Arrive Alive NSW Womens Premier League Round 3 Preview

If results go according to form from the first two rounds there?s a real danger of a gap opening up on the table. It?s time to separate the women from the girls with a number of teams under real pressure to perform. Is the scene set for some upsets?
Undoubtedly the match of the round, at least after looking at the competition table, is the clash between NWS Koalas and Sutherland Sharks at ELS Hall Park.
The Koalas are flying high atop the ladder with two very comfortable wins so far in their 2008 campaign. Koalas have put five goals past each of their opponents, conceding only a lone goal to Penrith Nepean in round one.
The Koalas will be keen to continue this rich vein of form. The Sutherland Sharks sit in third spot on the table having displayed plenty of reasons for an optimistic outlook on the 2008 season from their supporters. A frustrating scoreless draw against Central Coast Lightning in round one was followed by a win over Sydney University last weekend.
The Sharks ability to make the most of their scoring opportunities is still under question but they have a chance to prove their finals credentials with a strong showing against the competition leaders. This game will be the subject of our Arrive Alive NSW Womens Premier League match report on the Football NSW website next Monday.
Manly United host Penrith Nepean United at Cromer Park 2.
Manly, with a win over Sydney University and a narrow loss to Marconi Stallions in their first two games certainly look like contenders. Penrith Nepean have struggled so far having conceded 10 goals in two games though they managed to put 3 of their own past Macarthur Rams last weekend.
Manly would certainly be approaching this match with a confident outlook, especially on their home turf.
The mountain girls appear to have some work to do in plugging their leaky defence but they showed last against Rams that they know where the opposition goal is. It?s hard to go past a Manly win in this one.
Macarthur Rams come up against the youngsters from Central Coast Lightning at Lynwood Park. Central Coast are yet to score a goal in their two matches so far.
The Lightning were lucky to grab a point against Sutherland in the opening round and took a 5-0 hammering last week at the hands of NWS Koalas. Macarthur Rams copped a similar mauling from Marconi in round one but bounced back last week to beat Penrith Nepean United 5-3.
The defending Minor Premiers/Premiers will be keen to maintain the momentum gained from that win. It could be a long afternoon for the Central Coast side who?ll need to keep a close eye on The Ram?s Stephanie Hain who scored a hat trick against Penrith last week.
The final game of round three is the Sydney University v Marconi Stallions game at Sydney University Oval No 1.
Marconi are undefeated with wins over Macarthur Rams and Manly United. They are yet to give up a goal and look like definite premiership material on what they?ve shown so far.
Sydney University sit at the bottom of the ladder after defeats by Manly and Sutherland. The jump from Super League Champions to the Premier League has been a tough one for the University girls to cope with so far. Things won?t get any easier for them against the rampant Stallions.
So, will the form guide tell the true tale this week? Or are there a few surprises around the corner? Nothing should ever be taken for granted. The match favourites should be on their guard!
-By Ross Anderson