The Weekly Wrap

The Western United weekend wrap up is a quick-fire around the grounds summary of results from our NPL 3 men’s and NPLW women’s teams.

This report sums up the games from the weekend ending Sunday 27 June 2021.

NPL 3 – Western United Academy Teams

In just the second game of the NPL season’s return from lockdown, Western United’s academy teams faced a big weekend test against Melbourne Victory.

The senior team was boosted by Manny Aguek and Adisu Bayew who returned to the squad after making a string of A-League appearances towards the end of the A-League season

Both Aguek and Bayew found themselves on the scoresheet at Epping Stadium.

Ante Moric’s side had to come from behind twice in the match to claim an important point, with a 2-2 draw leaving the team in third place on the table, six points adrift of top of the table Preston Lions.

That followed a 3-1 loss for the Under 21’s side earlier on, with a brace from Victory’s Alexander Gust condemning United to defeat.

The result continues a challenging period for the Under 21 side, with four losses now in five games, though the team does remain in seventh place and with a game in hand on some of the teams above them.

NPL 3 vs Melbourne Victory

Final score: 2-2 draw

Goal scorers: A.Bayew (45+1’), M.Aguek (57’)

NPL 3 Under 21’s vs Melbourne Victory

Final score: 1-3 defeat

Goal scorer: A. Walatee (63’).

NPLW – Calder United

A stunning hat-trick from Natalie Grima headlined the weekend action for Calder United as she helped the NPL Girls Under 19’s team to a big 3-1 win over Bulleen Lions.

The third goal came just after the hour mark and ensured there would be no late surge from Bulleen and enabled Calder United to leapfrog their opponents into outright second place.

The senior women were 15 minutes away from achieving an identical result but two late goals, including an 89^th minute equaliser, meant Calder would have to be happy with just a point.

The side’s first draw of the season was a slightly frustrating one given the game was there for the taking, and given that a win would have taken the side above Bulleen, just as the Under 19’s had managed to do.

With all girls teams playing at home on Saturday it was a successful day for the club, with the Under 13 girls losing 2-1, the Under 15’s claiming a 3-1 victory and the Under 17’s fighting out a 2-2 draw.

NPLW vs Bulleen Lions

Final score: 3-3 draw

Goal scorers: A.Sinclair (8’), M.Barbieri (30’), C.Zimmerman (46’)

NPLW Girls Under 19’s vs Bulleen Lions

Final score: 3-1

Goal scorers: N.Grima (18’, 34’, 65’)