National Premier Leagues Women’s Preview – Round 2
After an action packed round one in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition, full of comebacks and lots of goals, we do it all again this week.
NWS Koalas v Emerging Jets
At ELS Hall Park on Sunday afternoon, the North West Sydney Koalas host the Emerging Jets. The Koalas open their campaign against the young Jets side after having their round one match against the Football NSW Institute rescheduled for later this month.With all the regulars in the squad from last season, along with addition of Panayiota Petratos and Princess Ibini-Isei.
For the Jets, despite picking up a point in their opening match, they’ll be somewhat downhearted having dropped a two-goal lead. Lucy Kell was the star of the show, picking up a brace and she’ll look to pick up from where she left off.
Sutherland Shire FA v Manly United
The Sutherland Shire will take on Manly United at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday.
Sutherland started their campaign with defeat against the North Shore Mariners and will look to turn their campaign around come the weekend. It won’t be tough for the Shire girls, coming up against the acting Champions.
Chris Williams would’ve been pleased with most aspects of last week’s game, minus the final result for Manly. Two lapses at the back cost United, along with numerous missed opportunities to find the back of the net at the other end. Remy Siemsen will look to brighten up the Manly attack.
Illawarra Stingrays v Football NSW Institute
The Illawarra Stingrays host their first home match of 2018 at JJ Kelly Park when the Football NSW Institute travel south with kick off set for 7pm.
Carmelina Moscato will be in charge of her first home game and will look to secure back to back wins for the Stingrays.
A lapse in concentration almost allowed the Spartans back into the game last week in a 9-goal thriller and Moscato will be keen her team is focused for the full 90 minutes this week.
Football NSW Institute comes into this one as their first competitive match of 2018. A team full of Young Matildas can cause anyone trouble and they’ll look to surprise the more experienced Stingrays on Sunday.
Bankstown City v North Shore Mariners
A perfect Jensen Park will host top tier women’s football on Sunday as the North Shore Mariners take on Bankstown City at 7pm.
Bankstown started their campaign in the NPL with a long trip away to the Jets. They showed fantastic heart and courage to come back from two behind last week giving them confidence moving into this one. Amy Dahdah and Patty Charalambous were the scorers on the day and the two new signings will be the head of Bankstown attack on Sunday.
The Mariners have gone about their business quietly but are shaping up as a team that could spring a few surprises this year. Coach Drew Taylor has the side well drilled and with Amy Sayer pulling the strings from midfield, Bankstown should be on notice.
Northern Tigers v Blacktown Spartans
At North Turramurra Recreational Area, the Northern Tigers welcome the Blacktown Spartans.
The Tigers are looking to improve on their performance from last season and move up the ladder this year. They didn’t get off to the best of starts, losing 4-1 to Sydney Uni last week.
The Spartans didn’t fair any better, with for many, the competition favourites, going down in a thriller to the Stingrays. With Matilda Chloe Logarzo in orange along with a host of other stars, the Blacktown based side will look to register their first win of the campaign.
Macarthur Rams v Sydney University
The Macarthur Rams will host Sydney University on Sunday afternoon at Lynwood Park.
It was the perfect start for Macarthur last week, picking up a massive three points against Manly United away from home. With Kylie Ledbrook, Teresa Polias and Renee Rollason returning, the Rams look a formidable opponent and one that will challenge for top honours this year. They were clinical last week in attack and composed in defence.
Uni has seen a large number of players leave the team but it doesn’t seem to have affected them. A resounding 4-1 victory last week has given coach Alex Epakis the best possible start. A win on Sunday will really send a message to the competition.
Over the years, clashes between these two have always been exciting and we expect nothing less on Sunday.
By – Nikola Pozder
