Hamilton Wanderers scored what must be regarded as the shock result so far in this season's Lotto Northern Premier Women's League competition, stunning Eastern Suburbs 1-0 at Madills Farm on Mother's Day to record their first win of the campaign. Stella Neems' goal five minutes after half-time proved to be the key difference between the teams, and gave "The Blue Army" a much-needed boost - they're back within striking distance of Hibiscus Coast, who made league leaders Auckland United work mighty hard for their 2-0 win at Stanmore Bay Reserve. It took a tactical switch to unhinge "The Coasters" initially, Talisha Green's switch from right back to left flank allowing United's skipper to latch onto Angela Pivac's pass and lash the ball across Leah Botica's dive and into the far corner of the net. The promising Danica Urlich-Beech went desperately close on three occasions in the second spell for the home team, twice from free-kicks, before Auckland clinched victory in stoppage time through substitute Alexis Cook, who exploited Saskia Vosper's through ball to beat Botica all ends up at her near post. United remain a point clear of West Coast Rangers, who came from behind to down Western Springs 4-1 at Seddon Fields, where the unmarked Kitty Jacob volleyed "The Hoops" in front just 78 seconds into the contest. That goal gave the home team a massive confidence boost, but after Shannon Henson hit the post for the visitors, they drew level through her headed effort in the twelfth minute, an equaliser which was akin to a pin piercing the Springs balloon - that early confidence went west virtually instantly. Rangers wasted little time in taking full advantage, Bree Johnson swivelling to fire them in front halfway through the first half after Lorna Selby's attempt had been blocked. The visitors squandered three great chances to increase their lead in the next fifteen minutes before making amends with a further two goals in the five minutes before half-time. Emily Lyon will be disappointed to learn that her 41st minute strike has been credited as an own goal by Springs goalkeeper Angelique Tuisamoa, who had a night best forgotten twixt the sticks, to the extent that she was replaced by Amberley Hollis just after the hour mark. Rangers made it 4-1 on the stroke of half-time, a thumping Marissa Porteous header wrapping up the scoring, although both Springs' Megan Lee and Rangers' Anelise Karakostas rattled their opponents' crossbars during the scoreless second spell. The East Auckland derby ended all square at Michaels Avenue, Leigh Aitken's 64th minute penalty for Ellerslie matching Taylah Byers' opener on the half-hour for Fencibles United, who, with this result, strengthened their grip on third place, while remaining five points clear of the sixth-placed

"Ponies". The action is spread across this coming weekend , with the top two enjoying home advantage in their respective matches on Friday evening. Auckland welcome Ellerslie to Keith Hay Park, while Rangers and "The Coasters" square off at Fred Taylor Park. Saturday's fare sees Fencibles and Hamilton gracing Riverhills Park, while Suburbs and Springs meet in the game of the round at Madills Farm on Sunday - given the form these teams are in, this game shapes up as a genuine six-pointer. Details: Eastern Suburbs 0, Hamilton Wanderers 1 (S. Neems (50))  HT 0-0 Ellerslie 1 (L. Aitken (64 pen)), Fencibles United 1 (T. Byers (31))  HT 0-1 Hibiscus Coast 0, Auckland United 2 (T. Green (35), A. Cook (90))  HT 0-1 Western Springs 1 (K. Jacob (2)), West Coast Rangers 4 (S. Henson (12), B. Johnson (21), E. Lyon (41), M. Porteous (45))  HT 1-4 In Lotto Northern Women's Championship action this Sunday, Tauranga Moana meet Manukau United at Links Avenue, while Franklin United and Central United get it on at the Drury Sports Complex. Melville United welcome Onehunga Sports to Gower Park, while there's a North Harbour derby at Shepherds Park, where Birkenhead United and Northern Rovers lock horns. Saturday's action in the Central Region Premier Women's League on Saturday sees the spotlight falling on the top-of-the-table clash at Petone Memorial Park, where Petone and Wellington United will hopefully have wiped the sleep out of their eyes given they're drawing swords at 10.30am!! Elsewhere, Waterside Karori take on Victoria University at Karori Park on a day Seatoun make the trek north to Onuku Taipari Domain, where Moturoa lie in wait. And on Sunday, Taradale entertain Marist Palmerston North at Taradale Park. There are also top-of-the-table tussles in the Lotto Central Federation Premier Women's League - Whanganui Athletic hosts Palmerston North United - and the Inter Football Capital Premier Women's League - Upper Hutt City entertains Petone - this Sunday. "Darn sarf", as they say in certain parts of London, Cashmere Technical can clinch the Mainland Premier Women's League title with a round to spare by beating Nelson Suburbs at Garrick Memorial Park. Coastal Spirit take on Halswell United in a massive six-pointer at English Park, while Nomads-Waimakariri United head to Foster Park where Selwyn United will be eager to score their first win of the campaign. Meanwhile, victories for Dunedin City Royals and Otago University over Queens Park and Northern respectively will secure their place in the six-team South Island Women's League, for which Cashmere and Canterbury Universities have already qualified.