Round 8 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

Round 8 is another round of National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens action filled to the brim of anticipated action, drama and pulsating contests.

All four games this weekend have bearings on the top four race and will be pivotal.

Nepean FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday September 6, 3pm, Cook Park

Two sides trying to find some momentum come together at Cook Park Sunday afternoon. Nepean FC host Gladesville Ravens in the first of four 3pm kick-offs.

Nepean FC were brave but fell to a 4-1 defeat against leaders North Shore Mariners in last weekend’s Match of the Round. Gladesville Ravens had a quiet weekend after being one of two sides which had the bye.

Like Rocky once mumbled – it isn’t about how hard you get hit, it is about how you respond. Nepean FC were hit with a haymaker in their loss to North Shore Mariners. Nepean FC aim to get back off the canvas and show their talents against last year’s Champions.

The visitors come into this game well rested after their bye and hopeful in a change in form. Last year’s champions are sat in ninth spot and need to get a move on quickly. They have some talent in midfielders Carlie Ikonomou and Zoe Zaczek to turn the tide in their favour.

Sutherland Shire FA vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday September 6, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre

Sutherland Shire FA look to keep their unbeaten run, as they welcome SD Raiders FC down to Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon.

The train kept rolling on in dramatic fashion for Sutherland Shire FA with a late Janan Codmani winner earnt them the 2-1 win against UNSW FC. SD Raiders FC had a weekend off due to a bye and hope to continue their strong form.

Headed into the final straight, Sutherland Shire FA are set firm to play finals football in this shortened competition. The Shire side have shown grit in their results in recent weeks. Add a touch of class from Jordan Baker and it makes them a tough prospect for every other side.

SD Raiders FC won’t be an easy task themselves though. The side have been competitive in every contest in the season, ride into Harrie Denning Centre off back-to-back victories and ready to rumble, possibly snap the win streak which sets up for an intriguing contest.

Marconi Stallions vs North Shore Mariners, Sunday September 6, 3pm, Marconi Stadium

No doubt the headline clash for the week comes at Marconi Stadium. Marconi Stallions tries to knock off North Shore Mariners in a top four battle.

The form lines headed into the weekend are bright for both sides. North Shore Mariners are still undefeated after their 4-1 success against Nepean FC whilst Marconi Stallions romped home 8-1 against Inter Lions.

Marconi Stallions were in fantastic form against Inter Lions, now they face their toughest test of the season. They come into the game with striker Ceyda Cambaz on fire and her combination with Tania Baban and Danielle Bishop will challenge the Mariners defense.

For the North Shore Mariners, they have got through seven weeks with a perfect record and now take on a fellow heavyweight in this competition. Evelyn Chronis underlined her golden boot credentials with a brace and her battle against the Stallions defense will be pivotal in this possible finals preview.

Central Coast Mariners vs UNSW FC, Sunday September 6, 3pm, Pluim Park

We round the weekend off at Pluim Park. Central Coast Mariners and UNSW FC try to get their season back on track on Sunday afternoon.

The Mariners picked up a point which they felt should be three after a two-goal collapse in the draw against St George FC last weekend. UNSW FC ironically probably felt they deserved a point in their 2-1 loss to Sutherland Shire FA not far down the road.

Off their point last week, Central Coast Mariners are back inside the top four. Dan Barrett’s side can use that as a platform to launch their late season form. Rhiannon Hines between the sticks has been rock solid and gives the Mariners confidence from the opening whistle.

For the students, it will be an opportunity lost last weekend. UNSW FC remain within striking distance of the top four and coach Steve Greenwood will be positive headed into the weekend that the side can pick up their third win of the season.

Inter Lions & St George FC have the bye

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)