PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 Round 12 Preview

It’s the Macarthur Rams leading the way in the NPL NSW Women’s 1 competition with seven games to play.

There is only a seven-point gap from third to ninth on the ladder as the fight for finals places really heats up now.

MATCH OF THE ROUND 

Blacktown Spartans v North Shore Mariners @Blacktown Football Park

In a direct clash for fourth place, the Blacktown Spartans take on the North Shore Mariners at Blacktown Football Park.

Since a fantastic run through May, the Spartans haven’t won a game. They’ll need that to change if they’re to move into the top four on Sunday. They sit only two points out of a finals place and now is the right time to score an important three points.

The Mariners continue their inconsistent run. They’ve only scored one win in June and to ensure the chasing pack doesn’t catch them, they need to win on Sunday or they will drop out of a finals place for the first time this year. Larry Bates’ side can find the back of the net but they’ve been suspect in defence over recent weeks.

When these two met back in round three they couldn’t be separated and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Emerging Jets v Sydney University @Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

It’ll be an important clash for both sides at Lake Macquarie Football Facility on Sunday afternoon as the Emerging Jets and Sydney University do battle.

The Jets have had a week off after their match against the Rams was washed out last week, allowing them to rejuvenate and prepare for their next match. Sitting in ninth position, victory is imperative for the young side if they’re to keep in touch with finals places.

Sydney Uni is on a three-match winless streak, something that coach Heather Garriock cannot be pleased with the battle for a finals place on the line. They need to turn their fortunes around quickly to ensure they’ll stay in front of those chasing them down.

North West Sydney Koalas v Manly United @ ELS Hall Park

ELS Hall Park will host the fixture between second placed Manly United and eighth placed North West Sydney Koalas.

The Koalas are in desperate need of points to sneak into a finals place. They will take heart from a last minute Natalie Tobin equaliser last week, hoping to take that confidence into this match. Helen Petinos has been one of the Koalas best players this season and she’ll be someone that they look to to create a difference.

United are in form and are hot on the heels of the league leading Rams. The side continues to play good football and a win will further cement a finals place. It was tight the last time these two played as United had to settle for a draw.

Illawarra Stingrays v Football NSW Institute @JJ Kelly Park

It’ll be quite the battle at JJ Kelly Park as the Illawarra Stingrays face off against the Football NSW Institute.

The Stingrays have hit their straps at the right time and are on fire at the moment. They are currently on a four-match win streak and have only lost once in seven. Goal scoring hasn’t been a problem for the South Coast side with Michelle Carney and Jordan Baker finding the back of the net at the right time.

They’ve started their run in for a finals place earlier than last year and they could have timed it to perfection. Sitting only three points out from fourth place, a win could push them in for the first time this year.

Since their fantastic start to the season, the Institute has only won once since round three. They gave a good account of themselves last week and will probably be disappointed with conceding a last minute goal.

Demi Koulizakis and Princess Ibini-Isei are two that can have a massive influence on this team as they try to stay in touch with finals places.

The Institute were ruthless the last time these two met, winning 4-2 in a cracker. Expect goals and much of the same in this one.

Central Coast v Macarthur Rams @Pluim Park

At Pluim Park it’s top verse bottom as the Rams travel North to take on the Central Coast.

Central Coast registered their first win of the season two weeks ago at this venue and will look to spring the upset of the season come Sunday. They held their own for 45 minutes last week but later fell off the pace.

The Rams had a well-deserved rest last week with their match being washed out. The brains in midfield Renee Rollason has been a standout this season, along with the pacey Georgia Yeoman-Dale. Their run toward a Premiership continues and every victory will put them a step closer.

In their catch up match played a month ago, the Rams celebrated a 4-1 victory.

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