Round 13 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s

It’s round 13 of the PlayStation 4 NSW NPL Women’s competition and the table was only closer after round one.

With only five rounds remaining, the competition can go any way with fierce battle for both the Premiership and finals football taking shape.

Emerging Jets v Football NSW Institute

It’s the battle of the academies at Lake Macquarie Football Facility in the mid-week clash between the Emerging Jets and Football NSW Institute.

Both teams have pride to play for and of course, bragging rights.

The Institute are in a slightly better position than the Jets, sitting one place ahead of them on the ladder.

Princess Ibini-Isei is obviously an important player for the blues and she could be the difference.

For the Jets, a victory would see them leap frog their rivals and it will be the extra incentive they need.

They have been unlucky in many games this season and will look to turn it around.

It was the Institute that came away with the points last time in a seven –goal thriller, winning 4-3.

North West Sydney Koalas v Manly United

It’s new table toppers North West Sydney Koalas taking on giant killers Manly United at ELS Hall Park.

The Koalas emerged as the new competition leaders last week after a tight victory over the Emerging Jets.

For the Koalas, it is four wins on the bounce and points here will be imperative to stay ahead of the chasing Uni.

United though are on fire and it’s a question of who can stop them?

Undefeated in six, the Northern Beaches side have thrown themselves right into finals contention after many wrote them off earlier in the season.

Playing some flowing attacking football, with the hungry and inspired Remy Siemsen leading the line, Manly cannot slip up here as they look to force themselves into fourth spot.

Having knocked Sydney Uni off their perch last week, it could be the Koalas’ turn this round.

The Koalas came away with the three points last time in a tough battle, winning 2-1.

Illawarra Stingrays v North Shore Mariners

JJ Kelly Park will see an important fixture take place between the Illawarra Stingrays and North Shore Mariners.

To stay in contention for in the Premiership battle, Illawarra must win on Sunday afternoon.

Two wins and two losses in their last four outings have seen the Stingrays slightly drop off the leaders pace.

The Mariners are only a point off fourth place but a victory on Sunday will see them over take their opponents and potentially move into third place.

After a massive dip in form mid season, the Mariners are three games without defeat now and are peaking at the right time,

The two couldn’t be separated last time they met, drawing 3-3 in a thrilling match.

Macarthur Rams v Blacktown Spartans 

Lynwood Park will host the fixture between the Macarthur Rams and the Blacktown Spartans.

Macarthur have dropped to seventh place on the ladder and are in danger of missing out on finals football.

Four games without a win and Norm Boardman needs his girls and captain Renee Rollason to turn things around immediately.

The Spartans are in a similar boat to the Rams but one point further adrift.

If Paul Costantini’s team can’t record three points on Sunday, it could may well be the end of their finals aspirations.

It was one-way traffic the last time they played each other, with the Rams running away comfortable 4-1 victors.

Sydney University v Marconi Stallions

Sydney University will welcome the Marconi Stallions to Sydney University Football Ground.

Sydney University have dropped points only three times this season, once against Marconi.

Having lost last week and losing top place at the same time, Heather Garriock would not have been happy with her team’s performance.

They lacked the conviction that has made them the force they are last week and they’ll need that back if they are to continue their fight with the Koalas.

Steven Neligan’s team is one of the form teams in the competition at the moment and find themselves in fourth place.

With their games in hand and with a victory here, the Stallions could be surprise Premiership contenders.

They’ve turned the tables and won five games in a row now.

When they met last time, they couldn’t be separated and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.