Round 7 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s
Round 7 sees the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition kick into high gear with some important clashes to take place on Sunday afternoon.
There are five clashes all with an impact on the top four race.
So strap in and let’s get onto the preview!
Southern Branch vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 30 August, 1:05pm, Ison Park
Kicking off the weekend is a trip down to Nowra for SD Raiders FC. The mid-table club take on Southern Branch FC at Ison Park on Sunday early afternoon.
SD Raiders FC registered back-to-back results for the first time in this fast-forwarded competition with a tense 1-nil success against Gladesville Ravens at home. Southern Branch FC’s game against St George FC was postponed.
The visitors can move into striking distance of the top four with a third straight win on Sunday afternoon. Coach Terry Gray has praised the work rate of his side which has helped them towards result and they will need a repeat against a youthful Southern Branch FC side in an interesting contest.
Inter Lions vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 30 August, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Marconi Stallions aim to get back to the winner’s circle when they make the trek across to Majors Bay Reserve to do battle with Inter Lions on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides are trying to find their feet against after their results last weekend. Inter Lions fell 4-nil to Nepean FC whilst Marconi Stallions settled for a third draw in as many contests after a late goal from Sutherland Shire FA ended their game 1-1.
The Stallions have dominated each of their contests this season but currently have more draws than an IKEA and coach Andy Severin will be keen to arrest that. Lauren Featherstone has provided a thrust to the attack and added a goal scoring touch which has helped to round out the potent Stallions attack.
On paper, this game looks like a lay down misere as the rock bottom Inter Lions side take on a flying Marconi Stallions side but football is a funny game. If Inter Lions can find a solid 90 minutes of football they could produce a seismic upset.
UNSW FC vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 30 August, 3pm, Seymour Shaw
Back in action, UNSW FC head back to Seymour Shaw to face the tough task of the unbeaten Sutherland Shire FA on Sunday afternoon.
The Students enjoyed the week off with a bye which gave them a chance to observe the rest of the competition after taking a point in a 2-2 draw against Marconi. Sutherland Shire FA showed their fight in a 1-1 draw in the Match of the Round also against Marconi.
Headed into the weekend, UNSW FC have the knowledge of their stout defensive effort against Marconi to build off against another competition front runner. Custodian Nadine Knight and defender Miranda Summersby-Mitchell are key to shutting down the visitor’s attack and banking more points.
Things continue to bubble along nicely for Sutherland Shire FA. Jordan Baker banged in another fantastic goal and the work from fellow attacker Ursula Bratjanscak got them back into the Marconi game. Sutherland Shire FA can put more distance between themselves and the chasing pack with a result on Sunday.
St George FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 30 August, 3pm, St George Stadium
Two sides trying to get back on the right foot, St George FC and Central Coast Mariners clash down at St George Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints were again off last weekend after the game against Southern Branch FC down in Nowra was postponed. Central Coast Mariners battled hard but were on the losing side against North Shore Mariners in their derby contest.
It is slowly coming together for Central Coast but they need to pick up points fast to remain in the fight for the top four. In Iona Snape and Gabrielle Blanch, it gives them some firepower to trouble the Saints defense and a chance to pick up their first points since early August.
Similar story is playing out down by the seaside. St George FC lost their two previous games before this weekend and can rocket back into contention with three points. So we’re set for a mouth-watering contest to come at St George Stadium.
North Shore Mariners vs Nepean FC, Sunday 30 August, 3:30pm, Northbridge Oval
The dessert for the weekend of NPL2 Womens action is offered up at Northbridge Oval where the undefeated North Shore Mariners take on plucky Nepean FC.
Both teams head into the contest in form and ready for a belter of a contest. North Shore Mariners remain undefeated after their 2-nil success in the Mariners derby. Nepean FC warmed up with a 4-nil result against Inter Lions at Cook Park.
Watching on from their perch at their summit of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens ladder, North Shore Mariners will enjoy a run home which includes four home games from five left. Added to that is the form of Rita Boateng and Evelyn Chronis which will test the resilience of the Nepean side.
A pair of good results has lifted the spirits of Nepean FC. Alan Tasses’ side have lent of the sprinkle of experience in their side including Stefanie Trovato and Brittany Pelle. Nepean FC need to find the same scoring spark from last week to be the first to lower the flag of the Mariners.
Gladesville Ravens have the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
-PHOTO By Ron Hughes
