Round 8 – National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Preview

It’s taken seven rounds and we’ve had our first coaching change in the NPL NSW Women’s competition.

Sydney University face another stern test while the Northern Tigers will try to continue their undefeated run.

Football NSW Institute v Sydney University

Match of the round takes shape at Valentine Sports Park as the Football NSW Institute hosts Sydney university.

Alex Epakis is enjoying a dream start to life as coach of Sydney Uni and is probably wondering what all the fuss is about coaching. What pressure!?

He will keep his free-flowing, free-scoring and defensively tight outfit on guard, in particular against a dangerous Institute outfit.

It’s hard to pick out one star of this team but special mention has to go to Cortnee Vine who has been in fine form, scoring 12 goals already.

Goals haven’t been a problem for Institute either, hitting the back of the net a remarkable 27 goals, making them the second highest scorers in the league despite sitting in seventh place on the ladder.

It’s at the other end where the young side has been struggling and finding it tough, conceding 21 goals in seven games.

They’ll need to work on that if they’re to get anything from this one on Sunday.

Blacktown Spartans v Macarthur Rams

At Blacktown Football Park on Sunday, second placed Macarthur Rams travel to take on the Blacktown Spartans.

It was a tough result to take for the Spartans last week, getting humbled 8-1 by Sydney Uni and it was the last straw for coach Andrew Mastoris who resigned mid-week.

Stephen Peters steps in as caretaker coach in attempt to shake up the squad in what will be a tough match for the girls in orange.

The Rams were clinical last week against one of the favourites of the competition, comfortably defeating the Stingrays 3-1.

They know they’ll have to be on their game on Sunday against a wounded Spartans side who has the quality to make some damage.

Their attack is dangerous with the whole team involved in the team’s forays forward, something the Spartans will need to be prepared for.

NWS Koalas v Bankstown City

North West Sydney Koalas will host Bankstown City on Sunday at Christie Park.

The Koalas will continue to improve as the season ticks on and a comfortable 3-0 victory on the weekend has helped grow confidence in the squad.

A win for the Koalas could see them jump a couple positions on the ladder as they look to tackle those finals positions.

Bankstown has gone two games without defeat, scoring a win and a draw over the last two weekends.

They’ll look to continue their positive run with some more points here on Sunday.

Illawarra Stingrays v Sutherland Shire

At JJ Kelly Park on Sunday, the Illawarra Stingrays take on the Sutherland Shire.

Two straight losses for Carmela Moscato’s side has seen them drop to fourth place on the ladder.

Too many missed opportunities cost the Stingrays last week and they’ll look to set the record straight come Sunday.

Sutherland has found the top tier tough so far this campaign.

They’re the only team yet to pick up any points and sit in last place on the ladder.

Captain Jordan Baker will try to rally her troops as she returns to her old stomping ground against her former club.

Emerging Jets v Manly United

At Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, the Emerging Jets host Manly United.

The Jets have picked up three draws so far this campaign, the latest coming last Sunday against the Mariners.

Still searching for their first win of the season, the Jets will try and spring a surprise against the third placed United.

Manly finally won their first home game of the season but it’s been their perfect home form that’s been a standout, scoring 17 goals across those four games.

A win for Chris Williams’s side could see them move into second place on the ladder.

Northern Tigers v North Shore Mariners

The Northern Tigers and North Shore Mariners clash at North Turramurra Recreational Area.

Four games on the bounce the Northern Tigers have remained undefeated and sitting mid-table, in sixth.

A win against the Mariners will show they really mean business this season and will throw themselves into the finals mix.

It’s been the opposite for the early high-flying North Shore Mariners who have gone three matches without a win.

Drew Taylor will need his side to react as soon as possible to make sure they stay in touch with the top four.

-By Nikola Pozder