Round 9 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

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Round 9 offers up four intriguing fixtures to play out in the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition as we turn into the final stretch.

This weekend will prove pivotal in shaping how the top four shakes out for the upcoming finals series. Remember to stay warm, wash your hands and be safe.

Sutherland Shire FA vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 13 September, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre

We start the weekend with a rematch of last year’s epic semi-final as Sutherland Shire FA take on Gladesville Ravens at Harrie Denning Centre.

These two sides played four times in 2019, whilst the names might change both sides retain the fire and the same fight to grab all three points. Sutherland Shire FA are coming off victory last weekend whilst Gladesville drew 1-1.

Sutherland Shire FA are well on their way to avenge their defeat this season, headed into the final three weeks with an unblemished record. The twin towers of Jordan Baker and Stevie Donougher will lead their charge as they get ready for the finals push.

A positive result was some relief for Gladesville. 2020 hasn’t been the defence of their crown they imagined and now, they are playing for pride to finish off the shortened season. Eleanor Lidbetter and Annalise Schiraldi have been consistent performers and can help them overcome the Sutherland Shire FA challenge.

Central Coast Mariners vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 13 September, 3pm, Pluim Park

Holding onto fourth place, Central Coast Mariners face a dogged SD Raiders FC at their home ground of Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Mariners have kept the wolves at bay for another week. The yellow-and-navy clung onto fourth spot after their tense 1-nil success against UNSW FC. SD Raiders FC fought hard but went down 2-1 against Sutherland Shire FA.

Whilst much of the praise goes to the strikers for these previews, a word for someone who has been an unheralded star in the side this season. Elizabeth Shorter scored a scorcher to settle the game last weekend and has been a valuable link in the Mariners attack and will be key to their semi-final chances.

It won’t be a pushover contest on the coast. SD Raiders FC rarely get blown away, making them a possible trap game for the top four headed into the final few weeks. Sarah Mandile is a clinical finisher and if she gets the chance, can snatch the game away from the Mariners.

UNSW FC vs Nepean FC, Sunday 13 September, 3pm, Seymour Shaw

Two sides that might be out of the finals but there is plenty for UNSW FC and Nepean FC to play for the rest of 2020 starting down at Seymour Shaw.

The Students come into the contest off a close 1-nil loss to finals-chasing Central Coast Mariners up on the coast whilst Nepean FC were left frustrated after their 1-1 draw with last year’s Champions Gladesville Ravens.

Nepean FC did everything but find the back of the net against the Ravens. Nepean fell into a regular hole which has haunted them in recent seasons, their wastefulness in front of goal. A repeat might see them given detention by the Students.

UNSW FC might feel like they are stuck in a Maxwell Smart joke after they “missed victory by that much” several times this season. One bright spot for the Students has been the work of Zoe Bartley in recent weeks as the side build for 2021.

North Shore Mariners vs St George FC, Sunday 13 September, 3:30pm, Northbridge Oval

Capping off another weekend of NPL2 Womens action, North Shore Mariners host St George FC down at Northbridge Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts will be keen to get back to action after their chaotic 2-2 draw against Marconi Stallions in last weekend’s Match of the Round. St George FC come into the contest fresh after having the weekend off due to the bye.

For 45 minutes, North Shore Mariners looked their usual, ruthless selves. The North Shore side are set to make the top four, so it is about getting them through the regular season now. The combination between Cate Gyzen, Siahn Bozanic and sharpshooter Evelyn Chronis has been the glue for the side to tick through the season.

St George FC have the slightest chance to squeeze into the top four but it starts with this tall task on Sunday afternoon. The Saints have shown some bite to their play this season but need a big game from their experienced heads to cause an upset.

Inter Lions & Marconi Stallions have the bye

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)