Round 16 Preview – PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s
It’s the final countdown for NPL 2 NSW Women’s as we enter the final three weeks of the season, with the premiership on the cusp for Sydney Olympic FC and finals positions still up for grabs in another weekend of action.
Match of the Round: Bankstown City Lions vs Sutherland Shire FA, Thursday 27th July, 8:30pm, Jensen Park
A blockbuster match kicks off round 16 as second takes on third on Thursday night in a contest that may serve as a precursor to the action forthcoming in the finals.
Bankstown City Lions had the weekend off so come into tonight refreshed as once leaders Sutherland Shire FA were knocked over 1-nil by Nepean FC in their first loss at Harrie Denning Centre.
The visitors welcomed back Jordan Baker on the bench last weekend which would have been a relief as they missed her 11 goals plus getting her ready for the bigger matches in coming weeks.
Lions coach Troy Spink has to make changes to his team with injuries but is hopeful to take some points off Sutherland Shire FA for both confidence and the Club Championship.
With the firepower across the field between the two sides it makes for a delightful contest between two proud teams and an open contest.
Sydney Olympic FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 30th July, 3pm, Peter Moore Field
One game stands between Sydney Olympic FC and the premiership – if they can beat Gladesville Ravens Sunday afternoon at home.
They set up this encounter with a 4-nil victory over Central Coast Mariners at Pluim Park while the Ravens grinded out a 0-0 against finals chasing Marconi Stallions.
Olympic FC injected Danielle Calvi off the bench against the Mariners which shows the depth of attacking options that coach George Beltsos has up front.
Gladesville Ravens have had a tough season in NPL 2 NSW Women’s but can end their season on a high note if they can halt the party for Olympic FC in an enticing contest.
Southern Branch FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 30th July, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex
The Mariners have entered the last chance saloon for their finals hope as they travel down to the south coast to take on Southern Branch FC.
In the combination of their loss last weekend to Olympic FC and results midweek has put them six points behind fourth placed Nepean FC with three weeks to go.
Mariners coach Mark Yule has faith in his side to go on a run in the final few weeks and that confidence starts with their superb goalkeeper Jess Schultz between the sticks.
Southern Branch FC may be out of the race but can play spoiler and if Georgia McDonnell can bang in a few goals makes for an intriguing contest.
Nepean FC vs Inter Lions, Sunday 30th July, 4:30pm, Cook Park
Fourth place Nepean FC aim to put more distance between themselves and the chasing pack as they welcome Inter Lions to Cook Park in the late kick-off of the round.
The hosts created the result of their season thus far as they overcame Sutherland Shire 1-nil and while we talk up fourth place they are only a point away from third place Bankstown City Lions.
After their lean period through the middle part of the season, Nepean FC has found the goal-scoring feeling again before the finals start kick into gear which will please coach Alan Tasses.
For Inter Lions it is about getting themselves in sync with new coach Danny Abboud as they prepare for the next season.
Marconi Stallions has the bye
By Justin Davies, PS4 NPL 2 NSW Women’s reporter
