Round 12 – National Premier Leagues 2 Women’s Preview

We can’t turn back time, unlike Cher, but we can reverse the fixture list. Halfway through, all the teams have played once, now we head into the business end of the season, starting with this weekend’s mouth-watering fixtures.

Match of the Round: Inter Lions vs Nepean FC, Sunday 27 May, 3pm, Concord Oval

This weekend’s Match of the Round heads to historic Concord Oval, as ninth placed Inter Lions take on finals chasing Nepean FC, in a contest that brings together two of the more youthful squads in the NPL2 competition.

Alan Tasses cut into his squad like Gordon Ramsay cuts into a chef’s confidence – he made half a dozen changes to the side, including new signing, Annie Halls in midfield that seemed to work, as they nailed Southern Branch FC, 5-nil.

Nepean’s coach also used last weekend as chance for his side to remain focused and disciplined across the whole contest, as he also admitted they need to find some consistency to get themselves near the top of the table. They have the ingredients in strikers Stefanie Trovato and Imogen Lane, with a determined defense to make some noise starting on Sunday afternoon.

Inter Lions might have faced a setback against Olympic, but Danny Abboud’s team has shown in recent weeks they aren’t a pushover. They have talent across the park and if they put it together on their day can cause an upset, although I doubt they think it would be one.

Sydney Olympic FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 27 May, 3pm, Peter Moore Field

We’re only halfway through the season, but it is getting harder to find new ways to express Sydney Olympic’s dominance – they sit on the summit, only dropped a single point and welcome Marconi Stallions to fortress Moore Sunday afternoon.

Back in round one, fresh faced and ready – Marconi hung with the reigning premiers for the first half, maybe even squeaking it but Olympic FC romped home in the second half, thanks to a Madelaine Costanzo double, since then the two sides paths have diverged with Olympic in first and Marconi in sixth.

Coming back to recent weeks, it has been the Lieke Bever show. One of Bill Papas’ big signings has delivered in spades, 13 goals and more assists than Kevin Durant, puts them four clear of the pack and no signs of slowing down on their quest for another premiership, and ultimately, promotion.

Marconi Stallions got back in the winner’s circle against Western NSW, thanks to a Demelza Howard brace, so they come into the weekend confident, and they have the firepower to take it to Olympic, so we’re set for an entertaining clash Sunday afternoon.

SD Raiders vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 27 May, 3pm, Ernie Smith Reserve

Football seasons can be full of peaks and troughs, SD Raiders hope that they have got through all their troughs, as they sit in the top four and host fifth placed Gladesville Ravens, Sunday afternoon at Ernie Smith Reserve.

SD Raiders coach Matt Constantini has repeatedly mentioned character as the key attribute of his side, it has definitely is shown in their recent run of three wins and a draw. Last weekend they were pushed by UNSW FC but triumphed 3-0 while the Ravens came off second best against a rampant Central Coast side.

Whilst they haven’t been as active as APIA in the market, SD Raiders have made a key acquistion in former Newcastle Jet W-League defender, Liz O’Reilly shoring up their defense while upfront, Cassidy Cidgey, Samantha Nagy and Logan Garard all firing has them ready to ride the NPL2 rollercoaster.

Over at Gladesville, it has been a lean few weeks. They tumbled down to fifth after two tough games against APIA and Central Coast. Overall 2018 can be regarded a success for them, but they won’t be satisfied with just that, the Ravens want to complete the double over the Raiders, to kickstart their finals push.

Central Coast Mariners vs St George FC, Sunday 27 May, 3pm, IFS

The story of the first half of the season, was the Central Coast Mariners. They sit in second position, taking on lowly St George FC, at IFS this Sunday afternoon, looking to continue their momentum.

Like an eclipse or a comet, something rare happened last week – no goals from Candice Phelan, in the Mariners 2-1 triumph against Gladesville. No worries though, youngster Jordan Evans has stepped up with four goals in the last four games as the Mariners look a formidable opponent for any side in NPL2.

Coach Dan Barrett has preached that momentum will build for his young side, now they have all the momentum of a boulder tumbling down a hill, five straight victories – 13 scored in those and now they face a chastened Saints side to possibly make it six in a row.

Western NSW Mariners FC vs UNSW FC, Sunday 27 May, 3pm, Majorie Jackson Field

Two sides that aren’t where they want to be, Western NSW and UNSW FC, come together Sunday afternoon in Lithgow, trying to keep their finals chances alive.

It all looked rosy for Western NSW, back at home, leading 1-nil against Marconi before a three-goal rush saw the three points fade away. UNSW FC have their own troubles, coming into Sunday on the back of three straight losses, the latest to SD Raiders, 3-nil.

Western NSW Mariners have leaned heavily on Teegan Courtney for their goal contributions – the young striker has seven this season, her combination with Jasmin Courtenay and the midfield will be key to finding some more success upfront.

For UNSW, it can only look up after a trio of defeats. On their side though, they snuck a 1-nil victory in the reverse fixture, back on round one – so with an easier fixture, Renato Jelen might get his wish in his side moving closer to the rest of the pack, chasing finals football.

Southern Branch FC vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 27 May, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex

APIA Leichhardt has taken to National Premier Leagues 2 Womens like a duck to water, sitting second smashing in goals and now, they start the second half of the season against Southern Branch FC, Sunday afternoon.

The Tigers have been the busiest side during the transfer window. Added to the signings mentioned last weekend, they added former Victorian Eliana Vatcky and former Wanderer Lorena Budgen rounded out their action in the window.

Back on-field, APIA continued their rollicking form, dispatching St George FC 4-nil for their eighth victory of the season, now with Ash Palombi leading the line in a powerful line-up, they are ready to take their show down the coast against Southern Branch FC.

-By Justin Davies