Round 10 – National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Women’s Preview

Sydney Olympic FC lead the way, headed into the second half of the season, but there is no shortage of challengers for the throne, as another exciting week of National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Women’s action rolls on.

Match of the Round: Sydney Olympic FC vs Nepean FC, Sunday 13 May, 3pm, Peter Moore Field

As the weeks continue to roll on, it gets harder to see who might topple Sydney Olympic, Nepean FC get their chance, to become the one in 8-1-1, as they battle at Peter Moore Field Sunday afternoon.

Danielle Calvi is operating a goal a game pace, scoring nine goals in nine games, just making an already formidable Olympic side, where stylish midfielders Kristy Rohrer and Siahn Bozanic have stolen the headlines in recent weeks, a daunting prospect for Nepean FC.

The visitors have oscillated between brilliant (their five-goal first half against Western NSW last week) and frustrating (their trio of losses that preceded their win last week) so coach Alan Tasses hopes it will be more the former than the latter on Sunday.

If they can get into the groove, Stefanie Trovato can sniff out a goal and a rigid defense piloted by Desiree Vassallo, might do what Nepean FC succeeded in last season, taking big scalps against the competition heavyweights.

Gladesville Ravens vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 13 May, 3pm, Christie Park

A rejuvenated APIA Leichhardt head to Christie Park to take on a consistent Gladesville Ravens side Sunday afternoon, looking to squeeze the top four together like a Sydney train.

Like hitting the sweet spot of the football for a goal, Gladesville has hit their sweet spot in the table. The consistent Ravens sit fourth, on a two-game win streak, now take on powerhouse APIA, who have only tasted defeat once this season.

APIA has taken to this league, like a duck to water – until their defeat against Central Coast, two weeks ago, they swept all before them.

A large part of that was due to the twin threat of Ash Palombi and Karen Savedra, a tandem that has 14 goals this term plus the return of Christina Ferreyra just tacks on an extra option for Gladesville to deal with.

The Ravens themselves are consistent through their backline, they can also feed Eleanor Lidbetter and Annalise Schiraldi up top, making Sunday a can’t miss contest.

Inter Lions vs Western NSW Mariners, Sunday 13 May, 3pm, Concord Oval

Two sides looking to get back on track come together at Concord Oval Sunday afternoon, as the Mariners look to finish their road schedule in style against Inter Lions.

Western NSW Mariners hit a blip in recent weeks, shipping ten goals in two defeats against Nepean and Olympic FC while Inter Lions, they took the lead but succumbed to a Cassidy Chidgey brace last weekend.

The Lions refuse to compromise their style against their opponents, against a stubborn Mariners side, they will need Dominique Caridad and Zoe Zaczek, both capable of finding the net to unlock the visitors defense.

For the Mariners it has been their dynamic duo – Jasmin and Teegan Courtney that has accounted for 90% of their goals this season. So with desperation kicking in for both sides, it should make for some enthralling football.

Marconi Stallions vs SD Raiders, Sunday 13 May, 3pm, Marconi Stadium

Matt Constantini has cut a similar figure to Homer Simpson chasing his airborne BBQ as his injured squad takes the short trip down to Bossley Park, to take on a dynamic Marconi Stallions side on Sunday afternoon.

Despite their injury woes, the Raiders prevailed against Inter Lions 2-1 as they keep the pressure on Gladesville. Marconi were handed back-to back losses by a rampant Mariners side, which dented their finals chances.

The Stallions seemed to have found their mojo in the six weeks, with four straight victories before a pair of defeats to second and third has them four points from the finals. Against a wounded Raiders, they have the firepower in Beale, Howard and Summar Richardson to get themselves back into contention.

For the Raiders, they just want to continue compiling points as Constantini remarked after the game against Inter Lions. While the south-west side has Chidgey and Hannah Rose-Davey, with Yasmine Genc supporting down the wing, they can survive this rough period.

UNSW FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 13 May, 3pm, Valentine Sports Park #3

The Mariners have come in like a wrecking ball for finals contention, their next obstacle is UNSW FC, this weekend at Valentine Sports Park #3, looking to cement their lead over the chasing pack.

In the spirit of Eurovision, Central Coast has taken douze points in the last month. Since defeat to Olympic, they have piled on 12 goals in victories while UNSW has struggled for consistency, going L-D-W-L in the same time frame.

Candice Phelan has started to sprint away from her competition in the top goalscoring charts – she is six ahead of Olympic striker, Madelaine Costanzo, and like the Mariners, there is no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

The students style of play and formation has made them tough to play against for opponents. They took it to APIA in round nine, even taking the lead through Rio Darlaston, but they need to deliver a full ninety-minute performance against the competition’s form side.

Southern Branch FC vs St George FC, Sunday 13 May, 3pm, Vic Zealand Oval

Someone is getting off the foot of the table this weekend. The two bottom sides in National Premier League 2 Womens do battle in Nowra, looking to reignite their season.

Both sides come into the game off losses; Southern Branch FC were thumped by the runaway leaders, Sydney Olympic FC, 8-nil as St George FC fell 3-1 to Gladesville Ravens.

Whilst the results haven’t come for the Saints, they have scored 13 to Southern Branch’s three. Grace Ha leads the scoring up top, and Peta Koinis between the sticks, it could be time for the visitors.

-By Justin Davies