Round 2 Preview – PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s
After a short break for Easter, the teams are back into action with the weather improving we have a exciting round of action before us.
Inter Lions vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 23rd April 2017, 3pm, Concord Oval
Gladesville Ravens had an encouraging start to life in Women’s 2 despite going down 3-1 to Sutherland Shire as they competed for the majority of the contest.
For Inter Lions – their round 1 clash was postponed so they are ready to get the campaign underway at home against a tough Ravens side.
Ravens have retained most of the side which got them through State League Women’s last season and winger Isabella Breukelaar will be a tough assignment for the Lions defense.
Inter Lions were semi-finalists last season so will provide a stern test for the Gladesville Ravens in an exciting contest at Concord Oval.
Central Coast Mariners vs Bankstown Lions FC, Sunday 23rd April, 3pm, Pluim Park
The Mariners were the odd team out in round one, so they got the bye and now refreshed after Easter take on Bankstown Lions at home.
Bankstown Lions had an encouraging start against Nepean FC with poacher Samantha Muscat getting their lone goal before a late comeback from the visitors.
So now they travel up the F1 highway to get their first victory against a young Mariners side. The Lions boast an impressive attack that will provide a stern test for the home side.
For Mariners coach Mark Yule he is looking for them to fix their goal scoring woes from last season so they will want to find the net early in the season.
Southern Branch FC vs Sydney Olympic FC, Sunday 23rd April, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex
Two sides that were off in the first week do battle down the south coast to secure their first points of the season in an intriguing contest.
Sydney Olympic recruited well in the off-season so they are keen to get their new signings including PS4 NPL NSW Women’s keeper Chloe Avgoustou between the sticks and Rochelle Borromeo on the park and contributing.
Southern Branch finished outside the finals last season, so they will want a fast start to the season to signal their intention for the upcoming season – starting Sunday afternoon in Nowra.
Nepean FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 23rd April, 430pm, Cook Park
Nepean FC were first start winners, 2-1 over Bankstown City Lions before Easter and aim to add three more points at Cook Park Sunday afternoon.
The stoic defense of Nepean was an impressive sight as they kept a powerful Bankstown City forward line quiet during their second half comeback.
Defender Jessica Elliot capped off that performance with a long range effort and Marconi will need to be weary of her if she is in range.
Marconi were off due to the weather but are ready to get down to work in their new surroundings in the PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s starting with a good performance in the west.
-By Justin Davies, PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s reporter
