Round 1 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s
The National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition kicks off with an Easter Monday eggstravaganza of football to round of the long weekend.
The five-match smorgasbord helps to hop into the season. So, sit back and enjoy the entertainment of the NPL2 Womens help to finish the long weekend in style.
Match of the Round: Marconi Stallions vs St George FC, Monday 5th April, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Kicking off the season regarding our Match of the Round is a meeting between two historic clubs in Australian football. Marconi Stallions host St George FC on Easter Monday at the Palace.
Much like Stella, Marconi Stallions got their groove back last season. The powerhouse side were runners up against the runaway train which was Northbridge Bulls. Andy Severin has kept the core of the side which made the decider and Marconi look to run away down the straight this season.
St George FC are looking to push themselves further up the table this season. The Saints have brought across some excited talent in goal machine Jordan Baker alongside some young talent present last season which might see them shock a few sides this season.
Northbridge Bulls FC vs Central Coast Mariners FC, Monday 5th April, 3pm, Cammeray Oval
Reigning Premiers and Champions, Northbridge Bulls FC aim to charge into their defense when they take on the always consistent Central Coast Mariners at Cammeray Oval.
The Bulls were on parade in 2020. A model of consistency, they went undefeated to capture the Premiership before they swept asides Marconi Stallions in the Grand Final, 5-nil. Northbridge have retained much of the title-winning squad and set their sights on a repeat dose in 2021.
Central Coast Mariners always work their socks off and it shows in their consistent results in the last few National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competitions. Dan Barrett’s side just have to get over the final hump which is making and possibly winning a Grand Final. It starts with taking down the Champions on Sunday afternoon.
Nepean FC vs South East Phoenix FC, Monday 5th April, 3pm, Cook Park
South East Phoenix FC start their campaign with a road trip to the golden west, taking on Nepean FC in an intriguing contest at Cook Park in the swathe of Easter Monday fixtures.
Nepean FC have built their football on being a tough side to break down and being able to find their outlet in their strikers to finish the chances. Stefanie Trovato and Imogen Lane have developed into a good partnership which should ignite Monday afternoon.
Regarding the Phoenix, 2021 is about taking the next step for the side. They showed in last year, they can pull out a result but now have to turn the occasional rabbit from the hat into being able conjure wins together and move up the table.
UNSW FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Monday 5th April, 3pm, E S Marks
Two sides looking to put a dismal 2020 behind them lock horns down at E S Marks. UNSW FC host Gladesville Ravens in a tight tussle.
If there was a word to define the UNSW FC side last year it was inconsistent. When the Students were in full flow, it was a joy to watch. Now they must chain those performances together and become a consistent force and possibly break into the finals equations.
Gladesville Ravens didn’t have the title defense they expected after their dramatic 2019 Grand Final success but now that is old news. The Ravens have pulled off a coup picking up former Japanese youth international Keiko Tanaka to be the wind beneath the young side’s wings this season.
SD Raiders FC vs Inter Lions, Monday 5th April, 4pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
Finishing off the Easter Monday eggstravaganza is SD Raiders FC welcoming Inter Lions to Ernie Smith Reserve for the first test of the new era.
SD Raiders FC take their first steps with new manager Andrew McFadden. The new boss will want to make Ernie Smith Reserve a fortress once again for the south-west side. One way to build the fortress is with a sturdy custodian – captain Natasha Pentecost had been a reliable hand between the sticks and will be tough to beat.
For Inter Lions, this is the start of the comeback for the proud club. Robbie Maiorana was a part of the transformation of APIA Leichhardt to the side they have become. He will hope to do a similar job at the Lions and a result in their first fixture against stalwarts SD Raiders FC sends a good marker.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
