Illawarra Stingrays Women 1 – 1 NWS Spirit Women
Date: 19 July 2026 | Venue: Ian McLennan Park

Match Overview

The Australia New South Wales Women's League served up a hard-fought draw as Illawarra Stingrays and NWS Spirit Women shared the spoils at Ian McLennan Park. Both sides had chances to claim all three points, but a 1–1 scoreline was a fair reflection of an evenly contested match.

First Half: Stingrays Strike First

Illawarra started brightly and took the lead in the 22nd minute. A long ball over the top caught the NWS defence out of position, allowing Mia McStay to race through and slot the ball past the advancing goalkeeper. The Stingrays could have doubled their advantage shortly after, but Brittany Whitfield saw her shot deflect just wide of the post.

Second Half: Spirit Fight Back

NWS Spirit Women grew into the game after the interval, with Georgia Plessas pulling the strings in midfield. Their pressure paid off in the 67th minute when a corner kick was only partially cleared, and Jessica Zois volleyed home from 12 yards to level the scores. The visitors pushed for a winner, but Illawarra’s goalkeeper Megan Campbell made a crucial save in the 82nd minute, tipping a long-range effort over the bar.

Key Performers

• Mia McStay (Illawarra) – Scored the opening goal and posed a threat on the counter.
• Georgia Plessas (NWS Spirit) – Controlled the tempo and created several chances.
• Megan Campbell (Illawarra) – Made key saves to preserve a point for her side.

Table Impact

The draw leaves Illawarra Stingrays in fifth place on 23 points, while NWS Spirit Women remain sixth on 21 points. Both teams will be eager to climb the standings in the coming weeks as the season approaches its midpoint.