PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 Round 10 Preview

PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 competition moves into the half way point on Sunday afternoon.

The Macarthur Rams currently lead the league, yet to taste defeat this season. Six points behind are Manly United and Sydney University who are keenly awaiting any slip up.

It’s a real fight for the last finals position with only six points separating fourth to ninth on the ladder.

Match Of The Round

North Shore Mariners v Sydney University @Wentworth Park

At Wentworth Park on Sunday afternoon the fourth placed North Shore Mariners host Sydney University.

The Mariners surprised many but not their coach Larry Bates with their round one victory over Uni. Both sides come into this one off defeats.

For the first time this season the Mariners have lost two in a row and have found themselves dropping off the pace with the leaders. If they’re to keep their finals position than this will be an important match for them.

Uni didn’t lose since round one before defeat to the league leading Rams last weekend. An undermanned Uni team played well against the Rams, looking very structured which would’ve had coach Heather Garriock happy despite defeat. They need to register three points here in order to keep their Premiership hopes alive.

Emerging Jets v Manly United @Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

The Emerging Jets play their second straight home game as they welcome Manly United to Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.

A tough round one match between these two saw United squeeze through by the odd goal, winning 2-1.

The Jets have lost their last two matches and need to turn their results around if they’re to continuous their chase for a finals position. The young squad has found their feet well in the State’s top tier and could cause a stir on Sunday afternoon.

United are where they deserve to be, sitting in second place with a match in hand. They finished their match more comfortably than expected on Sunday against the Spartans and will look to continue their good start to the season as they look to chase down the Rams.

Blacktown Spartans v Macarthur Rams @Blacktown Football Park

It will be the league leaders Macarthur Rams travelling to Blacktown Football Park to take on the Blacktown Spartans on Sunday.

The Rams had no problems in the first round against the Spartans, coming away with an easy 3-0 win.

The Spartans would’ve been disappointed losing last week after scoring four straight wins. Nevertheless, they sit in equal fourth place on the table and need points in the fight for finals.

The Rams are sitting pretty on top of the league after a hard fought victory last week. They have now gone on a nine match undefeated run and remain the only team yet to lose this year.

North West Sydney Koalas v Illawarra Stingrays @ELS Hall Park

At ELS Hall Park it’s a battle of two teams on the rise as the North West Sydney Koalas take on the Illawarra Stingrays.

The Stingrays won the Preseason Cup Final comfortably while the Koalas came through in round one.

The Koalas have won their last two matches to put themselves right in the race for a finals place. Their good form can continue here if they are to avoid defeat.

The Stingrays have also improved over recent weeks and have started to close matches out. As well as being able to score (second best attack), they aren’t strangers to conceding goals with the second worst defence in the league.

Be ready for a big match with Helen Petinos in form for the home side while Jordan Baker is finding her feet for the ‘Rays’ in 2015.

Central Coast v Football NSW Institute @Pluim Park

At Pluim Park on Sunday, the bottom placed Central Coast tackle Football NSW Institute. 

It was one way traffic in round one as the Institute stormed passed the Coast 7-1.

The Coast are yet to register a point this season but have not stopped fighting. Their performances have continued to improve and they could see this as an opportunity to spring a surprise against their young opponents.

The Institute lost five straight before their weekend win and have thrown themselves right back into finals contention. The Champions will look to get themselves into the finals to defend the title they won last season.

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