Round 2 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

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Round 2 of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens and the action is coming thick and fast for everyone to enjoy. We have five exciting clashes which will play out across Sunday afternoon so let’s get to the Preview!

Southern Branch FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 26 July, 1:05pm, South Nowra Football Complex

Kicking off our Sunday is a trip to Nowra. Gladesville Ravens look to find that winning feeling when they take on Southern Branch FC at South Nowra Football Complex.

Both sides come off losses last weekend. Gladesville Ravens left their run too late in a 2-1 loss to St George FC while Southern Branch FC were blitzed in the first half by Sutherland Shire FA 3-nil in their loss.

The Ravens wings have been clipped thus far in 2020. Two losses pre-Covid and now, a frustrating afternoon against St George FC will have them scratching their heads. There was enough on show in the second half from the Ravens to show they will put it together soon enough and put a team to the sword.

Southern Branch FC play a majority of their games at home, so they will look to surprise a few sides making their way down the highway to Nowra.

Nepean FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 26 July, 3pm, Cook Park

The Marconi Stallions kick-off their season with a trip to Sydney’s golden west to take on Nepean FC in a tough contest at Cook Park.

Coming into this weekend, Nepean FC opened their season with a close 1-nil loss to Central Coast Mariners late in the piece while Marconi Stallions had to wait an extra week after having the bye for Round 1.

Before the Covid-19 break, Marconi Stallions were the front runners for the competition. Coach Andy Severin will want them to have a similar bright start to this shortened season with the talent across the park to pick up three points.

Whilst last weekend was a loss, Nepean FC coach Alan Tasses was proud of his charges with the absence of several squad members loomed large. Now they head back onto home turf, looking to take their first points of the season.

SD Raiders FC vs UNSW FC, Sunday 26 July, 3pm, Ernie Smith Reserve

UNSW FC take the show on the road as they travel to Ernie Smith Reserve to take on SD Raiders FC on Sunday afternoon.

The Students passed their first exam with a comfortable 2-nil result with a goal in each half against Inter Lions. SD Raiders FC were courageous in defeat to North Shore Mainers, losing 3-1 to the side that were relegated from National Premier Leagues 1 Womens.

Ernie Smith Reserve is one of the tougher away venues for sides, as SD Raiders aim to make it a fortress for this season. One weapon the home side up their sleeve is Sarah Mandile, the striker showed her deft finishing ability against North Shore Mariners and could be on target again.

For UNSW FC, nothing changed. Before Covid-19, they were undefeated and they picked up three points in their first game back after the break. Coach Steve Greenwood has built some belief into his side early in his reign and ready to take a big scalp in SD Raiders FC.

Inter Lions vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 26 July, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve

Looking to build off their first-up result, Central Coast Mariners take on Inter Lions Sunday afternoon down at Majors Bay Reserve.

These two sides take contrasting form into this Round 2 clash. Central Coast Mariners triumphed in a scrappy contest against Nepean FC, 1-nil. Inter Lions battled hard but fell 2-nil to UNSW FC down at Seymour Shaw.

Consistency is key for the Mariners. The yellow-and-navy has been a constant presence in finals football the last few seasons and coach Dan Barrett will be eyeing it again. Captain Gabrielle Blanch is a leader from the front and should see them triumph on Sunday.

The only way is up for Inter Lions. They finished rock bottom last season, lost their opener and now face the prospect of the Mariners coming to Majors Bay Reserve. If they can hold firm and frustrate the visitors they could pick up something from the contest.

St George FC vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 26 July, 3pm, St George Stadium

Rounding off the weekend is a derby game between St George FC and Sutherland Shire FA that will be played at the historic St George Stadium Sunday afternoon.

These two sides will go into the weekend full of confidence. St George FC sent some shockwaves through the competition after their 2-1 success against Champions Gladesville Ravens. Sutherland Shire FA kept on their merry way defeating Southern Branch FC 3-nil.

These Saints showed they are made of stern stuff in last week’s Match of the Round. The work of Tulley McEvoy up top alongside Alicia Lee and Amy Bennett gives them some variety up front with the starch in defense.

Sutherland Shire FA are one of the heavyweight sides of the NPL2 Womens competition. In a 11-week format it is vital to get off to a fast start. Sutherland Shire FA got that against Southern Branch, now they look to take down their neighbours in St George FC in an intriguing contest.

North Shore Mariners have the bye

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)