Round 3 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

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Round 3 begins in the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition with hopefully more sunshine and less rain to interrupt the buffet of football.

We have five exciting contests set for Sunday to entertain, dazzle and help to sort out the contenders for this year’s crown. Let’s get onto the preview!

Gladesville Ravens vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday August 2, 3pm, Christie Park

We’re set for a mouth-watering clash at Christie Park. Gladesville Ravens welcome the free-scoring Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon.

Both these sides had collector’s items last weekend – both got to complete a game. Gladesville Ravens flew home to take a point in a 3-3 contest against Southern Branch FC. Central Coast Mariners were clinical in their 6-nil win against Inter Lions.

The Ravens collected a priceless point but the Champions still remain injury ravaged. One positive for them has been the magic delivery from midfielder Carlie Ikonomou which kickstarted their comeback last weekend. They will need all her magic to unlock the Mariners stubborn defense in a tight contest.

Central Coast Mariners are the model of consistency in the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition. Dan Barrett’s charges always fight at the business end of the season and taking points against rivals like Nepean FC is important to that.

Sutherland Shire FA vs Nepean FC, Sunday August 2, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre

Sutherland Shire FA face the tough task of Nepean FC, who make their way to Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon for a potential finals preview for these sides.

Much like everyone else, circumstances cruelled both teams last weekend. Sutherland Shire FA were scheduled to face local rivals St George FC whilst Nepean FC had their game against Marconi Stallions postponed.

The week off might be a blessing for Nepean FC. It gave them an extra week to get some players back and for coach Alan Tasses to work on their game plan against the tough Sutherland Shire FA side and get their campaign off the mark.

Harrie Denning Centre sees it first action of the season and Sutherland Shire FA aim to continue to make it a graveyard for visiting sides. Sutherland Shire FA have kept their potent attack together for the season and the addition of Stevie Donougher adds an extra dimension to their game.

Marconi Stallions vs SD Raiders, Sunday August 2, 3pm, Marconi Stadium

This could be the time! Marconi Stallions get the chance to kickstart their season against SD Raiders FC on Sunday afternoon at the historic Marconi Stadium.

The Stallions have dealt with a postponement and the bye in the first two weeks, so the club will be raring to get on the pitch and play some football. SD Raiders FC fell victim to the rain with their contest against UNSW FC called off.

Marconi Stallions talked about bringing the family back together in pre-season, getting former Stallions back to the club and it has helped foster a relationship to lead them to success. There are six set of sisters in the Stallions club with a majority in their first-grade squad and use their connection to beat SD Raiders FC this weekend.

The spirit at SD Raiders FC remains high despite their loss to open the season. Coach Terry Gray has instilled a never-say-die spirit in his squad which showed in their fight against North Shore Mariners and hopefully, might see them upset the applecart against Marconi Stallions.

UNSW FC vs North Shore Mariners, Sunday August 2, 3pm, Seymour Shaw

Two of the high-flying sides this season, UNSW FC hosts North Shore Mariners in an intriguing contest down at Seymour Shaw on Sunday afternoon.

Both sides hit the ground running (when they could) in the shortened season. UNSW FC and North Shore Mariners were both off the field last weekend due to weather and the bye and now we’re set for a big contest in the Shire.

Last weekend was a pupil-free day for the Students after the rain postponed their clash. Now, they will relish testing themselves against former National Premier League 1 Womens opposition. Coach Steve Greenwood will have them ready to make a statement early in the shortened season.

The Mariners look to continue their rhythm after the week-off after their 3-1 win against SD Raiders at Northbridge Oval. There is a lot of attacking talent across the park for the North Shore side and it will make for an exciting contest against UNSW FC.

St George FC vs Inter Lions, Sunday August 2, 3pm, St George Stadium

Rounding off the weekend, St George FC head back to a hopefully less soggy St George Stadium to face Inter Lions in an important clash on Sunday afternoon.

The Saints were ready to take on neighbours Sutherland Shire FA before the Sydney deluge intervened as the game was postponed. Inter Lions got onto the park but fell to a 6-nil defeat against Central Coast Mariners.

St George FC showed against the Ravens, they will be a tough opponent for any side in the competition this season but the key for them making the finals is taking points against lower sides. The Saints can stack these wins and make their rise up the table.

For Inter Lions, after the first two weekends, they need to find some form. If the Lions can limit the Saints attack and catch them on the break, get off the duck egg and kickstart their own season on Sunday afternoon.

Southern Branch FC have the bye

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)