Round 13 Preview – PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s
As we enter the final six weeks of the regular season, time is running out for teams to stake their finals claims with four more matches coming up this weekend. Our Match of the Round is Sutherland Shire FA vs Inter Lions.
Match of the Round: Sutherland Shire FA vs Inter Lions, Sunday 9thJuly, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
This week’s Match of the Round sees Sutherland Shire FA host Inter Lions as the home teams tries to cut the gap between themselves and Sydney Olympic FC.
The hosts for this game come into this weekend off a clinical 4-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners while Inter Lions refreshed themselves with the weekend off.
Sutherland Shire FA boast a formidable attacking record with 31 goals scored through 13 rounds including two last time out against Inter Lions.
Eighth place Inter Lions can spring themselves over Southern Branch FC with three points and need Sarah Mandile to improve on her three goals this season to do so.
For the hosts, they are full steam ahead for a finals position as they sit ten points clear of third and with the firepower of Raegan Deeley, Jordan Baker and Danielle Wise can see them push ahead in an intriguing match this weekend.
Gladesville Ravens vs Nepean FC, Sunday 9th July, 3pm, Peel Park
It has been a rotten few weeks for Nepean FC, now they head to Peel Park looking to kickstart their campaign against last placed Gladesville Ravens.
Nepean FC coach Alan Tasses has lamented the goals drying up for his side in their three previous losses and taking on one of the more leaky defenses in the competition may help.
For Gladesville Ravens – they are aiming to finish the season on a high after claiming their first victory of the season and now has a chance to play spoiler against the other teams.
Earlier this season these two played out a 1-1 draw so Nepean FC know they have a challenge on hand as they try to leap over Marconi Stallions into fourth place.
Central Coast Mariners vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 9th July, 3pm, Pluim Park
Fourth place Marconi Stallions head up the highway to take on a sixth place Central Coast Mariners side looking to bridge the gap to the top four.
Coming into this weekend, both sides suffered losses as Central Coast Mariners fell to Sutherland Shire FA 4-1 as Marconi came out the wrong side of a five goal thriller against Bankstown City Lions.
Marconi hang onto fourth by goal difference after their winning streak was snapped now need to pick themselves up to take on a Mariners side that they drew with back in round four.
The Mariners pose the double threat of Candice Phelan and Oriane Keane that makes for a close contest to help decide the final makeup of the top four.
Sydney Olympic FC vs Bankstown City Lions, Sunday 9th July, 4:30pm, Valentine Sports Park #2
A pivotal game for the race for finals positions as first place Sydney Olympic FC and Bankstown City Lions clash at Valentine Sports Park.
Both teams come into the contest off victories as Sydney Olympic FC scored in each half to defeat Nepean FC while Bankstown City Lions edged a thriller against Marconi Stallions which makes for an open contest.
Sydney Olympic FC have been the league’s entertainers with 32 goals with Madelaine Costanzo and Danielle Calvi leading the way with 11 and eight goals respectively so it’ll be a busy afternoon for Lions keeper Renee Krstanovska.
The visitors are well stocked themselves as Joanna Martino has eight goals herself this season and coach Troy Spink will be keen to avenge the 4-1 loss to Olympic FC earlier this season.
Southern Branch FC has the bye
-By Justin Davies, PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s reporter
