Round 3 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s

An interesting opening two rounds leads us to some massive fixtures already in only round three of the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Women’s competition.

Emerging Jets vs North West Sydney Koalas

The Emerging Jets will welcome the North West Sydney Koalas on Sunday at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Centre.

The young Jets are still in search of win number one for 2016 and tightening their defence will be at the top of their agenda. Having shipped eight goals in two games and yet to find the back of the net, the Jets will look to get their season up and running.

After a fantastic win in round one, the Koalas were brought back down to earth with a home defeat to the Champions, Sydney Uni. Stephen Peters will be happy though, with his side’s improvement over the last couple weeks evident.

They look like real title contenders and will need to register an important, difficult three points away from home to continue their march.

Illawarra Stingrays vs Blacktown Spartans

The Illawarra Stingrays come back to JJ Kelly Park as they host the Blacktown Spartans in their clash on Sunday.

It’s a dream start for Earle Canvin at the helm of the Stingrays, registering a 2-0 start to the 2016 season. If the Stingrays can continue this, then they will be thrown in with the favourites for the title.

Having scored nine goals in two games, the ‘Rays’ have been on fire, Michelle Carney, Jordan Baker and Matilda Michelle Hayman leading the front line.

The Spartans have a draw and a win to show so far for their efforts this season. Picking up three points last week, they move into this clash confident in what is promising to be one of the most enticing fixtures of the round.

Macarthur Rams vs Marconi Stallions

At the newly-laid synthetic pitch at Lynwood Park, the Macarthur Rams take on the Marconi Stallions.

Two teams with rich history in the women’s game lock horns on equal points in what will be a great game.

The Rams picked up their first three points of the season in round two, a relief for coach Norm Boardman, coming from behind to beat an inspired Manly United side. With leaders all over the park, the Rams will look to back up last week’s result.

For the Stallions coach, Stephen Neligan, it will be a return to his old stomping ground as he attempts to get one over his previous employers.

Marconi was unlucky last week, going down to 10 inside the opening 15 and not being able to field a replacement goal keeper, Renee Tomkins had to step in between the sticks, they conceded five, an unfair reflection on the side’s quality.

They will look for revenge this week and to set the record straight.

Sydney University vs Manly United     

At the brand new and fantastic Sydney University Football Ground, Sydney Uni take on Manly United on Sunday.

Uni are where they are expected to be and with a target on their backs now, Heather Garriock knows her team is the one to beat this season.

Yet to lose a game in 2016 (including the Preseason Cup), they’ve made a solid start to the campaign, scoring four, not conceding any and winning both, something that will keep Garriock happy.

Gwynne Berry has a very young and talented squad at his disposal, something he is aware of at Manly United.

His girls showed a solid account of themselves and experience probably got the better of them last week as the Rams came from behind and stole three points from them.

As the weeks progress though, they will improve and be amongst the leading teams in the competition.

Football NSW Institute vs North Shore Mariners

At Valentine Sports Park on Sunday, the Football NSW Institute host the North Shore Mariners.

The Institute have lost both of their opening games but look a different side with Princess Ibini-Isei back in the squad. With Matilda Ellie Carpenter also there, under the guidance of Craig Foster, it won’t be long before this team starts defeating some of the teams higher up the ladder.

Spencer Prior’s girls came out all guns blazing last week, comfortably defeating the Emerging Jets 5-0.

Kate Hensman hasn’t taken long to find her feet in her new surroundings, scoring a brace last week and she’ll be one of the major dangers going forward for the Mariners.

-By Nikola Pozder