PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 2 Round 15 Preview
Round 15 is shaping up to be a defining one for a number of teams jostling for prime ladder positions.
Nepean will look to continue their resurgence when they travel south to Sutherland, Inter Lions and Northern Tigers try to keep pace with the rest at Concord Oval, and Olympic look to make it a straight sets win against UNSW.
While down at Nowra, Southern Branch want to make the most of their hot streak and inflict a first defeat of the season on Marconi.
Sutherland Shire FA v Nepean FC, 3pm Sunday 5th July at Harrie Denning Centre
After a being rooted to the bottom of the league a few weeks ago, Nepean could find themselves up to fourth place at the end of the round. The weekend’s last minute winner from Lauren Connell will have Nepean full of confidence as they travel to the Shire to take on a Sutherland side that has impressed throughout the season. If the home side can get a rhythm going in their passing game they’ll prove hard to stop, so Nepean will be looking to the central defensive pairing of Hollie Wilson and Desiree Vassallo to break up Sutherland’s possession, and to launch counter attacks.
Inter Lions SC v Northern Tigers FC, 3pm Sunday 5th July at Concord Oval
Inter welcome the Northern Tigers in what is a must win game for both clubs. One win from five games isn’t title contending form for either side, and each team will be using the other’s ladder position as motivation to get the points in this one. Neither will gain very much from a draw in this encounter, so expect attack to be the order of the day as they look to keep within striking distance of fourth spot. Tigers hold the edge in this fixture for the season after winning their second meeting 2-0 after both sides shared the points (3-3) in round one.
Sydney Olympic FC v UNSW Lions, 3pm Sunday 5th July at Peter Moore Park
The league’s second best side take on a Lions team in desperate need of a win to keep their hopes of sneaking into the finals alive. All the stats point to Olympic taking this one out without much difficulty; second best defence up against the worst attack, and second best attack up against the division’s worst defence. UNSW will need to put on their tightest, most ruthless performance of the season to pick up three points against an Olympic team with so many weapons. Expect Olympic’s pace up front to do the damage.
Southern Branch FC v Marconi Stallions, 3pm Sunday 5th July at South Nowra Football Complex
If Marconi is going to lose a game this season, there’s a good chance it will happen in South Nowra. Southern Branch are red hot at the moment, and will be hoping they can continue that run by causing an upset here. Five wins from their last six games is a run of form that can only be matched by the undefeated Stallions, and another win for the side from Nowra could see them overtake Sydney Olympic in second spot. Marconi should still come away with the win here to continue their quiet domination of the league, but they aren’t as infallible as the league table shows.
-By Eamonn Warner, PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s 2 Reporter
