PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 Round 17 Preview

Macarthur Rams can finally secure the Premiership in the PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 1 competition with a point on Sunday in round 17 action.

The battle for final places continues with only two rounds left, meaning the fight will go down to the wire.

Match of the round –

Sydney University v Manly United @Wilson Park

It will effectively be a battle for second place on Sunday as Sydney University host Manly United at Wilson Park.

With a game in hand, Uni sit locked on points with Manly and know that a victory will all but assure them of second place on the ladder and the all-important ‘second chance’ in the finals. Having not played over the weekend, University head into this one fresh and securing their place on the ladder.

Heather Garriock’s team has been in good form and seem to be peaking at the right time of the season ahead of finals.

After a fantastic start to the season and leading the league at one point, United has slightly come off the boil in recent weeks. With one victory from their last five, Gwynne Berry knows that his side could still yet drop out of the four. United still possess enough quality and play a decent brand of football to get themselves out of the rut.

There was a five-goal thriller the last time these two met in round 8 as Uni prevailed 3-2 away at Cromer Park.

Emerging Jets v Illawarra Stingrays @Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

At Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility it’s a massive match in prospect for both the Emerging Jets and Illawarra Stingrays.

With the Jets in action mid-week, a double victory could see them sneak into the top four. Hard work by the girls over recent weeks have given them a lifeline, being undefeated in their last five matches.

Seven straight matches without defeat, the Stingrays looked as though they would be making an unlikely charge for the Premiership. Two straight defeats for the Illawarra girls have seen them now move out of the top four and in danger of missing out on finals football.

Central Coast v North West Sydney Koalas @Pluim Park

At Pluim Park on Sunday it will be the bottom placed Central Coast taking on ninth placed North West Sydney Koalas.

The Coast picked up points for only the second time this season last week but may as well have knocked the North Shore Mariners out of the finals. Adriana Jones found the back of the net again for the Coast and will be their main target come Sunday. Recording their second win of the season will be imperative for them.

The Koalas can’t make the finals as an inconsistent season cost them dear. After having a week off, they’ll look to make the most of the away trip as they build toward next season. Their position on the ladder can still improve and that will be another thing they aim for.

North Shore Mariners v Macarthur Rams @Northbridge Oval

Both teams need points on Sunday but for different reasons as the North Shore Mariners take on the Macarthur Rams at Northbridge Oval.

The Mariners have thrown their finals hopes in danger with some poor results in recent weeks. A draw to bottom placed Central Coast has seen them drop four points out of the four and Larry Bates’ team needs three points or their finals dreams will be over.

Missing a stars last week, Macarthur registered a massive three points defeating Manly United. All they need is a point to secure the Premiership and with all players back this week they’ll be keen to get that.

Football NSW Institute v Blacktown Spartans @Valentine Sports Park

At Valentine Sports Park, former Champions Football NSW Institute take on finals hopefuls Blacktown Spartans at Valentine Sports Park at 7pm.

The Institute will not get the opportunity to defend the crown they took out last season. Finals are impossible for them and instead will look to build their side and get as many positive results as the season concludes.

An incredible turnaround by the Blacktown Spartans who move into the top four for the first time this season. Paul Constantini has timed the Spartans run to perfection as they hold their fate in their own hands now. Victory on Sunday could book their place in the finals depending on other results but could also see them possibly challenge for second place on the ladder.

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