Round 11 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s
Guys we made it! After all the work put into getting the season together, the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition finishes with a flourish with Round 11.
The top four is settled so we have four fixtures left for teams to either finish on a high or for North Shore Mariners and Marconi Stallions get momentum headed into the finals crucible.
For the last time, let’s get onto the Preview!
Nepean FC vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 27 September, 3pm, Cook Park
Kicking off the weekend is a fixture between Nepean FC and SD Raiders FC meet at Cook Park both aiming to finish off 2020 with a bang.
SD Raiders FC returned to the winner’s circle after their comfortable 4-nil success against likely wooden spooners Inter Lions at Ernie Smith Reserve. Nepean FC had the weekend off but remain on a high after their Match of the Round result against UNSW FC.
The failure to of Nepean FC to make the top four has broken their three-year streak of appearing in the finals series. Despite this, there has been some improvement from the young stars including talisman Imogen Lane. Custodian Sarah Easthope has produced some warrior-like saves including a penalty save against Uni and look to deny the vibrant SD Raiders FC attack.
Whilst SD Raiders FC sit sixth and also have plenty to enjoy from their campaign. Striker Sarah Mandile has been their top goal scorer with three and her work has helped a young side to gel and find their rhythm throughout the season. Now they look to finish with back-to-back victories against Nepean FC.
Marconi Stallions vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 27 September, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Finals bound Marconi Stallions finish off a busy weekend with their final home game at Marconi Stadium against current Champions Gladesville Ravens on Sunday afternoon.
The Stallions have a catch-up fixture on Wednesday night against St George FC after their fixture was washed out on the weekend. Gladesville Ravens head into the contest pumped up after their 3-1 success against UNSW FC in their last game at home for the season.
Gladesville Ravens won’t be able to defend their title in the finals series this year but they will want to sign off with a message for 2021. Annalise Schiraldi scored a brace in the win and alongside Carlie Ikonomou can cause problems for the Stallions defense.
Refreshed and ready to go, Marconi Stallions look to get back to some glory in 2020. Besides the dynamic duo of Ceyda Cambaz and Tania Baban up front both Danielle Bishop and Lauren Featherstone help to their prolific attack ticking over.
UNSW FC vs St George FC, Sunday 27 September, 3pm, Seymour Shaw
Two sides not playing finals but looking to finish a high meet down in the Shire. UNSW FC host St George FC at Seymour Shaw on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams are trying to forget last weekend – UNSW FC for their 3-1 loss to Champions Gladesville Raven in the late game and St George FC for the rain which washed out their clash against Marconi Stallions – now they look to end a frustrated year on a positive note.
There will be a sense of frustration at how UNSW FC’s season has turned out after back-to-back victories to start the season. The students have worked hard to get the theory work right this season now use that knowledge for their practical test to finish off the season.
St George FC get double delight to finish off this shortened season with fixtures against Marconi and UNSW FC on Sunday afternoon. Much like the students, the Saints got their restart started right and now aim to bookend it with three more points.
North Shore Mariners vs Inter Lions, Sunday 27 September, 3:30pm Northbridge Oval
Sunday looms as a celebration for North Shore Mariners as they can confirm their Premiership against Inter Lions at their home ground, Northbridge Oval.
North Shore Mariners were on the right side of a five-goal thriller in last week’s Match of the Round against Sutherland Shire FA. Inter Lions fell to their eighth defeat in a 4-nil result against SD Raiders FC.
This weekend offers up the opportunity for North Shore Mariners to finish the season undefeated with this fixture against the lowly Lions. Evelyn Chronis has one hand (well foot) on the Golden Boot and strike partner Rita Boateng is firing on all cylinders. So, expect a big performance from the home side in the lead up the semi-finals.
For Inter Lions, one more game and this wretched season is over. It hasn’t been a memorable campaign for the Lions and if they want to avoid going Pointless (I hear that was a good show) they need to turn over the ladder leaders on their own patch.
Central Coast Mariners & Sutherland Shire FA have the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
