Round 1 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

The buffet that is the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens serves its opening course with a smorgasbord of football that all kicks off at 3pm, Sunday. This delightful meal is headlined by a rematch between Gladesville Ravens and Sutherland Shire FA in Sydney’s north.

Match of the Round: Gladesville Ravens vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 8 March, 3pm, Christie Park

Two old foes in Gladesville Ravens and Sutherland Shire FA kick-off the season in the Match of the Round Sunday afternoon at Christie Park.

These two sides battled four times last season with Sutherland Shire FA taking the spoils thrice but Gladesville Ravens triumphed in the Preliminary Final en route to their Grand Final success a week later against APIA.

Since their promotion from State League Womens, Gladesville Ravens has been a solid contender in the NPL2 Womens competition. The Ravens have retained the bulk of their Grand Final winning squad and look to start their defense off on the right foot.

Sutherland Shire FA were a step away from the big dance last season. They are another side that has kept the squad that served them well last season. Stevie Donougher coming down from NPL1 is the only major addition as Sutherland Shire FA look to remain the Ravens bogey side.

Nepean FC vs UNSW FC, Sunday 8 March, 3pm, Cook Park

Nepean FC start their campaign with their home opener against an expectant UNSW FC side down at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon.

The perennial overachievers in the NPL2 competition, Nepean FC once again sit at the front of the class ready to raise their hands to answer any questions thrown at them this season. Coach Alan Tasses lost half a century of talent but has filled the gap with eager youth ready to strike a chord this year.

Just as eager to get started are UNSW FC. The Students have flamed out quickly after bright starts in their two seasons in NPL2 Womens. Coach Steve Greenwood has a talented squad prepared headlined by Rio Darlaston and Hayley Marshall looking to upset Nepean FC.

SD Raiders FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 8 March, 3pm, Ernie Smith Reserve

SD Raiders FC take on Central Coast Mariners in their home opener at Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon in the buffet of NPL2 Womens action.

Central Coast Mariners continue their strong tradition of being one of the NPL2 Womens powerhouses appearing in the last few finals series. Coach Dan Barrett has retained much of the talent including sharpshooters Gab Blanch and Danielle Wise to get their season kickstarted.

For SD Raiders FC, one of the major pieces of their success last season – custodian Natasha Pentecost – is back for another tilt alongside experienced heads Kirilee Cook and Kate Mateffy which will help propel them to a higher finish this season.

Western NSW FC vs Inter Lions, Sunday 8 March, 3pm, Glen Willow Sporting Complex

Go West, young Lions! Inter Lions get one of the toughest trips done first up, traveling to Mudgee to take on a rebranded Western NSW FC on Sunday afternoon.

Both these clubs will be like all of us on New Year’s Day – new year, new me. What better way to start than three points? Western NSW with their home field advantage, ready to show themselves under their new name and start the season with a big result.

Inter Lions similarly can put themselves on the right foot with a result in the notoriously tough trip to Mudgee. They will be stung from the wooden spoon smacking them last season and ready to vault themselves back into contention.

Southern Branch FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 8 March, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex

This is first step for Marconi Stallions to redemption. They travel to South Nowra Football Complex to get 2020 off on the right foot against Southern Branch FC.

Marconi Stallions focused their recruitment like 90s acts on a nostalgia tour and brought it all back in 2020. The Stallions wanted to welcome back into the fold former players across both leagues and hopefully it will begin a push to a more successful campaign, starting Sunday.

Coming off an improved season in 2019, Southern Branch FC can leave an early marker of their intent for 2020 with a result Sunday. The home side will once again be a place for south coast talent to nurture and develop with results added in.

St George FC vs North Shore Mariners, Sunday 8 March, 3pm, St George Stadium

North Shore Mariners take their first bow in NPL2 Womens with a trip to historic St George Stadium to face St George FC on Sunday afternoon.

For their first weekend in their new digs, North Shore Mariners did find a soft landing in taking on St George FC down by the sea. Grant Lee is an experienced manager and with plenty of talent marshalled by Gab Marzano, North Shore Mariners want to lay an early marker down in NPL2 Womens.

Excitement continues to build for St George FC. The appointment of former Matildas coach Tom Sermanni as Technical Director has buoyed the Saints. Now, they want to turn the last few seasons of development into action, starting with the scalp of North Shore Mariners.

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)