Round 18 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s

It will be the most exciting finish in the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Women’s competition in many years with the Premiership and Finals places also up for grabs.

Who will prevail and who will start their off season will be known at around 5pm on Sunday afternoon.

Blacktown Spartans V Emerging Jets

A game without competitive imperative for either team at Blacktown Football Park between the Blacktown Spartans and Emerging Jets.

Despite the finals slipping away from them, the Spartans haven’t stopped fighting through to the end of the season.

They’ve lost their last six games but would love to finish the season on a high and start focusing for 2017 in a positive mood.

Jets’ mid-week win over the Stallions means they have mathematically avoided bottom place and a win could see them finish on equal points with the Spartans.

The young side will be proud of their season, pushing many of the more experienced teams right to the edge.

The Jets won the first clash between the two 2-1.

Illawarra Stingrays V North West Sydney Koalas

A massive game is scheduled for JJ Kelly Park as the Illawarra Stingrays face the North West Sydney Koalas.

Having played a tough mid-week match, stretching over two days, the Stingrays went down to Uni, jeopardising their finals hopes.

Anything other than a win will end the Stingrays 2016 season where even a victory may not be enough to ensure them finals football.

The Koalas have been fantastic, leading the league table for much of the season.

They are currently second on the ladder only on goal difference, they need the win and must hope that Uni drop points in their clash.

Stephen Peters will be proud of his squad and what they’ve done this year and regardless what happens, will hope they can push on in the finals series.

It was one way traffic the last time these two played, with the Koalas winning 8-1.

Sydney University V Macarthur Rams

All eyes will be on Lynwood Park as first placed Sydney University and fourth placed Macarthur Rams do battle.

Uni have held up their end of the bargain, winning three of three in seven days with only one match left to consolidate the title.

It has been a tough week and a bit for Heather Garriocks team but they’ve been in fine form at the right time.

Dropped points could cost them the Premiership.

The Rams are closing the season well and peaking at the right point of the season.

They’ve won five on the bounce and with Leena Khamis is fantastic form, she’ll be a real threat to the Uni defence.

A win will guarantee them finals football, whereas a loss could mean they will miss out.

Uni won the first clash between them 2-0.

Football NSW Institute V Manly United FC

At Valentine Football Park, the Football NSW Institute will host Manly United FC.

The Institute have nothing to play for but nevertheless are a dangerous footballing side.

They were impressive against the Koalas, pushing them to the limit before drawing last night with the Rams.

Manly have turned the competition on its head with no wins after four rounds and sitting in ninth place after eight.

They are now third and flying high in an unbelievable 11 match unbeaten run, the form team of the competition.

With star striker Remy Siemsen growing into her role week by week, Manly are a force to be reckoned with.

It was close in round nine, with Manly winning 2-1.

North Shore Mariners V Marconi Stallions

Northbridge Oval will host the final game of the season as the North Shore Mariners face the Marconi Stallions.

The Stallions missed a golden opportunity to hold everything in their own hand this week after dropping points against the Jets.

They still have a chance but must win and results must go their way for a team that has also had a solid season turn around.

The Mariners will be disappointed with their season after starting so well and looking like Premiership contenders.

They have enough quality over the park though to challenge every team in the league and won’t lie down easy come Sunday.

They couldn’t be separated when they played only a week or so ago, finishing 2-2.

Rescheduled –

Marconi Stallions 2-3 Emerging Jets  

The Emerging Jets had to make the long mid-week trip to Valentine Sports Park on Tuesday night to take on the Marconi Stallions.

Marconi knew that three points would place them incredibly close to a finals place with only one round to go.

And they started well, going into the break 2-1 up courtesy of goals to Helen Petinos and Rihanna Pollicina.

But like they have all season, the Jets didn’t give up and showed their steal in the second half to first equalise and then score the winner to secure three points.

Ashlee Brodigan, Lucy Kell and Brooke Kennedy all got on the score sheet for the young side.

The result didn’t help the Stallions and now it will be hard for them to sneak into the Top Four.

Sydney University 3-1 Illawarra Stingrays

In a game that was played over two days and two different venues was finally completed last night at Valentine Sports Park between Sydney University and the Illawarra Stingrays.

Points were imperative for both sides in this one with Uni needing the victory in their fight for the Premiership, while the Stingrays were hoping they could stay in the Top Four.

On Tuesday night, Uni started the better at Sydney University Football Ground, taking a 2-1 lead into half time in horrible playing conditions.

An own goal and a Rachel Soutar goal had Uni on their way, while the talented Jordan Baker scored for the Stingrays.

Due to the state of the playing pitch, the second half of the match was rescheduled for Wednesday night at VSP.

Evelyn Chronis got the deciding goal there to complete a 3-1 win and put Uni a win away from the Premiership.