Round 1 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s
The PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Women’s competition kicks off this weekend in what is already promising to be the closest season in many years.
Teams have been working tirelessly over the last few months, gearing up for what should be an exciting year of women’s football.
The Marconi Stallions have returned to the top flight, while Central Coast was relegated.
Sydney University SFC vs Emerging Jets
The champions are back and open up round one at Sydney University Football Ground against the youngsters from up the coast, Emerging Jets.
After taking out the Preseason Cup comfortably, Heather Garriock and her teams thirst for silverware keeps growing.
Scoring an incredible 19 goals in six games they have already sent warning signs across the competition.
With Hannah Bacon pulling the strings in midfield and Stephanie Ambrose already in full flight, teams will need to be at their best to stop captain Elizabeth Grey’s girls.
The Jets had a solid first season in the top flight, pulling off some great results along the way.
They’ll look to improve from last year’s 7th place and possibly sneak their way into the finals series.
Their patient build up play is one of their greatest assets, by tightening their defence, they will be hard to beat.
Illawarra Stingrays vs Manly United
One of the toughest matches on opening day see’s the Illawarra Stingrays entertain Manly United at JJ Kelly Park.
Serial slow starters we aren’t quite sure what to expect from the South Coast side in the opening rounds.
On Preseason Cup form, the Stingrays have somewhat struggled to find the back of the net. Nevertheless, a side with the attacking quality they possess, such as arguably the most potent attacker in NSW women’s football history, Michelle Carney, should not be underestimated.
Manly United did ever so well last year, cracking into the top four but falling at the first hurdle in extra time to eventual winner, Sydney Uni.
Gwynne Berry will lead Manly again this year and will look to advance his side’s exciting football to the next level.
Remy Siemsen could be the difference on Sunday with the youngster finding her feet well with the big girls so far.
The two couldn’t be separated in their Preseason Cup match, splitting the points in a 1-1 draw.
There could be revenge in the eyes of Stingrays players on Sunday as it was Manly who had finished a point ahead of them last season.
Macarthur Rams vs North West Sydney Koalas
At Lynwood Park, last years Premiers, Macarthur Rams, take on the North West Sydney Koalas.
The Koalas did fantastically well to reach the Preseason Cup Final but were outdone by a classy Uni outfit.
A strong start is what the Koalas will be after and with Natalie Tobin commanding the side from midfield and Tara Andrews at the point, they will be key for the girls in yellow.
The Rams should never, ever be judged on their Preseason Cup form and really come into this one with a question mark over them.
One thing is for sure, the Koalas will need to be well aware of the Rams’ attacking presence, in particular through Leena Khamis.
Tightening their defence will be number one on Norm Boardman’s agenda, having conceded nine goals in five games.
With veteran Renee Rollason marshalling the Rams from midfield once again, a side with so many ex and current Matilda’s, as well as W-League players will be hard to beat.
Marconi Stallions vs Football NSW Institute
At Marconi Stadium we will be watching the top tier of women’s football again as the Marconi Stallions welcome the Football NSW Institute.
Stephen Neligan’s girls will be up for this one and will hope to get their 2016 campaign off to a bang by cementing all three points.
With a respectable Preseason Cup campaign under their belts, they’ll be itching to go Sunday.
With Jodie Bain back in the sky blue, as well as the always dangerous Helen Petinos, the Institute will need to be on their toes from the first whistle.
The Institute have a wise head at the forefront, with no other than Craig Foster leading them in 2016.
His side’s are renowned for playing fantastic, possession based attacking football and despite their age will give everyone a tough time.
The youngsters struggled in the Preseason Cup, not registering a point but will be a different outfit come Sunday afternoon. Panayiota Petratos will be one to keep an eye out for.
North Shore Mariners vs Blacktown Spartans
At Northbridge Oval on Sunday, the North Shore Mariners host the Blacktown Spartans.
Last seasons surprise packets Blacktown Spartans will not be taken as lightly with all sides knowing what they’re capable of.
Paul Costantini will be as pumped as ever for the new season to get underway with young star Tara Pender leading the line.
Spencer Prior leads the Mariners into the new season as they look to finally break into finals football.
Ariella Cabezas will be a threat from midfield for the Spartans and one they must look out for.
They just missed out on the Preseason Cup Final, having snuck past the Spartans in round two, winning 2-1.
