PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 Round 6 Preview

The PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 competition couldn’t be tighter at the top ahead of round 6 with some big matches in prospect.

There are still only three undefeated teams left in the competition with the North Shore Mariners leading the pack by a solitary point. Only the Illawarra Stingrays and Central Coast are yet to register wins but they are vastly improving.
Match Of The Round –
Manly United v North Shore Mariners @Cromer Park, 3pm
The North Shore derby see’s Manly United welcome league ladders North Shore Mariners to Cromer Park. It’s 1v2 with neither side tasting defeat so far this campaign.
United, with a game in hand, have only dropped points once in four games having to settle for a draw against the North West Sydney Koala’s. Gwynne Berry’s team know that a victory here would see them move into top spot on the ladder.
 
The Manly based side has played good football over past years but it seems now that the results are coming also, making them true contenders for the Premiership.
The North Shore Mariners, the obvious surprise packets of the season so far. They sit in top spot and don’t want to let it go that easy. Having had to settle for a draw last time out, Larry Bates’ side will look to get straight back onto the winning circle and continue their hold on first place.
Central Coast v Emerging Jets @Pluim Park, 12pm
In the F3 derby it will be the Central Coast welcoming the Emerging Jets to Pluim park with the early kick off of 12pm.
The Coast was unlucky in their last match, missing some key opportunities to make their way back into the match. Nevertheless, they’ve made vast improvements to their game and will head into this one expecting some points.
The young Jets side have now gone two games without defeat and are looking like they could shake a few cages. Taking a point off the league leaders would have been some confidence booster and they’ll be raring to go come Sunday noon.
North West Sydney Koala’s v Blacktown Spartans @ELS Hall Park, 3pm
ELS Hall Park will be the venue for Sunday’s clash between the North West Sydney Koala’s and Blacktown Spartans.
The Koala’s have had an inconsistent start to the season following their Preseason Cup final appearance. Scoring one victory in four see’s them come in at seventh place before this one. If they have any wishes of lifting the Premiership, they must start putting points on the board now.
It’s been a difficult first few rounds for the Spartans but coach Paul Constantini was relieved his team picked up their first win of the season on Sunday afternoon. With a heap of injuries, they currently sit in sixth place and a win could see them move into fifth on the ladder.
Illawarra Stingrays v Sydney University @JJ Kelly Park, 3pm
Down the coast it will be the Illawarra Stingrays taking on Sydney University at JJ Kelly Park.
The Stingrays have been somewhat unlucky this term but Grahame Shaw won’t be looking for excuses. Having led by two goals twice on the weekend and having to settle for a draw would not have made the Illawarra side happy.
Heather Garriock’s Sydney University team continues to improve and climb up the ladder. Uni hasn’t lost since round one and their good form see’s them take fifth spot on the table, four points off first place with a game in hand.
Football NSW Institute v Macarthur Rams @Valentine Sports Park
It’s the 2014 grand final rematch at Valentine Sports Park as the Football NSW Institute take on the Macarthur Rams.
The Rams have had an interrupted start to their campaign that would not have coach Norm Boardman happy. One player that isn’t feeling the effects of a stop start season is Kylie Ledbrook who is already in great form.
The Institute has struggled in recent weeks, registering two straight losses. With Demi Koulizakis banging in the goals though, they’re a team that can’t be overlooked and they’ll be sure to bounce back, especially with the expected return of their Young Matildas.
Rescheduled Round 3 –
Macarthur Rams 4-1 Central Coast
Central Coast had to make the long trip to take on the Macarthur Rams on Tuesday night.
 
Despite the Coast putting in their best efforts, the home side came away with a 4-1 win, moving them to equal second on the league ladder.
Star midfielder Renee Rollason finally picked up her first goal of the season after quite a drought, while Georgia Yeoman-Dale, Chrystal Duggan and Tenealle Hay got the others for the home side. The speedy Rhali Dobson picked up the away sides only goal.

– by Nikola Pozder, PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s 1 Reporter