Soccer: Women’s Night Series final pits Queens Park against NTC youngsters

THE Women’s Night Series Final kicks off tomorrow night with a battle of the undefeated, as Queens Park take on NTC at Coker Park.

In a competitive group phase, Queens Park topped Group C and drew its final game against Balcatta to send them into a semi-final against last season’s double winners, Northern Redbacks.

Queens Park prevailed 4-0, with goals from Tia Stonehill, Rebecca DiCarlo, Sadie Lawrence and Rebecca Bennett.

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Midfielder Nicole Campbell said the semi-final was a good win.

“Obviously we are very happy with the win against the Redbacks, we love playing them,” she said.

“They have incredible talent in their team and it’s always an enjoyable game.”

Campbell said coach Ben Anderton included new players who have added quality to the side and are looking forward to strong competition from NTC.

“NTC always play quality football – this comes from the good coaching they get,” she said.

“I worked with (coach) Jessine (Bonzas) last season and she is an amazing coach. It will be an interesting game with both teams undefeated and of course NTC have some great young talent.

“We love playing teams who have good structure and can move the ball around. We have had a quality pre-season and I feel we are coming together well as a team and in patches have played some incredible football.

“I think it will be a showcase of what’s to come in the league with some fast-paced, exciting women’s football.”

The NTC side finished runners-up in Group A, setting up a semi-final clash with Beckenham Angels.

Lexie Moreno scored two cracking goals and Tessa De Leo scored another to give NTC a 3-0 win to reach the final.

Coach Bonzas said it was a convincing performance.

“It was a hard fought semi-final, it started with great intensity from both teams and Beckenham could have grabbed an early goal,” she said.

“Beckenham continued to test us and will definitely do well throughout the season.”

A new-look NTC side has Bonzas believing the team can gel well together.

“A proportion of our team are new players this season and we welcome them as they play their first season for NTC or their first season in this age group,” she said.

“We also have a number of experienced players returning. The majority of our squad is aged between 15 and 17 years and are very dedicated, hardworking, passionate and professional young footballers pursing their dreams.”

Bonzas said was relishing the challenge against a strong Queens Park side.

“Grand finals are always exciting and both teams should be proud of their achievement in qualifying for it,” she said.

“We wish Queens Park the best of luck for the game and know it will be a good contest.

“We go in as underdogs but I have no doubt the NTC players will give their best efforts, learn a lot from the occasion and develop as a result and that’s why the program exists, as it gives opportunities to our youth players.”

The match kicks off on Friday at 7:30pm at Coker Park, Cannington.

FIXTURE Friday, April 7 – 7:30pm NTC v Queens Park (Coker Park, Cannington)