Women’s NPL 2 – Round 1 Preview
Women’s NPL 2 Round 1 takes centre stage this weekend as four exciting clashes heat up what will be a big year for the competition.
Western NSW Mariners vs UNSW Lions; Proctor Park, Sunday 3pm
What better way to start the new season than with a Grand Final re-match?
2013 Women’s State League champions UNSW Lions travel to Bathurst to face off against runners up Western NSW Mariners.
Despite the recent history, past meetings become irrelevant as soon as the players take the pitch and both sides will be hoping to get off to the best possible start to the new season.
Sutherland Shire FA vs Central Coast Mariners Academy; Harrie Denning Centre, Sunday 3pm
Both Sutherland Shire and Central Coast Mariners Academy struggled last season in the Women’s Premier League but should benefit from the restructure.
Central Coach Mariners’ young guns will be looking to use their experience from last season as an advantage when they travel down the coast. The sides met twice last season, with both games full of goals and excitement.
After sharing the points in a 4-4 draw first up, the Mariners got the better of Sutherland 6-2 the next time they met. This should be an exciting match-up.
Northern Tigers vs Southern Branch; Mills Park, Sunday 3pm
Northern Tigers struggled last year in the Women’s Premier League but will take on the travelling Southern Branch at Mills Park.
The youthful Southern Branch side have been working hard over the off-season and will be looking to get off to a flying start with a win over Tigers.
Sydney Olympic vs Inter Lions; Peter Moore Park, Sunday 3pm
Coach George Beltsos has avoided overstating his Sydney Olympic side’s chances, saying they will “take each game as it comes”.
First on the agenda is the visit of Inter Lions, who finished a respectable 8th last season in the Women’s Premier League and who will be looking to be amongst the frontrunners this season.
-By Kate Cohen
