Round 13 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s
The number 13 might be considered unlucky for some, but the sides in the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Women’s competition hope it might bring them luck in their goals for the season.
We have some wonderful contests including four of the top five clashing so let’s get onto the preview!
Match of the Round: Marconi Stallions vs Nepean FC, Sunday June 2, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Finally, the Match of the Round comes back to Marconi Stadium! Two in-form sides in Marconi Stallions and Nepean FC clash at the historic stadium on Sunday afternoon for our feature clash.
Both teams come armed for this contest with victories – Marconi snapped Sutherland Shire FA’s unbeaten run in a wild 4-3 result meanwhile Nepean strolled to a four-goal success – so we’re set for a barnburner to warm everyone up on a cold weekend.
Marconi have scored goals for fun in recent weeks, which has shot them into fourth on the ladder. Ceyda Cambaz and Jasmin Courtenay has become a devastating double act for the Stallions. Those two with the rest of their attack will keep the Nepean FC defense busy on Sunday afternoon.
Nepean FC has won ugly in the last few weeks which would please coach Alan Tasses. Now, they have a big challenge against one of their top five rivals. Their attack led by Stefanie Trovato has been clinical but it may fall to defensive leader Desiree Vassallo to help them see off the Stallions in a mouth-watering contest.
Western NSW Mariners vs UNSW FC, Sunday June 2, 1:05pm, Glen Willow Stadium
Magnificent Mudgee is the host as UNSW FC make the trip to take on Western NSW Mariners in the early kick-off on Sunday afternoon at Glen Willow Stadium.
The hosts showed they won’t be pushed around, holding a half-time lead before they were overrun by their Central Coast sister club, 6-2. UNSW FC tasted the sweet taste of victory again, scoring six themselves against Inter Lions.
Western NSW Mariners have shown in patches, the quality of their side. This stretch of home games might be the make or break part of their season. Coach Josh Ward will lean on his experienced players including brace scorer on the weekend Poorsha Mcphillamy to get them home.
Relief was palpable for Alex Nolan and his side after their victory. The return of some troops and the score line also helped that sense of relief. Alexandra O’Rourke heralded their return with a hat-trick, and if they repeat the dose with back-to-back victories, it could get them into double figures for the season.
Inter Lions vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday June 2, 3pm, Concord Oval
SD Raiders FC make the short trip to Concord Oval, to keep their finals hopes alive, when they take on Inter Lions on Sunday afternoon.
The home side couldn’t replicate their maiden victory as the Lions were walloped 6-1 by UNSW FC down at Seymour Shaw. SD Raiders FC returned to the winner’s column with a come from behind victory in Nowra.
This weekend represents a big opportunity for SD Raiders FC to make their move. Four of the top five take each other on, leaving space for them to claw back some space. Tara Baudana found herself on the scoresheet alongside defender Morgan Sherman against Southern Branch, they need a repeat dose against a stubborn Inter Lions side.
Inter Lions know a victory can get them off the bottom of the table. The side has started to turn a corner, and can also play spoiler for the rest of the competition. If they can find goals from Natasha Camporeale or Bindi Bryce they definitely can shake some things up.
Central Coast Mariners vs St George FC, Sunday June 2, 3pm, Pluim Park
The Mariners aim to keep the streak rolling as the coastal side take on St George FC at their traditional home Pluim Park, this weekend.
Central Coast notched their fourth-straight victory in a 6-2 success in the Mariners derby against Western NSW. For St George, they were committed but fell to the superior finishing of Nepean FC in a four-nil defeat.
Much like SD Raiders FC, this weekend could put the Mariners back into the top five contention. The young side have been steered well by experienced duo Gabrielle Blanch and Jade Mcatemney, the former has provided four goals in May.
Dan Barrett’s side played the Saints a fortnight ago, so might make it a five-star performance on Sunday afternoon.
Southern Branch FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday June 2, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex
Gladesville Ravens take the longest trip in NPLNSW 2 Womens when they take on Southern Branch FC down at the South Nowra Football Complex in the final of the 3pm kick-offs this weekend.
Ravens are flying high after their superb comeback against APIA, recovering from 3-1 down to snatch a point in a 3-3 draw. Southern Branch were defeated at home again, losing a tense contest 2-1 to SD Raiders FC despite taking the lead.
The spirit shown in the Ravens camp after their first loss of the season was resolute. Carlie Ikonomou added a pair of highlight reel goals to her tally for the season. The midfielder has become a vital cog in their side alongside Kasia Wojtowicz, as both should enjoy themselves on the weekend.
Southern Branch FC have taken steps this season, to show they are improving. Two victories through 13 rounds has already beaten their total for 2018. So, Southern will be playing with freedom and play the role of spoiler for the second half of the season.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday June 2, 6:30pm, Lambert Park
Saving the best for last, we have a battle between the top two to finish Round 13! APIA Leichhardt Tigers host Sutherland Shire FA under the bright lights at Lambert Park.
Two of the competition heavyweights come into the contest with APIA Leichhardt dropping points in a 3-3 draw against Gladesville Ravens. Sutherland Shire FA lost their first game with a 4-3 loss to Marconi Stallions.
Despite not taking all three points, APIA were overwhelming in their first half performance. Georgia Bridges notched a double with a pair of wonderful strikes combined with the direct running of Logan Garard make them a handful for any side. New signing Amy Dahdah added more firepower for Sutherland FA to deal with.
The visitors aren’t in the most dazzling form but Sutherland Shire FA prime themselves for these big contests, having knocked over Gladesville a fortnight ago and played out a 2-2 draw against APIA earlier this season. Key for Sutherland FA will be their defense and keeper to hold off the Tigers in this epic clash on Sunday night.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
