PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 2 Round 3 Preview

AFTER a break for Easter, action in the PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 2 competition is back underway this Sunday.
Early highflyers Marconi Stallions take on Sutherland Shire, Nepean FC will look to bounce back against Sydney Olympic, Inter Lions travel to Southern Branch and UNSW Lions look to pick up their first points against Northern Tigers.

Marconi Stallions vs Sutherland Shire, 3pm Sunday 12 April at Marconi Stadium
It was almost too easy for Marconi Stallions in Round 2 as they strolled to a 5-0 lead against Nepean FC, however complacency set in late as they conceded two goals before full time.
They will be hoping to improve upon their performance, avoiding a similar lapse, when they host Sutherland Shire at Marconi Stadium on Sunday.
The signs are ominous for Sutherland, who drew 2-2 with Nepean when they faced them in Round 1.They are without a win so far, falling 3-2 to Northern Tigers last outing.

Northern Tigers vs UNSW Lions, 3pm Sunday 12 April at Mills Park
How the tables have turned in the opening two rounds this season for Northern Tigers and UNSW Lions.
Last season, Northern Tigers followed up an opening round 6-0 loss with another loss while UNSW opened with a draw and a win. This season, it is UNSW occupying last position with a -7 goal difference, and Northern Tigers have begun strongly picking up four points in two games.
While the season is still young, UNSW will be hoping to quickly reverse their downward trend. Conversely, Northern Tigers will want to assert themselves after last season’s struggles.

Sydney Olympic vs Nepean FC, 3pm Sunday 12 April at Peter Moore Park
After flying out of the blocks in Round 1, Sydney Olympic were unable to make it back to back wins, drawing 1-1 with Southern Branch two weeks ago.
If they are too keep pace with Marconi Stallions at the top, Olympic will need to do what Marconi did emphatically last round – beat Nepean FC. Nepean found life difficult against a strong Marconi side, shipping five, but worked hard until the end to grab two late goals – due reward for their application in a match where they were outclassed.

Southern Branch vs Inter Lions, 3pm Sunday 12 April at South Nowra Football Complex
It was nearly impossible to separate these two sides last season. Each winning, losing and drawing one of their three meetings in the regular season, the semi-final clash between Southern Branch and Inter Lions went all the way to penalties before Inter progressed.
Both will be hoping to finish in the top four again this season and, to do so, Southern Branch will need to pick up their first win of the season soon.
Forfeiting their first round match, Southern held Sydney Olympic to a 1-1 draw, a positive sign for when they will face Inter who have picked up one win and a draw.
– by Kate Cohen, PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s 2 Reporter