Round 15 Preview – PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s
We’re back to regular programming for the PlayStation4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s competition as we enter the final month of the season – with sides aiming to cement their finals spots.
Match of the Round this week is Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney Olympic FC.
Match of the Round: Central Coast Mariners vs Sydney Olympic FC, Sunday 23rd July, 3pm, Pluim Park
Sixth place Central Coast Mariners look to derail the momentum of first placed Sydney Olympic FC in our Match of the Round this weekend emanating from Pluim Park.
Olympic FC rolled on their streak with a 3-2 win over the Stallions as Mariners added a valuable point in their 1-1 result with Inter Lions.
Madelaine Costanzo has snatched the top scorer’s trophy from Jordan Baker with her return of four goals so it may be a busy afternoon for Mariners keep Jess Schultz.
If the Mariners are to topple the free scoring Olympic FC they need their own strikers in Oriane Keane and Candice Phelan to find the back of the net.
Last time these two met – they played out an entertaining 3-all draw so if this weekend provides similar return it will make for an open contest.
Inter Lions vs Southern Branch FC, Sunday 23rd July, 3pm, Concord Oval
Two sides that won’t play finals football but have plenty of pride to play out on the park between Inter Lions and Southern Branch this weekend.
Inter Lions struck their first points under new head coach Danny Abboud with a fighting draw against the Mariners while Southern Branch battled hard in a 2-1 loss to 2nd placed Sutherland Shire FA.
The home side has looked sharper in recent weeks, finding the back of the net with more regularity with the combination of Leanne Sharp and Melissah Parlato at the forefront.
Traveling has not been the most fruitful for Southern Branch FC with a solitary point to show for their troubles. Sunday also represents a chance to get revenge for their 5-nil loss at home earlier this season.
Gladesville Ravens vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 23rd July, 3pm, Peel Park
Time is starting to run out for the Stallions to mount their challenge to Nepean FC in fourth position. It starts with a trip to Peel Park on this weekend.
Both teams suffered losses last time out as the Stallions were on the wrong side of a 3-2 scoreline vs Olympic FC as Gladesville were edged out 1-nil last Tuesday against Bankstown City Lions.
The Ravens were quite impressive in their defeat to Bankstown and forward Brownyn Peddley was at the forefront so she will be primed for a repeat performance at home.
For the Stallions – they have started to skid in the last few weeks with three losses in a row and a positive performance against ninth place Ravens could make for some fun on Sunday.
Sutherland Shire FA vs Nepean FC, Sunday 23rd July, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Second takes on fourth in a vital contest in the final makeup of the top four as Nepean FC try to widen their gap on the chasing pack at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday.
The chase continued for Sutherland Shire FA as a 2-1 win against Southern Branch kept them within arm’s reach of Olympic FC as Nepean FC enjoyed a weekend off before the grueling final month.
In the absence of Jordan Baker, Sutherland’s attack has remained on fire as Brittany Christie has filled the gap well with three goals in two weeks making her a threat for the Nepean FC defense.
Nepean FC will be relieved to have broken their scoring drought in recent weeks and look to claim the scalp of the Shire ladies in an exciting match up to round off Round 15.
Bankstown City Lions have the bye
By Justin Davies, PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s reporter
