Michelle Carney's early goal proved the difference at Cromer Park, with the captain finding the back of the net via a deflection in the fifth minute. It was Illawarra's fifth win in 2021 - snapping a three-game losing streak - and keeps Bruce Tilt's side in the hunt for the NSW Women's NPL finals.

However, the result came at a cost, with Erica Halloway limping off in the first half with a hamstring injury.

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Sunday's win also coincided with Margaux Chauvet being called up to a Young Matildas training camp in Sydney. The Stingrays defender was among 29 players invited to the six-day camp, which is being held under the watchful eye of head coach Leah Blayney.

"We want to continue to empower the players and professional development coaches we have had in to take back certain standards into their own environments," Blayney said.

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