Sapphire Cup: Goals, standouts, key results from Football NSW round one matches

Round two matches have been confirmed as association clubs star in the opening round of the Sapphire Cup. Check out all the highlights and major moments from round one.

Dunbar Rovers FC are through to the Sapphire Cup round 2. Picture: Peter Dovgan

The second annual Sapphire Cup has kicked off with 62 women’s football clubs set to take part in 2024.

Clubs from associations across NSW will lace up their boots in 2024, including Central Coast Football, Hills Football Association and South Coast Football.

Round one features 18 association teams, with Football NSW League One teams to join the tournament from round two.

With the first stint of round one matches in the books, check out all the results and highlights.

Dunbar Rovers FC (Eastern Suburbs Football) defeated Arncliffe Aurora FC (St George Football) 3-2

In what was arguably the match of the round, the Rovers secured progression into round two with a narrow 3-2 win over Arncliffe Aurora.

Arncliffe took the lead just after the 10 minute mark with a goal from Klaudia Mihaljevic, but it was quickly cancelled out by the Rovers’ Charlotte Bisland.

The Rovers headed into the sheds at halftime with a one-goal lead thanks to a Grace McCormick goal just before the break, but Zahra Mogul once again brought the sides level with just 20 minutes of regulation to go.

As stoppage time ticked on, the game looked to be heading to extra time, but McCormick came in clutch again, scoring a 95th minute winner to book a second round match against Marconi Stallions.

Albion Park White Eagles FC (South Coast Football) defeated Winston Hills Bears FC (Hills Football) 4-0

The trip to Valentine Sports Park was well worth it for Albion Park White Eagles, who progress to the second round of the Sapphire Cup with a 4-0 win over Winston Hills.

Captain Brittany Ring set up the White Eagles strongly in the first half, scoring two goals for a solid 2-0 lead at the break.

The second half was all Elisa Cowan, who recorded a brace in 15 minutes to contribute to the dominant scoreline.

The White Eagles will meet Easts FC in round two.

Albion Park White Eagles in round one of the Sapphire Cup. Picture: Albion Park White Eagles FC Facebook.

Connells Point Rovers FC (St George Football) defeated Umina United SC (Central Coast Football) 4-1

Although the Rovers’ 4-1 win seems like a dominant victory, it was a tough battle against Umina United.

Umina took the lead just eight minutes in with a goal from Tori Sheriff, but an own goal from Shana Jones levelled the score for the Rovers.

It wasn’t until the 65th minute that the Rovers scored a goal of their own courtesy of Lauren Williams, while Georgia Lardis and Zaynab Ayache added another two before the end of regulation.

They’re now set to host Camden Tigers FC in round two.

Connells Point Rovers FC are through to round two of the 2024 Sapphire Cup. Picture: Connells Points Rovers FC Facebook

Coogee United (Eastern Suburbs Football) defeated Marrickville FC (Football Canterbury) 10-0

Marrickville was no match for reigning Eastern Suburbs WPL champions Coogee United, who progressed to round two of the Sapphire Cup with a 10-0 win.

Amy Aquino and captain Kiara Hannon each netted a hat-trick, while Laurane Lacharme, Natasha Wad, Daisy Bloor and Michaella Williams scored a goal each.

Coogee now go on to face Manly Warringah Football Association club Seaworth FC in the next round.

Coogee United FC had a dominant victory over Marrickville FC in round one of the Sapphire Cup. Picture: AH Imagery

North Sydney United (Northern Suburbs Football) defeated Austral Soccer Club (Southern Districts Football) 19-0

North Sydney were a class above as they demolished Austral Soccer Club 19-0 on their way to the second round.

Striker Liana Baker scored an incredible five goals, while Kashani Maher backed it up with four and Dru Dowis recorded a hat-trick.

Adelaide Dalton, Bec Cogan, Lauren Douglas and Danielle Smith all contributed one goal to the impressive scoreline, while Payton Soussa scored a brace.

North Sydney will host SD Raiders later this month.

Norwest FC (Hills Football Association) defeated Tahmoor Soccer Club (Macarthur Football) 3-1

Norwest have come out on top following a close battle with Tahmoor Taipans.

Erica Laverty opened the scoring just before the 20 minute mark for Norwest before the Taipan’s Jessica Burke brought them level.

An unfortunate own goal from Tahmoor gifted the lead back to Norwest and a final goal from Rachelle Juan sealed the win.

Norwest will head to Miranda to face the Magpies in the second round.

Narellan Rangers SC (Macarthur Football) defeated Moorebank Sports SC (Southern Districts Football) 3-0

After the Rangers’ season opener in the MFA was postponed due to weather conditions on the weekend, they made up for it midweek with a solid 3-0 Sapphire Cup win over Moorebank.

Angela Susainathan netted two goals for the Rangers, one better than her 2023 Cup run where she scored in the side’s round two loss to Lokomotiv Cove.

Emily Nardella added to the scoreline in injury time to set up a round two match against Hills Football’s Kellyville Kolts SC.

Flying Bats Women’s FC (North West Sydney League) defeated Thirroul JFC (Football South Coast) 5-1

The Bats’ 5-1 win sees them move on to the next round, where they’ll face Beecroft FC away from home.

Originally published as Sapphire Cup: Goals, standouts, key results from Football NSW round one matches