDUCTED THREE POINTS

There was big news during midweek as the governing body issued the following statement after allegations stemming from crowd incidents at the Canberra Croatia versus Gungahlin United match. The points deduction meant that the league title was back up for grabs and Croatia would have to go and win it again.

MEDIA STATEMENT

Following the Canberra Croatia versus Gungahlin United National Premier League First Grade match at Deakin Stadium on Saturday 20 August 2022, the independent Capital Football Tribunal has determined that Canberra Croatia Football Club have been found guilty of the following breaches of Capital Football Regulations.

1. Supporter and Spectator Misconduct

2. Not operating a safe environment

3. Bringing the game into disrepute

The independent Capital Football Tribunal has subsequently decided that Canberra Croatia Football Club should be deducted three (3) competition points and subject to a club fine.

With the deduction of the three (3) competition points from the NPL First Grade standings, the awarding of the NPL Premiers Trophy (the League Championship) has been rescinded until results decide the League Premiership.

ROUND 19

NPL: CROATIA CHAMPIONS AGAIN, WANDERERS STUN PANTHERS

Canberra Croatia secured their 25th League title for a second time after claiming a point against Belconnen United following the deduction of three points in midweek, as Monaro Panthers fell to West Canberra Wanderers, sinking Belconnen United to the foot of the table with two rounds to play.

After a difficult week, Canberra Croatia reenforced their Champions credentials with a gutsy draw in the always traditionally tough affair with Belconnen United at McKellar Park, although they were made to battle incredibly hard by a Blue Devils side that played with ten men for over an hour.

With points at a premium for the hosts, the home fans were in jubilant mood early on as Maxx Green stole in behind the Croatia defence to confidently stab a finish under Sam Brown and put the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons, but it was a brief moment of elation as, less than a couple of minutes later, Christian Kreskas was shown a straight red card.

Croatia struggled to break down the ten men, but eventually forced an error in first half stoppage time, a foul inside the box allowing Croatia to equalise from the spot as Stephen Domenici did the honours with the minimum of fuss.

That point moved the Champions seven points clear of the chasing pack ahead of the Panthers fixture against West Canberra Wanderers in the early evening kick off at the Riverside Stadium where only a Panthers win would stop Canberra Croatia hoisting the trophy for the second time in a week.

There was plenty for the West Canberra Wanderers to play for in that fixture and, thanks to a goal two minutes from the end of the contest from leading scorer Jenno Ceruti, they hauled themselves off the foot of the table at precisely the right moment, condemning Monaro Panthers to just a third defeat of 2022.

In truth, this was a match that failed to hit any heights, some sloppy and wayward passing from both teams meaning the match was a fractious affair, but with two teams committed to trying to gain the victory this was still an engaging watch,

Chances were few and far between, the best for Monaro coming when a poorly placed pass from Connor Bill was seized upon by Nikos Kalfas who rounded Jakeb Wiseman but inexplicably appeared to dawdle, allowing the Wanderers to recover and the chance to go begging.

The Wanderers hung in there and made their opportunity count with time running out. James Driscoll drove at the heart of the Panthers defence and laid off a pass to Ceruti who hit a low shot from the edge of the area that took a slight nick before nestling in the bottom corner.

It was a vital goal. One that could shape the season for the Wanderers and those around them, and the way in which the visitors celebrated the strike indicated just what it might mean for them in the final shake up.

Tigers FC meanwhile aren’t immune from the relegation dogfight as they drew a scarcely believable tenth match of the season, coming from behind to earn a 2 2 draw with Canberra Olympic, a result that leaves them only four points off the drop.

The 2021 League Champions have suffered a major hangover in their title defence, unable to turn stalemates into victories and paying the price for that inability to do so, ten draws being a Capital Football NPL record.

And yet, they are still only four points off a potential Finals place such is the topsy turvy nature of this most erratic of competitions.

The Tigers were ahead inside three minutes of this match, Josh Gulevski adding his seventh of the season, curling in an effort from just inside the penalty area, but Olympic led at the interval after a brace of goals within two minutes of each other.

Aisosa Ihegie rammed in the equaliser in the 26th minute, but that was just a prelude to the goal hit by Alen James two minutes later. The midfield playmaker took aim from well outside the area, clumping a left footed thunderbolt that was still rising as it flew past Jakob Cole and crashed into the top corner.

Tigers regrouped and were level by the break as Kofi Danning netted his first goal for the club, turning in a Roko Strika strike from close range after superb approach work from Tony Madaffari out wide.

Gungahlin United moved back into second place in the league table with a convincing 4 1 when over O’Connor Knights at O’Connor Enclosed, a result that could have been more had Bernard Rene not seen his twice taken penalty failed to beat Jack Miller late on, his first effort saved, his second striking the post.

It mattered little in reality though as, by then, Gunners were already 4 1 up and good for their advantage which they built in a one sided first half that saw the visiting team head to the changing rooms 3 0 in front.

Skipper Jack Green put his team ahead with a well taken individual effort after eleven minutes and when Will Roberts controlled and spun to fire the Gunners two up a quarter of an hour later, the writing was already on the wall for a depleted Knights whose ranks were further diminished by the loss of Gabriel Ayuel to injury.

A stunning free kick from Misko Naumoski close to half time, the midfielder rolling back the years to strike a superb effort from range that nestled into the Knights net, had Gungahlin well in command of the match.

Substitute Riley Angelosante pulled one back with a header from corner and Connor Mynott Smith perhaps should have reduced the arrears further, but a penalty from Jeremy Habtemariam sealed the win as the Gunners finished in ominous style.

WNPL: CROATIA DROP POINTS AND OPEN DOOR FORM OLYMPIC

It has been a complicated week for Canberra Croatia. After the unexpected draw at Greenway Enclosed, the reigning champions were defeated at home by Belconnen United on Sunday, their first loss in over 450 days confirmed via a Sofia Palywoda header.

The Blue Devils used high press and pacey, direct attacks from the kick off to hurt Zoran Glavinic’s team and it paid off rapidly, with Talia Backhouse’s 15th goal of the season scored after only five minutes. Happy to drop a bit lower, Belconnen United left most of the ball to their competition leaders, while trying to surprise them in counter attack.

Back from the break, Croatia offered better offensive intent, and were rewarded on a corner, with Krista Hagen celebrating her team’s 100th goal of the season by planting her header out of Jayla Murphy’s reach.

The momentum shifted for a short time, until the Blue Devils got their composure back and started pushing forward again. After a couple of half chance, a corner kick from Olivia Bomford found Palywoda at the near post, for the midfielder the smash a header in the back of the net.

Canberra Olympic started their encounter a few hours earlier, at O’Connor against West Canberra Wanderers. Nicole Begg’s team bounced back nicely from last week’s loss in Deakin, with 2 0 win over Rey Castro’s team.

The first half was a cagey affair, without any real threat on either side despite Olympic’s domination. Victoria Jamieson’s teammates finally broke the deadlock in the second half, thanks to none other than Ashleigh Sykes.

Five minutes after the break, the striker just had to tap the ball in after an offering from Michaela Thornton. Ally Hinson delayed a larger defeat several times in the second act, until Sykes, again, ended a run on the right wing by a shot so powerful it went through the net!

Canberra Olympic puts pressure on the top of the table with that win and could find themselves two points behind Canberra Croatia if they can beat Tuggeranong on Thursday. The Wanderers on the other hand are only three points clear of the fifth place and cannot afford to drop anymore points in their last three games.

Gungahlin United is the team sitting in that fifth spot and they closed the gap to fourth on Sunday with an emphatic win against Tuggeranong United. Up 5 0 at half time, the Gunners added one and conceded another in the second part of the game.

Michelle Heyman was the star of the afternoon, with a hat trick full of pace and skills. Her first (2’) and second goals (30’) at Kambah were similar, a run from the right that ended with a glancing left footed shot.

Between these two goals, captain Maddie Perceval scored maybe the most beautiful goal of her career, a run from the halfway line concluded by a missile in the top right corner. Heyman also allowed for an assist, a gift to Cassia McGlashan who just had to push it in the empty net.

Sharon Chao scored the fifth goal of the first half with four minutes left, another strong effort from just outside the box. Alison Seeney, forgotten in the box, reduced the score for the home team just after the hour mark, before Heyman completed her hat trick six minutes later.

Wagga City Wanderers faced Canberra United Academy at Gissing Oval and despite starting the game the right way was not able to get a result at home, the visitors winning 1 3.

Scotland bound Megan Castle was indeed the first to strike, getting on the receiving end of a corner kick after 14 minutes. The answer did not take long and came in style, with Alissa Barbour’s attempt from outside the box perfectly dipping under the crossbar.

The Academy kept pushing and Sofia Christopherson put her team in front just after the half hour mark, after dribbling around Ebony Walker before stroking into the unguarded goal. Both teams went at it to score the fourth goal, but 15 minutes before the final whistle, another screamer from distance, courtesy of Bessie Riethmuller, sealed the deal for the Academy.

ROUND 20

NPL: RELEGATION BATTLE WILL GO TO THE WIRE

The relegation battle will go to the wire as both contenders for the drop faced defeat in Round 20 meaning that Belconnen United must win against O’Connor Knights in the final round if they are to avoid demotion to the Capital Premier League.

Belconnen United find themselves in that predicament after failing to earn anything from their Round 20 clash with Tigers FC who, with their 2 0 win at McKellar Park, not only secured their own safety but gave themselves hope of an outside place in the top four ahead of Canberra Olympic’s trip to Queanbeyan.

After a bright start by the home side, it was the Tigers who took control of the contest and opened the scoring in the eighteenth minute, Young winger Jake Bishop was instrumental, finding Julian Borgna who juggled into space before squaring for Antoni Timotheou to stab past Alex Connell from close range.

The Blue Devils needed a response and their fightback in the second half, after a rather timid opening forty five minutes, was worthy. However, try as they might, they could not string together too many meaningful chances, Luke Vallone nodding wide from six yards in their best opening.

And Tigers sealed the points just before the hour. Timotheou fed Josh Gulevski who clipped a pass over the top for Kofi Danning. The striker had plenty to do when collecting the pass but was able to readjust his feet and slide the finish under Connell to secure Tigers place in the NPL in 2023.

The Blue Devils trail West Canberra Wanderers by a point as the Woden based side were unable to secure their own place in the top flight next season as they stumbled to a 0 4 reverse at home to a rampant Gungahlin United.

The Gunners had the points sealed by half time, having netted all four goals before the interval, and having established a three goal advantage as early as the 24th minute of the encounter.

Misko Naumoski was the man who put Gungahlin in the driving seat by hitting a brace in the first quarter of the match. His first came from a long ball via Jack Green at then back, the beautiful pass freeing Naumoski who wonderfully cushioned his volleyed finish over the head of Jakeb Wiseman in the West Canberra goal.

The Wanderers ‘keeper was picking it out of the net again eleven minutes later as Naumoski was in the right place to run across the front of his marker and clip a smart finish past Wiseman at his near posy. A minute later it was three as Will Roberts got in behind the home defence again to fire a shot into the bottom corner across the ‘keeper.

The visitors finished the scoring a minute before the break as Sam Habtemariam met a cross to flick a header nonchalantly into the corner of the goal for his sixth league strike of the season.

Tigers FC hopes of a top four place was dashed in the early evening kick off in a tale of two penalties, one scored for Canberra Olympic, and one missed by their hosts, Monaro Panthers at the Riverside Stadium in Queanbeyan.

It was a backs against the wall, defensive masterclass from Olympic who were forced to play for over an hour with ten men after defensive midfielder Nathen Megic was sent off after appearing to catch Panthers’ Zak McLaren in the face with a loose arm. They were later reduced to nine as Daniel Linstead was sent to the sin bin after protesting the Panthers penalty award.

By then the visiting team were ahead. Having ridden out Panthers early raids, David Jenkins and Josh Calabria going close, Olympic struck in the final minute of the half as they were given a penalty after the referee adjudged the Panthers defence to have manhandled an Olympic player in the area at a free kick.

Panthers’ goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell saved the initial penalty from Nik Popovich, a tame effort, but was off his line in doing so, prompting a retake which the Monaro custodian got a firm hand on but could only watch on agonisingly as the ball went into the net off the post.

Monaro went searching for an equaliser and were awarded a gilt edged chance to level close to full time. Shortly after Alen James had seen a fierce drive well saved at the other end, Linstead felled Josh Calabria, earning a yellow card and a spell in the sin bin for his subsequent protestations.

Darren Bailey stepped up but saw his strike arrow wide of the post to leave the Panthers stranded in third, and heading for the Elimination Final in a fortnight, whilst Olympic maintained fourth heading into the final round.

The only team that can stop Olympic playing finals football is O’Connor Knights who remained in contact with fourth place, two points behind Olympic, after winning the Croatian derby for the first time in three attempt, a Micheal Adams goal defeating Champions Canberra Croatia at O’Connor Enclosed.

In a tight derby match played in front of a good crowd, the defining moment came with eighteen minutes to play as the Knights carved out the only goal of the match, a superb effort from one end to the other.

Kristian Tokic won the ball on the edge of his penalty area and found Patrick O’Rourke who played it forward to Phakedi Manda. The fleet footed winger sent a pass with the outside of his foot in behind the Croatia defence, finding the arcing run of Adams who broke the visitor’s offside trap.

Adams still had plenty of work to do, holding off his marker, and curling a stunning shot around Sam Brown in the Croatia goal and into the top corner, sparking ecstatic scenes amongst the home faithful and keeping the Knights in the hunt for the top four on their return to the NPL.

WNPL: WRIGHT KEEPS GUNNERS TOP FOUR HOPES ALIVE

An 88th minute goal by Kayla Wright, perfectly set up by Michelle Heyman, gave Gungahlin United an unexpected win over title chasing Canberra Olympic, and one last hope to make it to the post season.

Wright, on as a later substitute, struck the match winner to cap an impressive Gunners display in the second stanza, and open the door for Canberra Croatia to claim the League Championship with a win against West Canberra Wanderers.

At Gungahlin Enclosed Oval things had started on a high note for Nicole Begg’s team. A powerful shot by Michaela Thornton from the edge of the box put her Blues ahead after merely 13 minutes.

Olympic, with the three points, would sit on top the table, and put pressure on Canberra Croatia before their game on Monday night. But this was only the case for 17 minutes. At the half hour mark, Cassia McGlashan had the last word after a scramble in the visitors’ defence and headed the ball in the back of Janet King’s net.

The status quo was not beneficial to either team. The Gunners needed a win to stay in touch with the West Canberra Wanderers. That left foot effort by Wright at the 88th minute gave them just that. If Andrew Woodman’s team can beat Canberra Croatia next weekend, and if the Wanderers lose to the reigning champions on Monday, and to Belconnen next week, they will end fourth on the table. This is a lot of “ifs.” But where there’s hope…

It was the O’Connor residents’ second game of the week. Greenway Oval was the centre stage of the round 17 catch up game between Canberra Olympic and Tuggeranong United on Wednesday.

Despite a strong defensive performance, and more saves for Sammy Emms’ season highlights’ reel, the away team could not hold Olympic more than an hour. A corner kick perfectly taken by Thornton offered Jasmine Zabel the opening goal after just ten minutes, but Begg’s team would not find the back of the net for the rest of the first half.

Just after the hour mark, Sarah Johnston finally doubled her side’s advantage, the quickest to the rebound after yet another Emms’ save. The goal freed Olympic, who attacked with more flow from there on.

Meg Roden (70’), Olivia Gurney (75’) and Emma Croker (87’) added their names to the scoresheet to allow their team to come back two points behind Canberra Croatia, where they still sit today.

On Saturday, the battle of the Wanderers, another round 17 postponed encounter, took place in the Riverina. West Canberra did the job, defeating Wagga City 3 1. All the scoring action happened in the second half. Seconds after kick off, Kaitlyn Colwill took her chance from the edge of the box, and her shot proved too powerful for Ebony Walker to parry away.

Three minutes later, Sarah Whitfield showcased her technique to double her team’s advantage from close range. With 15 minutes left to play, Ginger Oliver added her name on the scoresheet with another shot Walker could not keep in her gloves.

The goal of the afternoon was the work of the home team, two minutes later, Paula Mitchell’s left footer ended in the top corner, out of reach of Ally Hinson. It is a crucial win for West Canberra, who are still master of their destiny and need only a point from either of their last two games to punch their ticket to off season.

The Wagga City Wanderers were playing back to back game this weekend, and hosted Belconnen United on Sunday at Gissing Oval. If the Blue Devils wasted no time, scoring at the fifth minute, courtesy of Tatum Mazis, they then failed to break the deadlock for over an hour.

Despite having the better opportunities, Scott Conlon’s team had to wait until the 74th minutes to Talia Backhouse speeding away from the Wanderers’ defence to beat the keeper from up close with her 16th goal of the season.

Wagga City ended their season at home in style, with a screamer from Tamara Cochrane dipping just under the crossbar eight minutes after Belconnen’s second goal. The Wanderers deserve credit for keeping the Blue Devils at bay most of the game, despite playing twice in 24 hours.

The three points for the Blue Devils put them three points behind Canberra Olympic with a game left to play, although the goal difference is likely too much to make up for even with favourable results (+42 for Belconnen, +61 for Olympic).

The other game played on Sunday was a duel between Canberra United Academy and Tuggeranong United. The game ended with a goalless draw, only the second of the season in WNPL.

NPL: BLUE DEVILS RELEGATED, KNIGHTS MAKE FINALS

Belconnen United, six times Premiers and ten times Champions of the ACT Premier League, have been relegated from the National Premier League following a 3 1 loss to O’Connor Knights at O’Connor Enclosed.

The Blue Devils knew a win was necessary if they were to harbour any hopes of staying in the top flight but, despite a spirited second half display, they failed to overturn a half time deficit and time ran out on their stay in the top flight much to the chagrin of their long term supporters.

They needed a bright start but fell behind to a glorious Knights goal after just nineteen minutes, Phakedi Manda cleverly nodded a Niko Kresic corner back into the path of Micheal Adams who sent a first time volley from the edge of the box looping over the cluster of defender and Alex Connell in the Blue Devils goal.

The Knights second, four minutes before the break, was a superb example of their pace in transition. Adams was involved again, his run curtailed but the ball falling kindly to Manda who arrowed an unerring drive low into the bottom corner.

Belconnen needed a miracle and, three minutes into the second half they were given a glimmer of hope as Luke Vallone leapt unmarked at the near post to flick home a Dustin Wells corner and reduce the arrears. The forward had a half chance for 2 2 before the Knights took control.

Both Patrick O’Rourke and Connor Mynott Smith might have scored before Adams did, sealing Belconnen’s fate, as a free kick ricocheted off the unfortunate Jono Turek and fell on a plate for Adams who swept home from six yards, putting Knights into fourth and sending Belconnen into the Capital Premier League.

The Knights place in the Finals, having only been promoted into the NPL this season, was confirmed 24 hours later as nearest challengers, Canberra Olympic, were defeated 2 1 by Gungahlin United at Hawker Football Centre.

Olympic only required a draw to make the end of season showcase and looked well set to do so having seen out seventy minutes of the contest without undue peril. But they were shaken to the core when Misko Naumoski struck for the fourth time in three games, sending a beautiful free kick past Sebastian Usai to put the Gunners ahead.

Olympic needed a response, a draw would have been sufficient given their superior goal difference, but they were left chasing the game when they conceded a second with seven minutes remaining as Leon Michel scored.

The reply was immediate, Luca Florez scoring his seventh of the season to give them some hope of making the top four and set the stage for a nervy final few moments, but it was

Gunners who could have sealed it Philippe Bernabo Madrid missing a great chance after early striking a post with an overhead kick.

The final whistle left Olympic short of their requirement and sent the Knights into the finals where they will meet Monaro Panthers in the Elimination Final.

At the Riverside Stadium in Queanbeyan, Monaro Panthers ended their regular season with a 2 1 win over Tigers FC in the third league instalment of the Battle of the Big Cats.

In a bright first half both sides had half chances, but the Panthers dominated possession and might have scored more than the one they managed four minutes before the break. Amilio Kista saw a drive pushed onto the bar by Tigers FC custodian Jakeb Cole, before the same player hit the base of the ‘keepers left hand post.

The goal they did score was marvellous to behold. Ben Basser Silk glided past three would be challengers before sliding an inch perfect pass into Adam Neou. Neou did not have to break stride to send a first time side foot effort low beyond Cole’s reach and into the far corner of the net.

Panthers had threatened a second, Michael John denied on a trio of occasions by Cole, and doubled their lead when Andre Carle, one of four half time substitutions, fired an effort that deceived Cole to nestle in the net.

Tigers hit back within sixty seconds as Josh Gulevski created a goal for former Panther Kofi Danning, in an entertaining match, but Tigers couldn’t find a goal to secure an eleventh draw and Panthers completed a deserved victory.

The Champions, Canberra Croatia completed a fourteenth win of the season as they defeated a relaxed West Canberra Wanderers 5 0 at Deakin Stadium. Having been spared the agony of needing something from the game following Belconnen’s loss, the Wanderers looked lively, but Croatia were clinical.

Daniel Barac secured the Golden Boot with his fifteenth goal of the season as he slammed home from an acute angle in only the ninth minute, whilst Sam Brown pushed a shot onto the post at the other end.

A superb curling finish from Stephen Domenici made it two, before James Driscoll had a goal chalked off for Wanderers for offside. Domenici might have added to his tally, but blasted over when clean through, but the forward was to make no mistake in the 76th minute, clinically finishing for his 12th league goal of the season.

There was more to come as Hristjan Tanoski brilliantly thrashed in the fourth, shortly after volleying wide of goal, before the icing on the cake was applied by Nik Taneski. He was released by an astute pass from debutant substitute Nick Pratezina, Taneski lifting a cultured finish with the outside of the boot past substitute Wanderers’ stopper, Kristian Nel.

WNPL: WANDERERS MAKE FINALS DESPITE HEAVY DEFEAT

West Canberra Wanderers will play their first post season games since 2017 after the favourable results of Saturday despite going down to a heavy defeat against Belconnen United at McKellar Park.

The Blue Devils started the game with the foot on the pedal, suffocating the visitors for most of the first half. Scott Conlon’s well executed high press and his players’ talent was simply too much for the Wanderers, seven days before the two squads meet again for the Elimination Final.

Within 15 minutes, Belconnen United was already up 3 0: Talia Backhouse recorded the first of the three home team’s braces, using her speed to find space behind the defence before beating Ally Hinson both times.

Olivia Bomford imitated her at the 13th and 28th minute, first by dribbling her way into the defence, and then by being the quickest to pounce to tap the ball in after an inspired save by Hinson.

Reilly Yuen was the other player to put her name on the score sheet twice, at the 54th and 60th minute, using her strength and athleticism to overcome the Wanderer’s defence. Rey Castro tried changing tactics throughout the game to help his player contain the Blue Devils’ raids, but that was not enough.

The Wanderers can thank Canberra Croatia for their trip to the finals. At Deakin Stadium, Zoran Glavinic’s players celebrated their league title win with a serious win over Gungahlin United, 5 1.

Jamie Berkeley broke the deadlock first 20 minutes in, with a perfect chipped ball over Kailey Tonini from the edge the box. Berkeley went to take the assisting role later, first for Isabella Barac six minutes before the break, with a rare headed goal for the pocket playmaker. Then at the 52nd minute, it was Rhiannon Fensom’s at the receiving end of Berkeley’s cross. The pair combined again at the hour mark, and if Fensom’s shot was deflected, Sienna Birnie was at the right place at the right time to tap it in the empty net. Shania Settin made it 5 0 with a beautiful left footed effort from range minutes later.

Breea Waters’ 1st career WNPL goal came too little too late for Gungahlin, who could not take advantage of West Canberra’s loss to try and steal that fourth spot.

All eyes are now on the Qualifying Final for Canberra Croatia, Grace Gill and her teammates will face Canberra Olympic next weekend. The team coached by Nicole Begg only needed half an hour to see off Canberra United Academy on Sunday at O’Connor Enclosed.

Ashleigh Sykes’ speed made the difference on the left wing 18 minutes in, and her cross was perfectly tapped in by Olivia Fogarty, leaving Chloe Lincoln no chance.

Olivia Gurney’s strength made the difference seven minutes later. Launched by Meg Roden behind the defence, the forward resisted Tayla Hampson before finding Lincoln’s top corner.

The A League Women’s keeper was beaten a third time at the half hour mark. She was able to make contact with the ball after Fogarty’s acrobatic volley, but not enough to push it away from the net.

The scoreboard would not change for the remaining hour, allowing Olympic to boost the confidence of both their offence and defence before next week’s thriller.

The last game of the weekend was played in Greenway between 7th and 8th place, Tuggeranong United and Wagga City Wanderers. The two young squads shared the spoils to end the season, thanks to a last second goal for the visitors.

The Tuggies had started positively and saw their effort rewarded just after the 20th minute. A clumsy tackle by Anisa Rees in the box offered Lauren Hall an opportunity from the spot kick she would not miss.

Despite their fair share of opportunities, the home team were not able to wrap up the game, leaving themselves open for a comeback. It came in the form of a superb volley, courtesy of Tamara Cochrane, with seconds left on the clock.

FINALS WEEK ONE

NPL: CROATIA INTO GRAND FINAL, PANTHERS ELIMINATE KNIGHTS

Canberra Croatia advanced to their 31st Capital Football Grand Final with a nail biting 3 2 success over Gungahlin United in an action packed and eminently watchable Qualification Final at Deakin Stadium.

The top two went toe to toe in an absorbing encounter in which the tenacious Gunners came from behind twice to force the Champions to dig deep and, in the end, it was their leading scorers Daniel Barac and Stephen Domenici who did the business, scoring the goals to send Croatia through.

Croatia got off to a perfect start when Domenici was afforded time and space inside the penalty area, always a dangerous proposition, and he adjusted his feet to crash a shot into the Gunners net.

Gungahlin responded magnificently. Badreldin Abbas broke down the right flank and cut the ball back for Samuel Habtemariam who coolly finished across Sam Brown and into the far corner.

Parity was short lived, Croatia restoring their lead just past the half hour. Nik Taneski, a first minute substitute for Luke Pilkington who was forced off after suffering a heavy challenge, was up ended in the area and Domenici slotted home the resultant spot kick to restore the lead.

But Gungahlin weren’t going away, and they levelled for a second time with a wonderfully worked goal of their own ten minutes into the second half, a second for Samuel Habtemariam who danced his way into a shooting position before rolling his eighth of the season beyond Brown for 2 2.

The Champions thought they had won it with just less than twenty minutes to play when Nik Taneski broke clear and squared for Barac to tap into the empty net, only for the goal to be disallowed for a marginal offside decision.

Incredibly, they did win it less than sixty seconds later and it was Barac who got it. The Golden Boot sweeping home with the trusty left foot at the end of a superb move that scythed through the Gungahlin defence, Barac curling home a strike that gave Jacob Quinn no chance and sent Croatia through.

Gungahlin will get a second bite of the cherry in the Preliminary Final against Monaro Panthers after the Panthers saw off a battling and determined O’Connor Knights in the early morning kick off, two headers, one in each half, seeing them home 2 0.

David Jenkins had only ever scored one NPL goal in his entire career prior to this match and it was at Deakin Stadium, in an early morning kick off at the home end of the stadium. And, rather incredibly, as if scripted, he repeated the feat to break the deadlock five minutes before the interval.

Josh Calabria swung a corner into the danger area where Jenkins got clear of his marker and thundered a bullet header past Jack Miller into the net proving that lightning does indeed strike twice.

O’Connor, who felt aggrieved that they weren’t awarded a free kick early on when Phakedi Manda appeared to get clear of the Panthers defence, kept plugging away and, whilst they didn’t overly threaten Jordan Thurtell in the Panthers goal, they carried enough menace to make sure that Monaro weren’t comfortable.

They needed a second and got it with eighteen minutes remaining. Two substitutes combined to send Panthers through and eliminate the Knights. Sebastian Woods took a pass into stride and exchanged a one two with Andre Carle before slinging over a delightful cross that was begging to be finished.

Michael John, who had replaced the stricken Nikos Kalfas in the 31st minute, rose unchecked to send a perfectly placed, unsavable header, into the corner. The Panthers into the Preliminary Final, the latest chapter in the story of their season perhaps entitled: A Tale of Two Headers.

WNPL: OLYMPIC STUN CROATIA WHILST BLUE DEVILS MOVE ON

The first weekend of the finals in the NPLW held all its promise, and some more, with twelve goals in two games!

Belconnen United fought hard to get to the Preliminary Final, seeing out the West Canberra Wanderers for the second time in seven days. The Blue Devils faced a much stronger Wanderers side, as dense and aggressive defensively as you would expect from Rey Castro’s team.

The best opportunities were undoubtedly for Scott Conlon’s team in the first half, and the reward came five minutes before the break. A corner kick from Olivia Bomford found Talia Backhouse’s header, only for Karen Clarke to volley the ball past Jayla Murphy from point blank range.

The second half saw a bit more action, with Belconnen striking first to get themselves a safe advantage cushion. Another experienced Blue Devil, Leah Carnegie, scored five minutes into the second act.

A cross caught by the wind took an unexpected path to the net, dipping behind Ally Hinson. The third goal came from the kind of counterattack that should be taught in football academies.

A corner kick for West Canberra turned into a trademark Keira Bobbin run and a 2 v 1 the Blue Devils. Bobbin offered the ball to Bomford, who twisted and turned with the ball, confusing both her defender and Hinson before finding the back of the net.

Melinda O’Callaghan did offer the Wanderers a glimmer of hope with 10 minutes to go thanks to a precise left footed effort that Murphy could not parry away, but their opponents were already too far.

Scott Conlon will lead his team again next weekend to fight for the Grand Final. He will also see the players gone to the National Youth Championships return, to give him some extra depth.

They will face Canberra Croatia, who were surprised at home by their runner up in the league, Canberra Olympic. The two powerhouses offered us a thrilling game, and one for the history books, with eight goals and a 5 3 victory for Nicole Begg’s in extra time.

Under the rain on Saturday, the game started as a cagey affair, which Olympic made the most of, putting the reigning champions under pressure. The Blues struck first, courtesy of Olivia Gurney at the 24th minute.

The forward took advantage of passive defending in the Croatia defence, and let her talent do the rest with a run in the box and a duel won with Nat Vasta.

The champions answered 10 minutes later via their captain. A free kick obtained by Brittany Palombi allowed Grace Gill to show all her class with a superb ball over the wall that ended in the top left corner.

The score was even at half time but did not stay that was for too long after the break. From one legend to another, Ashleigh Sykes obtained a penalty kick after a misunderstanding between Vasta and Amy McLachlan and converted it herself.

Olympic resisted Croatia and thought they made the Grand Final when Vanessa Ryan was here to tap the ball in the empty net following Vasta save.

But the Champions have won five of the last six trophies available for a reason, and usual goal scorer Brittany Palombi turned into a lethal passer seconds later, finding Jennifer Bisset who could not miss from short range. They did not stop there, equalizing in the very next opportunity with Palombi again at the assist, this time finding Jamie Berkeley at the far post.

The thrilling encounter would be need more than 90 minutes to find a winner. This time, Olympic would not only break the deadlock first, but confirm and hold on to their advantage thanks to their subs.

Early in the second half of extra time, Brittany Fiorese, alone in the six yard box, was found by Sykes to put her team in front. Anna Vandenbroucke sealed the deal in the dying seconds, sending her team to their first WNPL Grand Final with her first touch of the game.

Nicole Begg and her troops will now have a weekend off to savour and recover from scoring five goals past the reigning champions! Usual Grand Final rivals Belconnen United and Canberra Croatia will fight it out in the Preliminary Final on Saturday, to face Olympic the following weekend.

PRELIMINARY FINALS

NPL: PANTHERS REACH FIRST GRAND FINAL SINCE 1999

Monaro Panthers moved into their first Grand Final in 23 years after they ended Gungahlin United’s season with a 2 0 win in the Preliminary Final at Deakin Stadium scoring at the beginning of both halves to secure progression.

Goals from Zac McLaren and Michael John were enough for the Panthers to claim the win, although they were indebted to a sensational performance from goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell, the custodian making a handful of outstanding saves and winning his man on man duel with Philippe Bernabo Madrid, denying the Gunners hit man on four occasions.

Indeed, one of the saves, a flying one handed tip over the crossbar after Bernabo Madrid had spun to find space and unleashed a venomous drive at goal, was particularly memorable and precipitated the Panthers hitting their second goal of the evening shortly afterwards.

The team that had knocked over the O’Connor Knights in the Elimination Final started amazingly fast and were in front after only two minutes. Amilio Kista tested Jacob Quinn with a shot through a raft of players which the Gunners ‘keeper, potentially seeing late, did well to push away.

McLaren was quickest to react though and shaped the ball onto his right foot before lashing a finish high across Quinn and into the top corner of the net for only his second goal in Panthers colours.

Thurtell denied Bernabo Madrid for the first time in the opening half, a feat he would achieve three more times after the break as the Gunners kept looking for a way back into the contest.

They were hit by a sucker punch four minutes into the second half though, moments after Thurtell’s acrobatics had preserved their clean sheet. A sharp break ended with Andre Carle exchanging passes with John, the former Gungahlin man arrowing a stunning low finish past Quinn and into the corner.

Gungahlin are made of stern stuff, and they kept plugging way, Leon Michl in superb form tearing holes in the Panthers defence but unable to provide the finish that may have sparked a recovery. Monaro content to play on the break could have added more themselves but had already done enough.

When Bernabo Madrid glanced a header past the post with a quarter of an hour to play, that was about it from the team that finished second and Monaro held on with a degree of comfort to progress to meet the League Champions, Canberra Croatia, in the Grand Final next weekend.

WNPL: BLUE DEVILS INTO GRAND FINAL AFTER NINE-GOAL THRILLER

A stunning denouement in which Belconnen United skipper Talia Backhouse struck twice in the final ninety seconds of extra time secured the Blue Devils a remarkable 5 4 victory over League Champions Canberra Croatia sending them into the Grand Final where they will meet Canberra Olympic.

In a game that will be talked about for many years to come, the spectacle on display at the Riverside Stadium was some of the best football ever witnessed in the capital. Goals, talent, suspense, lead changes, a dramatic ending, all the ingredients were there for this game to go down in local history.

At Deakin Stadium during Round 19, the Blue Devils had opened the score within four minutes of kick off. This time, they waited until the 13th minute, embarking upon a stunning passage of play that yielded three goals in the span of five minutes leaving Croatia reeling.

Keira Bobbin’s pace, following a superb assist by Sofia Palywoda, was too much for the reigning champions defence, and her precision finish left Nat Vasta no chance. Bobbin returned the favour minutes later when she found Palywoda alone at the far post. The youngster showed her impressive composure and put the ball out of Vasta’s reach.

Olivia Bomford added a third goal at the 18th minute to conclude the perfect start of her side. At Deakin, Scott Conlon had seen his team wasting opportunities. This time, any opportunity ended on the scoresheet, Bomford the latest to react, sweeping home from just inside the box

From there, Zoran Glavinic had 70 minutes to find the solutions to turn the tide and try and snatch another extra time, seven days after their match in the deluge against Olympic. The path to level was first helped by an unlucky bounce that landed on Talia Backhouse’s hand. Brittany Palombi did not hesitate and reduce the gap at the half hour mark from the spot kick.

Down 3 1 at half time, the coach of Croatia changed formation and brought on Jennifer Bisset for Amy McLachlan. The choice paid dividends almost immediately, and the league leaders were only trailing by a goal after Sienna Birnie scored at the 52nd minute. ‘

The Blue Devils spent most of the second half defending, trying to prevent an equaliser. Sofia Doumos impressed in her duel with Grace Gill, Jayla Murphy showed off her skills with saves in front of Palombi and Bisset, but the team still found themselves levelled 10 minutes before full time.

Minutes after being subbed in, Shania Settin, forgotten at the far post, took advantage of Gill’s work in the box to tap the ball in the empty net and draw the teams back onto level terms

For the second time in a week, Canberra Croatia was forcing an extra time. This time, they would even strike first, thanks to Bisset, eight minutes in. The midfielder slide tackled the

ball between her defender and the keeper, completing a magnificent comeback and giving her team a lead that many thought would be conclusive. Until the 119th minute that was, until the Riverside Stadium entered Backhouse time.

First it was a free kick from 30 yards, expertly taken, that landed between Vasta’s hands and the crossbar to make it 4 4 and drag the spectre of penalties from the depths. But even that was not to be.

Two minutes later, Backhouse hit a shot from distance, which forced Vasta to concede a corner kick. Bomford from the corner had led the Blue Devils to victory in Round 19, and once again, it paid off. Backhouse, unstoppable, cut the trajectory at the near post to send the team in sky blues to heaven, to compete in their umpteenth consecutive Grand Final.

There had to be a loser, and the road ends here for Canberra Croatia, after six consecutive Grand Finals (2015 to 2020) and their title in the shortened 2021 season. It is a heart breaking finish for Grace Gill and her troops, despite coming back from 3 0 down.

The clash in Queanbeyan ended with a masterpiece from Talia Backhouse, and Belconnen United will now challenge Canberra Olympic in the Grand Final.

GRAND FINAL

NPL: PANTHERS STUN CHAMPIONS WITH BAILEY WINNER

A goal five minutes from time from Scottish left back Darren Bailey earned Monaro Panthers their first Grand Final success in 23 years as they stunned the League Champions Canberra Croatia with a 2 1 win at Deakin Stadium.

Bailey was on hand in the 85th minute to force the ball over the line after central defender David Jenkins had beaten Croatia goalkeeper Sam Brown to an inch perfect free kick from Gabe Cole, sparking ecstatic celebrations amongst those in green and black and ending their long, long wait for success.

It was a Grand Final in the grand tradition. Two heavyweight teams going toe to toe with no backward step, making for an absorbing and enthralling encounter that could easily have gone either way.

Panthers shot stopper Jordan Thurtell was in top form once more and, even when he was beaten late on by a Daniel Barac effort, to which he got a hand, defender Kyle Senior was on hand to stretch out a long leg and somehow divert the ball to safety when a goal appeared the more likely outcome.

The League Champions did have chances, but so did their opponents, and it was Monaro who managed to break the deadlock six minutes before the half time.

Sebastian Woods made it, his magnificent cross field pass finding Zac McLaren in space inside the Croatia area. Just like he did seven days previously in the Preliminary Final, McLaren sat his marker down on the turf and unleashed a fearsome right foot effort that scorched past Brown into the corner.

Canberra Croatia are League Champions for a reason, and playing in their 31st Grand Final, they came out of the changing rooms in the second half with all guns blazing and levelled the match within ten minutes of the resumption.

Nik Taneski was free inside the box when he latched onto a ball across the face of the Panthers penalty area, a rash lunge from Bailey upending the Croatia striker and leading to one of the more obvious penalty decisions of the season. Stephen Domenici rammed his penalty straight down the middle.

The match was heading inexorably towards an extra half an hour until the telling moment five minutes from the final whistle. Cole supplied the delivery, as he did in the Australia Cup Qualifying Final, and Bailey was on hand to squeeze home what might well be the scruffiest, yet important goal of his career.

MATCH STATISTICS

Canberra Croatia 1 (Domenici 55’ (p)) Monaro Panthers 2 (McLaren 39’, Bailey 85’)

LINE UPS

CANBERRA CROATIA: 1. SAM BROWN, 2. Marco GAYER (15. David SESELJA 18’), 4. Matt GRBESA, 6. Ryan KEIR, 9. Nikola TANESKI, 10. Matej BUSEK, 12. Hristjan TANOSKI, 13. Cassidy TANDDO (11. Jordan LAMB 90’), 14. Daniel SUBASIC, 21. Stephen DOMENICI (7. Jason UGRINIC 78’), 22. Daniel BARAC

MONARO PANTHERS: 1. Jordan THURTELL, 3. David JENKINS, 5. Darren BAILEY, 6. Gabe COLE, 9. Andre CARLE, 10. Amilio KISTA (7. Nikos KALFAS 58’), 12. Sebastian WOODS, 16. Kyle SENIOR, 23. Michael JOHN, 91. Zac MCLAREN (2. Adam DE FRANCESCHI 85’) 99. Josh CALABRIA

YELLOW CARDS

CANBERRA CROATIA: 21. Stephen DOMENICI 66’, C: Andy RAKIC 66’, 4. Matt GRBESA 76’, 9. Nikola TANESKI 90+2’, 11. Jordan LAMB 90+4’

MONARO PANTHERS: 5. Darren BAILEY 55’, 16. Kyle SENIOR 72’, 9. Andre CARLE 76’, 2. Adam DE FRANCESCHI 90+1’

RED CARDS

CANBERRA CROATIA: C: Andy RAKIC 90+6’, 21. Stephen DOMENICI 90+6’

WNPL: OLYMPIC TOO STRONG FOR YOUNG BLUE DEVILS

A brace from Ashleigh Sykes offered the Blues the first Grand Final Trophy of their history as Canberra Olympic dominated Belconnen United 4 1 thanks to another heroic display from Nicole Begg’s troops.

The O’Connor faithful had travelled in numbers at Deakin Stadium, getting behind their team every chance they got, helping them winning the final game of the season in WNPL. Scott Conlon and his Blue Devils had not travelled South to simply make an appearance though and started the game all guns blazing, pressing high, building up patiently, and creating two chances early, both falling inches wide of Janet King’s goals.

Olympic was dangerous on set pieces at first, with a couple of precise efforts flying by Jayla Murphy and her busy six yard box. The third corner kick, a perfect in swerving effort taken from the left by Vanessa Ryan at the 20th minute, was helped by fate, and an unfortunate deflection by Talia Backhouse, to end in the back of Murphy’s net.

The Blue Devils barely had time to digest, and try to answer, that Sykes was launched towards goal. With only Stefi Leijins between her and the keeper, the forward let her pace do the talking, ran past her defender, and skilfully opened her right foot to put the ball past Murphy.

Olympic managed that two goal advantage, defending expertly whenever Keira Bobbin, Olivia Bomford or Reilly Yuen, often the most dangerous Belconnen player on Saturday, tried to make the difference. The Blue Devils were unable to reduce the score by the time Delfina Dimoski sent the teams back to the locker room, under a heavy but short rain shower.

Any encouraging, motivating words Scott Conlon had for his team were reduced to despair 70 seconds into the second stanza, when Olivia Gurney inherited the ball at the edge of the box. A precise control and a powerful half volley sent the ball piercing through Murphy’s gloves and Olympic to their second trophy of the season.

The Blue Devils pushed, and tried, but were unable to break the deadlock. Instead, ten minutes before full time, it was Sykes who would strike again, running away from her defenders one last time to finish the job.

Asleep at the wheel, Olympic conceded a goal in the following minute, Tatum Mazis racing away to score, and for a second, we thought we were in for another crazy end of game in WNPL, but 4 1 would be the final score.

2022 is of course the most successful season in Canberra Olympic’s women’s program’s history. Maybe it was down to the experience of Ali Cook and Victoria Jamieson, on top of her game on Saturday, or the efficiency of Sykes, or the youth of Taniah Miro, Meg Roden and Elke Aitolu, maybe it was the leadership and talent of Michaela Thornton, Nicole Jalocha and Sarah Johnston...

One thing is certain, Nicole Begg has built something special at O’Connor: a culture of success, a team bound to disrupt the league, that has confirmed its early promises. From title contender after a busy off season, to Federation Cup and Grand Final winner eight months later, Olympic has redealt the cards in the Capital.

The Blues are the new team to beat and have a few months to enjoy their success before a new challenging, exciting campaign start. We cannot wait.

MATCH STATISTICS

Canberra Olympic 4 (Backhouse 20’ (og), Sykes 22’, 80’, Gurney 47’) Belconnen United 1 (Mazis 81’)

LINE-UPS

CANBERRA OLYMPIC: 1. Janet KING, 4. Olivia GURNEY (2. Olivia FOGARTY 57’), 5. Sarah JOHNSTON, 6. Vanessa RYAN, 9. Elke AITOLU, 13. Meg RODEN (8. Michaela THORNTON 57’), 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 17. Nicole JALOCHA (7. Brittany FIORESE 90+2’), 22. Jasmine ZABEL (10. Katrina PERIC 71’), 23. Victoria JAMIESON, 34. Alexandra COOK

BELCONNEN UNITED: 1. Jayla MURPHY, 2. Lauren PRESTON (21. Pearl TEIN 52’), 3. Karen CLARKE, 4. Sophia DOUMOS, 7. Stefanie LEJINS, 8. Sofia PALYWODA (5. Katie WOODMAN 86’), 9. Talia BACKHOUSE, 10. Olivia BOMFORD (16. Tia BURRIDGE 86’), 11. Keira BOBBIN, 15. Leah CARNEGIE (12. Tatum MAZIS 63’), 22. Reilly YUEN

STATISTICAL SUMMARY

NPL1 / CPL / AUSTRALIA CUP RESULTS

Saturday 22 January

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Belconnen United 2 (Reay, Vucetic) Corrimal Rangers 1 Monaro Panthers 2 (Carle (2)) Wollongong Wolves 4

Saturday 29 January

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Belconnen United 1 (Ospina) Tarrawanna Blueys 3

Sunday 30 January

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY APIA Leichhardt 0 Monaro Panthers 0

Saturday 5 February

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Canberra Croatia 3 (Speirs, Keir, own goal) Coniston FC 1

Canberra Olympic v Wollongong Olympic Postponed O’Connor Knights 1 (Adams) Tigers FC 2 (Timotheou, Gulevski (p)) Queanbeyan City 1 (Mensah) Gungahlin United 2 (Bernabo Madrid, Roberts) Monaro Panthers 1 (Mitchell) Port Kembla 2

Sunday 6 February

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

Belconnen United 1 (Green) NSW Spirit 2

Tuesday 8 February

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Canberra Olympic 5 (Ringi, L. Macor, James, Faust, Mellick) Brindabella Blues 1

Wednesday 9 February

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

ANU FC 1 (L. Hynes (p)) Tigers FC 5 (Whithear (3), Junna, Popovich)

Saturday 12 February

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Canberra Croatia 7 (Tanoski (2, 2p), Barac, Busek, Ugrinic, Pilkington, own goal) South Coast United 2

Albion Park Eagles 5 Canberra Olympic 1 (Florez)

Tigers FC 0 Queanbeyan City 0

Gungahlin United 2 (Bernabo Madrid, Stamatis) O’Connor Knights 2 (McCarron, Walsh

ANU FC 1 (Alnuwaysir) Wollongong United 1 Tuggeranong United 4 (Kiddey, Richards, Walker, Doherty) Weston Molonglo SL 0

Coniston FC 2 West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Anderson)

Sunday 13 February

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY Albury United 1 Wagga City Wanderers 3 (Ploenges (2), Lucas)

Friday 18 February

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY Monaro Panthers 1 (Mitchell) Wollongong Wolves 3

Saturday 19 February

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Bulli FC v Belconnen United Cancelled Wollongong Olympic v Canberra Croatia Cancelled Canberra Olympic 2 (Ringi, McCarron) White Eagles 2 (McCarthy, Asikhia)

Hanwood United 1 Wagga City Wanderers 3 (Matherson (2), Ploenges) Gungahlin United 1 (Angelosante) Wollongong Wolves 3

Sunday 20 February

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Gungahlin United 1 (Tunney) Tigers FC 2 (Strika, Popovich) O’Connor Knights 3 (Mynott Smith (p), Kresic, Coggan) Queanbeyan City 1 (Zygmunt (og)) Monaro Panthers 4 (De Franceschi (2), Kalfas, Carle (p)) Tuggeranong United 0 West Canberra Wanderers 2 (Pavese, Ceruti) ANU FC 1 (Deans)

Saturday 26 February

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Canberra Olympic 2 (Florez, L. Macor) ANU FC 3 (Deans (2), Lopez)

Tigers FC 1 (Popovich) Bankstown United 3 Wagga City Wanderers 5 (Ploenges (2), Okot (2), Lucas) Leeton United 0 Canberra Croatia 1 (Barac) Blacktown City 2

APIA Leichhardt v West Canberra Wanderers Cancelled Weston Molonglo FC 1 (O’Gorman) White Eagles 3 (McCarthy, Caglar, own goal)

Sunday 27 February

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

O’Connor Knights 2 (Adams, Mynott Smith) Brindabella Blues 3 (Schaeffer, Fisher, Charles)

Tuesday 1 March

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Belconnen United 2 (Reay, Vallone) White Eagles 0

Thursday 3 March

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY West Canberra Wanderers 3 (Thornton, Pavese, Obst) Gungahlin United 1 (Green)

Saturday 5 March

CHARITY SHIELD

Tigers FC 1 (Gulevski 64’) Monaro Panthers 7 (Carle 20’, 33’, 52’, Kalfas 28’, De Franceschi 65’, Selden 68’, Basser Silk 82’)

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY Belconnen United 4 (Vallone, Reay, Garang (og), Kreskas) O’Connor Knights 3 (Mynott Smith (2), Coggan)

Sunday 6 March

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING ROUND 3

Brindabella Blues 1 (Kangeri 10’) Queanbeyan City 2 (Dorji 41’, Petrovski 62’) Weston Molonglo FC 2 (Blount 22’ (p), X. Graham 53’) Burns FC 1 (Perrins 90+1’) Belnorth FC 4 (Rinaudo 32’, 51’, Argenti 50’, Mattress 55’) UC Stars 0

Woden Valley 3 (Sgamma 26’, Pattison 53’, Own Goal 55’) Majura FC 2 (Olney 3’, Dhendup 56’)

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

Gungahlin United 6 (John, Giampaolo, Stamatis, Rowley, Roberts (2)) White Eagles 3 (Caglar (2), Townsley)

Tuesday 8 March

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY ANU FC 2 (Alnuwaysir, Manley) Canberra Croatia 2 (Keir, Domenici)

Thursday 10 March

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Canberra Olympic 1 (Rohan Jones) Tuggeranong United 0

Saturday 12 March

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

West Canberra Wanderers 7 (Harvey (3), Ceruti, Anderson, T. Barbatano, Paesler) White Eagles 1 (Santrac)

Gungahlin United 3 (Bernabo Madrid, John, Green) Brindabella Blues 1 (Kangeri) Orana Spurs 1 O’Connor Knights 4 (Mynott Smith (2), G. Ayuel, Shore)

Saturday 19 March

AUSTRALIA

CUP QUALIFYING ROUND 4

Monaro Panthers FC 3 (Carle 25’ (p), 88’, Neou 42’) Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Ploenges 68’) Tuggeranong United 8 (Walker 4’, 51’, 54’, Buesnel 24’, Richards 36’, 68’, Stevens 47’, Kaminski 57’) Woden Valley 0 Queanbeyan City 3 (Dellahi 56’, 86’ Petrovski 77’) White Eagles 1 (Asikhia 19’)

Tigers FC 0 Canberra Olympic 4 (Ihegie 34’, Rohan Jones 55’ (p), James 77’, 82’)

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY Brindabella Blues 4 (Host, Menham, Kangeri, Ward) Weston Molonglo FC 2 (McEwan, O’Gorman)

Sunday 20 March

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING ROUND 4

Gungahlin United 1 (John 9’) Belconnen United 3 (Green 4’, Ospina 63’, Abbas 73’ (og))

West Canberra Wanderers 3 (Harvey 23’, Vlazlovski 68’, Obst 89’) Canberra Croatia 2 (Barac 45’, Ugrinic 55’)

Wednesday 23 March

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING ROUND 4

Belnorth FC 1 (Byrne 38’) O'Connor Knights 4 (O’Rourke 14’, Ayuel 42’, Coggan 59’, 75’)

Saturday 26 March

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING ROUND 4

Weston Molonglo FC 0 ANU FC 9 (Own Goal 8’, 71’, Deans 19’, 32’ (p), Wojna 38’, Alnuwaysir 66’, 90+1’, 90+3’ Lopez 86’)

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Queanbeyan City 2 (N. Felizzi, Garcia) Canberra Croatia 5 (Speirs (2), Domenici, P. Piccolo, M. Piccolo)

Sunday 27 March

PRE SEASON FRIENDLY

Tuggeranong United 5 (Sam Walker (4), Mark Richards) Gungahlin United 1 (Philippe Bernabo Madrid)

Saturday 2 April

NPL1: ROUND 1

West Canberra Wanderers v O’Connor Knights Postponed Canberra Olympic v Canberra Croatia Postponed

Tigers FC 2 (Popovich 52’, Gulevski 81’) Gungahlin United 2 (Bernabo Madrid 7’, Michl 21’)

Belconnen United 0 Monaro Panthers 3 (Kalfas 21’, Selden 49’, Carle 71’ (p))

CPL: ROUND 1

White Eagles 4 (Beuth 19’, Caglar 34’, McCarthy 60’, Lawrence 83’) Wagga City Wanderers 2 (Ochieng 29’, Flanagan 72’)

Queanbeyan City 2 (Petrovski 29’ (p), Ramos 67’) Brindabella Blues 1 (Schaeffer 81’ (p))

ANU FC 4 (Deans 12’, 24’, Hope 48’, Grace 70’) Yoogali SC 0

Sunday 3 April

CPL: ROUND 1

Tuggeranong United v Weston Molonglo FC Postponed

Saturday 9 April

NPL1: ROUND 2

West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Ceruti 90’) Belconnen United 2 (Borgeaud 2’, Green 38’ (p)) O’Connor Knights 6 (Zygmunt 15’, 73’, Manda 35’, 44’, O’Rourke 63’, Adams 80’) Canberra Olympic 2 (Darwich 22’ (p), Steinacker 58’ (og))

Canberra Croatia 1 (Barac 27’) Tigers FC 1 (Gulevski 71’ (p))

CPL: ROUND 2

Weston Molonglo FC 2 (X. Graham 15’, D. Graham 61’) Wagga City Wanderers 4 (Sulaiman 35’, Ploenges 59’, Ochieng 75’, 76’)

Brindabella Blues 1 (Ward) White Eagles 1 (Lawrence)

Queanbeyan City 3 (Mensah 21’, Fureje 85’, Dellahi 90+1’) ANU FC 0

Sunday 10 April

NPL1: ROUND 2

Gungahlin United 2 (Gaspari 50’, J. Habtemariam 80’ (p)) Monaro Panthers 1 (Kista 68’)

CPL: ROUND 2

Tuggeranong United 4 (Walker 56’, Hislop 58’, Buesnel 70’, Stevens 80’) Yoogali SC 0

Thursday 17 April

NPL: ROUND 1

Canberra Olympic 0 Canberra Croatia 8 (Busek 29’, 57’, Barac 34’, 43’, 60’, Domenici 44’, 74’, Keir 53’)

Saturday 23 April

NPL1: ROUND 3

Belconnen United 0 Gungahlin United 3 (J. Habtemariam 26’, Gaspari 45’, S. Habtemariam 65’)

Canberra Olympic 3 (James 40’, Darwich 45’ (p), Ihegie 89’) West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Harvey 87’)

Tigers FC 3 (Timotheou 8’, Gulevski 55’, Popovich 90+5’) O’Connor Knights 1 (Mynott Smith 28’)

Monaro Panthers 0 Canberra Croatia 0

CPL: ROUND 3

White Eagles 6 (Santrac 5’, Townsley Mann 9’, Caglar 21’, 45’, 49’, Williams 35’) Weston Molonglo FC 0

Queanbeyan City 1 (Fureje 75’) Tuggeranong United 0

ANU FC 3 (Ellis 30’, Hynes 38’, Mottl 60’) Brindabella Blues 1 (Schaeffer 16’)

Yoogali SC 2 (O’Rourke 60’, I. Donadel 68’) Wagga City Wanderers 2 (Ploenges 58’, Kadzola 70’)

Wednesday 27 April

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING

QUARTER FINAL

ANU FC 0 Monaro Panthers 5 (Kista 10’, 34’, Carle 26’, Cole 39’, Basser Silk 85’)

Tuggeranong United 1 (Kiddey 37’) West Canberra Wanderers 4 (Palic 90+2’, Obst 95’, Barbatano 108’, Anderson 120’)

Thursday 28 April

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING QUARTER FINAL

Belconnen United 1 (Forner 54’) Canberra Olympic 4 (Florez 4’, Darwich 39’, Ihegie 43’, 80’)

Saturday 30 April

NPL1: ROUND 4

West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Ceruti 68’) Tigers FC 1 (Gulevski 16’)

O’Connor Knights 1 (Manda 65’) Monaro Panthers 1 (Carle 11’)

Belconnen United 1 (James Ward 90+7’ (p)) Canberra Olympic 3 (Shields 24’, Ihegie 49’, McCarron 79’)

CPL: ROUND 4

Queanbeyan City 2 (Uricaru 65’, 73’) Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Sulaiman 23’)

Weston Molonglo FC 1 (X. Graham 76’) Brindabella Blues 4 (Host 34’, 41’, 63’, Deighan Smith 37’)

Sunday 1 May

NPL1: ROUND 4

Gungahlin United 1 (J. Habtemariam 80’ (p)) Canberra Croatia 2 (Ugrinic 14’, Barac 26’)

CPL: ROUND 4

Yoogali SC 1 (Vitucci 76’) White Eagles 3 (Beuth 61’, Lawrence 65’, Caglar 89’)

Tuggeranong United 5 (Stevens 1’, 14’, 35’, Walker 3’, Hislop 72’) ANU FC 0

Wednesday 4 May

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING QUARTER FINAL O’Connor Knights v Queanbeyan City Postponed

Saturday 7 May

NPL1: ROUND 5

Canberra Olympic 4 (Rohan Jones 9’, Ihegie 10’, 34’, Florez 79’) Tigers FC 2 (Timotheou 15’, Popovich 40’)

Monaro Panthers 1 (Bailey 88’ (p)) West Canberra Wanderers 0

CPL: ROUND 5

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Ploenges 40’) ANU FC 0

Weston Molonglo FC 0 Yoogali SC 2 (Santolin 12’, M. Donadel 14’)

Brindabella Blues 0 Tuggeranong United 4 (Richards 28’, Hislop 44’, Buesnel 56’, Berkrey 62’) White Eagles 1 (Caglar 41’) Queanbeyan City 3 (Fureje 17’, Dellahi 45’, Dorji 60’)

Sunday 8 May

NPL1: ROUND 5

Canberra Croatia 2 (Busek 45’, Kamara 84’) Belconnen United 0 Gungahlin United 2 (Green 14’, Bernabo Madrid 66’) O’Connor Knights 3 (O’Rourke 6’, 58’, Green 70’ (og))

Wednesday 11 May

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING QUARTER FINAL

O’Connor Knights 4 (Manda 9’, O’Rourke 59’, (p), Shore 62’, Mynott Smith 82’) Queanbeyan City 1 (Fureje 35’)

CPL: ROUND 1

Tuggeranong United 7 (Peterkin 13’, Firych 26’, 49’, Stevens 31’, Walker 35’ (p), 44’, Buesnel 56’) Weston Molonglo FC 1 (Dehelean 85’)

Saturday 14 May

NPL1: ROUND 6

Tigers FC 3 (Gulevski 30’, 68’ (p), Timotheou 41’) Belconnen United 1 (Reay 6’)

Canberra Croatia 3 (M. Piccolo 22’, Domenici 73’ (p), Busek 90+1’) O’Connor Knights 2 (Mynott Smith 14’, 34’)

Canberra Olympic 1 (James 38’) Monaro Panthers 4 (Kalfas 21’, 26’, Carle 58’, 77’)

CPL: ROUND 6

Queanbeyan City 5 (Petrovski 6’ (p), 36’ (p), Noveski 56’ (p), 90+3’, Sellers 90+4’) Weston

Molonglo FC 1 (McEwan 63’ (p))

White Eagles 1 (Caglar 23’) ANU FC 2 (Mottl 68’, Deans 72’)

Sunday 15 May

NPL1: ROUND 6

Gungahlin United 3 (Giampaolo 43’, S. Habtemariam 45’, 70’) West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Palic 50’)

CPL: ROUND 6

Yoogali SC 1 (Piva 88’) Brindabella Blues 2 (Ward 41’, Host 78’)

Tuggeranong United 6 (Anderson 3’, Walker 17’, Berkrey 20’, Stevens 40’, Richards 61’, 71’)

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Yeates 90+2’)

Tuesday 17 May

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING SEMI-FINAL

Monaro Panthers 3 (Kalfas 22’ (p), McLaren 30’, Wilson 79’) Canberra Olympic 3 (Ihegie 25’, 45’, Subasic 32’) after extra time, Panthers won 4 3 on penalties

Wednesday 20 May

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING SEMI FINAL

West Canberra Wanderers 3 (Harvey 5’, 14’ (p), Ceruti 69’) O’Connor Knights 3 (Manda 33’, Mynott Smith 73’, Roberts 90+5’) after extra time, Wanderers won 4 2 on penalties

Saturday 21 May

NPL1: ROUND 7

West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Ceruti 62’) Canberra Croatia 2 (Tanoski 49’, Keir 90+1’)

Belconnen United 7 (Green 19’, 35’, Clements 39’, Vallone 49’, 57’, Vucetic 70’, Kreskas 79’)

O’Connor Knights 1 (Maybury 29’ (og))

Tigers FC 0 Monaro Panthers 1 (De Franceschi 80’)

Canberra Olympic 0 Gungahlin United 1 (McLachlan 63’)

CPL: ROUND 7

Brindabella Blues 5 (Ward 5’, 43’ (p), Schaeffer 23’, 65’, Witrzens 79’) Wagga City Wanderers

3 (Sulaiman 60’, Matheson 70’, Ploenges 75’)

ANU FC 7 (Deans 17’, Alnuwaysir 24’, Lopez 29’, Mottl 42’, 73’, Neeson 45’, Vujic 47’)

Weston Molonglo FC 2 (O’Gorman 20’, McEwan 44’)

Tuggeranong United v White Eagles Postponed

Yoogali SC 1 (M. Donadel 30’) Queanbeyan City 1 (Mensah 86’)

Saturday 28 May

NPL1: ROUND 8

O’Connor Knights 4 (Coggan 34’, R. Walsh 56’, O’Rourke 60’, 66’) West Canberra Wanderers

3 (Vlazlovski 45+3’, Harvey 61’, Fields 75’)

Monaro Panthers 6 (Senior 48’, Danning 55’, 90+2’, Kista 58’, Kalfas 67’, Neou 68’)

Belconnen United 0

CPL: ROUND 8

Queanbeyan City 1 (Ramos 85’) Brindabella Blues 1 (Ward 55’) White Eagles 8 (Lawrence 33’ (p), 53’, Steenburgen 37’, Caglar 73’, 87’, 90’, McCarthy 76’, Hynes 88’) Wagga City Wanderers 0

Sunday 29 May

NPL1: ROUND 8

Gungahlin United 5 (Michl 5’, McLachlan 37’, Roberts 62’, John 75’, Giampaolo 89’) Tigers FC 1 (Timotheou 90’)

Canberra Croatia 2 (Barac 82’, Ugrinic 86’) Canberra Olympic 1 (Darwich 63’ (p))

CPL: ROUND 8

Yoogali SC 3 (Preece 29’, Moon 58’, 70’) ANU FC 1 (Alnuwaysir 3’)

Weston Molonglo FC 0 Tuggeranong United 8 (Walker 6’, 17’, Buesnel 23’, Anderson 32’, Berkrey 38’, Stevens 45+3’, 75’, Firych 72’)

Tuesday 31 May

CPL: ROUND 7

Tuggeranong United 2 (Walker 34’, 85’ (p)) White Eagles 1 (Caglar 5’)

Saturday 4 June

AUSTRALIA CUP QUALIFYING FINAL

Monaro Panthers 3 (Carle 90+3’, 120+1’ (p), Bailey 110’) West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Harvey 38’)

Saturday 11 June

NPL1: ROUND 9

Belconnen United 2 (Green 26’, Brown 44’) West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Ceruti 7’) Canberra Olympic 1 (James 15’) O’Connor Knights 1 (Kresic 7’) Tigers FC 1 (Popovich 61’) Canberra Croatia 1 (Keir 3’)

Monaro Panthers 2 (Calabria 34’, Kista 86’) Gungahlin United 2 (Roberts 8’, Dahl 37’)

CPL: ROUND 9

Wagga City Wanderers 3 (Ploenges 70, Mitchell 88’, Kelechi 89’) Weston Molonglo FC 0 Brindabella Blues 1 (Ward 68’) White Eagles 1 (Caglar 44’) ANU FC 2 (Mottl 9’, Hope 90+3’) Queanbeyan City 1 (Dellahi 10’)

Sunday 12 June

CPL: ROUND 9

Yoogali SC 0 Tuggeranong United 2 (Stevens 27’, Walker 69’ (p))

Saturday 18 June

NPL1: ROUND 10

West Canberra Wanderers 2 (Ceruti 7’, Barbatano 39’) Canberra Olympic 2 (Florez 33’, James 41’ (p))

O’Connor Knights 3 (O’Rourke 36’, 37’, Steinacker 55’) Tigers FC 2 (O’Rourke 89’ (og), Popovich 90+1’ (p))

Monaro Panthers 0 Canberra Croatia 1 (Domenici 5’)

CPL: ROUND 10

Wagga City Wanderers 2 (Kadzola 18’, Ochieng 73’) Yoogali SC 1 (M. Donadel 8’)

Brindabella Blues 3 (Deighan Smith 43’, Wojna 53’ (og), Marjoribanks 58’) ANU FC 2 (Deans 9’, 80’)

Weston Molonglo FC 2 (Sgouros 53’, Castillo 71’) White Eagles 6 (Beuth 34’, Caglar 42’, Hynes 46’, Law 56’, Deng 58’, Cashman 78’)

Sunday 19 June

NPL1: ROUND 10

Gungahlin United 3 (S. Habtemariam 24’, Roberts 42’, J. Habtemariam 63’) Belconnen United 0

CPL: ROUND 10

Tuggeranong United 2 (Walker 59’, Stevens 81’ (p)) Queanbeyan City 0

Saturday 25 June

NPL1: ROUND 11

Belconnen United 2 (Green 22’, 45’) Canberra Olympic 2 (James 79’ (p), A. Macor 90+1’)

Tigers FC 1 (Wilson 17’) West Canberra Wanderers 3 (Pavese 29’, Driscoll 39’, Vlazlovski 55’) O’Connor Knights 0 Monaro Panthers 2 (McLaren 59’, Kalfas 78’)

CPL: ROUND 11

Brindabella Blues 3 (Wilks 34’, Deighan Smith 41’, Weekley 53’) Weston Molonglo FC 0 White Eagles 0 Yoogali SC 1 (I. Donadel 82’)

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Kadzola 51’) Queanbeyan City 2 (Ramos 28’ (p), Knight 36’)

ANU FC 3 (Spiers 60’, Wojna 79’, Hynes 89’) Tuggeranong United 3 (Hislop 30’, Richards 38’, Buesnel 40’)

Sunday 26 June

NPL1: ROUND 11

Canberra Croatia 0 Gungahlin United 1 (Bernabo Madrid 43’)

Saturday 2 July

NPL1: ROUND 12

West Canberra Wanderers 0 Monaro Panthers 0 Canberra Olympic 0 Tigers FC 0

CPL: ROUND 12

Wagga City Wanderers 3 (Kadzola 23’, Matheson 43’, Lucas 47’) ANU FC 2 (Deans 6’, 38’)

Queanbeyan City 0 White Eagles 2 (Caglar 33’, 36’)

Sunday 3 July

NPL1: ROUND 12

Canberra Croatia 4 (Tanoski 7’, 32’, Domenici 22’, Barac 80’) Belconnen United 0 Gungahlin United 4 (Bernabo Madrid 13’, Michl 56’, Gaspari 77’, McLachlan 88’) O’Connor Knights 3 (Adams 14’, 90+2’, Coggan 43’)

CPL: ROUND 12

Yoogali SC 3 (I. Donadel, Preece, Armanini) Weston Molonglo FC 1 (M. Sellers)

Tuggeranong United 3 (Buesnel 10’, Hislop 20’, Walker 77’) Brindabella Blues 0

Monday 11 July

NPL1: ROUND 1

West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Paudyal 65’) O’Connor Knights 3 (Manda 46’, 66’, O’Rourke 51’)

Saturday 16 July

NPL1: ROUND 13

West Canberra Wanderers 2 (Bailey 20’ (p), Paesler 35’) Gungahlin United 2 (Giampaolo 8’, 49’)

Belconnen United 2 (Sparrow 54’ (og), Ospina 85’) Tigers FC 2 (Borgna 59’, Wilson 90+3’)

O’Connor Knights 0 Canberra Croatia 4 (Busek 37’, Ugrinic 49’, 65’, Taneski 72’)

Monaro Panthers 2 (Kalfas 30’, Bailey 78’ (p)) Canberra Olympic 1 (McCarron 41’)

CPL: ROUND 13

Weston Molonglo FC 0 Queanbeyan City 5 (Mensah 18’, Ramos 24’, Fureje 27’, Trajkovski 39’, Piccolo 90’)

Brindabella Blues 1 (Host 12’) Yoogali SC 0

ANU FC 3 (Mottl 25’, Deans 41’, 54’) White Eagles 1 (Asikhia 45’)

Tuggeranong United 3 (Richards 19’, Walker 38’, 76’) Wagga City Wanderers 4 (Kadzola 32’ (p), 36’ (p), 69’, Ochieng 85’)

Saturday 23 July

NPL1: ROUND 14

O’Connor Knights 1 (G. Ayuel 81’) Belconnen United 0

Tigers FC 1 (Krklec 27’) Monaro Panthers 1 (Woods 62’)

Canberra Croatia 4 (Domenici 4’, 54’ (p), Pilkington 25’, Taneski 34’) West Canberra Wanderers 2 (Bailey 77’, 81’)

CPL: ROUND 14

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Ochieng 21’ (p)) Brindabella Blues 0

Weston Molonglo FC 1 (Pagett 89’) ANU FC 2 (C. Hynes 2’, Ellis 70’)

Queanbeyan City 2 (Ramos 12’ Piccolo 34’) Yoogali SC 2 (Armanini 32’, Piva 87’) White Eagles v Tuggeranong United Match Postponed

Sunday 24 July

NPL1: ROUND 14

Gungahlin United 4 (Roberts 2’, Michl 37’, S. Habtemariam 78’, Abot 84’) Canberra Olympic 3 (Florez 8’, Ihegie 48’, Rohan Jones 67’)

Saturday 30 July

NPL1: ROUND 15

West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Fields 82’) O’Connor Knights 0

Tigers FC 2 (Borgna 12’, Tonini 74’) Gungahlin United 1 (J. Habtemariam 90’)

Canberra Olympic 1 (Popovich 60’) Canberra Croatia 5 (Barac 8’, 18’, 89’, Domenici 13’, Taneski 51’)

Monaro Panthers 2 (Basser Silk 32’, Kista 36’) Belconnen United 2 (Fayers 73’, Green 82’ (p))

CPL: ROUND 15

Wagga City Wanderers 4 (Ochieng 23’, 37’, Kadzola 82’ (p), 87’) White Eagles 3 (Caglar 20’, Beuth 74’, Lawrence 90’)

Brindabella Blues 0 Queanbeyan City 4 (Mensah 5’, Fureje 16’, Walker 54’, Petrovski 74’)

ANU FC 2 (C. Hynes 50’, Spiers 63’) Yoogali SC 1 (I. Donadel 90’)

Sunday 31 July

CPL: ROUND 15

Tuggeranong United 6 (Hislop 7’, 45’, 90’, Walker 16’, 65’, Richards 71’) Weston Molonglo FC 0

Saturday 6 August

NPL1: ROUND 16

West Canberra Wanderers 3 (Paudyal 6’, Vlazlovski 80’, Bailey 90+2’ (p)) Belconnen United 2 (Green 2’, Reay 52’)

O’Connor Knights v Canberra Olympic Match Postponed Canberra Croatia 7 (Taneski 8’, 59’, Busek 11’, 20’, Pilkington 24’, Tanoski 61’, Barac 90+2’)

Tigers FC 0

CPL: ROUND 16

Weston Molonglo FC 5 (M. Sellers 40’, 67’, 80’, Readman 60’, Pagett 90’) Wagga City Wanderers 0

ANU FC 6 (Alnuwaysir 5’, 60’, Grace 44’, Deans 45+3’ (p), Spiers 64’, C. Hynes 85’) Queanbeyan City 1 (Piccolo 2’)

Sunday 7 August

NPL1: ROUND 16

Gungahlin United 2 (Abot 3’, Roberts 46’) Monaro Panthers 2 (Cole 6’, 83’ (p))

CPL: ROUND 16 Yoogali SC 0 Tuggeranong United 3 (Mbogo 19’, Walker 69’, Hislop 78’) White Eagles v Brindabella Blues Match Postponed

Saturday 13 August

NPL1: ROUND 17

Belconnen United 2 (Kreskas 7’, Harvey 66’) Gungahlin United 0

Canberra Olympic 2 (James 37’, L. Macor 53’) West Canberra Wanderers 0

Tigers FC 2 (Whithear 16’, 56’) O’Connor Knights 2 (Manda 90+2’, Adams 90+9’)

CPL: ROUND 17

Wagga City Wanderers 9 (Ploenges 8’, 55’, 68’, Lucas 20’, Kadzola 30’, Ochieng 52’, Thomson 78’, 88’, Flanagan 85’) Yoogali SC 2 (Vitucci 2’, 24’)

Weston Molonglo FC 1 (Pagett 50’) White Eagles 1 (Caglar 78’)

Brindabella Blues 1 (Weekley 61’) ANU FC 3 (Deans 53’, Neeson 56’, Mottl 88’)

Queanbeyan City 2 (Mensah 2’, 16’) Tuggeranong United 6 (Stevens 38’, 45+1’, Buesnel 42’, Walker 44’, Hislop 84’, Hajdu 90+1’)

Sunday 14 August

NPL1: ROUND 17

Canberra Croatia 2 (Barac 8’, 79’) Monaro Panthers 2 (John 57’, Busek 68’ (og))

Wednesday 17 August

NPL: ROUND 16

O’Connor Knights 0 Canberra Olympic 1 (Florez 12’)

CPL: ROUND 14

White Eagles 0 Tuggeranong United 3 (Peterkin 19’, Richards 49’, Buesnel 54’)

Saturday 20 August

NPL1: ROUND 18

West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Paesler 23’) Tigers FC 1 (Whithear 45+2’)

Canberra Olympic 4 (Florez 3’, 64’, McCarron 9’, Rohan Jones 72’) Belconnen United 0

Canberra Croatia 2 (Domenici 28’, Barac 71’) Gungahlin United 1 (Bernabo Madrid 31’, (p))

Monaro Panthers 2 (Kalfas 53’, 90+5’) O’Connor Knights 0

CPL: ROUND 18

Weston Molonglo FC 1 (Smale 79’) Brindabella Blues 2 (Schaeffer 25’, 88’)

Queanbeyan City 2 (Mensah 74’, Dellahi 89’) Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Lucas 75’)

Sunday 21 August

CPL: ROUND 18

Yoogali SC 0 White Eagles 1 (Caglar 85’)

Tuggeranong United 0 ANU FC 2 (Deans 14’, Spiers 21’)

Wednesday 25 August

CPL: ROUND 16

White Eagles 2 (Asikhia 7’, Deng 48’) Brindabella Blues 1 (Menham 11’)

A-LEAGUE FRIENDLY

Capital All Stars 0 Central Coast Mariners 4 (Silvera 43’, Kuol 52’, Ruhs 64’, Kaltak 82’)

Saturday 27 August

NPL1: ROUND 19

Belconnen United 1 (Green 26’) Canberra Croatia 1 (Domenici 45+1’ (p))

Tigers FC 2 (Gulevski 3’, Danning 41’) Canberra Olympic 2 (Ihegie 26’, James 28’)

O’Connor Knights 1 (Angelosante 68’) Gungahlin United 4 (Green 11’, Roberts 27’, Naumoski 38’, J. Habtemariam 74’ (p))

Monaro Panthers 0 West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Ceruti 88’)

CPL: ROUND 19

Brindabella Blues 1 (Schaeffer 64’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Tomeski 59’)

White Eagles 0 Queanbeyan City 2 (Mensah 66’, 80’)

ANU FC 1 (Wojna 89’) Wagga City Wanderers 0

Sunday 28 August

CPL: ROUND 19

Yoogali SC 3 (M. Donadel 12’, Vitucci 30’, Piva 43’) Weston Molonglo FC 1 (Hollis 47’)

Saturday 3 September

NPL1: ROUND 20

West Canberra Wanderers 0 Gungahlin United 4 (Naumoski 11’, 22’, Roberts 24’, S. Habtemariam 44’)

Belconnen United 0 Tigers FC 2 (Timotheou 13’, Danning 58’)

O’Connor Knights 1 (Adams 72’) Canberra Croatia 0

Monaro Panthers 0 Canberra Olympic 1 (Popovich 45’ (p))

CPL: ROUND 20

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Kadzola 51’) Tuggeranong United 6 (Hajdu 3’, 20’, Walker 35’, Hislop 44’, Richards 65’, 68’)

Brindabella Blues 1 (Schaeffer) Yoogali SC 0

Queanbeyan City 3 (A. Sellers 23’, 37’, Colbertaldo 46’) Weston Molonglo FC 2 (Lamichhane 44’, Pagett 45’)

ANU FC 2 (Spiers 3’, Deans 19’) White Eagles 2 (Asikhia 29’, Santrac 45’)

Saturday 10 September

NPL1: ROUND 21

O’Connor Knights 3 (Adams 19’, 84’, Manda 41’) Belconnen United 1 (Vallone 48’)

Monaro Panthers 2 (Neou 41’, Carle 53’) Tigers FC 1 (Danning 54’)

CPL: ROUND 21

Wagga City Wanderers 0 Brindabella Blues 1 (Schaeffer 70’)

Weston Molonglo FC 1 (Lamichhane 21’) ANU FC 3 (Spiers 53’, Deans 61’, 86’)

White Eagles 0 Tuggeranong United 2 (Kaminski 86’, Walker 90’)

Yoogali SC 1 (Preece 17’) Queanbeyan City 2 (Dellahi 3’, Sellers 8’)

Sunday 11 September

NPL1: ROUND 21

Canberra Croatia 5 (Barac 9’, Domenici 58’, 76’, Tanoski 85’, Taneski 88’) West Canberra Wanderers 0

Gungahlin United 2 (Naumoski 70’, Michl 83’) Canberra Olympic 1 (Florez 84’)

FINAL TABLES

NPL1

Canberra Croatia (c) 21 14 5 2 56 16 +40 44* 2 Gungahlin United 21 12 4 5 49 30 +19 40 3 Monaro Panthers 21 9 8 4 34 18 +16 35 4 O’Connor Knights 21 8 3 10 36 46 10 27 5 Canberra Olympic 21 7 5 9 35 45 10 26 6 Tigers FC 21 4 10 7 30 41 11 22 7 West Canberra Wanderers 21 4 5 12 25 44 19 17 8 Belconnen United (r) 21 4 4 13 25 50 25 16

C Champions, R Relegated

*Canberra Croatia deducted 3 points

1

P W D L F A GD PTS

Tuggeranong United (c) 21 16 2 3 76 17 +59 50

2 Queanbeyan City 21 13 3 5 44 31 +13 42

3 ANU FC 21 13 2 6 50 34 +16 41

4 Brindabella Blues 21 9 4 8 30 34 4 31

5 White Eagles 21 8 4 9 44 33 +11 28

6 Wagga City Wanderers 21 9 1 11 43 57 14 28

7 Yoogali SC 21 5 3 13 24 44 20 18

8 Weston Molonglo FC 21 1 1 19 22 83 61 4

C/P Champions/Promoted

Saturday 17 September

NPL: SEMI FINALS

Qualification Final: Canberra Croatia 3 (Domenici 17’, 31’ (p), Barac 74’) Gungahlin United 2 (S. Habtemariam 23’, 55’)

Elimination Final: Monaro Panthers 2 (Jenkins 40’, John 72’) O’Connor Knights 0

Sunday 18 September

CPL: SEMI-FINALS

Sunday 18 September

Qualification Final: Tuggeranong United 5 (Peterkin 6, Richards 33’, Hislop 45’, Gulevski 67’ (og), 72’ (og)) Queanbeyan City 0

Elimination Final: ANU FC 0 Brindabella Blues 1 (Sly Umebayashi 11’)

Saturday 24 September

NPL: PRELIMINARY FINAL

Gungahlin United 0 Monaro Panthers 2 (McLaren 2’, John 49’)

Sunday 25 September

CPL: PRELIMINARY FINAL

Brindabella Blues 1 (Host 32’) Queanbeyan City 1 (Petrovski 90+6’ (p)) after extra time, Brindabella win 4 3 on penalties

Saturday 2 October

NPL: GRAND FINAL

Canberra Croatia 1 (Domenici 55’ (p)) Monaro Panthers 2 (McLaren 39’, Bailey 85’)

Sunday 3 October

CPL: GRAND FINAL

Tuggeranong United 2 (Walker 87’, Firych 113’) Brindabella Blues 1 (Schaeffer 80’) after extra time

NPL GOLDEN BOOT 2022

League Goals Only

NAME CLUB TOTAL

Daniel BARAC Canberra Croatia 15

Stephen DOMENICI Canberra Croatia 12

Maxx GREEN Belconnen United 9

Patrick O’ROURKE O’Connor Knights 8

Nikos KALFAS Monaro Panthers 8

Micheal Adams O’Connor Knights 7

Matej BUSEK Canberra Croatia 7

Luca FLOREZ Canberra Olympic 7

Josh GULEVSKI Tigers FC 7

Alen JAMES Canberra Olympic 7

Phakedi MANDA O’Connor Knights 7

Will ROBERTS Gungahlin United 7

HAT-TRICK HEROES

WNPL / FEDERATION CUP RESULTS 2022

Saturday 5 March

WOMEN’S CHARITY SHIELD

Canberra Croatia 6 (Birnie 2’, Barac 10’, Wilson 49’, Settin 88’, Palombi 89’, Giorgi 90+1’) West Canberra Wanderers 0

Sunday 27 March

WOMEN’S FEDERATION CUP

ROUND 1

ANU FC 2 (Furlanetto 25’, 61’) UC Pumas 0

ROUND 1

Friday 1 April

Tuggeranong United 1 (Hall 34’) Belconnen United 5 (Bobbin 13’, 23’, 46’, Backhouse 29’, Carnegie 67’)

Sunday 3 April

Wagga City Wanderers 0 Canberra Olympic 13 (Roden 2’, 24’, 53’, Miro 12’, 17’, Thornton 19’, 36’, Jalocha 45’, Fogarty 54’, 82’, Gurney 61’, 81’, Cook 63’ (p))

Canberra Croatia 8 (Palombi 7’, 78’, Norris 12’ (og), Barac 21’, Wilson 32’, Birnie 46’, Bisset 55’, Fensom 83’) Canberra United Academy 1 (Christopherson 53’) Gungahlin United v West Canberra Wanderers Postponed

Thursday 9 April

WOMEN’S FEDERATION CUP QUARTER FINAL

Canberra Olympic 3 (Aitolu 22’, Cook 52’ (p), Thornton 75’) Gungahlin United 0

ROUND 2

Saturday 9 April

Belconnen United 5 (Bomford 51’, 69’, Bobbin 61’, 84’, Mazis 90+2’) Gungahlin United 1 (Pennyfield 44’)

Sunday 10 April

West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Cram 45’) Canberra United Academy 0 Canberra Olympic 6 (Vandenbroucke 20’, 68’, Thornton 37’, Jalocha 50’, Mustaine 51’ (og)) Sykes 57’) Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra Croatia 16 (Giorgi 2’, 47’, 77’ (p), Bisset 20’ (p), 28’, 53’, Birnie 31’, Hagen 38’, 39’, 68’, 79’, 81’, Barac 41’, 57’, 60’, Berkeley 54’) Wagga City Wanderers 0

Wednesday 13 April

WOMEN’S FEDERATION CUP QUARTER FINAL

West Canberra Wanderers 0 Canberra Croatia 5 (Kiting 12’, Birnie 14’, 75’, Wilson 89’, Colwill 90+2’ (og))

Tuesday 19 April

WOMEN’S FEDERATION CUP QUARTER FINAL

Canberra United Academy 4 (Christopherson 19’, Barbour 31’, Babic 40’, 48’) Tuggeranong United 3 (Nicholls 5’, Barbour 32’ (og), Freeman 34’) Abandoned 58’ (Lightning)

ROUND 3

Wednesday 20 April

Canberra Olympic 3 (Sykes 32’, 33’, Cook 88’ (p)) Belconnen United 2 (Backhouse 40’ (p), Carnegie 76’)

Friday 22 April

Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra Croatia 5 (Barac 5’, 90+2’, Birnie 49’, 62’, 76’)

Sunday 24 April

West Canberra Wanderers 2 (Whitfield 45’, Cannon 63’) Wagga City Wanderers 0

Canberra United Academy 4 (Gregson 13’, Hindmarsh 48’ (p), 64’ (p), Bowman 72’)

Gungahlin United 0

Tuesday 26 April

WOMEN’S

FEDERATION CUP QUARTER FINAL

Belconnen United 6 (Bobbin 5’, 17’, Bomford 8’, Kimpton 37’, Backhouse 50’, Palframan 80’) ANU FC 0

Canberra United Academy 5 (Gregson 12’, Christopherson 17’, 70’, Babic 61’, Hampson 66’) Tuggeranong United 0

Wednesday 27 April

ROUND 1

Gungahlin United 0 West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Cannon 23’)

Sunday 1 May

ROUND 4

West Canberra Wanderers 3 (Cannon 14’, Cram 37’, Biddle 84’) Tuggeranong United 0

Canberra Croatia 1 (Bisset 90+1’ (p)) Canberra Olympic 1 (Cook 50’ (p))

Gungahlin United 5 (Pennyfield 5’, 50’, Heyman 10’, Chao 40’, Lockley 45’) Wagga City Wanderers 2 (Castle 26’, Finch 65’)

Canberra United Academy 1 (Bowman 56’) Belconnen United 2 (Backhouse 42’, 47’)

ROUND 5

Saturday 7 May

Belconnen United 1 (Backhouse 72’) Canberra Croatia 3 (Bisset 13’, Settin 27’, Wilson 39’)

Sunday 8 May

Wagga City Wanderers 0 Canberra United Academy 5 (Christopherson 27’, 69’, Gregson 49’, Barbour 66’, Smith 87’ (og))

Canberra Olympic 5 (Roden 17’, 35’, Thornton 33’, 61’, Miro 34’) West Canberra Wanderers 0

Tuggeranong United 2 (Burns 43’, Hall 70’) Gungahlin United 2 (Chao 8’, N. De Marco 13’)

Wednesday 11 May

WOMEN’S FEDERATION CUP SEMI FINAL

Belconnen United 6 (Carnegie 2’, Bobbin 13’, Bomford 28’, 63’, Mazis 55’, Yuen 84’)

Canberra United Academy 2 (Christopherson 74’, Babic 76’)

Thursday 12 May

WOMEN’S FEDERATION CUP SEMI FINAL

Canberra Olympic 3 (Thornton 40’, Jalocha 45’, Tammaro 67’ (og)) Canberra Croatia 1 (Birnie 72’)

ROUND 6

Saturday 14 May

Belconnen United 9 (Bomford 16’, 57’, Mazis 18’, 83’, Bobbin 31’, 44’, 55’, 79’, 82’) Wagga City Wanderers 0 Sunday 15 May

Canberra Croatia 6 (Palombi 27’ (p), 43’ (p), 79’, 90+2’, Gill 46’, Birnie 55’) West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Oliver 5’)

Tuggeranong United v Canberra United Academy Postponed

Canberra Olympic 2 (Thornton 30’, Johnston 90’) Gungahlin United 2 (Heyman 23’, 90+2’ (p))

ROUND 7

Sunday 22 May

West Canberra Wanderers 2 (Cram 4’, Oliver 16’) Belconnen United 1 (Carnegie 24’) Wagga City Wanderers 0 Tuggeranong United 5 (Milewska 3’, Hall 40’, 49’, Wood 44’, Jenkins 45’ (og))

Gungahlin United 1 (Perceval 68’) Canberra Croatia 2 (Bisset 5’, 21’)

Canberra United Academy 0 Canberra Olympic 3 (Ryan 8’, 51’, Norris 48’ (og))

ROUND 8

Saturday 28 May

Belconnen United 6 (Mazis 4’, 15’, Bomford 11’, 27’, Backhouse 23’, Bobbin 25’)

Tuggeranong United 1 (Milewska 57’)

Sunday 29 May

West Canberra Wanderers 3 (Cram 9’, 82’, Cannon 16’) Gungahlin United 1 (Chao 29’)

Canberra Olympic 7 (Thornton 5’, 28’, 44’, Miro 22’, Roden 30’, 48’, Fiorese 83’) Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Castle 86’)

Canberra United Academy 2 (Bowman 50’, 66’) Canberra Croatia 7 (Berkeley 10’, Bisset 14’, 23’, 36’, Gill 28’, Birnie 58’, Wilson 80’)

Thursday 2 June

ROUND 6

Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra United Academy 2 (Christopherson 39’, Hampson 89’)

Saturday 4 June

WOMEN’S FEDERATION CUP FINAL

Canberra Olympic 2 (Miro 2’, Ryan 45’) Belconnen United 1 (Tein 71’)

ROUND 9

Friday 10 June

Tuggeranong United 0 Canberra Olympic 6 (Miro 22’, 52’, 60’, Thornton 36’, Gurney 45’, McAvoy 58’ (og))

Sunday 12 June

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Mitchell 72’) Canberra Croatia 6 (Palombi 30’, 80’, Berkeley 49’, 57’, 78’, Birnie 76’)

Gungahlin United 0 Belconnen United 1 (Backhouse 33’)

Canberra United Academy 1 (Hindmarsh 47’) West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Whitfield 73’)

ROUND 10

Saturday 18 June

Belconnen United 1 (Clarke 85’) Canberra Olympic 1 (Fogarty 78’)

Sunday 19 June

West Canberra Wanderers 0 Wagga City Wanderers 0

Canberra Croatia 8 (Hagen 11’, Palombi 27’, 30’, 73’, Bisset 34’, 86’, Gill 53’ (p), Barac 85’)

Tuggeranong United 0

Gungahlin United 2 (Whiteley 40’, 80’) Canberra United Academy 2 (McQueenie 23’, Hampson 63’)

ROUND 11

Sunday 26 June

Canberra Olympic 1 (Ryan 33’) Canberra Croatia 1 (Barac 21’)

Wagga City Wanderers 2 (Castle 26’, Cochrane 88’) Gungahlin United 4 (N. De Marco 19’ (p), McGlashan 52’, Chao 55’, 84’)

Tuggeranong United 2 (Ceruti 46’, Stergiou 59’) West Canberra Wanderers 2 (Cannon 3’ (p), 35’)

Canberra United Academy v Belconnen United Match Postponed

Tuesday 28 June

Canberra United Academy 0 Belconnen United 2 (Backhouse 58’, 61’)

ROUND 12

Saturday 2 July

Belconnen United 1 (Clarke 69’) Canberra Croatia 2 (Kiting 14’, Ross 38’)

Sunday 3 July

West Canberra Wanderers 0 Canberra Olympic 3 (Jalocha 16’, Roden 18’, Sykes 49’)

Canberra United Academy 1 (Riethmuller 54’) Wagga City Wanderers 2 (Scott 4’, Castle 48’) Gungahlin United 3 (Pennyfield 13’, Lockley 56’, Brown 90’) Tuggeranong United 1 (Hall 15’)

ROUND 13

Sunday 17 July

Wagga City Wanderers 0 Belconnen United 7 (Bobbin 7’, 54’, Backhouse 26’, 57’, Burridge 59’, 70’, Clarke 90’)

Canberra Croatia 6 (Barac 27’, 66’, Palombi 38’, 61’, Birnie 71’, 84’) West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Cram 5’)

Canberra United Academy v Tuggeranong United Match Postponed

Gungahlin United 1 (Wright 63’) Canberra Olympic 4 (Perceval 12’ (og), Fogarty 21’, Sykes 22’, 32’)

ROUND 14

Saturday 23 July

Belconnen United 3 (Yuen 13’, 27’, Burridge 39’) West Canberra Wanderers 0 Sunday 24 July

Tuggeranong United 2 (Burns 31’, Terry 73’) Wagga City Wanderers 0

Canberra Croatia 6 (Barac 2’, Palombi 36’, Bisset 45’, Gill 62’, Fensom 69’, Settin 90’)

Gungahlin United 0

Canberra Olympic 5 (Jalocha 2’, Ryan 43’, Sykes 51’ (p), 54’, 65’) Canberra United Academy 1 (Riethmuller 28’)

ROUND 13

Wednesday 27 July

Canberra United Academy 2 (Di Campli 74’, Riethmuller 80’) Tuggeranong United 0

ROUND 15

Saturday 30 July

Belconnen United 3 (Burridge 1’, Mazis 59’, Backhouse 64’) Tuggeranong United 0 Sunday 31 July

Wagga City Wanderers 0 Canberra Olympic 4 (Miro 15’, Jalocha 20’, Aitolu 87’ (p), Johnston 89’)

Gungahlin United 5 (Heyman 19’, 47’, 90+2’, Pennyfield 59’, Chao 65’) West Canberra Wanderers 1 (Oliver 87’)

Canberra United Academy 1 (Di Campli 86’) Canberra Croatia 2 (Palombi 1’, 59’ (p))

ROUND 16

Saturday 6 August

Belconnen United v Gungahlin United Match Postponed Sunday 7 August

West Canberra Wanderers 5 (Cannon 2’, 75’, Oliver 45’, Whitfield 51’, Canavan 73’)

Canberra United Academy 3 (Hindmarsh 12’, Coleman 45’, Gregson 71’)

Canberra Olympic v Tuggeranong United Match Postponed

Canberra Croatia 5 (Palombi 41’, 42’, 68’, 69’, Gill 90’) Wagga City Wanderers 0

ROUND 17

Friday 12 August

Tuggeranong United v Canberra Croatia Match Postponed Sunday 14 August

Canberra Olympic 2 (Sykes 66’, Thornton 76’) Belconnen United 1 (Bobbin 14’)

Wagga City Wanderers v West Canberra Wanderers – Postponed

Canberra United Academy 1 (Tonini 68’ (og)) Gungahlin United 2 (R. Corbett 20’, Chao 47’)

ROUND 18

Saturday 20 August

Belconnen United 3 (Palywoda 10’, Yuen 55’, Bobbin 62’ (p)) Canberra United Academy 0

Gungahlin United 2 (N. De Marco 17’, Chao 54’) Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Tonini 7’ (og))

Sunday 21 August

West Canberra Wanderers 2 (Canavan 5’, Cannon 29’ (p)) Tuggeranong United 0

Canberra Croatia 2 (Wilson 66’, Sawkins 90+5’) Canberra Olympic 1 (Aitolu 44’)

Thursday 25 August

ROUND 16

Belconnen United 6 (Backhouse 10’, 54’, Burridge 44’, Mazis 51’, Bomford 57’, Kimpton 90+1’) Gungahlin United 2 (Heyman 11’, 74’)

ROUND 17

Tuggeranong United 1 (Gregson 80’) Canberra Croatia 1 (Hagen 34’)

ROUND 19

Sunday 28 August

Canberra Croatia 1 (Hagen 62’) Belconnen United 2 (Backhouse 5’, Palywoda 80’)

Canberra Olympic 2 (Sykes 49’, 80’) West Canberra Wanderers 0

Tuggeranong United 1 (Seeney 65’) Gungahlin United 6 (Heyman 2’, 30’, 71’, Perceval 15’, McGlashan 26’, Chao 41’)

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Castle 14’) Canberra United Academy 3 (Barbour 17’, Christopherson 32’, Riethmuller 75’)

ROUND 16

Wednesday 31 August

Canberra Olympic 5 (Zabel 9’, Johnston 62’, Roden 69’, Croker 76’, Gurney 87’) Tuggeranong United 0

ROUND 20

Saturday 3 September

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Mitchell 76’) West Canberra Wanderers 3 (Colwill 46’, Whitfield 49’, Oliver 75’)

Sunday 4 September

Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Cochrane 81’) Belconnen United 2 (Mazis 5’, Backhouse 73’) Gungahlin United 2 (McGlashan 32’, Wright 88’) Canberra Olympic 1 (Thornton 13’)

Canberra United Academy 0 Tuggeranong United 0

Monday 5 September

West Canberra Wanderers 0 Canberra Croatia 6 (Bisset 7’, Cannon 12’ (og), Fensom 32’, Barac 44’, Gill 67’, 88’)

ROUND 21

Saturday 10 September

Belconnen United 6 (Backhouse 6’, 11’, Bomford 14’, 59’, Yuen 54’, 60’) West Canberra Wanderers 0

Gungahlin United 1 (Waters 88’) Canberra Croatia 5 (Berkeley 22’, Barac 39’, Fensom 55’, Birnie 60’, Settin 67’)

Sunday 11 September

Canberra Olympic 3 (Fogarty 18’, 30’, Gurney 25’) Canberra United Academy 0 Tuggeranong United 1 (Hall 22’ (p)) Wagga City Wanderers 1 (Cochrane 90’)

1

P W D L F A GD PTS

Canberra Croatia (c) 21 17 3 1 99 17 +82 54

2 Canberra Olympic 21 15 4 2 78 15 +63 49 3 Belconnen United 21 15 1 5 69 21 +48 46

4 West Canberra Wanderers 21 9 3 9 28 51 23 30 5 Gungahlin United 21 8 3 10 42 53 11 27 6 Canberra United Academy 21 5 3 13 30 49 19 18 7 Tuggeranong United 21 2 5 14 17 68 51 11 8 Wagga City Wanderers 21 1 2 18 13 102 89 5

C Champions

Saturday 17 September

SEMI-FINALS

Qualification Final: Canberra Croatia 3 (Gill 35’, 83’, Bisset 82’) Canberra Olympic 5 (Gurney 24’, Sykes 53’ (p), Ryan 80’, Fiorese 106’, Vandenbroucke 119’) after extra time

Elimination Final: Belconnen United 3 (Clarke 39’, Carnegie 51’, Bomford 70’) West Canberra Wanderers 0

Saturday 24 September

PRELIMINARY FINAL

Canberra Croatia 4 (Palombi 28’ (p), Birnie 51’, Settin 79’, Bisset 98’) Belconnen United 5 (Bobbin 13’, Palywoda 16’, Bomford 18’, Backhouse 119’, 120’) – after extra time

Saturday 1 October

GRAND FINAL

Canberra Olympic 4 (Backhouse 20’ (og), Sykes 22’, 80’, Gurney 47’) Belconnen United 1 (Mazis 81’)

WNPL GOLDEN BOOT 2022 League Goals Only

NAME CLUB TOTAL

Brittany PALOMBI Canberra Croatia 20

Talia BACKHOUSE Belconnen United 18

Jennifer BISSET Canberra Croatia 15

Keira BOBBIN Belconnen United 15 Isabella BARAC Canberra Croatia 13

Ashleigh SYKES Canberra Olympic 12 Michaela THORNTON Canberra Olympic 12 Sienna BIRNIE Canberra Croatia 11 Michelle HEYMAN Gungahlin United 11

HAT-TRICK HEROES

RD/COMP DATE NAME TEAM GOALS OPPOSITION

1 1/4

Keira BOBBIN Belconnen United 3 Tuggeranong 1 3/4 Meg RODEN Canberra Olympic 3 Wagga City 2 10/4 Mia GIORGI Canberra Croatia 3 Wagga City 2 10/4 Jennifer BISSET Canberra Croatia 3 Wagga City 2 10/4 Krista HAGEN Canberra Croatia 5 Wagga City 2 10/4 Isabella BARAC Canberra Croatia 3 Wagga City 3 22/7 Sienna BIRNIE Canberra Croatia 3 Tuggeranong 6 14/5 Keira BOBBIN Belconnen United 5 Wagga City 6 15/5 Brittany PALOMBI Canberra Croatia 4 West Canberra 8 29/5 Michaela THORNTON Canberra Olympic 3 Wagga City 8 29/5 Jennifer BISSET Canberra Croatia 3 Canberra United 9 10/6 Tianah MIRO Canberra Olympic 3 Tuggeranong 9 12/6 Jamie BERKELEY Canberra Croatia 3 Wagga City 10 19/6 Brittany PALOMBI Canberra Croatia 3 Tuggeranong 14 24/7 Ashleigh SYKES Canberra Olympic 3 Canberra United 15 31/7 Michelle HEYMAN Gungahlin United 3 West Canberra 16 7/8 Brittany PALOMBI Canberra Croatia 4 Wagga City 19 28/8 Michelle HEYMAN Gungahlin United 3 Tuggeranong

CAPITAL ALL-STARS 2022

Towards the end of the season the Central Coast Mariners arrived in Canberra to take on a Capital All-Stars select in a friendly clash that was screened live on BarTV and attracted a great crowd to Deakin Stadium. Here’s how it was reported at the time.

CAPITAL ALL-STARS TO TAKE ON CENTRAL COAST MARINERS

The Central Coast Mariners will head to Canberra on Wednesday 24 August to meet the Capital All Stars at Deakin Stadium in a prestigious friendly.

This will be the sixteenth time that the Mariners have played a match in Canberra having previously been in the National Capital for a brace of A League matches, an A League Pre Season Challenge Cup match, and a plethora of friendly fixtures.

Their most recent visit was the 5 0 defeat of Monaro Panthers in a behind closed doors friendly match on 20 July at the Riverside Stadium in Queanbeyan.

“We are delighted to welcome the Central Coast Mariners to Canberra once more and look forward to hosting them for this friendly match.” Capital Football Technical Director Phil Booth commented.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the Canberra football community to come and see the A League side in action, and also for some of our local talent to showcase their abilities in front of A League opposition.”

The Capital All Star team will be coached by Assistant Technical Director Ali Efe, assisted by Monaro Panthers Assistant Coach, Ian Worthington, Tigers FC Assistant Coach, Antoni Jagarinec and Gungahlin United Assistant Coach, Chris Caggiano.

Pre eminent Goalkeeper Coach Tim Davies is also part of the coaching set up.

CAPITAL FOOTBALL NAME ALL-STARS SELECTION

Capital Football are pleased to name the All Stars team to take on A League side Central Coast Mariners at Deakin Stadium on Wednesday 24 August 2022.

The squad is representative of the Capital Football National Premier League (NPL) competition with six of the clubs featured as well as a representative from Capital Premier League leaders Tuggeranong United.

“The selection process was quite complicate taking into consideration the requests of Head Coaches,” Capital All Stars Head Coach and Capital Football Assistant Technical Director, Ali Efe revealed.

“We had to take into consideration the time of year that this game is being played, the workload on the players involved, and their forthcoming fixture list. We didn’t want to overload one club with selections, and we were looking to represent as many teams in Canberra as possible.

“We took guidance from our Assistant Coaches and from the Head Coaches of all our National Premier League teams, with those coaches nominating players for selection from their group.

“Some of the originally selected players were, for whatever reason, unable to take part in the match and were subsequently replaced by other players, again in consultation with their Head Coach.”

Belconnen United club legend Dustin Wells will captain the All Stars team which features an average age of 22.

Young starlets such as Tuggeranong defender Harrison Buesnel, O’Connor Knights trio Patrick O’Rourke, Noah Steinacker and Connor Mynott Smith, Gungahlin stopper Dylan Peraic Cullen and striker Will Roberts, Olympic under 23 midfielder David Russell and Belconnen United duo Harry Menham and Christian Kreskas will be given their opportunity to shine.

Table toppers Canberra Croatia will provide the Golden Boot leader in Daniel Barac as well as midfield dynamo Matej Busek and defender Cassidy Tanddo whilst Australia Cup representatives Monaro Panthers send defender Kyle Senior, midfielder Gabe Cole and forward Andre Carle.

“After chatting with the appropriate Head Coaches, we have deliberately selected some of the younger players in order to give them a chance at to showcase their ability in front of A League coaches,” Efe commented.

“We are certain that the young players will give a good account of themselves and represent the league in the right way. I would like to thank the clubs and coaches for their cooperation in turning this around in a short time span.”

The Mariners return to Canberra for the 16th time in their history for this match, this being the third time that they will have faced a Capital Football representative squad in a friendly encounter.

ALL STARS CANBERRA TEAM LIST (stats correct up to and including 16/08/2022)

NAME POS CLUB

2022 2022 Career Career APP GLS APP GLS

Jakeb WISEMAN GK West Canberra Wanderers 17 0 71 0 Dylan PERAIC CULLEN GK Gungahlin United 1 0 1 0

Harrison BUESNEL DEF Tuggeranong United 16 7 41 11

Kyle SENIOR DEF Monaro Panthers 14+1 1 15 1 Lachlan FIELDS DEF West Canberra Wanderers 14+1 2 42 4

Noah STEINACKER DEF O’Connor Knights 7+1 1 8 1

Cassidy TANDDO DEF Canberra Croatia 12+1 0 26 0

Harry MENHAM DEF Belconnen United 10+1 0 11 0

Robert TKATCHENKO DEF Gungahlin United 10+1 0 44 2

Gabe COLE MID Monaro Panthers 15+1 2 41 6

Chris FAYERS MID Belconnen United 8 1 8 1

Matej BUSEK MID Canberra Croatia 15+1 7 28 7

Connor MYNOTT SMITH MID O’Connor Knights 15+1 3 16 3

David RUSSELL MID Canberra Olympic 0+3 0 3 0

Patrick O’ROURKE MID O’Connor Knights 14+1 8 15 8

Dustin WELLS MID Belconnen United 13 0 291 140 Micheal Adams MID O’Connor Knights 14+1 4 47 12

Will ROBERTS FWD Gungahlin United 10+6 5 16 5

Christian KRESKAS FWD Belconnen United 16 2 34 4

Andre CARLE FWD Monaro Panthers 6+3 4 9 4 Daniel BARAC FWD Canberra Croatia 15 13 142 72

Head Coach: Ali EFE (Capital Football)

Assistant Coaches: Ian WORTHINGTON (Monaro Panthers)< Antoni JAGARINEC (Tigers FC), Chris CAGGIANO (Gungahlin United)

MARINERS DOWN ALL-STARS IN CANBERRA FRIENDLY

The Central Coast Mariners defeated the Capital All Stars on a chilly Canberra evening, coming away with a 4 0 victory in front of over 1300 spectators at Deakin

The result was a credit to the All Star group who did not even have a single minute of training in preparation for the encounter with the Isuzu Ute A League professionals.

It was an evenly contested beginning to the match, with both sides having chances in an end to end opening 20 minutes, Andre Carle going closest for the home team, seeing his shot blocked by the chest of Yaren Sozer in the Mariners goal.

Paul Ayongo went closest to breaking the deadlock for the visitors, with only a brilliant save from All Stars goalkeeper Jakeb Wiseman and an offside flag from earlier in the play denying him in the 17th minute.

Garang Kuol and Sam Silvera looked dangerous down the left and right flanks over the following fifteen minutes, creating space behind the All Stars defensive line. Silvera opened the scoring for the night, putting the Mariners in front in the 44th minute.

A Michael Ruhs layoff from inside the box found the winger on the edge of the area, and he would fire the ball perfectly into the bottom left hand corner via the inside of the base of the post. Despite pilling on the pressure late, the Mariners headed into the half time break with a 1 0 lead.

The visitors got the second half underway in the best possible fashion, courtesy of a long range cross/shot from Garang Kuol, as he curled the ball in over the top of Wiseman from the wing, again going into the net off the post, handing the Mariners a 2 0 lead in the 52nd minute.

The second half continued to provide joy for Nick Montgomery’s men, with Ruhs turning from provider to goal scorer as Paul Ayongo’s high work rate saw the team rewarded, with the striker drawing All Stars substitute goalkeeper, 16 year old Dylan Peraic Cullen out of his box.

Ruhs found himself with the ball at his feet on the wing and lobbed a long range effort over defenders and into the back of the net, to give the Mariners a 3 0 lead midway through the second half.

The night was capped off by a cool and composed finish from Brian Kaltak as he pounced on a loose ball in the area to fire it home with seven minutes to play and round off the scoring.

There were plenty of positives from the home team’s viewpoint with teenage central defender Harrison Buesnel and full back Robert Tkatchenko, of Tuggeranong United and Gungahlin United respectively, both in fine form throughout.

MATCH DETAILS

Wednesday 24 August 2022

(Deakin Stadium, 18:30)

Capital All Stars 0 Central Coast Mariners 4 (Silvera 43’, Kuol 52’, Ruhs 65’, Kaltak 83’)

Capital All Stars: 1. Jakeb WISEMAN (16. Dylan PERAIC CULLEN), 2. Cassidy TANDDO (5. Harry MENHAM), 3. Dustin WELLS 13. Chris FAYERS), 4. Kyle SENIOR (8. Lachlan FIELDS), 6. Gabe COLE (20. Noah STEINACKER), 7. Robert TKATCHENKO, 9. Daniel BARAC (14. David RUSSELL), 10. Andre CARLE (19 Micheal Adams), 17. Harrison BUESNEL, 18. Matej BUSEK (11. Connor MYNOTT SMITH), 21. Will ROBERTS (15. Christian KRESKAS)

Referee: Tim DANASKOS

Assistant Referees: Owen GOLDRICK, Adam POWERS

NPL AWARDS 2022

Capital Football held their NPL/CPL awards night recently to celebrate the first full season of football since the COVID 19 pandemic began. Stellar individual seasons were rewarded as Talia Backhouse took out the NPL Women’s Player of the Year, Jordan Thurtell taking out the NPL Men’s Player of the Year after some incredible performances in goal, and Sam Walker being a cut above the rest in the CPL Men’s.

Winning the Golden Boot proved no easy accomplishment as Daniel Barac netted 16 times in 2022, Brittany Palombi scoring on 20 occasions, and Sam Walker proving his quality with 20 goals. With plenty of quality teams led by some incredible coaches, winning Coach of the year was no easy feat. After a dominant league season in which they only lost twice, Canberra Croatia’s Dean Ugrinic took out the award in the NPL Men’s.

Belconnen United’s youthful side kept pace with two powerhouse sides, making their way to an unexpected Grand Final appearance, their leader Scott Conlon taking Coach of the Year honours. Bouncing back from the disappointment of relegation, Tuggeranong’s Mitch Stevens led the side to a League Premiers and Grand Final win, along with promotion back to the NPL.

NPL Men

Player of the Year: Jordan Thurtell Monaro Panthers FC

Golden Boot: Daniel Barac (16 Goals) Canberra Croatia FC NPL Women

Player of the Year: Talia Backhouse Belconnen United FC

Golden Boot: Brittany Palombi (20 Goals) Canberra Croatia FC

CPL Men

Player of the Year: Sam Walker Tuggeranong United FC

Golden Boot: Sam Walker (20 Goals) Tuggeranong United FC

Coach of the Year:

NPL Men: Dean Ugrinic Canberra Croatia FC

NPL Women: Scott Conlon Belconnen United FC

CPL Men: Mitch Stevens Tuggeranong United FC

NPL TEAM OF THE SEASON

Selected by the eight NPL Coaches who voted for one player in each position but were exempt from voting for their own players. Players must have started ten matches to be eligible for voting.

GOALKEEPER

Jordan THURTELL (Monaro Panthers) Appearances: 19 Goals: 0

DEFENDERS

Josh CALABRIA (Monaro Panthers) Appearances: 16+3 Goals: 1

Matt GRBESA (Canberra Croatia) Appearances: 18 Goals: 0

Roko STRIKA (Tigers FC) Appearances: 10 Goals: 0

Jack GREEN (Gungahlin United) Appearances: 18 Goals: 2

MIDFIELDERS

Josh GASPARI (Gungahlin United) Appearances: 16 Goals: 3

Matej BUSEK (Canberra Croatia) Appearances: 18+1 Goals: 7

Micheal ADAMS (O’Connor Knights) Appearances: 18+2 Goals: 7

FORWARDS

Patrick O’ROURKE (O’Connor Knights) Appearances: 17+2 Goals: 8

Daniel BARAC (Canberra Croatia) Appearances: 18+1 Goals: 15

Stephen DOMENICI (Canberra Croatia) Appearances: 18+2 Goals: 12

WNPL TEAM OF THE SEASON

Selected by the eight WNPL Coaches who voted for one player in each position but were exempt from voting for their own players. Players must have started ten matches to be eligible for voting.

GOALKEEPER

Chloe LINCOLN (Canberra United Academy) Appearances: 10 Goals: 0

DEFENDERS

Rebecca KITING (Canberra Croatia) Appearances: 19 Goals: 0

Sophia DOUMOS (Belconnen United) Appearances: 21 Goals: 0

Rhiannon FENSOM (Canberra Croatia) Appearances: 20+1 Goals: 4

Elke AITOLU (Canberra Olympic) Appearances: 16+2 Goals: 2

MIDFIELDERS

Michaela THORNTON (Canberra Olympic) Appearances: 16+1 Goals: 12

Jennifer BISSET (Canberra Croatia) Appearances: 16+1 Goals: 15

Talia BACKHOUSE (Belconnen United) Appearances: 20 Goals: 18

FORWARDS

Ashleigh SYKES (Canberra Olympic) Appearances: 12+3 Goals: 12

Keira BOBBIN (Belconnen United) Appearances: 17 Goals: 19

Brittany PALOMBI (Canberra Croatia) Appearances: 16+1 Goals: 20

NPL: CLUB-BY-CLUB SEASON REVIEW

BELCONNEN UNITED

Head Coach: Michael ZAKOSKI

Position: 8th (Relegated)

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

A season to forget for the Blue Devils as their tenure at the top level came to a stuttering end as they finished bottom of the pile and, as per Tuggeranong United in 2021, were relegated to the Capital Premier League for the 2023 season. It was a campaign that should not have ended this way. New Head Coach Michael Zakoski, who departed the club at the end of the term, appeared to have a decent mix of youth and experience but an inability to find an end product in the final third was to prove costly.

A total of only 25 goals scored, seven of which came in a remarkable 7 1 hammering of O’Connor Knights at McKellar Park, tells the story. Nine matches ended with the Blue Devils unable to trouble the scorers with a further five matches only seeing one goal scored, hardly a recipe to challenge. But, coming into the final weeks of the season, such was the closeness of the table, Belconnen were still in with a shout of the top four!

There were some high points. The pre season 3 1 defeat of Gungahlin United in the Australia Cup Qualifying match was to prove to be a false dawn, however for that ninety minutes the Blue Devils faithful could believe that maybe, just maybe, they had a team to compete. They missed Maxx Green in mid season. The nine goal striker heading for a trial in Spain coinciding with the group’s productivity falling considerably. Whilst the form of some of the younger talent, particularly full back Harry Menham, was a bright spark. Menham was given a spot in the Capital All Stars squad to face the Central Coast Mariners as a reward.

Defensively, errors were punished at an alarming rate, the concession of three goals in each of the opening three home matches at McKellar Park setting alarm bells ringing, but the team never gave up. A solid 2 2 draw away to Monaro Panthers and a 2 0 home win over a seriously depleted Gungahlin United offered hope of a resurrection. They needed a win in the final game to stay up with O’Connor Knights, chasing a top four spot, were not in charitable mood.

Going down needn’t be a death knell. Tuggeranong proved that with an immediate return to the top flight. There is work to be done of course, and plenty of it and the Belconnen faithful are required more than ever before. It hardly seems conceivable that this massive institution will be battling for promotion, but that is the situation they find themselves in. The Blue Devils need a re start.

GOALS (NPL)

9 Maxx GREEN, 3 Luke VALLONE, 2 Christian KRESKAS, Chris REAY, 1 Phil BORGEAUD, Riley BROWN, Izach CLEMENTS, Chris FAYERS, Beau HARVEY, Jayde JAMES WARD, JUAN OSPINA, Keegan VUCETIC, Own GOALS

GOALS (CUP)

1 Adam FORNER, Maxx GREEN, Sebastian OSPINA, Own GOALS

APPEARANCES (NPL1 ONLY)

19 Christian KRESKAS, (1) Izach CLEMENTS, 17 Riley BROWN, Dustin WELLS, 16(1) Zac MAYBURY, 16 Maxx GREEN, 15(2) Luke VALLONE, 14(3) Chris REAY, 14(1) Harry MENHAM, 13(2) Michael SOUTHAM, 13 Alex CONNELL, 10 Philippe BORGEAUD, Chris FAYERS, 6(2) Keegan VUCETIC, 6(1) Nick ZAKOSKI, 5(4) Adam FORNER, 5(1) Zac PAGAN, 3(6) Beau HARVEY*, 3(1) Jono TUREK, 3 Izac ALVES, 2(4) Sebastian OSPINA, 2(3) Tyson LIVERMORE, 1(3) Jayde JAMES WARD, Jonathan KERSZBERG, 1 Jack GALLAGHER, Chris KAZOLIS, Nathan TOKLEY, (3) Will BUCKMASTER, (1) Rhys FLISSINGER, Aidan MILBURN, Hayden TUNNEY

*Harvey also played 9 for West Canberra Wanderers

DISCIPLINE (NPL1 ONLY)

Red Cards: 1 (Kreskas)

Yellow Cards: 43 (Maybury (6), Clements (5), Fayers (4), Green (4), Kreskas (4), Borgeaud (3), Menham (3), Southam (3), Zakoski (3), Harvey (2), Brown, Forner, Livermore, Ospina, Reay, Wells)

Temporary Dismissals: 2 (Borgeaud, Kerszberg)

RESULTS

AC4: Gungahlin United (h) W 3 1 (Green 4’, Ospina 63’, Abbas 73’ (og))

R1: Monaro Panthers (h) L 0 3

R2: West Canberra Wanderers (a) W 2 1 (Borgeaud 2’, Green 38’ (p))

R3: Gungahlin United (h) L 0 3

FCQF: Canberra Olympic (h) L 1 4 (Forner 54’)

R4: Canberra Olympic (h) L 1 3 (James Ward 90+7’ (p))

R5: Canberra Croatia (a) L 0 2

R6: Tigers FC (a) L 1 3 (Reay 6’)

R7: O’Connor Knights (h) W 7 1 (Green 19’, 35’, Clements 39’, Vallone 49’, 57’, Vucetic 70’, Kreskas 79’)

R8: Monaro Panthers (a) L 0 6

R9: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 2 1 (Green 26’, Brown 44’)

R10: Gungahlin United (a) L 0 3

R11: Canberra Olympic (h) D 2 2 (Green 22’, 45’)

R12: Canberra Croatia (a) L 0 4

R13: Tigers FC (h) D 2 2 (Sparrow 54’ (og), Ospina 85’)

R14: O’Connor Knights (a) L 0 1

R15: Monaro Panthers (a) D 2 2 (Fayers 73’, Green 82’ (p))

R16: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 2 3 (Green 2’, Reay 52’)

R17: Gungahlin United (h) W 2 0 (Kreskas 7’, Harvey 66’)

R18: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0 4

R19: Canberra Croatia (h) D 1 1 (Green 26’)

R20: Tigers FC (h) L 0 2

R21: O’Connor Knights (a) L 1 3 (Vallone 48’)

CANBERRA CROATIA

Head Coach: Dean UGRINIC Position: 1st

Finals Series: Lost in Grand Final

Another season and another League Championship for the relentless red juggernaut from Deakin Stadium, but a defeat in the Grand Final on their own patch to Monaro Panthers has left a sour taste in the mouths for the Canberra Croatia players, officials and supporters and a wounded Croatia is one that, historically speaking, tend to bounce back hard. There’s still a feeling that this club needs to be playing on the biggest stages and they will undoubtedly be backed to come blasting back from last season disappointment.

Even more gallingly for Canberra Croatia was an early season departure from the Australia Cup, a surprise 2 3 loss to West Canberra Wanderers at Melrose Synthetic putting a dampener on the team’s hopes for the 2022 campaign. The Australia Cup is where every club wants to be and showcasing this multi talented squad on the national stage is the ultimate goal.

There’s a plethora of talent across the whole team starting from the solidity of Sam Brown in goal and moving through the group up to Golden Boot winning Daniel Barac, whose partnership with the indefatigable Stephen Domenici was, arguably, the most consistent and dynamic pairing in the league. That the duo were both selected in the Team of the Year was no real surprise to regular watchers of the competition.

Some of the football played by Dean Ugrinic’s team was scintillating. The opening 25 minutes at the Riverside Stadium against Monaro Panthers in Round 10 was a joy to behold and left Monaro chasing shadows. That the Panthers, down to ten, managed to rally was perhaps a portent of things to come. Then there was the Round 16 evisceration of the Tigers at Deakin. Four goals in the opening 25 minutes which could have been double that in a masterful display.

That seven goal haul meant that Croatia had netted 25 goals in five matches, a purple patch that left the rest of the division looking on and plotting ways to halt the seemingly inexorable red tide. No one could find the answer in the league, a dominant performance bringing a 25th League crown to Deakin, however such is the insatiable desire for success at this club that the failure to win the Grand Final, and that Cup defeat to Wanderers, will run deep. There’s nothing so dangerous as a wounded animal though and Canberra Croatia will look back on 2022 knowing that even by their exalted standards, there is room for improvement. A frightening thought

GOALS (NPL)

16 Daniel BARAC, 15 Stephen DOMENICI, 7 Matej BUSEK, 6 Nik TANESKI, 5 Hristjan TANOSKI, 4 Jason UGRINIC, 3 Ryan KEIR, 2 Luke PILKINGTON 1 Teeboy KAMARA, Michael PICCOLO

GOALS (CUP)

1 Daniel BARC, Jason UGRINIC APPEARANCES (NPL1 ONLY)

23 Sam BROWN, 20(2) Stephen DOMENICI, 20(1) Daniel BARAC, Matej BUSEK, 20 Matt GRBESA, 18(1) Marco GAYER, 15(5) Jason UGRINIC, 15(4) Hristjan TANOSKI, 15(3) Ryan KEIR, 15(2) Luke PILKINGTON, 14(2) Cassidy TANDDO, 12(6) Davide SESELJA, 11(8) Daniel SUBASIC, 11(6) Jose DEFILIPPI, 10(5) Nik TANESKI, 5(2) Michael PICCOLO, 4(9) Jordan LAMB, 4(4) Teeboy KAMARA, 1(3) Rory SPIERS, (3) Jason MATESA, Patrick PICCOLO, (2) Noah VANDERPOL (1) Nicholas PRATEZINA, Timothy SANTOS

DISCIPLINE (NPL1 ONLY)

Red Cards: 3 (Barac, Domenici, Grbesa)

Yellow Cards: 53 (Grbesa (6),Tanddo (6), Gayer (5), Subasic (5), Tanoski (5), Pilkington (4), Keir (3), Domenici (2), Barac (2), Busek (2), Lamb (2), M. Piccolo (2), Seselja (2),Taneski (2), Ugrinic (2), Brown, DeFilippi, Kamara)

Temporary Dismissals: 6 (Grbesa (2), Pilkington (2), Barac, Taneski)

RESULTS

AC4: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 2 3 (Barac 45’, Ugrinic 55’)

R1: Canberra Olympic (a) Postponed

R2: Tigers FC (h) D 1 1 (Barac 27’)

R1: Canberra Olympic (a) W 8 0 (Busek 29’, 57’, Barac 34’, 43’, 60’, Domenici 44’, 74’, Keir 53’)

R3: Monaro Panthers (a) D 0 0

R4: Gungahlin United (a) W 2 1 (Ugrinic 14’, Barac 26’)

R5: Belconnen United (h) W 2 0 (Busek 45’, Kamara 84’)

R6: O’Connor Knights (h) W 3 2 (M. Piccolo 22’, Domenici 73’ (p), Busek 90+1’)

R7: West Canberra Wanderers (a) W 2 1 (Tanoski 49’, Keir 90+1’)

R8: Canberra Olympic (h) W 2 1 (Barac 82’, Ugrinic 86’)

R9: Tigers FC (a) D 1 1 (Keir 3’)

R10: Monaro Panthers (a) W 1 0 (Domenici 5’)

R11: Gungahlin United (h) L 0 1

R12: Belconnen United (h) W 4 0 (Tanoski 7’, 32’, Domenici 22’, Barac 80’)

R13: O’Connor Knights (a) W 4 0 (Busek 37’, Ugrinic 49’, 65’, Taneski 72’)

R14: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 4 2 (Domenici 4’, 54’ (p), Pilkington 25’, Taneski 34’)

R15: Canberra Olympic (a) W 5 1 (Barac 8’, 18’, 89’, Domenici 13’, Taneski 51’)

R16: Tigers FC (h) W 7 0 (Taneski 8’, 59’, Busek 11’, 20’, Pilkington 24’, Tanoski 61’, Barac 90+2’)

R17: Monaro Panthers (h) D 2 2 (Barac 8’, 79’)

R18: Gungahlin United (h) W 2 1 (Domenici 28’, Barac 71’)

R19: Belconnen United (a) D 1 1 (Domenici 45+1’ (p))

R20: O’Connor Knights (a) L 0 1

R21: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 5 0 (Barac 9’, Domenici 58’, 76’, Tanoski 85’, Taneski 88’)

QF: Gungahlin United (n) W 3 2 (Domenici 17’, 31’ (p), Barac 74’)

GF: Monaro Panthers (n) L 1 2 (Domenici 55’ (p))

CANBERRA OLYMPIC

Head Coach: Robbie CATTANACH / Steve UJDUR

Position: 5th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

Canberra Olympic narrowly missed the Finals series in 2022 ending the campaign in fifth place and bemoaning their ill fortune during a selection of matches that they could well have won. Perhaps tellingly was their misfortune in one of the games of the season, a Round 14 loss in a seven goal thriller at the Australian Institute of Sport against Gungahlin United, a result that preceded the departure of Head Coach Robbie Cattanach, let go by the club following a run of only one victory in nine league matches.

In that thriller against the Gunners, Olympic were hugely unlucky that what appeared to be a perfectly good goal to give them a 4 2 lead was chalked off. On such moments are seasons, and potentially careers, defined. A victory then and the finals could have been in their grasp. That mid season run of only five points from a potential thirty, was to prove vital in the final standings meaning that the late season run of four wins and draw in five matches was to prove fruitless.

Even then, a win in the final game against Gungahlin would have given he team from O’Connor a shot at the top four, but they fell shot at Hawker Football Centre. A lack of regular goals was a problem. Luca Florez, the mercurial Alen James, and speedy Aisosa Ihegie netted twenty league goals between them, but they came in fits and starts rather than on a consistent basis.

It seems strange to be noting that a team that scored in every match, bar three, should be on the lookout for more goals, but there were spells during 2022 that the failure to build on the first goal left Olympic vulnerable at the back. Goalkeeper Sebastian Usai was named as the club’s Player of the Year, maybe a telling sign that too much of the National Premier League season was played on the back foot.

There appears to be no chance of a repeat in 2023. Early rumours, even as the 2022 season was yet to reach its denouement, were that Olympic were prepared to go big in 2023 in order to retain their status as one of the pre eminent teams in the local NPL competition. A high flying, exciting, and watchable Canberra Olympic is what we have come to expect in recent years. A return to those days is at the forefront of the agenda for the new year. Increasing the depth of the squad and retaining their bright young things would likely see finals football next year.

GOALS (NPL)

7 Luca FLOREZ, Alen JAMES, 6 Aisosa IHEGIE, 3 Elie DARWICH, David MCCARRON, Simon ROHAN JONES, 1 Adrian MACOR, Luca MACOR, Nik POPOVICH, Mark SHIELDS, Own GOALS

GOALS (CUP)

5 Aisosa IHEGIE, 2 Alen JAMES, 1 Elie DARWICH, Luca FLOREZ, Nik POPOVICH, Simon ROHAN JONES, Nick SUBASIC

APPEARANCES (NPL1 ONLY)

20 Sebastian USAI, 18 Luca FLOREZ, 17(2) Nicholas SUBASIC, 17(1) Alen JAMES, 16(1) Simon ROHAN JONES, 15(1) Adrian MACOR, 14(1) Daniel LINSTEAD, Max MELLICK, 11(7) Aisosa IHEGIE, 11(5) Nelson CURLEY, 11(1) Seamus CARR, Nick FAUST, 9 (1) Luca MACOR, 9 Nik POPOVICH*, 7 Nathan MEGIC**, 7(5) Cale BROWN, 5(8) Tupaia RINGI, 5(5) Elie DARWICH, 5(4) David MCCARRON, 3(6) Mark SHIELDS, 2(1) Oliver WIEDERKEHR, 1(3) Bailey SORENSEN, 1 Angelo KONSTANTINOU, (3) David RUSSELL***, (1) Brandon HAWKER, Alex OGBONNA, Joshua PEDERSEN

*Popovich also played 9 matches for Tigers FC

** Megic also played 7 matches for Tigers FC

*** Russell also played 1 substitute match for O’Connor Knights

DISCIPLINE (NPL1 ONLY)

Red Cards: 2 (Megic, Popovich)

Yellow Cards: 49 (Curley (5), Linstead (5), Popovich (5), A. Macor (4), Megic (4), Brown (3), Faust (3), Florez (3), L. Macor (3), Mellick (3), Carr (2), Ihegie (2), Subasic (2), Darwich, James, McCarron, Ringi, Rohan Jones)

Temporary Dismissals: 3 (Linstead (2), Megic)

RESULTS

AC4: Tigers FC (a) W 4 0 (Ihegie 34’, Rohan Jones 55’ (p), James 77’, 82’)

R1: Canberra Croatia (h) Postponed

R2: O’Connor Knights (a) L 2 6 (Darwich 22’ (p), Steinacker 58’ (og))

R1: Canberra Croatia (h) L 0 8

R3: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 3 1 (James 40’, Darwich 45’ (p), Ihegie 89’)

ACQF: Belconnen United (a) W 4 1 (Florez 4’, Darwich 39’, Ihegie 43’, 80’)

R4: Belconnen United (a) W 3 1 (Shields 24’, Ihegie 49’, McCarron 79’)

R5: Tigers FC (h) W 4 2 (Rohan Jones 9’, Ihegie 10’, 34’, Florez 79’)

R6: Monaro Panthers (h) L 1 4 (James 38’)

ACSF: Monaro Panthers (a) D 3 3 (Ihegie 25’, 45’, Subasic 32’) aet, lost 3 4 on penalties

R7: Gungahlin United (h) L 0 1

R8: Canberra Croatia (a) L 1 2 (Darwich 63’ (p))

R9: O’Connor Knights (h) D 1 1 (James 15’)

R10: West Canberra Wanderers (a) D 2 2 (Florez 33’, James 41’ (p))

R11: Belconnen United (a) D 2 2 (James 79’ (p), A. Macor 90+1’)

R12: Tigers FC (h) D 0 0

R13: Monaro Panthers (a) L 1 2 (McCarron 41’)

R14: Gungahlin United (a) L 3 4 (Florez 8’, Ihegie 48’, Rohan Jones 67’)

R15: Canberra Croatia (h) L 1 5 (Popovich 60’)

R16: O’Connor Knights (a) Postponed

R17: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 2 0 (James 37’, L. Macor 53’)

R16: O’Connor Knights (a) W 1 0 (Florez 12’)

R18: Belconnen United (h) W 4 0 (Florez 3’, 64’, McCarron 8’, Rohan Jones 72’)

R19: Tigers FC (a) D 2 2 (Ihegie 26’, James 28’)

R20: Monaro Panthers (a) W 1 0 (Popovich 45’ (p))

R21: Gungahlin United (a) L 1 2 (Florez 84’)

GUNGAHLIN UNITED

Head Coach: Marcial MUNOZ

Position: 2nd

Finals Series: Lost in Preliminary Final

A frustratingly inconsistent 2022 for Gungahlin United culminated in a loss in the Qualifying Final to Monaro Panthers, denying Marcial Munoz and his team a chance to play in the Grand Final, a disappointing conclusion for the Gunners support, but one which summed up the season. A series of ups and downs left the Gunners bouncing around the top four before they eventually found the consistency required to finish second on the table, only Canberra Croatia scaling the heights above them.

Gungahlin out together a string of victories at various points throughout the year, three times winning three games in succession, only to be unable to improve that run in the subsequent fixture. They shared the goals around, five players managing five or more in the National Premier League, led by eight from the twinkle toed winger Sam Habtemariam. A series of injuries to striker Philippe Bernabo Madrid over the course of the year, stymied their fluency as did a horrible Achilles tendon issue to derail amiable Argentinean hit man Nico Abot.

The emergence of Will Roberts as a forward of genuine promise was a bonus, his seven goals included some vital efforts at critical moments, as was the late season form of the ever green Misko Naumoski, the long time NPL servant scoring in three successive matches in Rounds 19 21. Leon Michl put in some sparkling performances as we got a glimpse of the future in the shape of diminutive Joshua Milicevic, given a couple of late season runs off the bench.

As usual Gungahlin were a hugely watchable football side. Munoz, who announced he would be stepping down at the conclusion of the season to be replaced by his assistant Chris Caggiano, loves to play football in a smart, possession based style, with speedy forwards and a fluent, mobile midfield meaning they engaged in some high scoring encounters. Eleven of their matches ended with four goals or more scored.

If there were questions marks, they revolved around defending which, despite the back three or four depending on the occasion, including some excellent individual displays, collectively at times was left stranded by a distinct and noticeable lack of cover from those further forward. This meant that Gungahlin only kept five clean sheets in their 21 matches. This is rectifiable however and their second placed finish meant that finals football was again part of their remit. Improving in 2023 will be the modus operandi, with a better Cup run just as important.

GOALS (NPL)

8 Sam HABTEMARIAM, 7 Will ROBERTS, 6 Jeremy HABTEMARIAM, 5 Philippe BERNABO MADRID, Leon MICHL, 4 Domenic GIAMPAOLO, Misko NAUMOSKI, 3 Josh GASPARI, Tom MCLACHLAN, 2 Nico ABOT, Jack GREEN, 1 Nick DAHL, Michael JOHN

GOALS (CUP)

1 Michael JOHN

APPEARANCES (NPL1 ONLY)

22 Badreldin ABBAS, 21(1) Tom MCLACHLAN, 21 Jacob QUINN, 20 Jack GREEN, 19(2) Jeremy HABTEMARIAM, 18(2) Bernard RENE, 16 Josh GASPARI, 15(1) Nick DAHL, Robert TKATCHENKO, 13(8) Samuel HABTEMARIAM, 13(7) Will ROBERTS, 13(3) Philippe BERNABO MADRID, 12(4) Leon MICHL, 9(10) Misko NAUMOSKI, 9(4) Nick RATHJEN, 5(4) Michael JOHN, 4(6) Murphy SHAW, 3(6) Domenic GIAMPAOLO, 2(7) Nico ABOT, 2 Dylan PERAIC CULLEN, 1(3) Stefan VUCIC, (2) Cordell ADDISON, Riley ANGELOSANTE, Jak MATIC, Joshua MILICEVIC, (1) Callum COOK, Christopher JOHN, Jacob KITE, Jack ROWLEY

DISCIPLINE (NPL1 ONLY)

Red Cards: 3 (Abbas, Bernabo Madrid, Dahl)

Yellow Cards: 40 (Rene (5), J. Habtemariam (4), McLachlan (4), Abbas (3), Gaspari (3), Roberts (3), Bernabo Madrid (2), Dahl (2), Green (2), S. Habtemariam (2), Michl (2), Rathjen (2), Shaw (2), Tkatchenko (2), John, Vucic)

Temporary Dismissals: 3 (Green, J. Habtemariam, Naumoski)

RESULT

AC4: Belconnen United (h) L 1 3 (John 9’)

R1: Tigers FC (a) D 2 2 (Bernabo Madrid 7’, Michl 21’)

R2: Monaro Panthers (h) W 2 1 (Gaspari 50’, J. Habtemariam 80’ (p))

R3: Belconnen United (a) W 3 0 (J. Habtemariam 26’, Gaspari 45’, S. Habtemariam 65’)

R4: Canberra Croatia (h) L 1 2 (J. Habtemariam 80’ (p)

R5: O’Connor Knights (h) L 2 3 (Green 14’, Bernabo Madrid 66’)

R6: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 3 1 (Giampaolo 43’, S. Habtemariam 45’, 70’)

R7: Canberra Olympic (a) W 1 0 (McLachlan 63’)

R8: Tigers FC (h) W 5 1 (Michl 5’, McLachlan 37’, Roberts 62’, John 75’, Giampaolo 89’)

R9: Monaro Panthers (a) D 2 2 (Roberts 8’, Dahl 37’)

R10: Belconnen United (h) W 3 0 (S. Habtemariam 24’, Roberts 42’, J. Habtemariam 63’)

R11: Canberra Croatia (a) W 1 0 (Bernabo Madrid 43’)

R12: O’Connor Knights (h) W 4 3 (Bernabo Madrid 13’, Michl 56’, Gaspari 77’, McLachlan 88’)

R13: West Canberra Wanderers (a) D 2 2 (Giampaolo 8’, 49’)

R14: Canberra Olympic (h) W 4 3 (Roberts 2’, Michl 37’, S. Habtemariam 78’, Abot 84’)

R15: Tigers FC (a) L 1 2 (J. Habtemariam 90’)

R16: Monaro Panthers (h) D 2 2 (Abot 3’, Roberts 46’)

R17: Belconnen United (a) L 0 2

R18: Canberra Croatia (a) L 1 2 (Bernabo Madrid 31’ (p))

R19: O’Connor Knights (a) W 4 1 (Green 11’, Roberts 27’, Naumoski 38’, J. Habtemariam 74’ (p))

R20: West Canberra Wanderers (a) W 4 0 (Naumoski 11’, 22’, Roberts 24’, S. Habtemariam 44’)

R21: Canberra Olympic (h) W 2 1 (Naumoski 70’, Michl 83’)

QF: Canberra Croatia (n) L 2 3 (S. Habtemariam 23’, 55’)

PF: Monaro Panthers (n) L 0 2

MONARO PANTHERS

Head Coach: Frank CACHIA Position: 3rd

Finals Series: Grand Final Winners

The 2022 season will be remembered fondly by those from the Monaro Panthers, which tends to happen when you win three of the four trophies on offer, including a first Grand Final triumph for twenty three years! With Head Coach Frank Cachia standing down from the role at the conclusion of the campaign, there could hardly have been a more fitting way for him to step aside than a 2 1 victory over League Champions Canberra Croatia to add the Grand Final trophy to the Australia Cup Qualifying Trophy and the Charity Shield.

A series of shrewd acquisitions in the off season set the tone for the Panthers, with each of the newcomers in key positions making vital contributions at vital times. Goalkeeper Jordan Thurtell was named Capital Football NPL Player of the Year and fellow former Blue Devil, Darren Bailey, netted the Grand Final matchwinner. Striker Andre Carle banged in a hat trick in the Charity Shield, stamping a statement of intent that the rest of the league took extensive notice of, and came off the bench to score twice in winning the Australia Cup Qualifying Final against West Canberra Wanderers.

Meanwhile, midfield dynamo Zac McLaren, hardly a prolific finisher, scored in two of the biggest matches of the year, the Preliminary Final, and the Grand Final, both at the same end of Deakin Stadium. Indeed, four of the biggest goals in Panthers’ history have come in that same Deakin goal. Even the mid season addition of Michael John paid dividends, the striker from Gungahlin scoring in both the Elimination and Preliminary Finals. The Midas touch indeed.

Arguably though the success of the club stems from the collective rather than individualism. If ever there was a team that was greater than the sum of its parts, it may well be this Panthers outfit. Together they performed when required, showing both silk and steel and never taking a backwards step when the going got tough. Depth was equally key. Each member of the Panthers squad adding positivity when required and embracing the ethos of ‘right time, right place’.

Of course, there were blips. In an ultra competitive league environment these are to be expected. Of the four losses sustained in 2022 though, the ability to bounce back was in immediate effect. Solidity across the backline, creativity and destructive ability in midfield, and goals in the front third. Oh, and chuck in the best performing player in the league in goal. It was a winning combination.

GOALS (NPL)

8 Nikos KALFAS, 5 Andre CARLE, 4 Amilio KISTA, 3 Darren BAILEY, Michael JOHN, Zac MCLAREN, 2 Gabe COLE, Kofi DANNING, Adam NEOU, 1 Ben BASSER SILK, Josh CALABRIA, David JENKINS, Jai SELDEN, Kyle SENIOR, Sebastian WOODS, Own GOALS

GOALS (CUP/SHIELD)

8 Andre CARLE, 2 Ben BASSER SILK, Adam DE FRANCESCHI, Nikos KALFAS, Amilio KISTA, 1 Darren BAILEY, Gabriel COLE, Zak MCLAREN, Adam NEOU, Jai SELDEN, James WILSON APPEARANCES (NPL1 ONLY)

22(1) Gabe COLE, 22 Jordan THURTELL, 21 Darren BAILEY, 20(1) Kyle SENIOR, 19(3) Zac MCLAREN, 18(3) Josh CALABRIA, 18(1) Ben BASSER SILK, 17(4) Adam DE FRANCESCHI, 16(4) Nikos KALFAS, 14(2) Amilio KISTA, 12(4) Andre CARLE, 11(2) David JENKINS, 10(2) Michael JOHN*, 9(14) Sebastian WOODS, 8(10) Adam NEOU, 8(7) James WILSON, 6(7) Michael POCHI, 5(5) Kofi DANNING, 5(2) Jai SELDEN, 1(7) Jordan CACHIA, 1(1) Evan KEEBLE, 1 Gerion MEHMETAJ, (6) Patrick MITCHELL, (1) Mitchell JERVIS HAMILTON, Archie MCGREGOR, Tom ROBERTSON

*John also played 5(4) for Gungahlin United DISCIPLINE (NPL1 ONLY)

Red Cards: 3 (Kista (2), Calabria)

Yellow Cards: 49 (De Franceschi (8), Bailey (7), McLaren (6), Senior (6), Basser Silk (4), Cole (3), Carle (2), Kista (2), Selden (2), Wilson (2), Cachia, Calabria, Jenkins, John, Kalfas, Pochi, Robertson)

Temporary Dismissals: 2 (Calabria, McLaren)

RESULTS

CS: Tigers FC (n) W 7 1 (Carle 20’, 33’, 52’, Kalfas 28’, De Franceschi 65’, Selden 68’, Basser Silk 82’)

AC4: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 3 1 (Carle 25’ (p), 88’, Neou 42’)

R1: Belconnen United (a) W 3 0 (Kalfas 21’, Selden 49’, Carle 71’ (p))

R2: Gungahlin United (a) L 1 2 (Kista 68’)

R3: Canberra Croatia (h) D 0 0

ACQF: ANU FC (a) W 5 0 (Kista 10’, 34’, Carle 26’, Cole 39’, Basser Silk 85’)

R4: O’Connor Knights (a) D 1 1 (Carle 11’)

R5: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 1 0 (Bailey 88’ (p))

R6: Canberra Olympic (a) W 4 1 (Kalfas 21’, 26’, Carle 58’, 77’)

ACSF: Canberra Olympic (h) D 3 3 (Kalfas 22’ (p), McLaren 30’, Wilson 79’) aet, won 4 3 on penalties

R7: Tigers FC (a) W 1 0 (De Franceschi 80’)

R8: Belconnen United (h) W 6 0 (Senior 48’, Danning 55’, 90+2’, Kista 58’, Kalfas 67’, Neou 68’)

ACF: West Canberra Wanderers (n) W 3 1 (Carle 90+3’, 120+1’ (p), Bailey 110’)

R9: Gungahlin United (h) D 2 2 (Calabria 34’, Kista 86’)

R10: Canberra Croatia (h) L 0 1

R11: O’Connor Knights (a) W 2 0 (McLaren 59’, Kalfas 78’)

R12: West Canberra Wanderers (a) D 0 0

R13: Canberra Olympic (h) W 2 1 (Kalfas 30’, Bailey 78’ (p))

R14: Tigers FC (a) D 1 1 (Woods 62’)

R15: Belconnen United (h) D 2 2 (Basser Silk 32’, Kista 36’)

R16: Gungahlin United (a) D 2 2 (Cole 6’, 83’ (p))

R17: Canberra Croatia (a) D 2 2 (John 57’, Busek 68’ (og))

R18: O’Connor Knights (h) W 2 0 (Kalfas 53’, 90+5’)

R19: West Canberra Wanderers (h) L 0 1

R20: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0 1

R21: Tigers FC (h) W 2 1 (Neou) 41’, Carle 53’)

EF: O’Connor Knights (n) W 2 0 (Jenkins 40’, John 72’)

PF: Gungahlin United (n) W 2 0 (McLaren 2’, John 49’)

GF: Canberra Croatia (n) W 2 1 (McLaren 39’, Bailey 85’)

O’CONNOR KNIGHTS

Head Coach: Miro TRNINIC Position: 4th

Finals Series: Lost in Elimination Final

A sensational return to the top flight for the 2021 Capital Premier League Champions ended in a fourth placed finish and a loss in the Elimination Final to the eventual Grand Final winners Monaro Panthers as the O’Connor Knights took to the National Premier League like the proverbial duck to water. The ambition of the club knows no bounds and, despite outward satisfaction at the achievements in their inaugural season in the NPL, inwardly the Knights want more and wasted no time in increasing their 2023 playing stocks.

The Knights gave notice of their intent in their opening match, incidentally the second game of the season after their opening match had fallen victim to COVID, as they hammered Canberra Olympic in the first battle of O’Connor, a raucous and ecstatic home crowd seeing their favourites blitz their opposition in the derby 6 2. That set the scene for the 2022 season as the Knights became pure box office.

Every match was eminently watchable offering attacking football by the barrow load and goal after goal. It might have been frustrating for the coaching staff, but the Knights single minded obsession to score at every opportunity made them one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NPL. Sixteen of their matches in all competitions featured four of more goals and many of them were spectacular.

Phakedi Manda lit up the league with his incredible skills, acceleration, and ability to pick the most outrageous of passes or score seemingly impossible goals. Micheal Adams was his usual brilliant self, the gifted playmaker gliding across the turf and often so far ahead of anyone else in his perception of what was happening that he appeared to be playing a different match to everyone else!

Youngsters Pat O’Rourke and Connor Mynott Smith shook up the division with their goalscoring, creation of opportunities and general mayhem, whilst defensively there were top class contributions from left back Jacob Ayuel, centre back Noah Steinacker and holding midfielder Daniel Roberts, plus a solid showing from goalkeeper Jack Miller.

The Knights won’t rest on their laurels, that is for certain. They are a hungry club that craves success and is eyeing off the silverware. They are well supported by a vocal backing and play an exciting, effervescent brand of football that is attractive to the neutral and will likely bring in more eyeballs on their product. The Knights are upwardly mobile and looking to stay that way.

GOALS (NPL)

8 Patrick O’ROURKE, 7 Micheal Adams, Phakedi MANDA, 3 Connor MYNOTT SMITH, 2 Eddie COGGAN, Marcin ZYGMUNT, Own GOALS, 1 Riley ANGELOSANTE, Gabriel AYUEL, Niko KRESIC, Noah STEINACKER, Regan WALSH

GOALS (CUP)

2 Eddie COGGAN, Phakedi MANDA, Connor MYNOTT SMITH, Patrick O’ROURKE, 1 Gabriel AYUEL, Daniel ROBERTS, Patrick SHORE

APPEARANCES (NPL1 ONLY)

21 Jack MILLER, 20 Phakedi MANDA, 18(3) Connor MYNOTT SMITH, 18(2) Patrick O’ROURKE, 13(1) Regan WALSH, 12(1) Jack RUTHERFORD, 12 Daniel ROBERTS, 16(1) Jacob AYUEL, 15(3) Niko KRESIC, 9 Michael ADAMS, 8(6) Eddie COGGAN, Kynan DODD, 8(2) Noah STEINACKER, 8 Jack WILSENER, 7(7) Gabriel AYUEL, Liam WALSH, 7(5) Andrew SLAVICH, 7(3) Kristian TOKIC, 4(2) Nikola BARISIC, Patrick SHORE, 3(5) Riley ANGELOSANTE*, 3 Nikola TRAJKOVSKI, 2(1) Marcin ZYGMUNT, 1(1) Sebastian ARRANZ, Ryan ZANATTA, (5) Josip JADRIC, (2) Eduardo VILA

*Angelosante also played (2) for Gungahlin United

DISCIPLINE (NPL1 ONLY)

Red Cards: 3 (Manda, Roberts, Wilsener)

Yellow Cards: 36 (J, Ayuel (7), Slavich (3), R. Walsh (3), Adams (2), G, Ayuel (2), Barisic (2), Coggan (2), Manda (2), Mynott Smith (2), Tokic (2), L. Walsh (2), Angelosante, Dodd, O’Rourke, Roberts, Rutherford, Trajkovski, Zygmunt)

Temporary Dismissals: 1 (Jadric)

RESULTS

AC4: Belnorth (a) W 4 1 (O’Rourke 14’, Ayuel 42’, Coggan 59’, 75’)

R1: West Canberra Wanderers (a) Postponed

R2: Canberra Olympic (h) W 6 2 (Zygmunt 15’, 73’, Manda 35’, 44’, O’Rourke 63’, Adams 80’)

R3: Tigers FC (a) L 1 3 (Mynott Smith 28’)

R4: Monaro Panthers (h) D 1 1 (Manda 65’)

ACQF: Queanbeyan City (h) Postponed

R5: Gungahlin United (a) W 3 2 (O’Rourke 6’, 58’, Green 70’ (og))

ACQF: Queanbeyan City (h) W 4 1 (Manda 9’, O’Rourke 59’ (p), Shore 62’, Mynott Smith 82’)

R6: Canberra Croatia (a) L 2 3 (Mynott Smith 14’, 34’)

ACSF: West Canberra Wanderers (a) D 3 3 (Manda 33’, Mynott Smith 73’, Roberts 90+5’) lost 2 4 on penalties

R7: Belconnen United (a) L 1 7 (Maybury 29’ (og))

R8: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 4 3 (Coggan 34’, R. Walsh 56’, O’Rourke 60’, 66’)

R9: Canberra Olympic (a) D 1 1 (Kresic 7’)

R10: Tigers FC (h) W 3 2 (O’Rourke 36’, 37’, Steinacker 55’)

R11: Monaro Panthers (h) L 0 2

R12: Gungahlin United (a) L 3 4 (Adams 14’, 90+2’, Coggan 43’)

R1: West Canberra Wanderers (a) W 3 1 (Manda 46’, 66’, O’Rourke 51’)

R13: Canberra Croatia (h) L 0 4

R14: Belconnen United (h) W 1 0 (G. Ayuel 81’)

R15: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 0 1

R16: Canberra Olympic (h) Postponed

R17: Tigers FC (a) D 2 2 (Manda 90+2’, Adams 90+9’)

R16: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0 1

R18: Monaro Panthers (a) L 0 2

R19: Gungahlin United (h) L 1 4 (Angelosante 68’)

R20: Canberra Croatia (h) W 1 0 (Adams 72’)

R21: Belconnen United (h) W 3 1 (Adams 19’, 84’, Manda 41’)

EF: Monaro Panthers (n) L 0 2

TIGERS FC

Head Coach: Ryan GROGAN

Position: 6th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

The 2022 National Premier League season will not be one that the Tigers will look back on with any real fondness. Having won the League title in the shortened 2021 campaign, the Tigers defence of that crown was meek to say the least. Gone was the fluent, ultra attacking edge that swept aside all comers in the second COVID impacted year replaced by a more pragmatic approach that, whilst stemming the goals that were conceded, had a negative effect at the other end, proving that finding that balancing act can be an elusive search.

It definitely wasn’t all doom and gloom and, given a modicum of more luck, the Tigers might have made the top four and, given the individual ability they have within their ranks, few would have bet against them making a significant challenge for post season honours. And yet, a new league record of a ten draws, tells its own story. Even turning half of those into victories would have given them a ticket to the finals.

The lack of goals was a concern, not helped by the loss of Josh Gulevski to injury after a lightning fast start to the season, six goals in the opening six games including scoring in four games in a row, only halted due to an ailment. The same can be added to star man Roko Strika, a bizarre injury sustained in mid season, ending his campaign early and denying the Tigers his leadership skills and ability to spray passes around the park.

Mid season saw the departures of Nik Popovich and Nathen Megic to Canberra Olympic, leaving Ryan Grogan’s squad appearing a little thin in key areas and this, as much as anything, perhaps explains the inconsistency and the inability to turn those stalemates into precious victories. On the positive side, the Tigers were obviously very hard to beat and enjoyed some decent performances.

Player wise the introduction of young centre back Alex Wilson was a plus, and maybe it was something of a surprise that he didn’t see more game time. Tom Krklec showed glimpses of his skill set and Jakob Cole was a reliable presence in between the posts. Will there be a sea change in terms of playing personnel in 2023? There’s no secret that the Tigers will need to increase their squad numbers and add fresh talent to boost their stocks. They’ve bene in similar situations before and tended to come out all guns blazing with some statement signings and a fierce attitude. The off season will be an interesting time at Nijong Oval.

GOALS (NPL)

7 Josh GULEVSKI, 5 Nik POPOVICH, Antoni TIMOTHEOU, 3 Kofi DANNING, Sam WHITHEAR, 2 Julian BORGNA, Alex WILSON, 1 Tom KRKLEC, Jared TONINI, Own GOALS

GOALS (CUP/SHIELD)

1 Josh GULEVSKI

APPEARANCES (NPL1 ONLY)

21 Sam WHITHEAR, 20 Jakob COLE, 18 Lasse OLRIK, 17(1) Daniel SPARROW, 17 Josh GULEVSKI, 15(2) Luke DARK, Antoni TIMOTHEOU, 15(1) Julian BORGNA, 13(4) Tom KRKLEC, 10 Kofi DANNING*, Roko STRIKA, 9(6) Tony MADAFFARI, 9 Nathen MEGIC, Nik POPOVICH, 8(9) Jared TONINI, 6(2) Alex WILSON, 5(2) Ross COSTANZO, 5 Christian JUNNA, 3(6) Tim NGUYEN, 2(7) Jake BISHOP, 2(4) Facundo MAZZARESI, 1(5) Jono LEAYR, 1 Deakin JEWELL (1) Ewan GOODCHILD, Marcus GRZIC, Kobi YARIYARI

*Danning also played 5(5) for Monaro Panthers

DISCIPLINE (NPL1 ONLY)

Red Cards: 1 (Popovich)

Yellow Cards: 36 (Olrik (8), Sparrow (7), Timotheou (7), Whithear (3), Borgna (2), Costanzo (2), Megic (2), Cole, Gulevski, Junna, Mazzaresi, Strika)

Temporary Dismissals: 3 (Gulevski, Olrik, Sparrow)

RESULTS

CS: Monaro Panthers (n) L 1 7 (Gulevski 64’)

AC4: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0 4

R1: Gungahlin United (h) D 2 2 (Popovich 52’, Gulevski 81’)

R2: Canberra Croatia (a) D 1 1 (Gulevski 71’ (p))

R3: O’Connor Knights (h) W 3 1 (Timotheou 8’, Gulevski 55’, Popovich 90+5’)

R4: West Canberra Wanderers (a) D 1 1 (Gulevski 16’)

R5: Canberra Olympic (a) L 2 4 (Timotheou 15’, Popovich 40’)

R6: Belconnen United (h) W 3 1 (Gulevski 30’, 68’ (p), Timotheou 41’)

R7: Monaro Panthers (h) L 0 1

R8: Gungahlin United (a) L 1 5 (Timotheou 90’)

R9: Canberra Croatia (h) D 1 1 (Popovich 61’)

R10: O’Connor Knights (a) L 2 3 (O’Rourke 89’ (og), Popovich 90+1’ (p))

R11: West Canberra Wanderers (h) L 1 3 (Wilson 17’)

R12: Canberra Olympic (a) D 0 0

R13: Belconnen United (a) D 2 2 (Borgna 59’, Wilson 90+3’)

R14: Monaro Panthers (h) D 1 1 (Krklec 27’)

R15: Gungahlin United (h) W 2 1 (Borgna 12’, Tonini 74’)

R16: Canberra Croatia (a) L 0 7

R17: O’Connor Knights (h) D 2 2 (Whithear 16’, 56’)

R18: West Canberra Wanderers (a) D 1 1 (Whithear 45+2’)

R19: Canberra Olympic (h) D 2 2 (Gulevski 3’, Danning 41’)

R20: Belconnen United (a) W 2 0 (Timotheou 18’, Danning 58’)

R21: Monaro Panthers (a) L 1 2 (Danning 54’)

WEST CANBERRA WANDERERS

Head Coach: George ECONOMOPOULOS & Dom ENGLISH

Position: 7th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

The great escape theme tune might well have been the anthem of choice for the West Canberra Wanderers, a team that somehow dragged themselves from the abyss at the bottom of the National Premier League to rescue themselves and earn another season in the top division consigning Belconnen United to the drop. Two points from the opening twenty seven on offer meant that the Wanderers look destined for the drop and yet they summoned unforeseen reserves to claw back into contention and stay up.

Hugely competitive in nearly every match, and perversely enjoying an epic Australia Cup Qualifying run that took them to within one kick of a place on the national stage in the Round of 32 whilst also struggling in the bread and butter of the league, Wanderers season was arguably kick started by that narrow Final defeat. They did lose the next league match, a potentially pivotal defeat to Belconnen United, but the belief never wavered at Melrose Synthetic, not for one moment.

A crucial Round 16 revenge win over Belconnen United, sealed with a n ice cool 92nd minute penalty from the outstanding Angus Bailey, saw the Wanderers go above Belconnen but they let that advantage slip and heading into the final three matches against the top three in the league, they needed a miracle. They got it at the Riverside. Riding waves of Panthers attacks, the Wanderers nicked it with a winner from Jenno Ceruti two minutes from time. It was to prove to be vital.

The loss of the influential Ben Obst early in the season appeared to be pivotal, but the Wanderers are a clos knit bunch and bonded into an effective unit who were hard to beat and increasingly difficult to play against on their artificial surface. The Panthers and Gungahlin United were held to draws there, whilst there was an epic Australia Cup win over Canberra Croatia to celebrate.

Jakeb Wiseman, the athletic custodian, was unbelievable in goal and saved his team in multiple occasions with a series of gravity defying stops, helped by some top games from his defenders Lachlan Fields, Connor Bill, and a superb season from full back James Driscoll. Up Front Ceruti scored half a dozen crucial goals whilst the mid season recruitment of Bailey was important. Doing it all again in 2023 might be difficult. As the season drew to a close news emerged of at least seven, it not more, of the regular starting team moving on. It’s a shame, but the nature of the game these days and the Wanderers ability to respond to this setback will set the tone for their future.

GOALS (NPL)

6 Jenno CERUTI, 4 Angus BAILEY, 3 Blaise VLAZLOVSKI, 2 Beau HARVEY, Lachlan FIELDS, Jackson PAESLER, Babin PAUDYAL, 1 Thomas BARBATANO, James DRISCOLL, Harrison PALIC, George PAVESE

GOALS (CUP)

4 Beau HARVEY, 2 Ben OBST, 1 Rhys ANDERSON, Thomas BARBATANO, Jenno CERUTI, Harrison PALIC, Blaise VLAZLOVSKI

APPEARANCES (NPL1 ONLY)

21 James DRISCOLL, Jakeb WISEMAN, 20(1) Harrison PALIC, Shae THORNTON 18 Jackson PAESLER, 17(2) Jenno CERUTI, Daniel GROVE, 17(1) Lachlan FIELDS, 14 Blaise VLAZLOVSKI, 12 Angus BAILEY, 9 Beau HARVEY, 8(8) Rhys ANDERSON, 8(5) Connor BILL, 6(5) Thomas BARBATANO, 5(3) Ryan ZANATTA*, 5(2) Babin PAUDYAL, 3(5) George PAVESE, 3(3) Nathan TWOMEY, 3(1) Ben OBST, 2(5) Angus PITKIN, 1(4) Brandon TALIANO, 1(1) Roy ROMEO, 1 Panos MORIGIANNIS, (6) Ibrahim OBEID, (2) Kristian NEL, (1) Nick GRANDY, Anton HOSHOVSKY, Ethan STAMATIS

*Zanatta also played 1(1) for O’Connor Knights

DISCIPLINE (NPL1 ONLY)

Red Cards: 0 (Thornton was sent off v Belconnen (home) but it was later rescinded)

Yellow Cards: 21 (Fields (4), Vlazlovski (4), Grove (3), Thornton (2), Anderson, Bill, Ceruti, Harvey, Paesler, Palic, Stamatis, Wiseman)

Temporary Dismissals: 3 (Fields, Paesler, Wiseman)

RESULTS

AC4: Canberra Croatia (h) W 3 2 (Harvey 23’, Vlazlovski 68’, Obst 89’)

R1: O’Connor Knights (h) Postponed

R2: Belconnen United (h) L 1 2 (Ceruti 90’)

R3: Canberra Olympic (a) L 1 3 (Harvey 87’)

ACQF: Tuggeranong United (a) W 4 1 (Palic 90+2’, Obst 95’, Barbatano 108’, Anderson 120’) after extra time

R4: Tigers FC (h) D 1 1 (Ceruti 68’)

R5: Monaro Panthers (a) L 0 1

R6: Gungahlin United (a) L 1 3 (Palic 50’)

ACSF: O’Connor Knights (h) D 3 3 (Harvey 5’, 14’ (p), Ceruti 69’) won 4 2 on penalties

R7: Canberra Croatia (h) L 1 2 (Ceruti 62’)

R8: O’Connor Knights (a) L 3 4 (Vlazlovski 45+3’, Harvey 61’, Fields 75’)

ACF: Monaro Panthers (n) L 1 3 (Harvey 38’)

R9: Belconnen United (a) L 1 2 (Ceruti 7’)

R10: Canberra Olympic (h) D 2 2 (Ceruti 7’, Barbatano 39’)

R11: Tigers FC (a) W 3 1 (Pavese 29’, Driscoll 39’, Vlazlovski 55’)

R12: Monaro Panthers (h) D 0 0

R1: O’Connor Knights (h) L 1 3 (Paudyal 65’)

R13: Gungahlin United (h) D 2 2 (Bailey 20’ (p), Paesler 35’)

R14: Canberra Croatia (a) L 2 4 (Bailey 77’, 81’)

R15: O’Connor Knights (h) W 1 0 (Fields 82’)

R16: Belconnen United (h) W 3 2 (Paudyal 6’, Vlazlovski 80’, Bailey 90+2’ (p))

R17: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0 2

R18: Tigers FC (h) D 1 1 (Paesler 23’)

R19: Monaro Panthers (a) W 1 0 (Ceruti 88’)

R20: Gungahlin United (h) L 0 4

R21: Canberra Croatia (a) L 0 5

WNPL: CLUB-BY-CLUB SEASON REVIEW

Snapshot, results, appearances, goals, and discipline for each National Premier League Club in Capital Football for the 2022 season. Jeremy Magan reports with statistics from Russ Gibbs.

BELCONNEN

CANBERRA

BELCONNEN UNITED

Head Coach: Scott CONLON

Position: 3rd

Finals Series: Grand Final

Scott Conlon’s first season as Belconnen United’s head coach is undoubtedly a success despite the absence of silverware. After a timid start, the Blue Devils improved week after week, reaching both the Federation Cup and Grand Finals.

After seeing club legends Michaela Thornton and Nicole Jalocha leaving the club, the Blue Devils had to rebuild and reinvent themselves to find success. The results early in the season illustrated the transition well: four wins and 3 losses in seven games, Belconnen seemed destined to a battle for the third place, away from the top two teams in the competition. Talia Backhouse’s teammates would then only know defeat twice in the following 14 games. Success in Federation Cup semi final, and an extra time last second win in the unforgettable preliminary final allowed them to bring two silver medals back to McKellar.

The team lined up by Conlon week in week out showcased the wealth of young talent coming out of one of the most successful program in the Capital. Surrounding the more experienced Leah Carnegie, Olivia Bomford, Keira Bobbin or Karen Clarke, an army of talented young Blue Devils burst out on the WNPL scene, challenging the best players in the competition. Shot stopper Jayla Murphy, centre back Sophia Doumos or Sofia Palywoda to name just them, went on to shine every weekend, showing maturity and ability beyond their years.

This young team needed a leader, and in Talia Backhouse, they found a fierce leader with a never give up mindset that transpired and inspired. Before the competition kicked off, Conlon had said the departure of key elements in the off season would allow for other players to grow as leaders, and Backhouse did just that.

Belconnen leading goal scorer, she was found everywhere on the pitch, chasing striker to stop counterattack, and heading corner kicks in the back of the net. She was present when it mattered most, pulling her team from 3 4 to 5 4 in extra time at Riverside to send the Blue Devils in the Grand Final. No team trophy but a much deserved individual reward crowned her stellar season: Backhouse was voted best NPL Women’s player of the year.

Despite two defeat to Canberra Olympic in their two finals, Belconnen United proved they were still a force to reckon with in the Capital. WNPL coach of the year Scott Conlon has some exceptional talent in his squad, with the likes of Pearl Tein even discovering international football in the off season. The upcoming season already looks exciting for the Blue Devils.

GOALS (NPL)

20 Talia BACKHOUSE, 16 Keira BOBBIN, 11 Olivia BOMFORD, 8 Tatum MAZIS, 5 Tia BURRIDGE, Reilly YUEN, 4 Leah CARNEGIE, Karen CLARKE, 3 Sofia PALYWODA 1 Bianca KIMPTON

GOALS (CUP)

3 Keira BOBBIN, 2 Olivia BOMFORD, Tatum MAZIS, 1 Talia BACKHOUSE, Leah CARNEGIE, Bianca KIMPTON, Ella PALFRAMAN, Pearl TEIN, Reilly YUEN

APPEARANCES (WNPL ONLY)

24 Sophia DOUMOS, 23 Talia BACKHOUSE, Stefi LEJINS, Jayla MURPHY, 22(1) Lauren PRESTON, 20(2) Kiera BOBBIN, 19(1) Olivia BOMFORD, Leah CARNEGIE, 17 Sofia PALYWODA, 12(3) Reilly YUEN, 11(1) Karen CLARKE, 9(9) Tatum MAZIS, 8(6) Marija RATHOUSKI, 7(7) Tia BURRIDGE, 6(8) Katie WOODMAN, 5 Amy SPENCE, 4(8) Peral TEIN, 4(2) Ella PALFRAMAN, 3(4) Nina ZAREVAC, 2(5) Bianca KIMPTON, Samantha PRICE, 1(1) Emily DANIEL, (3) Madeline STEINACKER, (2) Alys HOLDOM, (1) Amy BONGIORNO, Rhiannon DAVIS

DISCIPLINE (WNPL ONLY)

Red Cards: 2 (Lejins, Yuen)

Yellow Cards: 5 (Backhouse, Preston, Rathouski, Woodman, Yuen)

Temporary Dismissals: 0

RESULTS

R1: Tuggeranong United (a) W 5 1 (Bobbin 13’, 23’, 46’, Backhouse 29’, Carnegie 67’)

R2: Gungahlin United (h) W 5 1 (Bomford 51’, 69’, Bobbin 61’, 84’, Mazis 90+2’)

R3: Canberra Olympic (a) L 2 3 (Backhouse 40’ (p), Carnegie 76’)

FCQF: ANU FC (h) W 6 0 (Bobbin 5’, 17’, Bomford 8’, Kimpton 37’, Backhouse 50’, Palframan 80’)

R4: Canberra United Academy (a) W 2 1 (Backhouse 42’, 47’)

R5: Canberra Croatia (a) L 1 3 (Backhouse 72’)

FCSF: Canberra United Academy (h) W 6 2 (Carnegie 2’, Bobbin 13’, Bomford 28’, 63’, Mazis 55’, Yuen 84’)

R6: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 9 0 (Bomford 16’, 57’, Mazis 18’, 83’, Bobbin 31’, 44’, 55’, 79’, 82’)

R7: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 1 2 (Carnegie 24’)

R8: Tuggeranong United (h) W 6 1 (Mazis 4’, 15’, Bomford 11’, 27’, Backhouse 23’, Bobbin 25’)

FCF: Canberra Olympic (n) L 1 2 (Tein 71’)

R9: Gungahlin United (a) W 1 0 (Backhouse 33’)

R10: Canberra Olympic (h) D 1 1 (Clarke 85’)

R11: Canberra United Academy (a) W 2 0 (Backhouse 58’, 61’)

R12: Canberra Croatia (h) L 1 2 (Clarke 69’)

R13: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 7 0 (Bobbin 7’, 54’, Backhouse 26’, 57’, Burridge 59’, 70’, Clarke 90’)

R14: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 3 0 (Yuen 13’, 27’, Burridge 39’)

R15: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3 0 (Burridge 1’, Mazis 59’, Backhouse 64’)

R16: Gungahlin United (h) Postponed

R17: Canberra Olympic (a) L 1 2 (Bobbin 14’)

R18: Canberra United Academy (h) W 3 0 (Palywoda 10’, Yuen 55’, Bobbin 62’ (p))

R16: Gungahlin United (h) W 6 2 (Backhouse 10’, 54’, Burridge 44’, Mazis 51’, Bomford 57’, Kimpton 90+1’)

R19: Canberra Croatia (a) W 2 1 (Backhouse 5’, Palywoda 80’)

R20: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 2 1 (Mazis 5’, Backhouse 73’)

R21: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 6 0 (Backhouse 6’, 11’, Bomford 14’, 59’, Yuen 54’, 60’)

EF: West Canberra Wanderers (n) W 3 1 (Clarke 39’, Carnegie 51’, Bomford 70’)

PF: Canberra Croatia (n) W 5 4 (Bobbin 13’, Palywoda 16’, Bomford 18’, Backhouse 119’, 120’) after extra time

GF: Canberra Olympic (n) L 1 4 (Mazis 81’)

CANBERRA CROATIA

Head Coach: Zoran GLAVINIC

Position: 1st

Finals Series: Preliminary Final

A premiership and two heartbreaks, sums up well the season at Deakin. Undefeated for most of the year, the team coached by Zoran Glavinic found themselves on the wrong side of two of the most dramatic games in WNPL history. Missing out on the Final for the first time in 5 years, Canberra Croatia still had a pretty special 2022.

New season, new coach. Just like Belconnen, Gungahlin and the Academy, Croatia farewelled their former manager to welcome (back) Zoran Glavinic on the bench. The addition of experienced players in the off season (Bec Kitting, Diane Wilson, Nat Vasta) and the coming of age of talented youngsters (Sienna Birnie, Maddie Sawkins) seemed to have strengthened an already scary squad. The recipe proved successful. The Deakin side sat at the top of the table on round 2, left their seat to West Canberra for a week, and took it back, leading until the end of the season to win a third straight Premiership trophy.

The difference with the two previous successful campaigns was undeniably the injuries sustained in the team. Canberra Croatia was almost immune to players unavailable since the beginning of 2020, yet in 2022, they lost Nat Vasta and Alice Churchill on long injuries, and the likes Krista Hagen, Jenny Bisset, Bella Barac, Brittany Palombi, and more for shorter periods of time. If the balance of the squad did not seem to be affected by players missing most weeks, it was obvious than in crucial games, not having a full squad impacted the team.

Until the off season, things stayed on course. Only one defeat, in round 19, over 100 goals scored in all competitions (four players scoring over 10 goals!), a solid defence, a midfield at times better than it had ever been, Canberra Croatia wanted a third consecutive Championship, and worked hard to be in the best position to get it. Brittany Palombi started late but scored 20 goals, Rhiannon Fensom was her usual dominant presence in defence, and Bella Barac, back in full form, treated us to some magical moments only her unmatched technique can create.

Jenny Bisset confirmed a solid first season back in the Capital with a complete second campaign. Real metronome in the middle of the park, she was as crucial in the build up play, as she was at the end product, ending the regular season with 15 goals. Off the ball, her sense of anticipation and “grinta” were a nightmare for her opponents.

The two heartbreaking post season games Canberra Croatia lost in extra time should not tarnish a regular season the players donning the red and white chequered jersey dominated. The competition did toughen up, and the Deakin side has their work cut out for them to climb back to the top in 2023, potentially without some of their best players this last two seasons. It won’t be the first time Croatia faces a tough challenge. Watch out for their response next season.

GOALS (WNPL ONLY)

21 Brittany PALOMBI, 17 Jennifer BISSET, 13 Isabella BARAC, 12 Sienna BIRNIE, 9 Grace GILL, 8 Krista HAGEN, 6 Jamie BERKELEY, 4 Rhiannon FENSOM, Shania SETTIN, Dianne WILSON, 3 Mia GIORGI, 2 Own GOALS, 1 Rebecca KITING, Anna ROSS, Maddison SAWKINS

GOALS (CUP/OTHER)

4 Sienna BIRNIE, 2 Dianne WILSON, 1 Isabella BARAC, Mia GIORGI, Rebecca KITING, Brittany PALOMBI, Shania SETTIN, Own GOALS

APPEARANCES (WNPL ONLY)

22 Rhiannon FENSOM, Dianne WILSON, 21 Rebecca KITING, 20(3) Sienna BIRNIE, 18(1) Isabella BARAC, Jamie BERKELEY, Brittany PALOMBI, 17(2) Jennifer BISSET, Amy MCLACHLAN, 17(1) Krista HAGEN, 16(1) Grace GILL, 10(1) Angelica PAHINA, Natasja VASTA, 5 Isabella TAMMARO, 4(3) Scarlett SPONG, 4(1) Alice CHURCHILL, 3(12) Shania SETTIN, 3(3) Anna ROSS, 2(9) Maddison SAWKINS, 2(1) Zoe BARLING, Mia GIORGI, 1(1) Bonny MCKEAN, (3) Bianca DI IULIO, Kassandra GUGLIELMIN, (1) Ava JADRIC, Elise SIMPSON

DISCIPLINE (WNPL ONLY)

Red Cards: 0

Yellow Cards: 5 (Birnie (2), Bisset, McLachlan, Sawkins)

Temporary Dismissals: 1 (Bisset)

RESULTS

CS: West Canberra Wanderers (n) W 6 0 (Birnie 2’, Barac 10’, Wilson 49’, Settin 88’, Palombi 89’, Giorgi 90+1’)

R1: Canberra United Academy (h) W 8 1 (Palombi 7’, 78’, Norris 12’ (og), Barac 21’, Wilson 32’, Birnie 46’, Bisset 55’, Fensom 83’)

R2: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 16 0 (Giorgi 2’, 47’, 77’ (p), Bisset 20’ (p), 28’, 53’, Birnie 31’, Hagen 38’, 39’, 68’, 79’, 81’, Barac 41’, 57’, 60’, Berkeley 54’)

FCQF: West Canberra Wanderers (a) W 5 0 (Kiting 12’, Birnie 14’, 75’, Wilson 89’, Colwill 90+2’ (og))

R3: Tuggeranong United (a) W 5 0 (Barac 5’, 90+2’, Birnie 49’, 62’, 76’)

R4: Canberra Olympic (h) D 1 1 (Bisset 90+1’ (p))

R5: Belconnen United (h) W 3 1 (Bisset 13’, Settin 27’, Wilson 39’)

FCSF: Canberra Olympic (a) L 1 3 (Birnie 72’)

R6: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 6 1 (Palombi 27’ (p), 43’ (p), 79’, 90+2’, Gill 46’, Birnie 55’)

R7: Gungahlin United (a) W 2 1 (Bisset 5’, 21’)

R8: Canberra United Academy (a) W 7 2 (Berkeley 10’, Bisset 14’, 23’, 36’, Gill 28’, Birnie 58’, Wilson 80’)

R9: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 6 1 (Palombi 30’, 80’, Berkeley 49’, 57’, 78’, Birnie 76’)

R10: Tuggeranong United (h) W 8 0 (Hagen 11’, Palombi 27’, 30’, 73’, Bisset 34’, 86’, Gill 53’ (p), Barac 85’)

R11: Canberra Olympic (a) D 1 1 (Barac 21’)

R12: Belconnen United (a) W 2 1 (Kiting 14’, Ross 38’)

R13: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 6 1 (Barac 27’, 66’, Palombi 38’, 61’, Birnie 71’, 84’)

R14: Gungahlin United (h) W 6 0 (Barac 2’, Palombi 36’, Bisset 45’, Gill 62’, Fensom 69’, Settin 90’)

R15: Canberra United Academy (a) W 2 1 (Palombi 1’, 59’ (p))

R16: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 5 0 (Palombi 41’, 42’, 68’, 69’, Gill 90’)

R17: Tuggeranong United (a) Postponed

R18: Canberra Olympic (h) W 2 1 (Wilson 66’, Sawkins 90+5’)

R17: Tuggeranong United (a) D 1 1 (Hagen 34’)

R19: Belconnen United (h) L 1 2 (Hagen 62’)

R20: West Canberra Wanderers (a) W 6 0 (Bisset 7’, Cannon 12’ (og), Fensom 32’, Barac 44’, Gill 67’, 88’)

R21: Gungahlin United (a) W 5 1 (Berkeley 22’, Barac 39’, Fensom 55’, Birnie 60’, Settin 67’)

QF: Canberra Olympic (n) L 3 5 (Gill 35’, 83’, Bisset 82’) after extra time

PF: Belconnen United (n) L 4 5 (Palombi 28’ (p), Birnie 51’, Settin 79’, Bisset 98’) after extra time

CANBERRA OLYMPIC

Head Coach: Nicole BEGG

Position: 2nd

Finals Series: Grand Final Winners

The tone of the season was given during pre season, when a heap of signings, each more talented than the previous one, were announced: Canberra Olympic had ambitions, and set to dominate the competition. 10 months and 2 trophies later, Nicole Begg and her team can proudly say they even exceeded expectations.

Janet King, Vanessa Ryan, Renee Junna, Sarah Johnston, Olivia Fogarty, Nicole Jalocha, Elke Aitolu, Meg Roden, Michaela Thornton… the list keeps going. Following an A++ transfer window, Canberra Olympic was entering the competition with lofty expectations. Were they to end Canberra Croatia’s domination? Undefeated in the first 17 rounds, Victoria Jamieson’s teammates lived up to their hype. Solid defensively, lethal upfront, able to score from set piece, counterattack or built up phases, Olympic were toe to toe with Canberra Croatia, until they conceded their first defeat of 2022 against the reigning champions in the 18th game of the season.

They would beat the Deakin twice, when it matters most: a rainy Federation Cup semi final at Hawker (3 1), and a thrilling Qualifying final on their turf (5 3 after ET). Twice, they faced Belconnen United in finals, and twice they ended up lifting the trophy, keeping good on their promises to challenge the hierarchy in the capital. Best defence in the league, they could also count on a broad range of offensive threats

Nicole Begg probably did not have to do much to convince her twin sister to jump in for another season and help her win her first trophies on the bench, but the impact of Ashleigh Sykes on this team cannot be understated. Leader on and off the ball, not only was she the usual threat her pace and sense of goal guarantees, she also was the first one to put pressure on defences and prevent them from building up play. Her three goals in the final two games of the season help offer her club a trophy that had lived between Deakin and McKellar for almost a decade.

The Canberra Olympic coach often said that having one whole united group rather than a starting 11, a bench and a reserve squad was the recipe to Olympic success. She was proven right when two players off that bench, Brittany Fiorese and Anna Vandenbroucke scored the extra time goals in the qualifying final. She was also proven right in her experiment, one especially proving crucial: Elke Aitolu as a centre back. The former Gunners’ forward or offensive midfielder knew finding her spot in a packed, talented Olympic offence would not be easy.

Two trophies out of three is as good as it gets for Canberra Olympic. Nicole Begg became the first coach to offer them main prize, a just reward after a fantastic season. If winning requires a lot of talent, staying on top is always a whole different story. Canberra Olympic will be the team to beat in 2023, a new status the O’Connor residents can be proud of.

GOALS (WNPL ONLY)

15 Ashleigh SYKES, 13 Michaela THORNTON, 9 Meg RODEN, 8 Tianah MIRO, 7 Olivia GURNEY, 6 Olivia FOGARTY, 5 Nicole JALOCHA, Vanessa RYAN, Own GOALS, 4 3 Ali COOK, Sarah JOHNSTON, Anna VANDENBROUCKE, 2 Elke AITOLU, Brittany FIORESE, 1 Emma CROKER, Jasmine ZABEL

GOALS (CUP)

2 Michaela THORNTON, 1 Elke AITOLU, Ali COOK, Nicole JALOCHA, Tianah MIRO, Vanessa RYAN, Own GOALS

APPEARANCES (WNPL ONLY)

21(2) Victoria JAMIESON, 21(1) Janet KING, 21 Alexandra COOK, Nicole JALOCHA, Sarah JOHNSTON, 19(2), Meg RODEN, 18(3) Vanessa RYAN, 18(2) Elke AITOLU, 16(2) Michaela THORNTON, 15 Tianah MIRO, 14(3) Ashleigh SYKES, 11(3) Renee JUNNA, 10(3) Jazmine ZABEL, 7(8) Olivia FOGARTY, 6(10) Olivia GURNEY, 4 Sandra HILL, 3(12) Katrina PERIC, 2(5) Anna VANDENBROUCKE, 2(1) Ellie SUMMERS, 1(12) Arusha CHEW, 1(1) Jane VANZINO, (11) Brittany FIORESE, (8) Isabella WALLACE, (5) Emma CROKER, (1) Sienna FARRAR, Ella HEMMINGS, Gabby JORDAN, DISCIPLINE (WNPL ONLY)

Red Cards: 0

Yellow Cards: 7 (Johnston (2), Thornton (2), Jalocha, Jamieson, Junna)

Temporary Dismissals: 0

RESULTS

R1: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 13 0 (Roden 2’, 24’, 53’, Miro 12’, 17’, Thornton 19’, 36’, Jalocha 45’, Fogarty 54’, 82’, Gurney 61’, 81’, Cook 63’ (p))

FCQ: Gungahlin United (h) W 3 0 (Aitolu 22’, Cook 52’ (p), Thornton 75’)

R2: Tuggeranong United (h) W 6 0 (Vandenbroucke 20’, 68’, Thornton 37’, Jalocha 50’, Mustaine 51’ (og), Sykes 57’)

R3: Belconnen United (h) W 3 2 (Sykes 32’, 33’, Cook 88’ (p))

R4: Canberra Croatia (a) D 1 1 (Cook 50’ (p))

R5: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 5 0 (Roden 17’, 35’, Thornton 33’, 61’, Miro 34’)

FCSF: Canberra Croatia (h) W 3 1 (Thornton 40’, Jalocha 45’, Tammaro 67’ (og))

R6: Gungahlin United (h) D 2 2 (Thornton 30’, Johnston 90’)

R7: Canberra United Academy (a) W 3 0 (Ryan 8’, 51’, Norris 48’ (og))

R8: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 7 1 (Thornton 5’, 28’, 44’, Miro 22’, Roden 30’, 48’, Fiorese 83’)

FCF: Belconnen United (n) W 2 1 (Miro 2’, Ryan 45’)

R9: Tuggeranong United (a) W 6 0 (Miro 22’, 52’, 60’, Thornton 36’, Gurney 45’, McAvoy 58’ (og))

R10: Belconnen United (a) D 1 1 (Fogarty 78’)

R11: Canberra Croatia (h) D 1 1 (Ryan 33’)

R12: West Canberra Wanderers (a) W 3 0 (Jalocha 16’, Roden 18’, Sykes 49’)

R13: Gungahlin United (a) W 4 1 (Perceval 12’ (og), Fogarty 21’, Sykes 22’, 32’)

R14: Canberra United Academy (h) W 5 1 (Jalocha 2’, Ryan 43’, Sykes 51’ (p), 54’, 65’)

R15: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 4 0 (Miro 15’, Jalocha 20’, Aitolu 87’ (p), Johnston 89’)

R16: Tuggeranong United (h) Postponed

R17: Belconnen United (h) W 2 1 (Sykes 66’, Thornton 76’)

R18: Canberra Croatia (a) L 1 2 (Aitolu 44’)

R19: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 2 0 (Sykes 49’, 80’)

R16: Tuggeranong United (h) W 5 0 (Zabel 9’, Johnston 62’, Roden 69’, Croker 76’, Gurney 87’)

R20: Gungahlin United (a) L 1 2 (Thornton 13’)

R21: Canberra United Academy (h) W 3 0 (Fogarty 18’, 30’, Gurney 25’)

QF: Canberra Croatia (n) W 5 3 (Gurney 24’, Sykes 53’ (p), Ryan 80’, Fiorese 106’, Vandenbroucke 119’) after extra time

GF: Belconnen United (n) W 4 1 (Backhouse 20’ (og), Sykes 22’, 80’, Gurney 47’)

CANBERRA UNITED ACADEMY

Head Coach: Sarah WEST Position: 6th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

In a season impacted by key players moving on, injuries and their captain twice away on international duty, the Academy squad would feel not much went its way in 2022.

After a promising start of the season with three successes in the first eight games, a run that included two narrow losses to Belconnen United and West Canberra Wanderers, Canberra United’s form dipped. They would win only twice until the end of the season, against the two teams below them on the table.

Sarah West had to be creative to put a full team and bench on week in week out, whether it was because of injuries, or goalkeeper and captain Chloe Lincoln playing with the junior Matildas.

The result was the blooming of raw prospects, either new to WNPL 1st grade, or new to their position, like winger turned full back turned centre back Nadia Zakman, one of the stalwarts of the Academy in 2022. Famously wearing the number 10 in defence, Zakman’s determination, intensity and physicality surprised more than one forward this season.

The Academy were arguably the strongest in the middle of the park in 2022, with the explosion on the centre stage of talented duo Jaya Bowman and Isabelle Hindmarsh. Both above average technically, not afraid to defend hard and chase back, and credited with some of the best goals of the season, the youngsters amazed with their composure, their quality of passing and ability to facilitate the build up for Canberra United.

Despite ending fourth defence and fifth attack of the league, the Academy placed sixth only, likely paying their inexperience in 2022. The team coached by Sarah West was in rebuild mode, which allowed for talent to come through.

Newly appointed first grade coach for 2023, Matty Moore will undoubtedly reap the fruit of West’s hard work. The Academy is a development program after all, and on that front, they can be proud despite the difficult year.

GOALS (WNPL ONLY)

5 Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON, 4 Jaya BOWMAN, Isabella HINDMARSH, Charli GREGSON, Bessie RIETHMULLER,

2 Alissa BARBOUR, Alyssa DI CAMPLI, Tayla HAMPSON, Own GOALS, 1 Luella COLEMAN, Riley MCQUEENIE

GOALS (CUP)

3 Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON, 2 Latisha BABIC, 1 Charli GREGSON, Tayla HAMPSON

APPEARANCES (WNPL ONLY)

21 Tayla HAMPSON, 20(1) Isabella HINDMARSH, 18(1) Latisha BABIC, 17 Maia CAMERON, 16(2) Jaya BOWMAN, Charli GREGSON, 15(1) Luella COLEMAN, 13(4) Alyssa DI CAMPLI, 13 Sofia CHRISTOPHERSON, Nadia ZAKMAN, 11(2) Bessie REITHMULLER, 10 Chloe LINCOLN, 9(9) Riley MCQUEENIE, 9(1) Eliza EVANS, 8 Eliza Jane NORRIS, 7(6) Caitlin KOCH, 3(4) Natalie CHANG, 4(7) Alissa BARBOUR, 3(2) Maya OSMOND, 2 Nikita PERRY, Georgia RITCHIE, 1(1) Ashleigh CARTY, (5) Sienna SCARANO, (2) Angelina BABIC, Tiana BOOTS, Angelina JUKIC, (1) Sally KISS, Emily ROBERTSON, Tilly ROWE

DISCIPLINE (WNPL ONLY)

Red Cards: 0

Yellow Cards: 9 (Bowman (2), Cameron (2), Reithmuller (2), Christopherson, Evans, McQueenie)

Temporary Dismissals: 1 (Christopherson)

RESULTS

R1: Canberra Croatia (a) L 1 8 (Christopherson 53’)

R2: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 0 1

FCQF: Tuggeranong United (h) A 4 3 (Christopherson 19’, Barbour 31’, Babic 40’, 48’) Abandoned 58’ (Lightning)

R3: Gungahlin United (h) W 4 0 (Gregson 13’, Hindmarsh 48’ (p), 64’ (p), Bowman 72’)

FCQF: Tuggeranong United (h) W 5 0 (Gregson 12’, Christopherson 17’, 70’, Babic 61’, Hampson 66’)

R4: Belconnen United (h) L 1 2 (Bowman 56’)

R5: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 5 0 (Christopherson 57’, 69’, Gregson 49’, Barbour 66’, Smith 87’ (og))

FCSF: Belconnen United (a) L 2 6 (Christopherson 74’, Babic 76’)

R6: Tuggeranong United (a) Postponed

R7: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0 3

R8: Canberra Croatia (h) L 2 4 (Bowman 50’, 66’)

R6: Tuggeranong United (a) W 2 0 (Christopherson 39’, Hampson 89’)

R9: West Canberra Wanderers (h) D 1 1 (Hindmarsh 47’)

R10: Gungahlin United (a) D 2 2 (McQueenie 23’, Hampson 63’)

R11: Belconnen United (h) Postponed

R12: Wagga City Wanderers (h) L 1 2 (Riethmuller 54’)

R13: Tuggeranong United (h) Postponed

R14: Canberra Olympic (a) L 1 5 (Riethmuller 28’)

R13: Tuggeranong United (h) W 2 0 (Di Campli 74’, Riethmuller 80’)

R15: Canberra Croatia (h) L 1 2 (Di Campli 86’)

R16: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 3 5 (Hindmarsh 12’, Coleman 45’, Gregson 71’)

R17: Gungahlin United (h) L 1 2 (Tonini 68’ (og))

R18: Belconnen United (a) L 0 3

R19: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 3 1 (Barbour 17’, Christopherson 32’, Riethmuller 75’)

R20: Tuggeranong United (h) D 0 0

R21: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0 3

GUNGAHLIN UNITED

Head Coach: Pat MILLS / Andrew WOODMAN

Position: 5th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

It is a small miracle that the Gunners ended only three points away from the top four, after a terrible start of their campaign. Changes in the coaching staff and the return of injured players allowed them to finish strong, a series they will build on for the upcoming season.

After a steady, well built growth under Diego Iglesias over the years, Gungahlin United was starting 2022 with a similar team but a different coach, Pat Mills. Riddled with injuries and struggling to install their signature smooth passing football, the Gunners were only able to get a single win in their first ten games, costing their head coach his job.

In came former Canberra Olympic coach Andrew Woodman, and five successes in seven games to put them back into a position to hope for a miracle. Despite a marquee win over future champions Canberra Olympic in Round 20, Madeleine Perceval and her teammates were eventually unable to make it to the off season. After six points in the first ten games, the twenty one points earned in the following 11 highlighted the change of dynamic in the team and program and planted promising seeds for the future at Gungahlin United.

On the pitch, the Gunners played the card of experience in 2022. Jade Brown and Elke Aitolu gone, Michelle Heyman seldom available although as lethal as ever the northernmost club saw Sharon Chao and Cassia McGlashan donning the black and white shirt to help upfront. Kailey Tonini, Perceval, Erika Pennyfield and Stella and Nat De Marco were here to keep the core untouched, and the return of Rachael Corbett proved crucial.

In the middle of this WNPL royalty, two youngsters found a way to make a name for themselves: Jada Lamond and Kayla Wright. The former highlighted her pace and gritty mindset on the left side of the defence. The latter, often coming off the bench, allied speed, technique, and precision. She proved a real poison for defences to deal with. Her 88th minute winning goal against Olympic was the perfect way to end a successful breakthrough season.

The Gunners had not finished out of the top four in a while, but the reshuffle provoked by the poor results could well be the start of a great era in the North. A busy off season is undoubtedly on the cards, and Andrew Woodman’s team are likely to improve from this year in 2023.

GOALS (WNPL ONLY)

11 Michelle HEYMAN, 9 Sharon CHAO, 5 Erika PENNYFIELD, 3 Natalie DE MARCO, Cassia MCGLASHAN, 2 Piper LOCKLEY, Madeleine PERCEVAL, Darby WHITELEY, Kayla WRIGHT, 1 Ella BROWN, Rachael CORBETT, Breea WATERS

APPEARANCES (WNPL ONLY)

21 Erika PENNYFIELD, 19 Sharon CHAO, Madeleine PERCEVAL, 17(1) Jada LAMOND, 17 Ayla ROBERTSON, 15(1) Natalie DE MARCO, 15 Kailey TONINI, 14(2) Stella DE MARCO, 14(1) Cassia MCGLASHAN, 12(7) Ella BROWN, 11(9) Piper LOCKLEY HINSCHEN, 11(1) Rachael CORBETT, 8 Michelle HEYMAN, 6 Ruby GAMBALE, 4(8) Kayla WRIGHT, 4(2) Darby WHITELY, 4 Annie GROVE, Gabrielle O’BRIEN, Brigitte SANDER, 3(4) Adele CHOY, 2(2) Anna WILKINSON, 2 Olivia NOLAN, 1(2) Sarah CORBETT, 1(1) Chloe BARKER, 1 Emily DAVIDSON, Arianna RATHOUSKI, (5) Breea WATERS, (3) Kellie BROWN, (1) Esperance ANDERSON, Juliana BUYTEWEG, Sophie GOULDRICK, Grace HANLEY, Lillian MARTONE, Mikayla VAN DEYK

DISCIPLINE (WNPL ONLY)

Red Cards: 0

Yellow Cards: 4 (Chao, Choy, S. De Marco, Lamond)

Temporary Dismissals: 0

RESULTS

R1: West Canberra Wanderers (h) Postponed

FCQ: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0 3

R2: Belconnen United (a) L 1 5 (Pennyfield 44’)

R3: Canberra United Academy (a) L 0 4

R1: West Canberra Wanderers (h) L 0 1

R4: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 5 2 (Pennyfield 5’, 50’, Heyman 10’, Chao 40’, Lockley 45’)

R5: Tuggeranong United (a) D 2 2 (Chao 8’, N. De Marco 13’)

R6: Canberra Olympic (a) D 2 2 (Heyman 23’, 90+2’ (p))

R7: Canberra Croatia (h) L 1 2 (Perceval 68’)

R8: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 1 3 (Chao 27’)

R9: Belconnen United (h) L 0 1

R10: Canberra United Academy (h) D 2 2 (Whiteley 40’, 80’)

R11: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 4 2 (N. De Marco 19’ (p), McGlashan 52’, Chao 55’, 84’)

R12: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3 1 (Pennyfield 13’, Lockley 56’, Brown 90’)

R13: Canberra Olympic (h) L 1 4 (Wright 63’)

R14: Canberra Croatia (a) L 0 6

R15: West Canberra Wanderers (h) W 5 1 (Heyman 19’, 47’, 90+2’, Pennyfield 59’, Chao 65’)

R16: Belconnen United (a) Postponed

R17: Canberra United Academy (a) W 2 1 (R. Corbett 20’, Chao 47’)

R18: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 2 1 (N. De Marco 17’, Chao 54’)

R16: Belconnen United (a) L 2 6 (Heyman 11’, 74’)

R19: Tuggeranong United (a) W 6 1 (Heyman 2’, 30’, 71’, Perceval 15’, McGlashan 26’, Chao 41’)

R20: Canberra Olympic (a) W 2 1 (McGlashan 29’, Wright 88’)

R21: Canberra Croatia (h) L 1 5 (Waters 88’)

TUGGERANONG UNITED

Head Coach: Paulo ROMERO

Position: 7th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

Paulo Romero ended his first full season on the bench at Kambah on a high, drawing against reigning champions Canberra Croatia in Round 17. The rest of the 2022 campaign saw several strong performances, showing the improvements made in the South.

The Tuggies had a positive off season, retaining a group of core players, like Lara Mustaine and Zoe Terry, while adding talents on each line. The arrival of Sam Emms, Maya Binns, and Karen Milewska, amongst others, brought WNPL experience and talent corresponding perfectly to what Romero asked of his team.

The defensive intensity and density we caught glimpses of in 2021 was still there from the get go. Lara Mustaine, paired with Ashley Lea Condon or Zoe Terry in central defence, led her back four with masterly precision, while relying on, in turns, Sarah Daisley, Jacquelyn Freeman or Jade Emms to do the hard work on the midfield.

The real metronome of that midfield, bringing technique, flair and serious offensive threat was Lauren Hall. The number 34 had scored 4 goals by the end of the first round of games. She burst onto the scene with a goal in round one against Belconnen, confirmed with a towering header to seal a draw against Gungahlin four games later and made sure everyone knew her by round seven, when her brace contributed to her team’s largest success of the season, 5 0 in the Riverina.

Hall added a couple more goals throughout the season, while being key to Tuggeranong build up play, and sharing the goals with young talents coming out of south Canberra, be it Ariadne Stergiou, Cara Ceruti or Allison Seeney.

Another satisfaction for Paulo Romero was of course his goalkeeper, Sam Emms. Confirming what we saw with the Wanderers, the young shot stopper added even more highlights to her already busy career reels and developed an interesting sense of anticipation that offered more reassurance to her defence. Her performance against Canberra Croatia was a large part of the historic draw earned in Greenway.

Paulo Romero’s group made obvious progress in 2022, backing themselves to get a couple of marquee results. The stability of the program is key for Tuggeranong to keep evolving positively next season, and edge closer to the top Four.

GOALS (WNPL ONLY)

6 Lauren HALL, 2 Sophie BURNS, Karen MILEWSKA, 1 Cara CERUTI, Paige GREGSON, Alison SEENEY, Ariadne STERGIOU, Zoe TERRY, Samantha WOOD, Own GOALS

APPEARANCES (WNPL ONLY)

21 Samantha EMMS, Lauren HALL, 19(1) Sarah DAISLEY, 17(2) Sophie BURNS, 17 Zoe TERRY, 16(2) Ash Lee CONDON, 16(1) Maya BINNS, 15 Lara MUSTAINE, 14(6) Zoe WILLIAMS, 14(2) Jade EMMS, 14(1) Cara CERUTI, 8(4) Alison SEENEY, 8(3) Karen MILEWSKA, 7(8) Lilly NICHOLLS, 6(2) Samantha WOOD, 6 Jacquelyn FREEMAN, 3(8) Ariadne STERGIOU, 3(4) Olivia HICKS, 2(6) Kenzie OSFIELD, 2(16) Paige GREGSON, 1(12) Brooke JONES, 1(2) Katelyn HEWEN, (3) Charlotte MCAVOY, (2) Mackenzie CROOK, (1) Sarah MATTHEWS, Milla POLLEY

DISCIPLINE (WNPL ONLY)

Red Cards: 0

Yellow Cards: 7 (J. Emms (2), Ceruti, Hall, Mustaine, Osfield, Terry)

Temporary Dismissals: 2 (Daisley)

RESULTS

R1: Belconnen United (h) L 1 5 (Hall 34’)

R2: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0 6

FCQF: Canberra United Academy (a) A 3 4 (Nicholls 5’, Barbour 32’ (og), Freeman 34’) Abandoned 58’ (Lightning)

R3: Canberra Croatia (h) L 0 5

FCQF: Canberra United Academy (a) L 0 5

R4: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 0 3

R5: Gungahlin United (h) D 2 2 (Burns 43’, Hall 70’)

R6: Canberra United Academy (h) Postponed

R7: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 5 0 (Milewska 3’, Hall 40’, 49’, Wood 44’, Jenkins 45’ (og))

R8: Belconnen United (a) L 1 6 (Milewska 57’)

R6: Canberra United Academy (h) L 0 2

R9: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0 6

R10: Canberra Croatia (a) L 0 8

R11: West Canberra Wanderers (h) D 2 2 (Ceruti 46’, Stergiou 59’)

R12: Gungahlin United (a) L 1 3 (Hall 15’)

R13: Canberra United Academy (a) Postponed

R14: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 2 0 (Burns 31’, Terry 73’)

R13: Canberra United Academy (a) L 0 2

R15: Belconnen United (a) L 0 3

R16: Canberra Olympic (a) Postponed

R17: Canberra Croatia (h) Postponed

R18: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 0 2

R17: Canberra Croatia (h) D 1 1 (Gregson 80’)

R19: Gungahlin United (h) L 1 6 (Seeney 65’)

R16: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0 5

R20: Canberra United Academy (a) D 0 0

R21: Wagga City Wanderers (h) D 1 1 (Hall 22’ (p))

WAGGA CITY WANDERERS

Head Coach: Sam GRAY / Rob TUKSAR Position: 8th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

The team from the Riverina deserves credit for lining up a team week in week out in 2022, despite hurdles and challenges aplenty. With results too seldom in their favour, their head coach moving on early in the season and their star keeper gone to Tuggeranong, the Wanderers still showed up every week, improving throughout the year.

The talent in Wagga Wagga and its region is well known, and the WNPL is no stranger to it. From “experienced” players like Megan Castle, to newbies like Ebony Warner and Tamara Cochrane a serial goal scorer in the U 17 competition Robert Tuksar lined up a young squad that often did better than resist against the rest of the competition.

Mainstay Sophie Cary was one of the highlights of the season for the Wanderers. Mostly in central defence, her leadership, ease ball to feet and pass accuracy have been an asset for the team that finished bottom of the table. Regardless of the quality of player she was facing, she was not one to shy away from duels and was a hard player to pass one on one.

Goalkeeper Ebony Warner deserves a mention too. Amongst the 100+ goals conceded, she displayed a well above average knack for reflex saves and a solid ability to challenge forwards in those face to face duels.

The first and only win of the season at Hawker Football Centre against the Canberra United Academy was celebrated to the full by the Wanderers, but short losses to Belconnen, Gungahlin and draws against West Canberra and Tuggeranong are all testament to the progress the team has made in 2022.

GOALS (WNPL ONLY)

5 Megan CASTLE, 3 Tamara COCHRANE, 2 Paula MITCHELL, 1 Emma FINCH, Piper SCOTT, Own GOALS

APPEARANCES (WNPL ONLY)

20 Elvein IBRAHIM, Marwa SULAIMAN, 19 Sophie CARY, Ebony WARNER CHILSTONE, 18(1) Abby NOLAN HODGES, 18 Megan CASTLE, 17 Zoe JENKINS, 13(2) Piper SCOTT, 13 Tamara COCHRANE, 12(5) Daisy TUKSAR,

8 Perri NASH, 7 Kelly BARNES, 6 Ellie FAULDER, Paula MITCHELL, 5 Amanda ARMSTRONG, Emma FINCH, Bree LYONS, 4(7) Casey SMITH, 4(5) Anisa REES, 3 Izabella PALMERO, 3(4) Tootsie LAMB, 2(2) Hannah STEVENS, 2 Kimberley MORGAN, 1 Ella BARRELL, Hollie STATTON, (3) Molly SURIAN, (2) Jenny WOODBURY, (1) Rosie DEIGNAN, Hannah FORWOOD, Ashley GARRATT, Rennae SILLETT

DISCIPLINE (WNPL ONLY)

Red Cards: 0

Yellow Cards: 3 (Nolan Hodges (2), Scott)

Temporary Dismissals: 1 (Warner Chilstone)

RESULTS

R1: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0 13

R2: Canberra Croatia (a) L 0 16

R3: West Canberra Wanderers (a) L 0 2

R4: Gungahlin United (a) L 2 5 (Castle 26’, Finch 65’)

R5: Canberra United Academy (h) L 0 5

R6: Belconnen United (a) L 0 9

R7: Tuggeranong United (h) L 0 5

R8: Canberra Olympic (a) L 1 3 (Castle 86’)

R9: Canberra Croatia (h) L 1 6 (Mitchell 72’)

R10: West Canberra Wanderers (a) D 0 0

R11: Gungahlin United (h) L 2 4 (Castle 26’, Cochrane 88’)

R12: Canberra United Academy (a) W 2 1 (Scott 4’, Castle 48’)

R13: Belconnen United (h) L 0 7

R14: Tuggeranong United (a) L 0 2

R15: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0 4

R16: Canberra Croatia (a) L 0 5

R17: West Canberra Wanderers (h) Postponed

R18: Gungahlin United (a) L 1 2 (Tonini 7’ (og))

R19: Canberra United Academy (h) L 1 3 (Castle 14’)

R17: West Canberra Wanderers (h) L 1 3 (Mitchell 76”

R20: Belconnen United (h) L 1 2 (Cochrane 81’)

R21: Tuggeranong United (a) D 1 1 (Cochrane 90’)

WEST CANBERRA WANDERERS

Head Coach: REY CASTRO

Position: 4th

Finals Series: Elimination Final

A season to remember in Melrose! Rey Castro’s Wanderers started the season all guns blazing and challenged the best teams whenever they met during the season. With a first WNPL 1st grade post season appearance, West Canberra ended the season as the pleasant surprise of 2022.

A spectacular start of the season saw Sarah Whitfield’s teammates clinching a whooping four consecutive wins and clean sheets. Four games later, and another two successes under their belt, West Canberra were comfortably seating third on the table. The impressive series allowed the Wanderers to resist the attempted comeback from the Gunners and the Academy, despite a negative streak of seven games without a win in June and July.

The recipe to the ground breaking season for Rey Castro was the good old mix of experience and youth. Surrounded by Sarah Whitfield, Melinda O’Callaghan and Sam Briggs, the Wanderers’ youth pierced through the spotlight in 2022. 2020 and 21 champion with Canberra Croatia, Ally Hinson joined in the off season and made miracles between the posts. When Hinson missed matches through injury, Briggs showed the extent of her talent in a position we have seen her holding last year at times too.

The offensive armada started in the midfield, with an extraordinarily successful year for Academy alumni Tara Cannon. A Wanderer since June 2021, the number 13 was the real metronome of West Canberra, everywhere on the pitch, always looking for ways to bring the ball forward. She added goalscoring to her extensive list of talent, finishing with the season with nine units. Her strength from long range and her accuracy from set pieces were weapons in the Wanderers’ arsenal they did not hesitate to use and abuse of.

An unknown attacking duo made a long lasting impact on the competition: Ginger Oliver and Hattie Cram. Oliver, her silky technique, deceptive pace, ease to use both feet and trademark corner kicks was a welcome sight. She was complemented by the lightning quick, combative, and talented finisher Hattie Cram. Fighting for every ball from the first to the 90th minute, the pocket forward was a constant threat for every team in the competition.

The semi final loss against runners up Belconnen United should not detract from a scintillating year at Melrose. The West Canberra Wanderers finally showed the rest of the WNPL they were a force to reckon with, and 2023 should see them competing again for a post season spot.

GOALS (WNPL ONLY)

9 Tara CANNON, 6 Hattie CRAM, 5 Ginger OLIVER, 4 Sarah WHITFIELD, 2 Daisy CANAVAN 1 Johanna BIDDLE, Kaitlyn COLWILL, Melinda O’CALLAGHAN

GOALS (CUP)

APPEARANCES (WNPL ONLY)

22 Daisy CANAVAN, Hattie CRAM, Demi NIKIAS, Stephanie NIKIAS, Ginger OLIVER, 21(1) Tara CANNON, 21 Sarah WHITFIELD, 19 Melinda O’CALLAGHAN, 16(5) Sophia MEDINA, 15 Ally HINSON, 13(7) Kaitlyn COLWILL, 6(4) Samantha BRIGGS, 3(3) Brianna MAGUIRE, 3 Kate WALKER, 2(8) Elisabeth BARTONE, 2(5) Caitlin SKILLICORN, 2(3) Johanna BIDDLE, 2(2) Jelena JOSIPOVIC, 2(1) Elizabeth EDWARDS, 2 Emma FINCH, 1(10) Samantha GREBOWSKI, 1(4) Mena BISCOTI, 1(2) Rhianna GOLDSTEIN, 1(1) Charlotte HYETT, (8) Ella ROSS, (3) Charlotte JONES, (2) Imogen BADHAM, Ella LISTER, Allegra SENTI, (1) Michelle AUROUSSEAU,

DISCIPLINE (WNPL ONLY)

Red Cards: 0

Yellow Cards: 7 (Cram (2), Medina (2), Canavan, Josipovic, O’Callaghan)

Temporary Dismissals: 1 (Cram)

RESULTS

CS: Canberra Croatia (n) L 0 6

R1: Gungahlin United (a) Postponed

R2: Canberra United Academy (h) W 1 0 (Cram 45’)

FCQF: Canberra Croatia (h) L 0 5

R3: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 2 0 (Whitfield 45’, Cannon 63’)

R1: Gungahlin United (a) W 1 0 (Cannon 23’)

R4: Tuggeranong United (h) W 3 0 (Cannon 14’, Cram 37’, Biddle 84’)

R5: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0 5

R6: Canberra Croatia (a) L 1 6 (Oliver 5’)

R7: Belconnen United (h) W 2 1 (Cram 4’, Oliver 16’)

R8: Gungahlin United (h) W 3 1 (Cram 9’, 82’, Cannon 14’)

R9: Canberra United Academy (a) D 1 1 (Whitfield 73’)

R10: Wagga City Wanderers (h) D 0 0

R11: Tuggeranong United (a) D 2 2 (Cannon 3’, 35’ (p))

R12: Canberra Olympic (h) L 0 3

R13: Canberra Croatia (a) L 1 6 (Cram 5’)

R14: Belconnen United (a) L 0 3

R15: Gungahlin United (a) L 1 5 (Oliver 87’)

R16: Canberra United Academy (h) W 5 3 (Cannon 2’, 75’, Oliver 45’, Whitfield 51’, Canavan 73’)

R18: Tuggeranong United (h) W 2 0 (Canavan 5’, Cannon 29’ (p))

R19: Canberra Olympic (a) L 0 2

R17: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 3 1 (Colwill 46’, Whitfield 49’, Oliver 75’)

R20: Canberra Croatia (h) L 0 6

R21: Belconnen United (a) L 0 6

EF: Belconnen United (n) L 1 3 (O’Callaghan 75’)

1 Tara CANNON

Kellie BROWN, Ashleigh CLARKE, Holly DUDZIAK, Kilkie LETEN, Freya MCLAUGHLIN, Imogen SHEPHERD

THE SECOND TIER: CPL SEASON

CPL PREVIEW: PROMOTION THE AIM FOR CPL CLUBS

The newly renamed Capital Premier League (CPL) will provide a stern test for the eight teams who will all enter the 2022 season eyeing off the ultimate prize, top spot, and a place in the elite NPL1 division for next season. Often uncompromising, utterly unpredictable, but always entertaining, the second tier of the men’s game in the National Capital is well worth your time and effort. Here we previewed the 2022 runners and riders.

ANU FC

Head Coach: Talal SAFAR

Last Season: 2nd

ANU FC are a perennial title challenger in this league and were only a whisker away from promotion to the NPL last season, just ending up behind the O’Connor Knights when the season was curtailed. Under new Head Coach Talal Safar they have added quality in the middle of the park with Hassan Alnuwaysir crossing from White Eagles and the Students will be looking for him to perhaps consolidate for the loss of their engine in Sam Carters. There’s no doubt that Safar will add another level of professionalism into the club and their results in pre season were impressive, a 2 2 draw against Canberra Croatia a standout. Strode through to the Quarter Finals of the Australia Cup Qualifying as well and must be considered for top spot.

In: Jean Mauro ARAVENA (Overseas), Hassan ALNUWAYSIR (White Eagles), Joel INGRAM (Toowong FC), Bruno MELO (Monaro Panthers U23), Braulio MELO (Monaro Panthers U23) Out: Sam CARTERS, Cuynet CAGLAR (White Eagles), Rowan PETERKIN, George OWEN

PRE-SEASON RESULTS

9/2/22 v Tigers FC (n) L 1 5 (L, Hynes (p)) 12/2/22 v Wollongong United (AIS) D 1 1 (Alnuwaysir) 20/2/22 v West Canberra Wanderers (n) L 1 2 (Deans) 26/2/22 v Canberra Olympic (n) W 3 2 (Deans (2), Lopez) 8/3/22 v Canberra Croatia (n) D 2 2 (Alnuwaysir, Manley)

BRINDABELLA BLUES FC

Head Coach: Ray JUNNA

Last Season: 8th

After a difficult season, the Brindabella Blues have brought in one of Canberra’s most accomplished coaches in Ray Junna, the former Canberra United W League Head honcho widely regarded as one of the top men in his position in the region. Their recruitment has been good, notably the inclusion of Jordan Host, an ex National Youth League player who will bring extraordinary quality to the squad. The return of the prodigal son in Curtis Schaeffer, after his hiatus at NPL Belconnen United, will be a huge boon, the Blues missed his direct goal threat when he departed mid season in 2021. The team is likely to be youthful and energetic and possess enough quality and nous to push

their way up the table. A competent Australia Cup showing against Queanbeyan City suggest they will be competitive.

In: Jordan HOST (Wollongong), Christian JUNNA (Tigers FC), Gee KANGERI (Gungahlin United NPL18), Luke OLIVIER (Gungahlin United NPL18), Curtis SCHAEFFER (Belconnen United) Out: Niko BLASKOVIC (Sabbatical), Josh GUNTHER (Sabbatical), Steven KLUG (White Eagles), Zac LAWRENCE (White Eagles), Kristian NEL (West Canberra Wanderers)

PRE SEASON RESULTS

8/2/22 v Canberra Olympic (AIS) L 1 5 (Schaeffer)

27/2/22 v O’Connor Knights (n) W 3 2 (Schaeffer, Fisher, Charles)

11/3/22 v Gungahlin United (n) L 1 3 (Kangeri) 19/3/22 v Weston Molonglo FC (n) W 4 2 (Host, Menham, Kangeri, Ward)

QUEANBEYAN CITY FC

Head Coach: Goran JOSIFOVSKI

Last Season: 6th

There has bene a big refresh of Queanbeyan City’s squad as Goran Josifovski moves from player to coach and there already appears to be a better balance of quality and grit in the ranks. With City’s favourite son back at the helm, hopes are high amongst the Queanbeyan faithful that success, and promotion, could be on the cards. Josifovski has recruited some superb talent including some exotic overseas quality in Bhutan international Tshering Dorji and Guatemalan U23 star David Ramos. With Michael Mensah adding physical strength to the attacking third, and Weston Molonglo FC attacker Abderrahim Dellahi also signing, City are stacked in the attacking third. Should these new signings click with the established crew, City should be a good bet for a top two finish and a solid promotion push.

In: Joel BAIRD (Monaro Panthers U23), Gianni CORRIGAN (Canberra Olympic U23), Martin CROME (Monaro Panthers U23), Abderrahim DELLAHI (Weston Molonglo FC), Jordan DIAZ (TBC), Tshering DORJI (ThImpu City), David RAMOS (Colorado Rapids U23), Ryan GULEVSKI (Gungahlin United), Michael MENSAH (West Canberra Wanderers), Andrew SELLERS (Weston Molonglo FC), Alexandre URICARU (Gungahlin United)

Out: Micheal Adams (O’Connor Knights), Alan GASTON, Michael KITA (O’Connor Knights), Rory LARKIN, Emmanuel PONCE (Sydney), Mark SHIELDS (Canberra Olympic)

PRE SEASON RESULTS

5/12/21 v Canberra Olympic (n) D 1 1 (Crome)

17/12/21 v Sydney Soccer School (n) L 1 3 (Dellahi)

5/2/22 v Gungahlin United (h) L 1 2 (Mensah)

12/2/22 v Tigers FC (h) D 0 0 20/2/22 v O’Connor Knights (h) L 1 3 (Zygmunt (og)) 26/3/22 v Canberra Croatia (h) L 2 5 (Ramos, N. Felizzi)

TUGGERANONG UNITED

Head Coach: Mitch STEVENS

Last Season: 8th (NPL1, Relegated)

Mitch Stevens has performed a minor miracle in the off season at relegated Tuggeranong United, not only keeping hold of some of the best young talent in the region, but also adding to his playing stocks with the acquisition of some real standouts. Luke Stevens, Wagga City Wanderers’ mercurial playmaker, was highly coveted by several clubs, but has committed his future to Tuggeranong along with Pat Hislop, an exciting addition to the attacking ranks. The real coup is the signature of former Northern NSW Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner Sam Walker, with the ex Broadmeadow Magic man bagging seven goals in back to back matches in pre season, three in the cup and four in a remarkable rout of Gungahlin United. With the teenage defensive duo Harrison Buesnel and Tarisayi Mbogo both pillars of strength, United will be heard to beat and are in with a real chance of bouncing straight back up.

In: Adam FIRYCH (Weston Molonglo FC), Patrick HISLOP (Sabbatical), Luke STEVENS (Wagga City Wanderers), Sam
WALKER (Broadmeadow Magic)

Out: Jenno CERUTI (West Canberra Wanderers), Eddie COGGAN (O’Connor Knights), Daniel FULTON (State League), Marco GAYER (Canberra Croatia), Shane MURRAY (Interstate), Andrew SLAVICH (O’Connor Knights), Jonathan TUREK (Belconnen United), Regan WALSH (O’Connor Knights), Jakeb WISEMAN (West Canberra Wanderers)

PRE SEASON RESULTS

12/2/22 v Weston Molonglo SL (AIS) W 4 0 (Kiddey, Richards, Walker, Doherty) 20/2/22 v Monaro Panthers (a) L 0 4 10/3/22 v Canberra Olympic (n) L 0 1 27/3/22 v Gungahlin United (a) W 5 1 (Walker (4), Richards)

WAGGA CITY WANDERERS

Head Coach: Dave LEONARD

Last Season: 5th

There’s been relatively minor change at the Wagga City Wanderers as Head Coach Dave Leonard has managed to retain many of the players who performed well at this level in 2021. The Wanderers, like Yoogali, suffer for having to make long round trips to the capital every other week, but comport themselves well on their travels and are more than a handful at home. Speaking of handfuls, striker Jake Ploenges might prove to be a real one during the year. Having gone the whole of 2021 without a goal, the big striker bagged six in four games in pre season including a goal against Monaro Panthers in the Australia Cup Qualifying. They will play neat, and attractive, football, relying on pace out wide and the occasional direct ball up front. Were Grand Final winners in 2020 and will hope to push for the top four again.

In: Jayden KINCES, Nashwan SULAIMAN

Out: Luke STEVENS (Tuggeranong United), Tin Kit TAM, James THOMSON, Prince THOMPSON

PRE-SEASON RESULTS

13/2/22 v Albury United (a) W 3 1 (Ploenges (2), Lucas) 19/2/22 v Hanwood United (a) W 3 1 (Matherson (2), Ploenges) 26/2/22 v Leeton United (a) W 5 0 (Ploenges (2), Okot (2), Lucas)

WESTON MOLONGLO FC

Head Coach: Mark BOYD

Last Season: 7th

Experienced Coach Mark Boyd has returned to Canberra following a stint in the NPL in Sydney and will take over a Weston Molonglo FC team that will bear little resemblance to the one that finished the 2021 season. Having lost a raft of senior players, including many of the starters from last season, Boyd has had to think outside the square in his recruitment and has cast the net wide across Canberra. Experienced head Chris McEwan joins from West Canberra Wanderers whilst the feisty John O’Gorman has been promoted into the CPL squad and was impressive in their short Australia Cup run. Pre season has been rough for the Magpies, but the win over Burns FC in the cup hinted that midfield brothers Daniel and Xavier Graham could be key to any success.

In: Josh ARLOTT (Promoted), Josh DEHELEAN (Sabbatical), Will KHONG (West Canberra Wanderers Youth), Jed LLOYD (Sabbatical), Chris MCEWAN (West Canberra Wanderers), Vanh NGUYEN (White Eagles), John O'GORMAN (Promoted), Caleb CULLEN RUA (White Eagles), Foti SGOURIS (Sabbatical)

Out: Loay ALSUBHI (Overseas), Abderrahim DELLAHI (Queanbeyan City), Geordie FREEMAN (Belconnen United), Adam FIRYCH (Tuggeranong United), Ardan LAW (White Eagles), Daniel NICOLETTI (White Eagles), James NOJA (Sabbatical), Angus RECKORD (Sabbatical), Andrew SELLERS (Queanbeyan City), Josh WADE (Weston SL)

PRE SEASON RESULTS

12 Feb South Coast Flame (a) Cancelled

26/2/22 v White Eagles (h) L 1 3 (O’Gorman)

19/3/22 v Brindabella Blues (n) L 2 4 (McEwan, O’Gorman)

WHITE EAGLES

Head Coach: Zoran MILENKOVIC

Last Season: 3rd

There has been a large turnover of playing staff at White Eagles as Head Coach Zoran Milenkovic looks to build a squad that can challenge for promotion to the top flight. Renowned as a great man manager Milenkovic will aim to get the best out of his new recruits who include the impressive Cuneyt Caglar, signed from ANU FC, and the experience of the likes of Mitch Steenbergen and Aaron Cashman. There is also a welcome return for midfield powerhouse Ohio Asikhia, who netted in the cup loss to Queanbeyan City, and will prove a threat at set pieces. In Ed McCarthy they possess a real match winner, a player who can score brilliant goals out of nothing, but they require more consistency across the board to be considered challengers. Milenkovic could be the man to provide this, so don’t rule out the ‘Weagles’ from top four contention.

In: Ohio ASIKHIA (Sabbatical), Cuneyt CAGLAR (ANU FC), Aaron CASHMAN (West Canberra Wanderers), Martin DENG (West Canberra Wanderers), Stephen KRESKAS, Steve KLUG (Brindabella Blues), Ardan LAW (Weston Molonglo FC), Zac LAWRENCE (Brindabella Blues), Daniel NICOLETTI (Weston Molonglo FC), Mitch STEENBERGEN (O’Connor Knights), Danny TODOROSKI, Charlie WILLIAMS (Monaro Panthers U23) Out: Hassan ALNUWAYSIR (ANU FC), Gabriel AYUEL (O’Connor Knights), Jacob AYUEL (O’Connor Knights), Eric BONNETT (Retired), Ryan BROSE (Interstate), Caleb CULLEN RUA (Weston Molonglo FC), Rohan MAXWELL (Sabbatical), Vanh NGUYEN (Weston Molonglo FC)

PRE-SEASON RESULTS

19/2/22 v Canberra Olympic (AIS) D 2 2 (McCarthy, Asikhia) 26/2/22 v Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 3 1 (McCarthy, Caglar, own goal) 1/3/22 v Belconnen United (a) L 0 2 6/3/22 v Gungahlin United (AIS) L 3 6 (Caglar (2), Townsley) 12/3/22 v West Canberra Wanderers (n) L 1 7 (Santrac)

YOOGALI SC

Head Coach: Sante DONADEL

Last Season: 4th

As ever, the off season has seen plenty of coming and going in Griffith as Yoogali go around for another season, aiming on improving on last term. A run to the semi finals of the Australia Cup Qualifying, and a last gasp loss to eventual winners Tigers FC, showed just what they possess, and new coach Sante Donadel will hope to draw on their indomitable spirit again in 2022. The loss of visa players Calvin Roddie and Danny Roche will hurt them but there is new talent coming in once more, likely to shake up the Division. The youngsters that they blooded in 2021 will be back with more experience and the away trip, the longest for any Canberra team, always makes them a threat at home. Expect more Donadel’s to emerge to the forefront as 2022 progresses and

expect Yoogali to showcase all their character and fighting spirt allied to some quality football.

In: Daniel FEBO, Ben HASTIE, Ryce MACINTOSH, Adam OROCK

Out: Mitch BAGIANTE, Calvin RODDIE (Interstate), Danny ROCHE (Interstate)

PRE SEASON RESULTS 12/3/22 v Mudgee Wolves (h) D 1 1

CPL: HOW THE SEASON UNFOLDED

ROUND 1: AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OFF TO FLIER

ANU FC outlined their statement of intent for the Capital Premier League with a resounding 4 0 defeat of Yoogali SC to start the 2022 season in some style at Hawker Football Centre as the second tier of the local competition got underway.

Having cruised into the Australia Cup Quarter Finals at the expense of fellow CPL outfit Weston Molonglo FC last weekend on the back of a nine goal clean sheet victory, Talal Safar and his team continued where they had left off, by scoring twice in each half to send Yoogali back to Griffith pointless.

The irrepressible Chase Deans got them off and running, having the honour of scoring the first goal of the new CPL campaign after only twelve minutes, and it was barely a dozen minutes later that he added a second to put ANU FC in total control. Nick Hope netted the third three minutes into the second half with Monte Grace wrapping up the success with then fourth later.

Over at High Street, Queanbeyan City were made to work exceptionally hard for an opening day win in a match of two penalties against Brindabella Blues. The hosts were awarded the first and Vasko Petrovski made no mistake from the spot just before the half hour mark to put Goran Josifovski’s side in front.

New signing David Garcia, a Guatemalan U23 international who spent last season in the U23 set up at the Colorado Rapids, comes with some reputation and he showed just why by doubling Queanbeyan’s lead in the second half. A late strike from the spot by returning Brindabella Blues goal machine Curtis Schaeffer gave the Blues hopes of snatching a point, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

White Eagles may have lost their Australia Cup encounter with Queanbeyan City, but they got their CPL season off to the perfect start by claiming the three points in a six goal thriller at Woden Park against Wagga City Wanderers. The interstate visitors were gritty competitors and proved tough to shake off for the Eagles who had to fight for the entire ninety minutes for the victory.

Goals from Kenrick Beuth and Cuneyt Caglar sandwiched a strike from Wanderers’ Jacob Ochieng in an entertaining first forty five minutes as the Eagles led 2 1 at the break. Ed McCarthy cracked in the third to put some daylight between the teams, but Logan Flanagan brought Wagga back into it with eighteen minutes remaining.

Eagles couldn’t rest easily until they restored their two goal cushion in the 83rd minute with a debut goal from new signing Zac Lawrence, the fleet footed forward having made the move from Brindabella Blues in the off season.

The second fixture of the weekend scheduled for Woden Park was postponed as the pitch for the Tuggeranong United against Weston Molonglo FC clash was deemed unplayable by the match officials.

ROUND 2: QUEANBEYAN CITY FLEX THEIR MUSCLES

Queanbeyan City, so often a mainstay in the top half of the Capital Premier League, showed that they will be a force to be reckoned with during the 2022 season as they comprehensively swept aside the traditionally strong ANU FC winning their encounter at High Street by three clear goals.

Both teams had recorded first day victories and entered this match in a confident mood, but it was the home team, spurred on by their usual vociferous home following, that took the lead midway through the first half. New signing Michael Mensah adds power and technique to the group, and he got off the mark for the season with a trademark finish.

The rest of the contest proved to be an evenly matched clash, with ANU FC threatening an equaliser and the hosts keen to double their lead. And it was the latter that finally happened with five minutes left on the clock. Former Tigers FC star Hussein Fureje making it mission impossible for ANU FC.

Abderrahim Dellahi was often on the scoresheet last season, and he made the game secure in stoppage time, bagging the third to stamp an exclamation mark on a result that will have the rest of the division casting nervous glances over the border.

Tuggeranong United, relegated from the NPL last season, began their belated life in the second tier in some convincing style, swatting aside the challenge from Yoogali FC to claim a 4 0 victory that, given some better luck in the final third, may have been more.

It wasn’t all one way traffic however and Yoogali looked to be a handful when they had possession, threatening the United goal, but unable to find a way through. Tuggeranong did early on, only for Sam Walker to see his goal disallowed for a marginal offside call. Not to be thwarted, it was Walker who finally broke the deadlock eleven minutes into the second half.

Rocked by conceding the opener, Yoogali were fishing the ball out of the nest again a minute later, Patrick Hislop netting his first goal for the club and, from there on in, superior fitness allowed Tuggeranong to dictate the game. Harrison Buesnel added a third with twenty minutes to go and a perfect afternoon was sealed when Luke Stevens made it four with his first league goal in United colours.

Wagga City Wanderers bounced back from a first day defeat with a scintillating 4 2 win over Weston Molonglo FC on their second visit to Canberra this season. They had to do it the hard way however, coming from a goal down after quarter of an hour, Xavier Graham putting the Magpies ahead, to win the points.

Nashwan Sulaiman brought his team level before the interval with Jake Ploenges continuing his fine recent form to give the Wanderers the edge just before the hour mark. It was a lead that lasted barely two minutes though before Daniel Graham levelled matters up for the home team.

Two goals in the space of a minute was to seal the result in favour of the Wanderers as Jacob Ochieng scored twice with fifteen minutes to play to give Dave Leonard and his team a welcome return to the winner’s circle.

The points were shared at Ipan Park as Brindabella Blues and White Eagles battled out a 1 1 draw with both team’s coming away from the league fixture with claims to be perhaps unhappy, they didn’t claim the maximum return available. Jamie Ward scored for the home team with Zac Lawrence on target for the visitors.

ROUND 3: SIX OF THE BEST FOR WHITE EAGLES

There was a welcome return to form for the White Eagles who found the going much to their liking at Hawker Football Centre as they swept past Weston Molonglo FC with a six goal hammering of the Magpies, all the damage down by the interval, by which time the hosts led by five.

An early double blow set the tone for what was to follow as Dejan Santrac and Ben Townsley Mann both found the back of the Weston net inside the opening ten minutes of the match. If that was a horror start for the visiting team more was to follow by the end of the opening forty five minutes.

Cuneyt Caglar helped himself to a double by the half time whistle, and later went on to notch the inaugural hat trick of the Capital Premier League season, with Charlie Williams also finding his name on the scoresheet. It was efficient, it was deadly, and it was ruthless. Some display.

Queanbeyan City remain the early front runners, going three wins from three as they edged out Tuggeranong United by a solitary goal in front of a boisterous home crowd at their High Street ground.

Both City, and their opponents, had made excellent starts to the 2022 CPL season and anticipation was high that the game was likely to be a tough and close encounter and that was exactly what transpired.

The crucial moment came a quarter of an hour from full time when winger Hussein Fureje struck for the home team, a goal of some significance, even this early on as Queanbeyan continued their bright start under Goran Josifovski.

ANU FC recovered from their disappointment last weekend against high flying Queanbeyan, as they rediscovered their mojo in dispatching Brindabella Blues 3 1. Goals in the first half from Isaac Ellis and Carl Hynes had them firmly in control heading into the interval after conceding early and appearing in good form for their enticing Australia Cup Quarter Final match up with Monaro Panthers.

Max Mottl scored the third goal for the University, all this after Curtis Schaeffer had been credited with opening the scoring for the visiting Blues, although many felt it was perhaps an own goal from Alasdair Moore, not that Moore wanted it of course!

Elsewhere, the Riverina Derby between Yoogali SC and Wagga City Wanderers ended with honours even as the two sides shared four goals in an entertaining 2 2 draw. The first half was something of a disappointment, but the match burst into life in the 58th minute when Jake Ploenges struck for Wanderers, precipitating four goals in twelve manic minutes.

Yoogali responded to the setback in fine form, goals from Adam O’Rourke and Isaac Donadel putting them ahead ten minutes after falling behind and yet Wanderers struck back immediately with Morris Kadzola netting his first Wagga goal, a strike that, ultimately, meant the game ended all square.

ROUND 4: TUGGERANONG BLITZ ANU IN EARLY GOAL RUSH

Tuggeranong United returned to the winner’s circle after their midweek loss to West Canberra Wanderers in the Australia Cup Qualifying with a thumping 5 0 win over ANU FC at Greenway Enclosed with Luke Stevens starring by netting a hat trick.

United stunned ANU inside the opening sixty seconds as Stevens robbed the defence to strike a firm finish and the home side had barely settled before Sam Walker made it two to give the University side a mountain to climb and, when Stevens added a second, the points were almost secure.

Stevens, the former Wagga City product, completed a first half treble ten minutes before the interval as Tuggeranong ran riot and it was another ex Wagga City player who rounded off a sensational home performance by bagging goal number five with eighteen minutes remaining.

A hat trick from Jayden Deighan Smith heaped more misery on Weston-Molonglo FC as Brindabella Blues recorded a first win of the Capital Premier League season with a convincing 4 1 away victory in the first of two matches that were played on an unseasonably bright Saturday afternoon.

The Blues put the Magpies to the sword in the opening half of the encounter at the AIS Grass Fields as Deighan Smith and Jordan Host ran riot putting the visiting team 3 0 ahead

by the interval and effectively sealing the destination of the points before half the fixture had been completed.

Deighan Smith put the Blues ahead in the first of a devastating spell of a trio of goals within seven minutes, a double from Deighan Smith sandwiching Host’s strike. Deighan Smith completed his treble in the second half before a late goal from Xavier Graham, the Magpies star turn of 2022 through four rounds, reduced the arrears but to no avail.

Queanbeyan City kept up their 100% record by recording a fourth win out of four ahead of their huge Australia Cup Qualifying Quarter Final with O’Connor Knights, but they needed to come from behind to down Wagga City Wanderers at High Street.

Nashwan Sulaiman had given the Wanderers the lead half way through the first stanza to set nerves jangling amongst the Queanbeyan faithful who had enjoyed it all their own way this term up until that moment.

City though have bags of quality, an inherent belief that they can turn things around, and the strike power to do so. This week it was the turn of Alexandru Uricaru to do just that, the forward scoring twice in eight minutes to turn the match on its head and send Queanbeyan into the cup tie brimful of confidence.

White Eagles continued their good start to the new season by travelling to Yoogali SC and coming away with a 3 1 success. The trip to Griffith is always a tricky one and the Eagles had to wait until past the hour mark to get in front, Kenrick Beuth finding a way through the home rear guard.

As is often the case, once quickly became two, as Zac Lawrence struck again leaving Yoogali with much to do. Andrew Vitucci, leading by example as always, reduced the arrears to give the home team a glimmer of home but the in form Cuneyt Caglar sealed the away win for the Eagles in impressive fashion late on

ROUND 5: WAGGA STUN ANU, QUEANBEYAN STILL PERFECT

Wagga City Wanderers heaped more misery on ANU FC by stunning one of the pre season Capital Premier League favourites with a single goal victory over their visitors to Wagga on a cool Saturday afternoon.

The University side slumped to a third defeat in a row in all competitions as Wagga striker Jake Ploenges scored the only goal of the afternoon with five minutes to the break to give the Wanderers something to hold on to.

This was also the third match in the row in which ANU FC have failed to score leaving them much to think about and work to do if they are to mount a promotion challenge.

Queanbeyan City recorded a fifth win of the season, keeping their 100% record intact ahead of a massive Australia Cup Qualifying Quarter Final against O’Connor Knights, following a 3 1 derby win over the White Eagles at Woden Park.

Hussein Fureje gave the visitors the lead inside twenty minutes only for Eagles leading scorer Cuneyt Caglar to draw the sides level in the 41stt minute. That would have been a perfect time for the Eagles to strike had it not been for a stunning end to the half as Abderrahim Dellahi restored City’s lead.

Eagles were still in the contest until the hour mark when Bhutan international Tshering Dorji added a third goal for Queanbeyan to seal the win and allow Goran Josifovski’s team to march on in confidence.

Tuggeranong United continued to plunder goals as they bagged a third four goal haul of the season with a 4 0 win over Brindabella Blues. Following four against Yoogali and five against ANU FC, all with a clean sheet, Tuggeranong are certainly putting themselves in the frame as promotion contenders.

Two goals in the first half had them in control of the match, Mark Richards and Patrick Hislop scoring to have the Blues chasing the match, and after the break big central defender Harrison Buesnel and Dylan Berkrey got in on the act to confirm a solid away day for Mitch Stevens and his group.

An early double saw Yoogali SC claim their first win of 2022 as they came away from their visit to Weston-Molonglo FC with a 2 0 victory.

Yoogali did the damage early, Luke Santolin and Mason Donadel scoring inside the opening quarter of an hour, and it was a lead they never really looked like relinquishing. The Magpies tried hard to force their way into the fixture, but Yoogali were able to keep them at arm’s length and secure their first maximum points of the campaign.

MIDWEEK: MAGNIFICENT SEVEN FOR UNITED

Tuggeranong United moved to within three points of Queanbeyan City at the top of the Capital Premier League with a 7 1 victory over Weston-Molonglo FC at Greenway Enclosed. United, who have been amongst the goals this season, were never in doubt of claiming the points and led 5 0 by the interval.

Euan Peterkin started the scoring early on before Adam Firych netted the first of his pair of goals, the second coming four minutes into the second half. Luke Stevens bagged his fifth of the campaign just past the half hour mark and there was still time for two from Sam Walker before the interval spared the Magpies any further punishment.

After Firych had made it six, Harrison Buesnel continued his early season scoring spree with another goal to bring up a magnificent seven before Weston Molonglo stopped the rot. A Late strike from Josh Dehelean gave the visitors something to celebrate, but it was far too little to make any difference to the outcome.

ROUND 6: UNITED HIT SIX, ANU BACK IN THE WINNERS CIRCLE

Tuggeranong United recorded a fifth comprehensive win of the season to keep up the pressure on the league leaders Queanbeyan City as they ruthlessly dismantled Wagga City Wanderers 6 1 at Greenway Enclosed.

Fast starts have been a common theme for United in 2022 and they started off with a bang again, scoring three times inside the opening twenty minutes. Ben Anderson scored the first, in rather fortuitous fashion, before Sam Walker and Dylan Berkrey added strikes to almost kill the game in the opening quarter.

Luke Stevens, inevitably, scored against his former club to make it four and a second half brace from Mark Richards had United in a comfortable place with just under twenty minutes to play. Wagga did get some reward, a stunning free kick from Kyle Yeates in stoppage time reducing the deficit, but by then Tuggeranong were home and dry.

ANU FC rediscovered their form at just the wrong time for promotion chasing White Eagles, the University side coming from behind to claim a valuable 2 1 victory at Hawker Football Centre and rekindle their hopes of a title push.

A seventh goal of the season from Eagles hit man Cuneyt Caglar had put the home side in front midway through the first half, inevitably scoring against his former club and, with the lead still intact at the break, the Eagles were on course for a fourth win in six matches this season.

However, a brace of goals in four minutes, between the 68th and 72nd, ensured that ANU FC fought back and won the points. Max Mottl struck the first, bringing the sides back on level terms before Chase Deans won it with his fifth goal of the season in all competitions, sealing the win with eighteen minutes left to play.

Queanbeyan City meanwhile recovered from the disappointment of their midweek Australia Cup exit at the hands of NPL side O’Connor Knights to sweep aside bottom of the table Weston Molonglo FC with a 5 1 success at High Street.

It was an extraordinary game of four penalties in which Queanbeyan skipper Vasko Petrovski was on target twice from the spot before the break, as was midfield schemer Nik Noveski who banged home his spot0kick eleven minutes after the restart.

Noveski went on to score a second goal, a screamer that gave the Magpies custodian no chance in the 93rd minute with Andrew Sellers adding gloss to the scoreline as the scoreboard mounted in stoppage time.

Weston Molonglo did manage to get amongst the goals, Chris McEwan netting from the penalty spot when the score was 3 0, but it was another chastening afternoon for the Magpies who are four points off the pace at the foot of the ladder.

ROUND 7: YOOGALI DENIED BY LATE QUEANBEYAN EQUALISER

Yoogali SC were denied what would have been a second win of the season as Queanbeyan City scored an 86th minute equaliser to rescue a point from their journey to Griffith and move four points clear at the top of the table.

Michael Mensah struck late on to level the match and keep Queanbeyan’s unbeaten record intact although the visiting side did fail to win for the first time this season and could see their advantage at the top reduced to a point if Tuggeranong United win their game in hand after their match against White Eagles was postponed.

Yoogali had led for close to an hour after Mason Donadel hit his second goal of the season on the half hour as a tense and exciting match appeared to be heading the way of the former Grand Finalists. And, whilst Mensah’s goal ensured a draw, a decent result against the leaders, Yoogali unluckily slipped further off the top four pace.

With Tuggeranong not in action, ANU FC took advantage to move to within three points of the Southsiders as they routed Weston-Molonglo FC 7 2 in a remarkable game at ANU South Oval.

An early goal from Chase Deans indicated that the University side would be in control against the team propping up the league table, but John O’Gorman stunned the home side with a 20th minute equalising goal. That poked the bear and quickfire goals from Hassan Alnuwaysir and Tim Lopez had ANU FC 3 1 up by half an hour.

Max Mottl made it four, but to their credit the Magpies hit back again when Chris McEwan struck for the second time in 2022. Again though, ANU FC responded rapidly as Liam Neeson used his particular set of skills to make the half time score a barely believable 5 2 to the home side.

Second half goals from Sasha Vujic and Mottl, his second of the afternoon, made sure that ANU FC would bolster their goal difference and inflict another heavy loss on Weston Molonglo FC.

There was an eight goal thriller at Ipan Park as Brindabella Blues came out on top by five goals to three against Wagga City Wanderers

Jamie Ward scored a brace, opening the scoring after only five minutes and adding a second before half time. In between Curtis Schaeffer, who would also end the match with two goals, had extended the Blues advantage as Wagga City Wanderers struggled to come to terms with the home team.

The second stanza was a more even affair and the Wanderers actually shaded it on goals, scoring three times through Nashwan Sulaiman, Thomas Matheson and leading scorer Jake Ploenges.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Schaeffer and Oliver Witrzens netted in response to seal an entertaining win for the Blues.

ROUND 8: TUGGERANONG CLOSING IN WITH EIGHT GOAL SALVO

Tuggeranong United moved two points closer to the summit of the Capital Premier League as they brushed aside Weston Molonglo FC with an 8 0 hammering of the Magpies at Woden Park, increasing their goal difference to +31 in the process.

United had this one wrapped up by the half time break, by which time they already led the bottom of the table Weston Molonglo by half a dozen goals and could go top for the first time in 2022 should they gain a victory over White Eagles in the catch up match due to be played this week.

Fast starts have been a feature of Tuggeranong matches this term and this game was no different as Sam Walker struck twice inside seventeen minutes and Harrison Buesnel scored his fourth league goal of the season in the 23rd as United seized command.

Ben Anderson and Dylan Berkrey added to the tally and there was still time for Luke Stevens to net the first of his brace in stoppage time as the beleaguered Magpies struggled to get near their opponents. Adam Firych and Stevens completed the rout in the second half.

Queanbeyan City left it late to earn a point with a goal five minutes from time earning the league leaders a 1 1 draw with Brindabella Blues at their High Street home ground.

It was the second time in a fortnight that City were held in their pursuit of promotion and potentially opened the door for Tuggeranong United who play their catch up match on Tuesday evening against White Eagles.

Jamie Ward had earlier given the Blues the lead ten minutes into the second half as Ray Junna’s team caused problems for City yet again. But David Ramos proved his worth as the former Guatemalan youth international equalised late on.

Cuneyt Caglar netted his second hat trick of the Capital Premier League season as ANU FC put on a late show themselves, scoring five times in the last seventeen minutes to swamp Wagga City Wanderers 8 0.

Caglar’s treble came in the space of those seventeen minutes and added to first half goals from Zac Lawrence and Mitch Steenburgen as Eagles started brightly at Hawker Football Centre, Woden Park being deemed unplayable that morning.

Lawrence added a second after the break to make it three and seal the points before the avalanche of goals. Ed McCarthy and Lee Hynes were the other goalscorers as Eagles moved to third and handily increased their goal difference into the bargain.

Yoogali SC recorded a vital win to bring themselves back into top four contention as they came from behind to inflict a damaging defeat on ANU FC, the fourth loss of the campaign for the University side who are slipping off the pace of the leading pair in the race for promotion.

Hassan Alnuwaysir put the visitors ahead in the third minute, a dream start for ANU FC, but Yoogali appear to be rediscovering their form and the inspirational Joe Preece was able to bring the Griffith club level before the interval.

Yoogali were soon signing to the tune of Jack Moon in the second half as the Yoogali man made his mark, putting his team ahead in the 58th minute before settling the fixture with the third with twenty minutes to go.

The brace from Moon had ANU spinning like the decks on his DJ gear with the goal that made it 3 1 and it remains to be seen whether it will prove to be a pivotal moment in the campaign for both these teams.

MIDWEEK: TUGGERANONG TOP IN CPL

A brace of goals from Sam Walker sent Tuggeranong United to the top of the Capital Premier League as they came from behind to defeat White Eagles 2 1 on the synthetic turf of Hawker Football Centre. And, whilst not at their free flowing best, United did just enough against a very good Eagles outfit who look to be in contention for the promotion place judging on a solid start to 2022.

The Eagles started this match well also, taking advantage of an uncharacteristic error from United custodial James Benivento who presented a gilt edged chance to the CPL top scorer, Cuneyt Caglar and he gleefully accepted, rolling in his eleventh goal of the season to put the Eagles ahead after only five minutes.

Tuggeranong, who have been full of goals in the early part of the season, responded well and equalised nine minutes before the interval when Walker struck for the eighth time this term. They may have had a second but for Walker’s lobbed finish being ruled out for a marginal offside call.

If United didn’t get the decision there, they had better luck five minutes from the final whistle when they were awarded a penalty. Walker, the calmest man amidst the mayhem, made no mistake from the spot to send Mitch Stevens and his team, relegated from NPL1 last season, top of the pile and in with a shout of an immediate return to the elite level.

ROUND 9: TUGGERANONG GO FOUR CLEAR AT TOP OF TABLE

Tuggeranong United extended their lead at the top of the Capital Premier League with a routine 2 0 victory in difficult conditions against Yoogali SC in Griffith to go four points clear in their bid to return to the National Premier League.

United were always in control of the match and, but for the woodwork which denied Luke Stevens and Mark Richards via bar and post respectively, may have added to the two goals, one scored in each half.

Yoogali are a tough nut to crack on their own turf so it would have pleased Mitch Stevens that his team were able to take the lead midway through the opening half as Luke Stevens got on the end of a Fraser Burns flick to lob the advancing ‘keeper and send the visitors into the break in front with his ninth of the season.

A single goal is never a comfortable lead and United were able to add to the tally when Richards was brought down inside box allowing Sam Walker to confidently despatch the penalty to move onto double figures and set Tuggeranong up nicely for their top two clash with Queanbeyan in Round 10.

ANU FC moved into third place in the table and inflicted what might be a telling blow on Queanbeyan City by sending the long time league leaders to their first defeat of the season netting a late winner to claim the points.

A strike from Nicholas Hope three minutes into stoppage time ensured that Talal Safar’s team struck a dagger into Queanbeyan’s title aspirations, the team that has saved themselves with a brace of late winners in recent weeks, succumbing to the sucker punch at the hands of the University side

Max Mottl had fired a statement of intent for the home side by putting them ahead after only nine minutes of the contest, and yet Queanbeyan were unbeaten for a reason and

showed their commitment and character to level a minute later, Abderrahim Dellahi bringing the teams all square.

It looked like that was how it would end until Hope’s late goal, a goal that moved ANU FC above White Eagles and a goal that passed the advantage firmly to Tuggeranong United ahead of their trip to Griffith to face Yoogali SC.

A twelfth of the season for the CPL’s leading goalscorer Cuneyt Caglar wasn’t enough for White Eagles to gain a win as they were held by a vastly improving Brindabella Blues who are proving to be a tough nut to crack, especially at their home ground of Ipan Park in Calwell.

Caglar’s goal, scored a minute before the half time break, appeared to set Eagles up nicely for the second stanza, and yet the Blues have been in stoic form of late and were never out of the contest.

Jamie Ward brought them level with his sixth goal of the campaign with twenty two minutes to play and both teams then had chances to claim the maximum haul. Neither could do so though, and they were left to share the spoils. The point keeping the Blues to within two of Eagles and a place in the top four.

Wagga City Wanderers kept alive their hopes of a top four place by moving to within four points of the current incumbents, White Eagles, by claiming the three points against Weston Molonglo FC but were made to wait until the closing stages to confirm their successful afternoon.

The Wanderers had to wait until twenty minutes from time to break down the stubborn defence of the bottom of the table Magpies and it was little surprise that it was leading scorer Jake Ploenges who broke the deadlock with his fifth league goal of the season.

After that it took until two minutes from time for Dave Leonard and his coaching staff to breathe easier as Matthew Mitchell netted for the first time in 2022. A late third, buried by Alvaro Kelechi was perhaps harsh on the visitors, but secured the three points for Wagga City, rounding out the 3 0 win.

ROUND 10: TUGGERANONG MOVE SEVEN CLEAR IN PROMOTION PUSH

Tuggeranong United extended their lead at the top of the table as they defeated closest challengers Queanbeyan City 2 0 at Kambah to move seven points clear at the halfway mark of the campaign.

United, who are aiming to bounce back at the first attempt to the top tier, won a corking battle between two highly motivated teams with a brace of second half goals after failing to take opportunities that came their way inside the opening forty five minutes of the encounter.

Awarded a penalty in the first half the usually reliable Sam Walker saw his spot kick brilliantly saved by City custodian Mahmoud Halawani, but Walker was to make amends just prior to the hour as he crucially broke the deadlock, netting his eleventh league goal of what has been a productive first season in green and white.

City responded, as they often do, but were killed off nine minutes from time when the hosts were awarded a second penalty of the afternoon. Luke Stevens took responsibility on this occasion, rifling home to reach double figures for league goals and make the game safe. To rub salt into the wound, Queanbeyan substitute Nik Noveski was dismissed for his reaction to the penalty decision.

White Eagles moved into third place in the Capital Premier League competition table as they despatched the bottom of the table Weston Molonglo FC 6 2 in an away game played at their own home venue of Woden Park, also known as ‘The Nest’, when the Eagles are in residence.

There were six different scorers for the Eagles across the afternoon with Kenrick Beuth giving them the lead in the first half, although it did take the Eagles over half an hour to break down the Magpies resilience. Cuneyt Caglar gave them breathing space with his 13th league goal of the season just before the interval.

A goal from Lee Hynes a minute after the resumption increased the advantage so that when Foti Sgouros pulled one back for Weston it was of little consequence. Indeed, it poked the bear and quickfire goals from Arden Law and Martin Deng made sure of the points. Tremane Castillo pulled another back for the Magpies before Aaron Cashman made it six.

Brindabella Blues pulled themselves right back into contention for a place in the top four after their recent resurgence of good form continued as they defeated ANU FC 3 2 at Ipan Park in Calwell.

The win brings the Blues level on points with ANU who stay in the top four courtesy of goal difference. Chase Deans put ANU in the lead early only for Jayden Deighan Smith to equalise two minutes before the half time break.

A brace of goals within the space of five minutes gave the Blues the advantage where an own goal from Jan Wojna was added to by a first in the CPL from Jack Marjoribanks and,

despite a second of the afternoon from Deans with ten minutes remaining, ANU were unable to draw level and the Blues were home and dry and back in the race.

Wagga City Wanderers will also fancy their chances of gaining a place in that coveted finals series as they moved to within a couple of points of the leading pack with a narrow, yet ultimately crucial, come from behind win in the Riverina derby, holding off Yoogali SC to win 2 1 at Gissing Oval.

Mason Donadel had given the visitors the leas as early as the eighth minute of the contest and yet, in a fast and frenetic opening to the encounter, the Wanderers were able to pull themselves level as Morris Kadzola was on target a mere ten minutes after Yoogali had broken the deadlock.

It always seemed like one more goal might be the difference and it was the home side that found it with seventeen minutes to play as Jacob Ochieng found the net to secure a derby win and three vital points for Wagga City.

ROUND 11: ANU FC RESCUE POINT FROM THREE GOAL DEFICIT

ANU FC clawed themselves back from 0 3 down to halt Tuggeranong United’s march to promotion equalising in 89th minute to earn a point in a breathlessly entertaining encounter at ANU South Oval.

At the interval Tuggeranong led 3 0 and were cruising towards another three points and keeping their seven point lead at the top of the table. A trio of goals within the space of ten minutes of each other had Tuggies comfortably ahead and looking like racking up another high scoring victory.

Patrick Hislop opened the scoring on the half hour and Mark Richards doubled the lead eight minutes later as Tuggeranong clicked into gear. Central defender Harrison Buesnel continued his fine season by making it three five minutes before the break and United looked home and dry.

But ANU FC had other ideas. Rory Spiers, a mid season signing from NPL leaders Canberra Croatia pulled one back and when defender Jan Wojna grabbed a second with eleven minutes remaining suddenly Tuggeranong looked wobbly. Even then they might have held on, but Carl Hynes poached an equaliser which, based on the final half hour, ANU FC fully deserved.

Queanbeyan City reduced the lead to five points with a 2 1 away win over Wagga City Wanderers to reignite their promotion hopes with another gritty performance that yielded the maximum return.

City hit the ground running in the Riverina, striking twice inside the opening forty five minutes to take a stranglehold on the match. David Ramos netted the first, opening the scoring in the 28th minute from the penalty spot and when Zach Knight made it two, eight minutes later, City were on course for the win.

Wagga City Wanderers have proved resilient in recent weeks though and they hot back six minutes after the resumption as Morris Kadzola scored, which made for a nervy second half for the title chasers. They did enough to secure the win though and take advantage of the uncharacteristic slip up from Tuggeranong.

Brindabella Blues have moved into third place in the Capital Premier League table following a 3 0 win over bottom club Weston Molonglo FC at Ipan Park in Calwell.

The Blues have been quietly going about their business of late and are now six games unbeaten in the division as they moved above both White Eagles and ANU FC to move into the top four.

Henry Wilks gave Ray Junna’s team the lead in the 34th minute and they quickly added to that as Jayden Deighan Smith took his CPL tally to five, scoring for the second week in succession as the Magpies found themselves in a depressingly similar position, chasing a game at the interval.

A first of the season from Isaac Weekley eight minutes into the second half put the outcome to bed and left Weston Molonglo FC winless after eleven rounds and with the Blues well in with a shout of finals football should they continue their excellent form.

A long range bomb from midfield maestro Isaac Donadel kept Yoogali SC in with an outside chance of a place in the top four as they rocked into Canberra and defeated the high flying White Eagles by 1 0.

Donadel struck with eight minutes left of an absorbing encounter in which both teams had chances to take the lead before the visitors did so in spectacular fashion. Incredibly, for a team one off the bottom of the table, Yoogali are only six points behind the Eagles who occupy the final place in the top four.

It’s been that kind of season in the CPL and with every game being played at a top tempo, there’s likely to be a lot more twists and turns between now and the final whistle of Round 21.

ROUND 12: EAGLES WIN DERBY CLASH WITH QUEANBEYAN

White Eagles forced themselves back into the conversation for promotion by claiming a vital 2 0 win in the derby with Queanbeyan City, in the process inflicting another severe blow to their rivals hopes of topping the table on another brilliant afternoon of football in the Capital Premier League.

The Eagles took firm command of a superb occasion with a brace of goals from the league’s leading scorer, Cuneyt Caglar, who took his tally for the season to fifteen with a double strike in the space of three minutes. Caglar’s goals silenced the vociferous home support and sent the away fans into raptures.

City have slipped up after a solid start to the campaign and their hopes of automatic promotion into the National Premier League are beginning to slip. They need to rediscover their early season form to get back into contention.

Tuggeranong United took advantage of Queanbeyan’s defeat by seeing off Brindabella Blues, who began the match in third place on the table, 3 0 at Kambah 2 to move eight points clear at the top of the table in their search for an immediate return to the National Premier League.

Early goals have been a highlight of the season from United in 2022 and they struck twice again inside the opening quarter of this one, nullifying the Blues and allowing Harrison Buesnel to find the net once more, the central defender’s goal giving his team the lead inside ten minutes.

Patrick Hislop made it two just ten minutes later and, even in the absence of Head Coach Mitch Stevens, Assistant Jon Caggiano leading the team for the clash, Tuggeranong were too good for Brindabella. They sealed the win, and their advantage at the top, as Sam Walker scored his 13th goal of the season.

Over in the Riverina, Wagga City Wanderers are back in the hunt for a place in the top four after stunning ANU FC with a 3 2 victory at Gissing Oval. A goal two minutes into the second half from Samson Lucas turned the game on its head after the visitors had earlier led twice in the contest.

Chase Deans had given the University side the lead in the sixth minute only for Morris Kadzola to draw the Wanderers level after twenty three. ANU FC hit the front again fifteen minutes later as Deans scored for a second time, but Tomas Matheson drew Wagga back on terms once more just before the break.

Lucas’ strike proved to be the winner and brought Wagga level on points with their opponents, trailing only on goal difference and back in the top four push for finals places.

Yoogali SC may be seventh on the table, but they are within four points of the top four after defeating Weston-Molonglo FC 3 1 in Griffith. The victory closes the gap on those above them and leaves the Magpies fourteen points adrift at the foot of the table and still without a point in 2022.

They were competitive in this one and even drew level when Michael Sellers struck to cancel out the opener scored by Isaac Donadel, but that was as good as it got for the visiting team who were unable to hold on and saw their hopes of coming away with a reward swept away by their hosts.

Joe Preece restored Yoogali’s lead in the second half and a first of the season for Dean Armanini made sure of the result as Yoogali kept themselves in with a chance of finals football.

ROUND 13: KADZOLA

HAT-TRICK THROWS PROMOTION

A treble from Wagga City Wanderers Morris Kadzola has thrown the Capital Premier League promotion race back open as the Wanderers recorded a remarkable 4 3 win over table topping Tuggeranong United in a game in which Kadzola took three penalties.

RACE BACK OPEN

The new signing for 2022 has been in rare form in recent weeks and was successful twice from the penalty spot in the first half before missing the third, awarded with 21 minutes remaining, only to pop home the rebound and put his team back in front for the second time in the match.

Mark Richards had put Tuggeranong ahead in the 19th minute, before Kadzola levelled from the spot, his second successful penalty putting the Wanderers in front. That lead lasted two minutes before Sam Walker equalised for the home side, the teams entering the changing rooms at half time all square.

Kadzola’s rebound strike had the visitors ahead again before Walker made it 3 3 with his 14th goal of the season. But it was Wagga who were to go home with the points, Jacob Ochieng netting what proved to be the matchwinner, the seventh goal of the contest, with five minutes remaining.

Queanbeyan City made the most of Tuggeranong’s unexpected slip up, reducing the lead at the top to five points with a five star, five goal thrashing of the hapless Weston Molonglo FC.

The Magpies were blown away by a rampant City in the opening half as Goran Josifovski’s side gave notice that they are still a part of the promotion conversation. Michael Mensah and David Ramos put them two to the good by the 24th minute and when Hussein Fureje made it three moments later, the destination of the points was already secured.

There was still time for more before the interval, Nikola Trajkovski scoring his first goal since signing from O’Connor Knights in the June transfer window. A late fifth, struck by Michael Piccolo who arrived at the same time as Trajkovski, rounded out a perfect afternoon for Queanbeyan.

A single goal by Jordan Host decided a hard fought battle in favour of Brindabella Blues against Yoogali SC, the home side moving into third on the table with the victory over the visitors from Griffith.

Host struck after just twelve minutes for the Blues allowing them to move a point above White Eagles but leaves Yoogali six points off the top four pace setters and needing to pick up some wins to get back into contention.

That race for the finals is looking very congested as ANU FC moved back into fourth place with a 3 1 win over White Eagles. Only two points separate third from sixth with the Blues, Eagles, ANU, and Wanderers all within touching distance and Yoogali by no means out of the reckoning.

At the University fields, ANU FC were in front midway through the half as Max Mottl opened the scored and Chase Deans was on hand to double that lead with four minutes left of the opening stanza.

A goal from Ohio Asikhia on the stroke of half time reduced the arrears and made it a nervy second half for both, but a tenth goal of the season from the perennial ace in the pack Deans, made certain of an ANU FC victory and the University side are rediscovering form at the right time of the campaign.

ROUND 14: PIVA LEVELS LATE AS YOOGALI DENY QUEANBEYAN

A late goal from William Piva earned Yoogali SC a 2 2 draw at Queanbeyan City, denying their hosts the chance to close the gap on league leaders Tuggeranong United at High Street in Round 14 of the Capital Premier League.

In an entertaining match, City knew a win would bring them to within two points of the inactive Tuggeranong, the leaders match with White Eagle having been postponed twenty four hours earlier, yet they were unable to take advantage and had to settle for a solitary point.

Earlier, David Ramos had given Queanbeyan a 12th minute lead with his fourth league goal of the season only for Dean Armanini to draw the visitors level just past the thirty minute mark. Parity only lasted two minutes however as Michael Piccolo restored Queanbeyan’s lead.

That might have been enough, but Yoogali, who harbour top four hopes of their own, struck back with time running out as Piva earned them a point to celebrate on the long trek back to Griffith.

Wagga City Wanderers recent resurgence continued with a 1 0 win over Brindabella Blues at Gissing Oval to move the Riverina club up into fourth place and into the finals reckoning, taking their winning run to three games in succession.

Remarkably, the Wanderers were awarded a fourth penalty in two matches and, as against Tuggeranong at Kambah in Round 13, it was to prove decisive. Jacob Ochieng took over penalty duties and coolly slotted in his fifth goal of the season in the 21st minute from the spot.

The travelling Blues had been on a good run of form themselves but were unable to respond and Wagga ended the weekend in the finals spot, a point ahead of the Blues and two clear of White Eagles who have the game in hand.

Bottom of the table Weston Molonglo FC put in their best display of the season, but it wasn’t enough to secure a point against finals chasing ANU FC, the visitors taking the spoils by a narrow 2 1 margin.

The University side weren’t at their best, but credit must go to the Magpies who claim closer to obtaining an elusive first point then they have at any other stage of what has been a miserable campaign for them.

They were behind after only two minutes in this one, and must have feared the worst, when Carl Hynes put ANU into an early lead, but it wouldn’t be until twenty minutes from time that ANU FC would add their second, Isaac Ellis netting for the second time in the 2022 season, his last goal having come against Brindabella Blues in Round 3.

There was to be a consolation for the Magpies, reward for their hard work and endeavour as Tom Pagett scored in the final minute, but it was too late to mount any sort of late rally.

ROUND 15: TUGGERANONG A STEP CLOSER, WAGGA WIN AGAIN

Wagga City Wanderers excellent recent run of form continued as they scored twice late on to see off thew visiting White Eagles by 4 3 in an astonishing match, played at Gissing Oval in the Riverina.

A sixteenth goal of the season from Golden Boot leader Cuneyt Caglar had the Eagles soaring in the 20th minute but Wagga responded quickly and were level within three minutes as Jacob Ochieng struck.

It was Ochieng who gave the Wanderers the lead, the lively forward scoring his sixth of the season to put the hosts ahead at the break and set up a startling last sixteen minutes of drama.

Kenrick Beuth drew Eagles back on terms in the 74th minute only for the in form Morris Kadzola to restore Wagga’s lead with eight minutes to play. A second for Kadzola, and a ninth of the season had Wagga 4 2 to the good and, despite a last minute goal from Zac Lawrence, it was enough to secure a memorable victory.

ANU FC kept third place on the ladder by virtue of goal difference as they battled their way past a belligerent Yoogali SC, claiming the three points with a narrow 2 1 success.

Carl Hynes gave the University side the lead five minutes into the second half after the teams had played out a goalless stalemate up until the interval, with chances for both coming and going.

Chasing a top four spot, ANU FC gave themselves a cushion as former Canberra Croatia marksman Rory Spiers made it two and, despite an injury time goal from Isaac Donadel causing a few palpitations in the closing stages, ANU held on for a vital success.

Queanbeyan City kept the pressure on Tuggeranong United ahead of the leaders’ home clash on the Sunday afternoon, reducing the deficit at the top with a comprehensive 4 0 away win at the always difficult Ipan Park, home of Brindabella Blues

City needed a statement win and they got it sweeping aside a Blues team that often gives them issues with a brace of goals inside the opening sixteen minutes of the contest, a perfect start to what was to follow.

Michael Mensah gave Queanbeyan the lead after only five minutes and the lead was doubled when Hussein Fureje made it the perfect start for Goran Josifovski and his team as City took a stranglehold on the contest.

Second half goals from defensive stalwarts Mark Walker and Vasko Petrovski added gloss to the scoreboard and showed that City, despite a difficult recent run of form, are still well in with a shout of that promotion spot.

Tuggeranong United regained their four point cushion at the top of the table with a competent 6 0 win over Weston Molonglo FC at Kambah 2 to leave themselves in pole position for promotion, also having a game in hand.

As usual, United were out of the blocks in a flash as Patrick Hislop gave them the lead in the seventh minute before Sam Walker, Tuggeranong’s leading scorer, doubled the lead with only sixteen minutes played.

The Magpies were more solid than the previous meeting with United, but Hislop netted a second before the interval to seal the points. Walker made it four with his 16th of the campaign, joining Caglar on top of the Golden Boot standings, before Mark Richards added a fifth with nineteen minutes to play.

There was still time for Hislop to claim a treble, completing his hat trick in the final minute and moving onto eight goals for the 2022 season as United marched inexorably on.

ROUND 16: MAGPIES STUN WAGGA WITH FIVE-STAR SHOW

Bottom of the table, and pointless, heading into Round 16 Weston Molonglo recorded one of the results of the season with a stunning 5 0 hammering of high flying Wagga City Wanderers in the first of a double header at Hawker Football Centre.

There was no disguising the incredulity of the result as the Magpies suddenly found their form as the Wanderers were despatched in a match that had the rest of the capital Premier League scratching their head.

Michael Sellers was the goal hero for Weston Molonglo as he bagged a hat trick, finishing off some excellent Magpies moves and making the Wanderers pay for some slack defending. Sellers scored once in the first half, and twice after the break, as the Wanderers top four hopes took a blow.

After Sellers had made it 2 0, Nathan Readman made it three on the hour before Sellers completed his treble with ten minutes to play. Tom Pagett rounded off a superb day for Weston by adding the fifth in the final minute.

Queanbeyan City’s inconsistency came back to haunt them as they were drubbed by a rampant ANU FC at Hawker Football Centre, the University side coming from a goal behind to score half a dozen without reply to move three points clear in third place and leave City struggling to maintain pace with leaders Tuggeranong United.

There was little indication of what was to come as Michael Piccolo gave Queanbeyan the lead in only the second minute of the contest, but it was an advantage that lasted just three minutes as Hassan Alnuwaysir quickly brought ANU FC back on terms.

A brace of goals just before the break swung the match in favour of the home side as Monte Grace gave ANU FC the lead before Chase Deans netted for the eleventh time in the CPL in 2022, scoring from the spot three minutes into first half stoppage time.

Any hopes of a Queanbeyan comeback were doused by two goals in four minutes around the hour mark as Alnuwaysir made it 4 1 quickly followed by a third goal of the season for Rory Spiers. Carl Hynes fifth league goal of the year completed the half dozen with five minutes to play as ANU ran riot.

Tuggeranong United emerged unscathed from a potential banana skin to their title challenge by taking all three points from their trip to Griffith as they defeated Yoogali SC 3 0 to move seven points clear at the top of the pile, with a game in hand.

On a difficult surface United were made to work for their victory after taking the lead through Tarisayi Mbogo after only nineteen minutes. It was the tall defenders first goal of the season and a crucial one at a critical time.

Yoogali battled hard and Tuggeranong couldn’t relax until leading scorer Sam Walker netted for the seventeenth time this season in the 69th minute. A ninth of the campaign from

Patrick Hislop with twelve minutes remaining sealed the win and put United another step forward on the path to promotion.

ROUND 17: TUGGERANONG TAKE GIANT LEAP TOWARDS PROMOTION

Tuggeranong United moved another step closer to a return to the National Premier League with a sensational come from behind win over Queanbeyan City at High Street, overturning a 0 2 deficit to claim a substantial 6 2 success and move nine points clear at the top of the Capital Premier League standings.

City, who went into the game seven points behind Tuggeranong, knowing that a win would be the only thing that would keep them in contention for the one promotion spot, came out of the blocks like an Olympic sprinter with striker Michael Mensah in red hot form.

The forward gave his team the lead after only two minutes and doubled the lead twelve minutes later as the City fans raucously got behind their team and Tuggeranong were visibly rattled, perhaps for the first time in the 2022 season. And yet, this United side knows only one way to respond. With goals.

And it wasn’t just with one. Tuggeranong rocked Queanbeyan with a seven minute spell before the interval that yielded an astonishing four goals, the first coming directly from a Luke Stevens corner. After conceding that, City visibly wilted, and the league leaders scented blood.

Harrison Buesnel gave them the lead with his seventh league goal of the season before Golden Boot leader Sam Walker headed home his 18th of the campaign to increase the advantage even further. Incredibly, there was time for more, Stevens taking his league tally to a round dozen in stoppage time.

After that, there was little doubt as to the outcome. City saw Juan Mancilla dismissed in the 83rd minute and, barely sixty seconds later, Patrick Hislop netted for the 10th time in 2022 to bring up five. For the second week in succession Queanbeyan shipped six as John Hajdu grabbed the last, City slipping to third, United moving ever upwards.

ANU FC slipped into second place, nine points behind Tuggeranong, with an impressive 3 1 away win over Brindabella Blues, two goals in three minutes in the second half allowing the University side to claim the maximum return.

After a goalless opening stanza, ANU FC suddenly burst into life eight minutes after the resumption of hostilities. Chase Deans, so often in the past the inspiration behind ANU FC’s success, cracked home his twelfth of the season to allow the visitors to break the deadlock and settle a few nerves.

Three minutes later Liam Neeson struck the second as the Blues suffered a quick one two sucker punch. However, the home side are made of stern stuff and Isaac Weekley pulled them back into the contest just past the hour.

Any hopes of forcing an equaliser, and a share of the points, was negated two minutes from time as the elegant Max Mottl bagged the third ANU FC goal of the afternoon, to secure the win and keep the team in with a slim chance of hauling in Tuggeranong United at the summit.

Wagga City Wanderers, wearing their new ‘Stampede Stigma’ kits celebrated in some style with a scarcely credible 9 2 battering of Yoogali SC in the Riverina Derby at Gissing Oval to move seven points clear in of White Eagles in fourth place.

The Wanderers were simply irresistible in the second half of a contest which was as good as you’re likely to see in the Capital Premier League. Both sides gave as good as they got as Andrew Vitucci gave Yoogali the lead only for Jake Ploenges to equalise. Samson Lucas restored the home advantage before Vitucci made it 2 2.

The dismissal of Dean Armanini in the 26th minute swung the match back in favour of the Wanderers and Morris Kadzola moved onto ten for the season when he gave Wagga a 3 2 lead heading into the dressing rooms at half time.

There was loads more to come after the restart. Jacob Ochieng made it 4 2 before Ploenges added a brace to complete a hat trick. And still they weren’t done. James Thomson struck twice, either side of a goal from Logan Flanagan as the Wanderers entered dreamland, a huge victory in the derby and a finals place in their hands.

White Eagles meanwhile suffered another slip up as a resurgent Weston Molonglo FC chalked up a fourth point in two matches as they secured a creditable 1 1 draw against their highly rated opponents.

The Eagles find themselves seven points adrift of the top four but do have a pair of games in hand albeit testing fixtures against Tuggeranong United and Brindabella Blues, starting with Tuggeranong on Wednesday.

In this fixture they were forced to dig deep and find the resilience inside themselves as Weston Molonglo went ahead five minutes after a scoreless first half, Tom Pagett putting the Magpies in front.

Eagles have been reliant on their goal machine up front in Cuneyt Caglar and he delivered again, scoring his 17th goal of the season to level the match and earn the Eagles a point. Whether it’s one gained, or two lost, remains to be seen.

MIDWEEK CATCH UP: TUGGERANONG ONE POINT AWAY FROM TITLE

Tuggeranong United moved to within a point of claiming the Capital Premier League Champions title and promotion to the National Premier League as they defeated White Eagles in their Round 14 catch up match at Woden Park.

United need only a draw from the home clash with ANU FC at Kambah 2 on Sunday afternoon to seal an automatic return to the top flight and, having again shown their ability

at both ends of the park, gaining that point before the end of the season, with four games remaining, seems a certainty.

The Eagles are always tricky opposition and they proved to be once more at the Nest, making United work hard and providing stubborn resistance as they aimed to keep their hopes of a place in the top four, and finals football, alive.

After falling behind to a rare Euan Peterkin goal, only the midfielders second of the season, the Eagles responded well and were only a goal down at the break and clearly still in the contest.

And yet, Tuggeranong have this inherent ability in 2022 to take the game away from their opponents with quick fire goals and did so again after the break. Mark Richards bagged a seventh of the season to make it 2 0 and Harrison Buesnel celebrated his call up to the Capital All Stars Squad with his eighth goal of the campaign.

ROUND 18: ANU FC PLAY PARTY POOPERS AT GREENWAY

ANU FC secured a sixth win in succession and forced Tuggeranong United to put the promotion champagne back on ice with a confident 2 0 win at Greenway Enclosed on Sunday afternoon.

The University side denied Tuggeranong the point the needed to claim the title, and lift the silverware, putting the promotion party off for at least another week and reclaiming second spot in the ladder from Queanbeyan City.

A pair of goals within seven minutes of each other during the first half did the damage for Talal Safar’s team who have found their groove and are hitting the high notes at the right time of the season.

A thirteenth goal of a productive season for Chase Deans settled the visitors after only fourteen minutes and when Rory Spiers doubled the lead in the 21st minute, United were left chasing the game. They battled to get back into it, but ANU FC had done enough and look a genuine threat for the finals.

A double from marksman Curtis Schaeffer kept Brindabella Blues hopes of a place in the top four and finals football alive as they edged aside Weston Molonglo FC 2 1 at Woden Park in a tight match.

Schaeffer struck the winner with two minutes of the match remaining to take his league tally to half a dozen and end his personal goal drought. It was a rough ending on the Magpies who have suddenly found some form as the season crawls towards a conclusion, albeit too late to avoid the wooden spoon.

Lachlan Smale bagged his first goal of the year for Weston Molonglo with eleven minutes to play, equalising Schaeffer’s earlier goal which had given the Blues a 1 0 lead to take into the

interval at half time. The Blues moved to within four points of Wagga City Wanderers in fourth.

That’s because Wagga City Wanderers were unable to keep their recent momentum going as they succumbed to a last minute winner at High Street as Queanbeyan City moved into second place ahead of the Sunday afternoon fixtures.

Abderrahim Dellahi was johnny on the spot to grab the match winner with time running out, a goal that put City above ANU FC with three rounds of the season remaining. It was a priceless goals for City who had coughed up early leads to suffer two heavy defeats in their previous two outings.

Striker Michael Mensah had broken the deadlock with sixteen minutes remaining, his third goal in two games and his seventh of the season, only for Samson Lucas to silence the home crowd by levelling within a minute. City would have the last laugh though as Dellahi claimed the match winner.

An eighteenth league goal of the season from ace striker Cuneyt Caglar ensured that White Eagles returned from Griffith with all three points following a 1 0 win over Yoogali SC.

Caglar bagged the matchwinner with five minutes to play prompting excited scenes from the travelling Eagles support. The win could prove priceless for Eagles who could move to within a point of the finals’ places should they win their game in hand against Brindabella Blues.

Yoogali remain seventh, nine points behind the Blues and look likely to end the 2022 season in that position.

ROUND 19: TUGGERANONG PROMOTED TO PREMIER LEAGUE AS CHAMPIONS

Tuggeranong United got the point they needed to earn promotion back to the National Premier League only one season after being relegated as they drew 1 1 at Brindabella Blues to mathematically secure the League Championship.

In truth, it was a title that looked certain to be heading their way a few weeks back, but United have stumbled, rather than sprinted across the line, and yet they were deserved champions based on an exceptional season that saw they grab hold of the promotion chase and refuse to let go.

They had to settle for a share of the spoils here though as a tight first half ended goalless with the deadlock finally broken some fourteen minutes into the second half as Dean Tomeski, a mid season signing from Queanbeyan City, fired his first Tuggeranong goal to put his side ahead.

The Blues hit back as their leading scorer Curtis Schaeffer found the space to level the scores, a goal that may prove to be vital for Brindabella as they kept alive their hopes of a

finals place, moving to within three points of Wagga City Wanderers who occupy that fourth position.

Blues had been beaten in midweek as White Eagles secured a 2 1 win with a match winner from veteran Martin Deng three minutes into the second half of a game that Brindabella finished with ten men after Jamie Ward was sent off for a second yellow card offence with sixteen minutes remaining.

Earlier, James Menham had equalised for the visitors after Ohio Asikhia had put the Eagles ahead in a frantic start which included two goals inside the opening eleven minutes of the contest.

White Eagles week went from good to bad though as they followed their win over the Blues with a disappointing 0 2 loss to Queanbeyan City for whom Michael Mensah, who has been in blistering form in recent weeks, scoring both goals to remain in third place and give the Eagles work to do to reach the finals.

Mensah struck twice in the final quarter of the match, the first after 66 minutes and the second ten minutes from time to move onto nine goals for the campaign and keep the pressure on ANU FC above them with only two rounds of action remaining in the Capital Premier League.

ANU FC stayed one point ahead of Queanbeyan City as they defeated Wagga City Wanderers to record a seventh successive victory, a run of form that has suddenly propelled the University side into the conversation as potential Grand Finalists, and even potential winners of that trophy.

A last minute goal from Jan Wojna settled the contest in favour of ANU FC, a vital strike from the big defender, and a goal that will be widely celebrated by those chasing Wagga City Wanderers and fourth place. As it is, the Wanderers remain in that coveted spot, a point above Eagles and three above Brindabella.

Yoogali SC meanwhile won the battle of the bottom two as they defeated Weston Molonglo FC 3 1 in Griffith to claim a fifth win of the season and increase the gap between themselves and the wooden spoonists to fourteen points.

The damage was all done in the opening forty five minutes as the home team romped into a three goal lead by the break. Mason Donadel opened the scoring for Yoogali with an in form Andrew Vitucci making it two on the half hour mark.

By the time William Piva increased the lead to three just two minutes before the half time break, the destination of the points were certain. Alex Hollis nabbed a consolation for the Magpies in the second half.

ROUND 20: FINALS RACE HEADS TO LAST ROUND

The race for the top four places in the Capital League will head to the final round of the season, with three teams still in contention to join Champions Tuggeranong United, Queanbeyan City and ANU FC in the end of season showdown. White Eagles, Brindabella Blues and Wagga City Wanderers are all still in the hunt.

Even without their Head Coach Mitch Stevens, who welcomed a young baby into the world last week and subsequently missed out on the trip to Wagga City Wanderers, League Champions Tuggeranong United were simply irresistible once more, racking up a 6 1 away win to record a fifteenth victory of the season.

United had four by the break, once again showcasing their unerring ability to take the game away from the opposition before it had really even got going. John Hajdu struck twice in the opening twenty minutes before a nineteenth of the season for Sam Walker made it three and secured the points by the 35th minute.

Patrick Hislop added the fourth before the half time whistle had been blown and, despite Morris Kadzola scoring his eleventh of the season six minutes into the second stanza, United simply went through the gears again. A brace for Mark Richards, within three minutes of each other, took him to nine for the year and sealed another memorable win.

The heavy defeat saw Wanderers drop out of the top four on goal difference being replaced in the final qualification spot by White Eagles who came from 0 2 down to earn a point from a share of the spoils against ANU FC.

The home side, off the back of seven wins in succession, were in top form and stormed into the lead as Rory Spiers opened the scoring in just the third minute. Chase Deans fourteenth goal of the season made it two inside nineteen minutes, a landmark goal for the ANU stalwart as it marked his century of goals for the club.

Eagles though, with their finals hopes on the line, showed their commitment to the cause and were level by the break. Ohio Asikhia pulled one back just before the half hour mark and veteran Dejan Santrac managed to equalise in the final seconds of the half to secure what may prove to be a crucial point.

Brindabella Blues are hanging onto the coattails of the Eagles as a lone strike from Curtis Schaeffer proved enough for the home side to eke out a narrow, yet priceless, 1 0 success against visiting Yoogali SC.

Speedy striker Schaeffer netted for the eighth time this season, taking his rich recent vein of form to four goals in his last three matches and being accountable for four of the last five goals that the Blues have managed in the CPL.

Brindabella will make the trip to the Riverina next weekend, for a potentially massive encounter with Wagga City Wanderers, the winners hoping for an Eagles slip up against Tuggeranong United in order to sneak into the reckoning for potential Grand Final glory in October.

At the top end of the table, Queanbeyan City regained second place from ANU FC with a round to play as they outscored a belligerent and testy Weston-Molonglo FC, coming out on top of a fascinating encounter by the odd goal in five, four of which were netted in the opening half.

A brace from Andrew Sellers had Queanbeyan two to the good by the 37th minute and that appeared to be the lead they would take into the changing rooms only to suffer a late first half collapse akin to the one that saw they ship four goals against Tuggeranong in next to no time.

On this occasion it was two goals in a minute that saw the Magpies swoop to level by the break. A first of the campaign for Roshan Lamichhane set the tone before Tom Pagett equalised moments later as City were left reeling.

The feeling of hope for an unlikely point, or more, was fleeting for the visitors however as City regained the initiative within a minute of the resumption of action. Dylan Colbertaldo picked the right time to score his first of the season, sending City above ANU FC and into pole position to claim a spot in the Qualification Final heading into the final day.

ROUND 21: BLUES SECURE TOP FOUR FINALS PLACE

Brindabella Blues secured the final place in the top four, and with it, finals football, following a nerve shredding weekend of action in the Capital Premier League. The Blues needed a win over Wagga City Wanderers, and White Eagles to fall to Tuggeranong United in order to stay alive, and that’s exactly how it panned out.

The Brindabella Blues gained the win they needed in the Riverina against Wagga City Wanderers courtesy of a 70th minute goal from in form striker Curtis Schaeffer. Schaeffer

scored for the third successive match and has now been responsible for five of the last six Blues goals.

It was his ninth of the season, and put Brindabella into the top four, ending any hopes that the Wanderers had of continuing their end of season upsurge in form. Wagga City end the campaign in 6th, only three points off the final’s places.

There was an anxious wait for the Blues as they waited on news from Hawker Football Centre, the venue for the White Eagles versus Tuggeranong United match, the fixture having been moved from the waterlogged Woden Park.

Eagles were in the hunt for fourth place for large swathes of the match, knowing that any goal would be enough to keep their season going as their goal difference was superior to both those of the Blues and the Wanderers. But the League Champions were in no mood to give helping hand.

It took until four minutes from time for Tuggeranong United to break the deadlock and move towards a half century of points and the goal, when it eventually arrived, came from a unlikely source as Lewis Kaminski netted his first goal of the season to put the visitors into the lead.

United were able to seal the win, and end the Eagles season in the process, in the final minute as Sam Walker struck his 20th goal of the season, a goal that ensured the United hit man was also able to claim the Capital Premier League Golden Boot.

At the top end of the table Queanbeyan City claimed the three points they needed to solidify second place and a shot at Tuggeranong United in the Qualification Final with a narrow 2 1 away win against Yoogali SC in a fixture that was played in Yenda, just outside of Griffith.

It usually takes teams a while to warm up after a long coach trip interstate, but City made lie of that assumption as they scored twice inside the opening eight minutes of the contest to take an early hold on proceedings.

Abderrahim Dellahi netted in the third minute to give Goran Josifovski’s team the perfect opening and when Andrew Sellers added a second a mere five minutes later, Queanbeyan were in the driving seat and, seemingly, well on the way to the points that they seriously needed.

Yoogali struck back when Joe Preece reduced the deficit in the 17th minute to bring the contest back to life but neither side were able to add to the scoreboard and Queanbeyan ended the match as victors.

That result meant that no matter what ANU FC did, they could not regain second place from Queanbeyan City and had to settle for third, a place on the table they cemented with a 3 1 win over bottom of the table Weston-Molonglo FC.

With the win, ANU FC will face Brindabella Blues in the Elimination Final, the winners progressing to the Preliminary Final and a fixture against the losers of the Qualification Final between Tuggeranong United and Queanbeyan.

Roshan Lamichhane scored for the second week in a row to put the Magpies into a first half lead, an advantage they held until the 53rd minute when Rory Spiers equalised with his sixth goal of the campaign.

Chase Deans made sure ANU FC would emerge as the winners, his brace of goals in the 61st and 89th minute ensuring he moved onto sixteen goals for the season, ending a point off second place.

FINALS WEEK ONE: BLUES STUN ANU FC, TUGGERANONG’S SERENE PROGRESS

Brindabella Blues, the fairy tale story of the Capital Premier League, continued their remarkable run to oust ANU FC and move into the Preliminary Final where only Queanbeyan City stand between them and a place in the Grand Final on Sunday 2 October.

The Blues finished last in the curtailed 2021 season, managing only two wins from seventeen matches and a meagre seven points in total, but have completely revolutionised their performances under the astute stewardship of legendary Head Coach Ray Junna who has crafted a youthful, exuberant group into genuine contenders.

They went into the Elimination Final against ANU FC as the underdogs and yet, at no stage, were they daunted by the prospect of taking on the multiple time Capital Premier League Grand Finalists.

One goal was enough to seal Brindabella’s progress and it came from the unlikely source of Kenzo Sly Umebayashi, the Blues goal hero picking the opportune time to score his first goal of the 2022 season.

There were one or two nervy moments, as was to be expected when playing a team of the calibre and quality of ANU FC with their wide array of attacking talent, and yet the Blues held firm and are perhaps just ninety minutes away from a shot at the League Champions and potential glory.

Tuggeranong United underlined their championship quality by dismantling nearest challengers Queanbeyan City in a one sided Qualification Final at Melrose Synthetic, the title holders racking up a three goal cushion by the half time break, eventually running away with a 5 0 success.

United have made a habit during the 2022 campaign of blitzing teams in the early stages, taking firm control of matches and not letting that grip slip, and so it was little surprise to see them do just that again.

Euan Peterkin opened the scoring for Mitch Stevens’ team inside the opening six minutes to set the scene and Tuggeranong rarely let up from there, riding out the threat posed by Queanbeyan and extending their lead in the 33rd minute as striker Mark Richards took his personal tally for the season into double figures.

The killer goal arrived right on the cusp of half time however, Patrick Hislop’s 12th CPL goal of the campaign giving Tuggeranong a three goal lead at the break and, with that, a place in the Grand Final.

Queanbeyan weren’t likely to comeback from that kind of deficit, and they conceded two more after the break as Ryan Gulevski was unfortunately credited with a brace of own goals as the score line blew out. United eventually progressing to the Grand Final, Queanbeyan with the second chance to join them.

PRELIMINARY FINAL: BLUES WRITE ANOTHER CHAPTER IN HISTORIC SEASON

The scarcely believable story of the Brindabella Blues 2022 Capital Premier League season wrote another successful chapter at the Riverside Stadium as Ray Junna’s young charges upset the apple cart once more, sending Queanbeyan City packing from an enthralling Preliminary Final to set up a Grand Final showdown with Southside rivals Tuggeranong United.

An epic contest was finally decided by a penalty shootout as Jayden Deighan Smith kept his nerve to crash home the winning spot kick, hammering a confident effort high into the top corner of the net to send the travelling Blues support into raptures.

The strike completed another incredible afternoon in the story of a 2022 campaign of redemption for Brindabella, a club that was propping up the entire division twelve months

ago, devoid of confidence and needing a reboot. The difference, a little over a year later, is marked.

The Blues were second favourites in this one, how could they not be against a Queanbeyan City side that had finished second in the league and possessed a strong, experienced group of players against a team of callow youths, many of whom were experiencing finals football at this level for the first time.

And yet it was Brindabella who were in front just past the half hour. Jordan Host rapping home a free kick from right on the edge of the penalty area, the ball nicking off the wall before nestling into the top corner of Queanbeyan City ‘keeper Mahmoud Halawani’s left hand upright.

Michael Mensah, City’s handful of a centre forward, went close to an equaliser with an overhead kick and was later sent off, the officials adjudging his actions off the ball sufficient for a red card.

Jamie Ward may have sealed it for Brindabella only for Halawani to make a superb point blank save after an incisive Blues break, that set the scene for the last minute drama. City awarded a penalty after handball in the box and, six minutes into time added on, Queanbeyan substitute Vasko Petrovski kept his cool to score from the spot and send the game into extra time.

We had the incongruous sight of reserve Blues goalkeeper Sebastian Schob Wyss deployed as an auxiliary striker when Brindabella ran out of outfield substitutes and Ryan Gulevski blazing over from inside the six yard box with the goal at his mercy following a Rhys Flissinger save of a Marco Savkovic drive.

This set up the shoot out to decide the Grand Finalist and, after Flissinger had stepped up first to score, Hussein Fureje saw his shot cannon back off the post opening the door for Deighan Smith to seal progress. It was that kind of madcap afternoon.

GRAND FINAL: CHAMPIONS COME FROM BEHIND TO SEE OFF GALLANT BLUES

A stunning overhead kick from substitute Adam Firych sealed the double for Tuggeranong United as they came from behind to defeat a gallant Brindabella Blues in an excellent Capital Premier League Grand Final at the Riverside Stadium in Queanbeyan.

Firych’s moment of magic came off a long throw from fellow replacement Sean Kiddey, the defender showing amazing agility to readjust to score a sensational match winner and see United home 2 1.

Earlier, it had appeared that the fourth placed Blues would upset the applecart as they took the lead with a classic smash and grab, midfielder Henry Wilks finding Curtis Schaeffer who smacked a shot into the top corner of the net past James Benivento.

Schaeffer had previously been denied by a smart stop from Benivento after excellent approach work from Jordan Host, the Blues appealing unsuccessfully for a penalty after the winger was upended sending in the pass to his forward.

United appeared devoid of a way past the top class Blues ‘keeper Rhys Flissinger, who defied everything that Tuggeranong could throw at him which, as the second half continued, came at increasingly frequent intervals.

Luke Stevens saw a shot superbly turned away by the Brindabella custodian who, with Ollie Witrzens in solid form in front of him, repelled the repeated Tuggeranong attacks. Indeed, in young full back Kenzo Sly Umebayashi and teenage midfielder Jayden Deighan Smith in imperious form, the Blues looked solid.

However, United are champion side for a reason and they equalised with seven minutes remaining, a sucker punch to break Brindabella hearts.

Jamie Vearncombe broke down the right and flicked a ball through that bounced into the path of Sam Walker, the ace finisher doing the rest as he calmly side footed home the leveller setting the scene for the extra time heroics from Firych to win the trophy and seal the double.

It was a magnificent game to end the season, Tuggeranong having the better openings and thoroughly deserving their success, but knowing they were made to fight tooth and nail to get there by their opponents.

In the Capital Premier League under 23 Grand Final, Wagga City Wanderers caused a boil over as they knocked off the League Champions Brindabella Blues thanks to a double from Tom Matheson and a man of the match display from goalkeeper Adam Stevens.

Matheson struck once in each half to give the Wanderers the victory, reacting fastest to a Watban Ibrahim free kick that was pushed away by goalkeeper Sebastian Bello Rohan then sliding in the winner after excellent approach work by winger Matthew Mitchell.

Both teams ended the match with ten men, Blues having equalised with nineteen minutes to play as forward Kodi McLachlan broke clear to calmly finish past the outstanding Stevens, the Wanderers ‘keeper later incredibly denying Cohen Williams twice in quick succession with a double save worthy of winning a Grand Final.

CAPITAL PREMIER LEAGUE:

SEASON

ANU FC

Head Coach: Talal SAFAR

Position: 3rd

Finals Series: Elimination Final

ANU came off a red hot season in 2021 where they finished just two points behind promoted side O’Connor Knights. Ending that storied rivalry between the two CPL stalwarts. ANU went through a bit of a transition in the summer with coach Adam Condipodero stepping down and Talal Safar coming in. Safar came off some red hot form himself, with his U23’s Monaro side winning the league title in 2021.

Along with the coaching change, ANU had some shake ups as well. Notably Rowan Peterkin, George Owen, Cuynet Caglar and Sam Carters departing. Carters in particular, scored 14 goals for ANU last season. While bringing in the likes of Hassan Alnuwaysir, Bruno, and Braulio Melo to name a few.

They started the campaign inconsistently, winning one week and losing the next. Their losses varied between heavy and narrow defeats while their wins were the same on the opposite side of the scale. On their day though during this period they showed their quality including a 3 3 draw with Tuggeranong. With a 3 1 victory over White Eagles on July 16th their form and consistency took a turn.

They arguably went on the run of the CPL season winning seven matches in a row, defeating every team in the league in that process. This included some big victories over the likes of Queanbeyan 6 1 and eventual league champions Tuggeranong 2 0. Despite their great season ending form ANU missed out on second place due to two defeats at the end of their campaign. They needed to go the long way around if they were to make the final. It wasn’t meant to be for Talal Safar’s side as they were knocked out in the elimination final by eventual finalists Brindabella Blues.

Chase Deans filled the void of Sam Carter’s goal threat, scoring 17 goals only finishing three shy of the golden boot. Deans also completed his terrific season by being included in Capital Football’s CPL team of the year. Another standout was Monteagh Grace in the centre of midfield. He was the cog in the centre of the park, an absolute engine of a box to box midfielder that can score goals as well.

Talal Safar has announced he will depart ANU shortly after the conclusion of their season a couple of months back. A successor has still yet to be announced as of this being written. Despite a good season from Safar’s side, it was overall a season of what ifs for ANU. If they started the season with the consistency that they ended the season with, considering their quality we could have seen them push Tuggeranong for the promotion battle.

GOALS (CPL)

16 Chase DEANS, 7 Max MOTTL, 6 Rory SPIERS, 5 Carl HYNES, 4 Hassan ALNUWAYSIR, 2 Isaac ELLIS, Monte GRACE, Nick HOPE, Liam NEESON, Jan WOJNA, 1 Tim LOPEZ, Sasha VUJIC

GOALS (CUP)

3 Hassan ALNUWAYSIR, 2 Chase DEANS, Own GOALS, 1 Tim LOPEZ, Jan WOJNA

RESULTS

AC4: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 9 0 (Own Goal 8’, 71’, Deans 19’, 32’ (p), Wojna 38’, Alnuwaysir 66’, 90+1’, 90+3’ Lopez 86’)

R1: Yoogali SC (h) W 4 0 (Deans 12’, 24’, Hope 48’, Grace 70’)

R2: Queanbeyan City (a) L 0 3

R3: Brindabella Blues (h) W 3 1 (Ellis 30’, Hynes 38’, Mottl 60’)

ACQF: Monaro Panthers (a) L 0 5

R4: Tuggeranong United (a) L 0 5

R5: Wagga City Wanderers (a) L 0 1

R6: White Eagles (a) W 2 1 (Mottl 68’, Deans 72’)

R7: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 7 2 (Deans 17’, Alnuwaysir 24’, Lopez 29’, Mottl 42’, 73’, Neeson 45’, Vujic 47’)

R8: Yoogali SC (a) L 1 3 (Alnuwaysir 3’)

R9: Queanbeyan City (h) W 2 1 (Mottl 9’, Hope 90+3’)

R10: Brindabella Blues (a) L 2 3 (Deans 9’, 80’)

R11: Tuggeranong United (h) D 3 3 (Spiers 60’, Wojna 79’, Hynes 89’)

R12: Wagga City Wanderers (a) L 2 3 (Deans 6’, 38’)

R13: White Eagles (h) W 3 1 (Mottl 25’, Deans 41’, 54’)

R14: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 2 1 (C. Hynes 2’, Ellis 70’)

R15: Yoogali SC (h) W 2 1 (C. Hynes 50’, Spiers 63’)

R16: Queanbeyan City (h) W 6 1 (Alnuwaysir 5’, 60’, Grace 44’, Deans 45+3’ (p), Spiers 64’, C. Hynes 85’)

R17: Brindabella Blues (a) W 3 1 (Deans 53’, Neeson 56’, Mottl 88’)

R18: Tuggeranong United (a) W 2 0 (Deans 14’, Spiers 21’)

R19: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 1 0 (Wojna 89’)

R20: White Eagles (h) D 2 2 (Spiers 3’, Deans 19’)

R21: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 3 1 (Spiers 53’, Deans 61’, 86’)

EF: Brindabella Blues (n) L 0 1

BRINDABELLA BLUES FC

Head Coach: Ray JUNNA

Position: 4th

Finals Series: Grand Final

Brindabella Blues have been building up their youth sector for quite a while now with a core group of players sticking together for quite a few years through the age grades. This culminated in the maturing of a young group that is beginning to reach their potential. The Brindies came off a season to forget in 2021, finishing in last place of a shortened season due to COVID. One of the most accomplished coaches to come out of Canberra Ray Junna, joined the team as head coach. Brindies lost the quality and experience of Zac Lawrence, Niko Blaskovic and Steven Klug. While gaining the quality of Jordan Host and the return of their top scorer at the beginning of last season in Curtis Schaeffer.

It took a couple of games for the Brindies to gain their first victory which came against Weston in round 4. After losing to Tuggeranong 4 0 they went on one of the most important runs of the season, going undefeated for six games. They won four of them until they ran into eventual league winners Tuggeranong again going down 3 0. Their improved form and performances were shown by the season's end as they were able to gain a draw against Tuggeranong.

While their end to the season was not as good as their run in the middle, the importance of that aforementioned form kept them in the running for the top four. In the last round of the season, it all came down to a three way race between Brindabella, White Eagles and Wagga to claim the final spot in the top four with them all tied on points heading in. Brindabella gained a crucial victory away to Wagga 1 0 and White Eagles lost to Tuggeranong giving Junna’s side the opportunity at finals.

Brindabella made the most of their opportunity, eliminating ANU and Queanbeyan consecutively to make the Grand Final against Tuggeranong. Their performances against the newly promoted side came full circle from their first two matches where they were heavily defeated 4 0 and 3 0. Ray Junna’s side took the eventual champions to extra time, and it took a moment of magic with an overhead kick from Adam Firych to break the will of the young Brindies side.

Brindabella had a host of players that stood out and took notice. Rhys Flissinger in goals was fantastic, Isaac Weekley at the back, Curtis Schaeffer scoring goals again upfront and Jordan Host was immense as the maestro in midfield, just to name a few. Surprisingly, Brindabella did not have a representative in the team of the year despite making the final. That goes to show how competitive the CPL was this season. Overall, the Brindies had a fantastic season and took Tuggeranong to the limit in the Grand Final.

A huge, continued boost for the club heading into the next campaign was the announcement that Ray Junna will stay on as head coach. With Junna at the helm and the possibility of the core of the team staying together, who knows what the ceiling can be for this terrific young team.

GOALS (CPL)

10 Curtis SCHAEFFER, 6 Jamie WARD, 5 Jayden DEIGHAN SMITH, 4 Jordan HOST, 2 Oliver WITRZENS, 1 Jack MARJORIBANKS, James MENHAM, Kenzo SLY UMEBAYASHI, Isaac WEEKLEY, Henry WILKS, Own GOALS

GOALS (CUP)

1 Gee KANGERI

RESULTS

AC3: Queanbeyan City (h) L 1 2 (Kangeri 10’)

R1: Queanbeyan City (a) L 1 2 (Schaeffer 81’ (p))

R2: White Eagles (h) D 1 1 (Ward)

R3: ANU FC (a) L 1 3 (Schaeffer 16’)

R4: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 4 1 (Deighan Smith 34’, 41’, 63’, Host 37’)

R5: Tuggeranong United (h) L 0 4

R6: Yoogali SC (a) W 2 1 (Ward 44’, Host 78’)

R7: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 5 3 (Ward 5’, 43’ (p), Schaeffer 23’, 65’, Witrzens 79’)

R8: Queanbeyan City (a) D 1 1 (Ward 55’)

R9: White Eagles (h) D 1 1 (Ward 68’)

R10: ANU FC (h) W 3 2 (Deighan Smith 43’, Wojna 53’ (og), Marjoribanks 58’)

R11: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 3 0 (Wilks 34’, Deighan Smith 41’, Weekley 53’)

R12: Tuggeranong United (a) L 0 3

R13: Yoogali SC (h) W 1 0 (Host 12’)

R14: Wagga City Wanderers (a) L 0 1

R15: Queanbeyan City (h) L 0 4

R16: White Eagles (a) Postponed

R17: ANU FC (h) L 1 3 (Weekley 61’)

R18: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 2 1 (Schaeffer 25’, 88’)

R16: White Eagles (a) L 1 2 (Menham 11’)

R19: Tuggeranong United (h) D 1 1 (Schaeffer 64’)

R20: Yoogali SC (h) W 1 0 (Schaeffer 19’)

R21: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 1 0 (Schaeffer 70’)

EF: ANU FC (n) W 1 0 (Sly Umebayashi 31’)

PF: Queanbeyan city (n) D 1 1 (Host 32’) after extra time, won 4 3 on penalties

GF: Tuggeranong United (n) L 1 2 (Schaeffer 80’)

QUEANBEYAN CITY FC

Head Coach: Goran JOSIFOVSKI

Position: 2nd

Finals Series: Preliminary Final

Ever since the announcement of promotion and relegation Queanbeyan have been one of the clubs to put a tone of pressure on themselves to push for that elusive goal. The NSW side had a great assortment of talent under Gaby Wilk last season but were not able to claim victories over their promotion rivals. And were deducted points for off field circumstances before COVID ended the season.

After such heavy recruitment last season, Queanbeyan were bound to not be as busy on the market. Gaby Wilk departed the club and in stepped former Queanbeyan player Goran Josifovski. A man that knows the club and the current playing group very well as he was a part of it last season. Departing the club were the likes of Mark Shields, Michael Kita, and Michael Adams to name a few. They brought in quality to replace the outgoing quality with the likes of Ab Dellahi, Michael Mensah, and David Ramos from Colorado Rapids U23’s.

Queanbeyan got off to a blistering start. Goran’s side were undefeated in their opening eight matches. Winning their first six and drawing the next two. Defeating nearly every team in the competition at that point bar a draw to Yoogali away from home. Following this run however, they suffered three defeats in their next four matches, including one to their promotion rivals Tuggeranong.

Unfortunately for Queanbeyan, once Tuggeranong had a solid lead over them, they were not able to overtake. During the mid season transfer window, they were able to bring in the likes of Michael Piccolo and Daniel Trajkovski from NPL sides to bolster their ranks.

Despite solid performances to end the season they were outmatched in the last third of matches by both ANU and Tuggeranong. This lit a fire under the team from across the border as they went on to win their last four matches in the league. leapfrogging ANU for second place and a qualification final spot against Tuggeranong. Unfortunately for Queanbeyan, they once again met their match against the newly crowned league champions and lost the qualification final 5 0. They played Brindabella Blues in the preliminary final which they heartbreakingly lost on penalties. Ending their season in the process.

Despite not gaining promotion there is a lot for Queanbeyan to build on. It has been announced Goran Josifovski will be continuing at the helm next season. Which will be fantastic for the continuity and consistency of the squad. With everything else in place if they can hold onto big guns in their side like Trajkovski, Piccolo, Mensah, and Ramos, to name a few. Queanbeyan will once again be a promotion favourite in 2023. And might even go all the way.

GOALS (CPL)

9 Michael MENSAH, 5 Abderrahim DELLAHI, Hussein FUREJE, Vasko PETROVSKI, David RAMOS, 4 Andrew SELLERS, 3 Michael PICCOLO, 2 Nik NOVESKI, Alexandru URICARU, 1 Dylan COLBERTALDO, Tshering DORJI, Zach KNIGHT, Nikola TRAJKOVSKI, Mark WALKER

GOALS (CUP)

2 Abderrahim DELLAHI, Vasko PETROVSKI, 1 Tshering DORJI, Hussein FUREJE

RESULTS

AC3: Brindabella Blues (a) W 2 1 (Dorji 41’, Petrovski 62’)

AC4: White Eagles (h) W 3 1 (Dellahi 56’, 86’ Petrovski 77’)

R1: Brindabella Blues (H) W 2 1 (Petrovski 29’ (p), Ramos 67’)

R2: ANU FC (h) W 3 0 (Mensah 21’, Fureje 85’, Dellahi 90+1’)

R3: Tuggeranong United (h) W 1 0 (Fureje 75’)

R4: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 2 1 (Uricaru 65’, 73’)

ACQF: O’Connor Knights (a) Postponed

R5: White Eagles (a) W 3 1 (Fureje 17’, Dellahi 45’, Dorji 60’)

ACQF: O’Connor Knights (a) L 1 4 (Fureje 35’)

R6: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 5 1 (Petrovski 6’ (p), 36’ (p), Noveski 56’ (p), 90+3’, Sellers 90+4’)

R7: Yoogali SC (a) D 1 1 (Mensah 86’)

R8: Brindabella Blues (h) D 1 1 (Ramos 85’)

R9: ANU FC (a) L 1 2 (Dellahi 10’)

R10: Tuggeranong United (a) L 0 2

R11: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 2 1 (Ramos 28’ (p), Knight 36’)

R12: White Eagles (h) L 0 2

R13: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 5 0 (Mensah 18’, Ramos 24’, Fureje 27’, Trajkovski 39’, Piccolo 90’)

R14: Yoogali SC (h) D 2 2 (Ramos 12’, Piccolo 34’)

R15: Brindabella Blues (a) W 4 0 (Mensah 5’, Fureje 16’, Walker 54’, Petrovski 74’)

R16: ANU FC (a) L 1 6 (Piccolo 2’)

R17: Tuggeranong United (h) L 2 6 (Mensah 2’, 16’)

R18: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 2 1 (Mensah 74’, Dellahi 89’)

R19: White Eagles (a) W 2 0 (Mensah 66’, 80’)

R20: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 3 2 (Sellers 23’, 37’, Colbertaldo 46’)

R21: Yoogali SC (a) W 2 1 (Dellahi 3’, Sellers 8’)

QF: Tuggeranong United (n) L 0 5

PF: Brindabella Blues (n) D 1 1 (Petrovski 90+6 (p)) after extra time, lost 3 4 on penalties

TUGGERANONG UNITED

Head Coach: Mitch STEVENS

Position: 1st

Finals Series: Grand Final Winners

Tuggeranong United were in the unenviable position of becoming the first side to face relegation in more than a decade. Following the resumption of promotion relegation in Canberra. It could have been easy for Tuggeranong to fall apart in the aftermath. Safe to say they did the opposite. The southside team immediately secured their belief in Mitch Stevens and got to work on keeping the players they could and actively recruited. Tuggeranong were able to hold onto youngsters they wanted to build around like Tarisayi Mbogo and Harrison Buesnel. While adding real quality with the signings of Adam Firych, Luke Stevens, Patrick Hislop and Sam Walker. All four players played a pivotal role in Tuggeranong’s season.

Despite a strong start to the season, they encountered a Queanbeyan side that hit the ground running in the first third of the season, including a victory over Tuggeranong 2 0. This began quite a race between these two sides. By the time the heavyweights faced each other for a second time, Tuggeranong came into their own. Garnering a trademark for pressing fast high and scoring a lot early on in matches.

Tuggeranong won the second encounter against Queanbeyan 2 0. Despite having needed to complete catch up games constantly it seemed. Tuggeranong continued to secure their grasp on top spot for the rest of the season. This is a real testament to Mitch Stevens and his side for their consistent quality. Tuggeranong ended up securing promotion by finishing top of the league with 50 points. Winning 16 games and only losing three times. Resulting in claiming their first trophy in eight years during the process.

There were a lot of standouts for Tuggeranong in 2022. Primarily, coach Mitch Stevens was duly rewarded by guiding his side to immediate promotion. Stevens also won CPL coach of the year. Harrison Buesnel and Dylan Berkrey claimed spots in the CPL team of the year. Now to the aforementioned pivotal roles the four new signings made.

Patrick Hislop scored 11 goals. Luke Stevens scored 12 goals and was included in the team of the year. Sam Walker scored 20 goals, won the golden boot, was included in the team of the year, and won CPL player of the year. And finally, Adam Firych. The oldest man on the pitch in the Grand Final, stepped up to score the winning goal in extra time with an overhead kick.

The triumph was their second trophy of the season and their second in eight years as the cherry on top. Overall, Tuggeranong’s stellar performance in 2022 has laid down a blueprint of how future demoted clubs should manage relegation. Tuggeranong will return to NPL in 2023 with a tone of confidence and deservedly so.

GOALS (CPL)

21 Sam WALKER, 12 Patrick HISLOP, Luke STEVENS, 10 Mark RICHARDS, 8 Harrison BUESNEL, 4 Adam FIRYCH, 3 Dylan BERKREY, John HAJDU, Euan PETERKIN, 2 Ben ANDERSON, 1 Lewis KAMINSKI, Sean KIDDEY, Tarisayi MBOGO, Dean TOMESKI, Own GOALS

GOALS (CUP)

3 Sam WALKER, 2 Mark RICHARDS, 1 Harrison BUESNEL, Lewis KAMINSKI, Luke STEVENS, Own GOAL

RESULTS

AC4: Woden Valley (h) W 8 0 (Walker 4’, 51’, 54’, Buesnel 24’, Richards 36’, 68’, Stevens 47’, Kaminski 57’)

R1: Weston Molonglo FC (h) Postponed

R2: Yoogali SC (h) W 4 0 (Walker 56’, Hislop 58’, Buesnel 70’, Stevens 80’)

R3: Queanbeyan City (a) L 0 1

ACQF: West Canberra Wanderers (h) L 1 4 (Kiddey 37’)

R4: ANU FC (h) W 5 0 (Stevens 1’, 14’ 35’, Walker 3’, Hislop 72’)

R5: Brindabella Blues (a) W 4 0 (Richards 28’, Hislop 44’, Buesnel 56’, Berkrey 62’)

R1: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 7 1 (Peterkin 13’, Firych 26’, 49’, Stevens 31’, Walker 35’ (p), 44’, Buesnel 56’)

R6: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 6 1 (Anderson 3’, Walker 17’, Berkrey 20’, Stevens 40’, Richards 61’, 71)

R7: White Eagles (h) Postponed

R8: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 8 0 (Walker 6’, 17’, Buesnel 23’, Anderson 32’, Berkrey 38’, Stevens 45+3’, 75’, Firych 72’)

R7: White Eagles (h) W 2 1 (Walker 34’, 85’ (p))

R9: Yoogali SC (a) W 2 0 (Stevens 27’, Walker 59’ (p))

R10: Queanbeyan City (h) W 2 0 (Walker 59’, Stevens 81’ (p))

R11: ANU FC (a) D 3 3 (Hislop 30’, Richards 38’, Buesnel 40’)

R12: Brindabella Blues (h) W 3 0 (Buesnel 10’, Hislop 20’, Walker 77’)

R13: Wagga City Wanderers (h) L 3 4 (Richards 19’, Walker 38’, 76’)

R14: White Eagles (a) Postponed

R15: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 6 0 (Hislop 7’, 45’, 90’, Walker 16’, 65’, Richards 71’)

R16: Yoogali SC (a) W 3 0 (Mbogo 19’, Walker 69’, Hislop 78’)

R17: Queanbeyan City (a) W 6 2 (Stevens 38’, 45+1’, Buesnel 42’, Walker 44’, Hislop 84’, Hajdu 90+1’)

R14: White Eagles (a) W 3 0 (Peterkin 19’, Richards 49’, Buesnel 54’)

R18: ANU FC (h) L 0 2

R19: Brindabella Blues (a) D 1 1 (Tomeski 59’)

R20: Wagga City Wanderers (a) W 6 1 (Hajdu 3’, 20’, Walker 35’, Hislop 44’, Richards 65’, 68’)

R21: White Eagles (a) W 2 0 (Kaminski 86’, Walker 90’)

QF: Queanbeyan City (n) W 5 0 (Peterkin 6, Richards 33’, Hislop 45’, Gulevski 67’ (og), 72’ (og))

GF: Brindabella Blues (n) W 2 1 (Walker 87’, Firych 113’)

WAGGA CITY WANDERERS

Head Coach: Dave LEONARD

Position: 6th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

David Leonard’s men from the Riverina went through a transition year in 2021. They were hot off the heels of winning back to back U23’s and First Grade grand finals in 2020. However, most of their team departed Wagga due to work and university commitments.

As is common for a lot of regional sides. Leonard spent last season bleeding in the youngsters from the talented U23’s squad. Quite a few were impressed with the likes of Luke Stevens who moved onto Tuggeranong. They were able to bring in the likes of Nashwan Sulaiman and Jayden Kinces.

Wagga were hit and miss to begin the season. Not being able to find the consistency to start the campaign. After a heavy 8 0 defeat to White Eagles at the end of May however, it all changed. Leonard’s side went on a fantastic run of form winning six out of their next seven matches. This solidified themselves in the top four for the majority of the rest of the season.

Unfortunately for Wagga they were not able to keep that same form for the last three matches, losing all three on the trot and a finals place on the final day of the season. Along with White Eagles and Brindabella they were all tied on the same number of points heading into the final game day. A last round loss 1 0 to Brindabella dashed their top four hopes and condemned them to a 6th place finish Proving how competitive the CPL was in 2022.

Wagga had quite a few stand out players. Including the likes of Jake Ploenges who scored 11 goals in the CPL this season, their top scorer. Jacob Ochieng continued his fine form with 9 goals. New signing Nashwan Sulaiman proved to be a pivotal signing for both U23s and first grade scoring a combined nine goals in both competitions.

If Wagga can keep their talented young group together, shore up the defence and continue to build. There is no reason we can’t see Wagga in finals football next season.

GOALS (CPL)

11 Morris KADZOLA, 8 Jacob OCHIENG, Jake PLOENGES, 4 Nashwan SULAIMAN, 3 Samson LUCAS, 2 Logan FLANAGAN, Thomas MATHESON, James THOMSON, 1 Alvaro KELECHI, Matthew MITCHELL, Kyle YEATES

GOALS (CUP)

1 Jake PLOENGES

RESULTS

AC4: Monaro Panthers (a) L 1 3 (Ploenges 68’)

R1: White Eagles (a) L 2 4 (Ochieng 29’, Flanagan 72’)

R2: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 4 2 (Sulaiman 35’, Ploenges 59’, Ochieng 75’, 76’)

R3: Yoogali SC (a) D 2 2 (Ploenges 58’, Kadzola 70’)

R4: Queanbeyan City (a) L 1 2 (Sulaiman 23’)

R5: ANU FC (h) W 1 0 (Ploenges 40’)

R6: Tuggeranong United (a) L 1 6 (Yeates 90+2’)

R7: Brindabella Blues (a) L 3 5 (Sulaiman 60’, Matheson 70’, Ploenges 75’)

R8: White Eagles (a) L 0 8

R9: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 3 0 (Ploenges 70’, Mitchell 88’, Kelechi 89’)

R10: Yoogali SC (h) W 2 1 (Kadzola 18’, Ochieng 73’)

R11: Queanbeyan City (h) L 1 2 (Kadzola 51’)

R12: ANU FC (h) W 3 2 (Kadzola 23’, Matheson 43’, Lucas 47’)

R13: Tuggeranong United (a) W 4 3 (Kadzola 32’ (p), 36’ (p), 69’, Ochieng 85’)

R14: Brindabella Blues (h) W 1 0 (Ochieng 21’ (p))

R15: White Eagles (h) W 4 3 (Ochieng 23’, 37’, Kadzola 82’ (p), 87’)

R16: Weston Molonglo FC (a) L 0 5

R17: Yoogali SC (h) W 9 2 (Ploenges 8’, 55’, 68’, Lucas 20’, Kadzola 30’, Ochieng 52’, Thomson 78’, 88’, Flanagan 85’)

R18: Queanbeyan City (a) L 1 2 (Lucas 75’)

R19: ANU FC (a) L 0 1

R20: Tuggeranong United (h) L 1 6 (Kadzola 51’)

R21: Brindabella Blues (h) L 0 1

WESTON-MOLONGLO FC

Head Coach: Mark BOYD

Position: 8th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

It is fair to say Weston Molonglo endured a tough season in 2022. Former West Canberra Wanderers NPLW coach Mark Boyd joined Weston at the beginning of the campaign. Boyd already had a tough gig on his hands as the Magpies lost a decent amount of their starting eleven. Including Loay Alsubhi, Andrew Sellers, Arden Law, and Ab Dellahi to name a few.

To top it off in the beginning of the season they dealt with a load of injuries and absences. They suffered consecutive losses until early August. During this time coach Mark Boyd had departed the club. Leaving club stalwarts Ash Blount and Ned Jeanes to take over as player coaches until the end of the season. Despite the consecutive losses you could gradually see the improvement from Weston as the injured players began to return.

Their first victory came on August 6th with 5 0 rout over their black and white striped counterparts Wagga City Wanderers. The win, which was a long time coming, gave them the confidence to put in another terrific performance the following week in a 1 1 draw with White Eagles in the battle for Woden Park.

Despite coaching changes, numerous moving players, tons of injuries and unavailability, Weston kept on going. They were duly rewarded with the points they picked up and arguably were close to picking up more if things went their way. Once the numbers were, there you did see a better Weston Molonglo.

GOALS (CPL)

4 Tom PAGETT, Michael SELLERS, 2 Xavier GRAHAM, Roshan LAMICHHANE, Chris MCEWAN,

1 Tremane CASTILLO, Josh DEHELEAN, Daniel GRAHAM, Alex HOLLIS, John O’GORMAN, Andrew READMAN, Foti SGOUROS, Lachlan SMALE

GOALS (CUP)

1 Ashley BLOUNT, Xavier GRAHAM

RESULTS

AC3: Burns FC (h) W 2 1 (Blount 22’ (p), X. Graham 53’)

AC4: ANU FC (h) L 0 9

R1: Tuggeranong United (a) Postponed

R2: Wagga City Wanderers (h) L 2 4 (X. Graham 15’, D. Graham 61’)

R3: White Eagles (a) L 0 6

R4: Brindabella Blues (h) L 1 4 (X. Graham 76’)

R5: Yoogali SC (h) L 0 2

R1: Tuggeranong United (a) L 1 7 (Dehelean 85’)

R6: Queanbeyan City (a) L 1 5 (McEwan 63’ (p))

R7: ANU FC (a) L 2 7 (O’Gorman 20’, McEwan 44’)

R8: Tuggeranong United (h) L 0 8

R9: Wagga City Wanderers (a) L 0 3

R10: White Eagles (h) L 2 6 (Sgouros 53’, Castillo 71’)

R11: Brindabella Blues (a) L 0 3

R12: Yoogali SC (a) L 1 3 (M. Sellers)

R13: Queanbeyan City (h) L 0 5

R14: ANU FC (h) L 1 2 (Pagett 89’)

R15: Tuggeranong United (a) L 0 6

R16: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 5 0 (M. Sellers 40’, 67’, 80’, Readman 60’, Pagett 90’)

R17: White Eagles (h) D 1 1 (Pagett 50’)

R18: Brindabella Blues (h) L 1 2 (Smale 79’)

R19: Yoogali SC (a) L 1 3 (Hollis 47’)

R20: Queanbeyan City (a) L 2 3 (Lamichhane 44’, Pagett 45’)

R21: ANU FC (a) L 1 3 (Lamichhane 21’)

WHITE EAGLES

Head Coach: Zoran MILENKOVIC

Position: 5th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

Despite a 3rd place finish in 2021 White Eagles were void of stability, experiencing four coaching changes throughout the course of the year. This season they had said stability but were just not able to retain the consistency that we are used to seeing from them. I am sure not being able to play on their home ground of Woden Park Enclosed due to its surface issues did not help matters.

White Eagles also probably had more rescheduled matches than anyone at one point in the season. White Eagles entered the campaign with Zoran Milenkovic as head coach. They lost the likes of the Ayuel brothers, Eric Bonnett and Hassan Alnuwaysir to name a few. They brought in quite a few players to add to their depth issue from the season past with the likes of Aaron Cashman, Zac Lawrence and Cuneyt Caglar.

White Eagles began the season in red hot form and were undefeated in their first four matches winning three of them. They often won by quite a margin in a lot of their games. When they lost, they rarely lost by a big margin which helped their goal difference. They gained some big victories against the likes of Queanbeyan and battled hard fought matches against the likes of ANU and Tuggeranong.

Their aforementioned consistency and only gaining one point out of their last nine available, lead to just missing the top four in 5th place. Going into the final game of the season they were tied on points with Brindabella and Wagga with a tremendous advantage on goal difference. However, considering the other two were facing each other White Eagles needed a win to make sure they would make the four. Unfortunately for Milenkovic’ side they fell to Tuggeranong 2 0.

There were a lot of standout players for White Eagles this season despite not making the top four. Charlie Williams was incredible in defence, earning him a spot in the CPL team of the year. New star signing Cuneyt Caglar proved his worth as he scored 18 goals this campaign, only finishing two away from the golden boot.

Caglar was also included in the CPL team of the year for his outstanding performances. There is real quality at White Eagles as we all know. If they can work on their consistency, there is no reason why they cannot be fighting for promotion next season. It was recently announced that the Woden based side have appointed a new man tasked with achieving glory, Angelos Zaris.

The new coach brings a lot of quality to the role and is hot off winning the NPL U23’s grand final with Monaro Panthers. It will be interesting to see how White Eagles fare in 2023.

GOALS (CPL)

18 Cuneyt CAGLAR, 6 Zac LAWRENCE, 4 Kenrick BEUTH, 3 Ohio ASIKHIA, 2 Martin DENG, Lee HYNES, Ed MCCARTHY, Dejan SANTRAC, 1 Aaron CASHMAN, Arden LAW, Mitch STEENBURGEN, Ben TOWNSLEY MANN, Charlie WILLIAMS

GOALS (CUP)

1 Ohio ASIKHIA

RESULTS

AC4: Queanbeyan City (a) L 1 3 (Asikhia 19’)

R1: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 4 2 (Beuth 19’, Caglar 34’, McCarthy 60’, Lawrence 83’)

R2: Brindabella Blues (a) D 1 1 (Lawrence)

R3: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 6 0 (Santrac 5’, Townsley Mann 9’, Caglar 21’, 45’, 49’, Williams 35’)

R4: Yoogali SC (a) W 3 1 (Beuth 61’, Lawrence 65’, Caglar 89’)

R5: Queanbeyan City (h) L 1 3 (Caglar 41’)

R6: ANU FC (h) L 1 2 (Caglar 23’)

R7: Tuggeranong United (a) Postponed

R8: Wagga City Wanderers (h) W 8 0 (Lawrence 33’ (p), 53’, Steenburgen 37’, Caglar 73’, 87’, 90’, McCarthy 76’, Hynes 88’)

R7: Tuggeranong United (a) L 1 2 (Caglar 5’)

R9: Brindabella Blues (a) D 1 1 (Caglar 44’)

R10: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 6 2 (Beuth 34’, Caglar 42’, Hynes 46’, Law 56’, Deng 58’, Cashman 78’)

R11: Yoogali SC (h) L 0 1

R12: Queanbeyan City (a) W 2 0 (Caglar 33’, 36’)

R13: ANU FC (a) L 1 3 (Asikhia 45’)

R14: Tuggeranong United (h) Postponed

R15: Wagga City Wanderers (a) L 3 4 (Caglar 20’, Beuth 74’, Lawrence 90’)

R16: Brindabella Blues (h) Postponed

R17: Weston Molonglo FC (a) D 1 1 (Caglar 78’)

R14: Tuggeranong United (h) L 0 3

R18: Yoogali SC (a) W 1 0 (Caglar 85’)

R16: Brindabella Blues (h) W 2 1 (Asikhia 7’, Deng 48’)

R19: Queanbeyan City (h) L 0 2

R20: ANU FC (a) D 2 2 (Asikhia 29’, Santrac 45’)

R21: Tuggeranong United (h) L 0 2

YOOGALI SC

Head Coach: Sante DONADEL

Position: 7th

Finals Series: Did Not Qualify

Yoogali entered their third season in CPL with quite a few changes from the previous campaign. The Griffith based side lost their pivotal visa players in Calvin Roddie and their top scorer from last season Danny Roche. Club legend and 2020 Grand Final winning coach Luke Santolin stepped down as coach and in came another club legend Sante Donadel.

Unfortunately for Yoogali they did not hit the ground running, losing their opening two encounters 4 0. Their first win came in round 5 as they defeated Weston Molonglo away from home. This is where Yoogali began to click and get going.

They gain a win against ANU, a draw against Queanbeyan and were only defeated narrowly by Tuggeranong and Brindabella in their four games after. From this point Yoogali were competitive and, on their day, proved they had the quality capable of causing all sorts of troubles for their opponents. Which resulted in taking points off the likes of Queanbeyan, ANU, and White Eagles before the end of the campaign.

Their goalkeeper and skipper Michael De Paoli was especially exceptional throughout the season. Making jaw dropping saves and leading his side throughout the year. De Paoli’s efforts duly were rewarded with his inclusion in the CPL team of the year. The only Riverina based player in the side.

Despite picking up form and competitiveness throughout the season. Yoogali were not able to make the top four for the first time since joining the CPL. The Griffith based side finished in 7th place with 18 points. Despite not having their best season since joining.

One can expect Yoogali to constantly fight against the odds and mount a heroic effort to try to reclaim a top four place in 2023.

GOALS (CPL)

4 Isaac DONADEL, Mason DONADEL, Andrew VITUCCI, 3 William PIVA, Joe PREECE, 2 Dean ARMANINI, Jack MOON, 1 Adam O’ROURKE, Luke SANTOLIN

RESULTS

R1: ANU FC (a) L 0 4

R2: Tuggeranong United (a) L 0 4

R3: Wagga City Wanderers (h) D 2 2 (O’Rourke 60’, I. Donadel 68’)

R4: White Eagles (h) L 1 3 (Vitucci 76’)

R5: Weston Molonglo FC (a) W 2 0 (Santolin 12’, M. Donadel 14’)

R6: Brindabella Blues (h) L 1 2 (Piva 88’)

R7: Queanbeyan City (h) D 1 1 (M. Donadel 30’)

R8: ANU FC (h) W 3 1 (Preece 29’, Moon 58’, 70’)

R9: Tuggeranong United (h) L 0 2

R10: Wagga City Wanderers (a) L 1 2 (M. Donadel 8’)

R11: White Eagles (a) W 1 0 (I. Donadel 82’)

R12: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 3 1 (I. Donadel, Preece, Armanini)

R13: Brindabella Blues (a) L 0 1

R14: Queanbeyan City (a) D 2 2 (Armanini 32’, Piva 87’)

R15: ANU FC (a) L 1 32 (I. Donadel 90’)

R16: Tuggeranong United (h) L 0 3

R17: Wagga City Wanderers (a) L 2 9 (Vitucci 2’, 24’)

R18: White Eagles (h) L 0 1

R19: Weston Molonglo FC (h) W 3 1 (M. Donadel 12’, Vitucci 30’, Piva 43’)

R20: Brindabella Blues (a) L 0 1

R21: Queanbeyan City (h) L 1 2 (Preece 17’)

CPL GOLDEN BOOT 2022

League Goals Only

NAME CLUB TOTAL

Sam WALKER Tuggeranong United 20 Cuneyt CAGLAR White Eagles 18 Chase DEANS ANU FC 16

Luke STEVENS Tuggeranong United 12 Patrick HISLOP Tuggeranong United 11 Morris KADZOLA Wagga City Wanderers 11

Mark RICHARDS Tuggeranong United 9

Curtis SCHAEFFER Brindabella Blues 9 Harrison BUESNEL Tuggeranong United 8 Jacob OCHIENG Wagga City Wanderers 8 Jake PLOENGES Wagga City Wanderers 8 Michael MENSAH Queanbeyan City 7 Max MOTTL ANU FC 7

HAT-TRICK HEROES

RD/COMP DATE NAME TEAM GOALS OPPOSITION AC4 19/3 Sam WALKER Tuggeranong 3 Woden Valley AC4 26/3 Hassan ALNUWAYSIR ANU FC 3 Weston Molonglo 3 23/4 Cuneyt CAGLAR White Eagles 3 Weston Molonglo 4 30/4 Jayden DEIGHAN SMITH Brindabella Blues 3 Weston Molonglo 4 1/5 Luke STEVENS Tuggeranong 3 ANU FC 8 28/5 Cuneyt CAGLAR White Eagles 3 Wagga City 13 16/7 Morris KADZOLA Wagga City 3 Tuggeranong 15 31/7 Pat HISLOP Tuggeranong 3 Weston Molonglo 16 6/8 Michael SELLERS Weston Molonglo 3 Wagga City 17 13/8 Jake PLOENGES Wagga City 3 Yoogali SC

CPL TEAM OF THE SEASON

Selected by the eight CPL Coaches who voted for one player in each position but were exempt from voting for their own players. Players must have started ten matches to be eligible for voting.

DESIGNS ON A DOUBLE

Capital Football NPL 2022 Season

The Complete Review

New names on five of Capital Football’s eight major trophies made the 2022 season one for the record books. Canberra Croatia may have reigned supreme as League Champions in Men’s and Women’s, but it was Canberra Olympic and Monaro Panthers who would have further cause for celebration.

And then there was the NPL demise of Belconnen United and the return of Tuggeranong United, two stories at the opposite ends of the elation and deflation spectrum.

Designs on a Double, written and edited by Capital Football Manager, Commentary & Communications, and NPL expert Russ Gibbs, relives all the action on, and off the field, with reviews of every round in both the men’s NPL and CPL, and women’s competitions.

With statistical information on all NPL clubs, including appearances, goals, and discipline records, this is the complete review of another unforgettable Capital Football season.