PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 2 Round 14 Preview
The league table is beginning to separate the top sides from the rest as we head into round 14 of the PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 2 competition.
Nepean are hoping to rediscover some form at home against the Northern Tigers, while Sutherland Shire host a Southern Branch side hunting for second spot. Sydney Olympic want a win against Inter to keep the chasing pack at bay, and Marconi seek to continue their dominance of the competition when they host UNSW at Marconi Stadium.
Nepean FC v Northern Tigers, 3pm Sunday 28th June at Cook Park
Nepean will have gained some confidence from their win on the South coast last Saturday, and will look to continue to climb up the ladder against a Northern Tigers side itching for some football after the weekend’s wash out at Olympic. While the three points from the catch up fixture has improved Nepean’s standing, more wins are required to pressure those who sit above them.
The Tigers were camped in the top two for the early part of the season, but one win from their last five games has seen them slide down the ladder. Another loss here for the Tigers could see them finish the week in last position for the first time this season.
Sutherland Shire FA v Southern Branch FC, 3pm Sunday 28th June at Harrie Denning Centre
Sutherland put on a composed and clinical display last start against UNSW, and a home victory this Sunday would firmly entrench them in the top four. Southern Branch will need to keep a close eye on Shire midfielder Toni Vukasin if they want to assert themselves on the match, as her ball retention and recycling of the play in midfield starts most of Sutherland’s more potent attacks.
A win for Southern Branch would see them leapfrog Sutherland, and potentially see them finish the weekend in second spot if Inter do them a favour and knock off Olympic.
Sydney Olympic FC v Inter Lions SC, 3pm Sunday 28th June at Peter Moore Park
A refreshed Sydney Olympic won’t want to slip up this week against Inter, as a loss would see them fall right into the pack chasing a finals berth. Wins from Sutherland and Southern Branch on the weekend have reignited the race for second spot, and Olympic will need to be on guard against an Inter side desperate to regain their place in the top four.
The Lions will be disappointed that they let the advantage slip away so quickly against Marconi, and will be after a more ruthless performance this Sunday to put themselves in a position of strength going into the final third of the season.
Marconi Stallions v UNSW Lions, 3pm Sunday 28th June at Marconi Stadium
After a good performance at the weekend against Sutherland, UNSW will need to redouble their efforts against league leaders Marconi.
Despite the Lions playing some excellent passing football against the side from the shire, UNSW find themselves on the bottom of the ladder going into the round and will need to tighten their defence significantly if they are to get anything from this Stallions side. Marconi went behind for the second weekend running and will want to break that streak before it becomes habitual.
However, if the home side can rediscover their attacking flare from earlier in the season then it could be a very tough afternoon for the visitors.
-By Eamonn Warner, PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s 2 Reporter
