Round 3 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

Round 3 of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition is filled to the brim with mouth-watering clashes.

The headline act is the Grand Final rematch between Northbridge Bulls and Marconi Stallions with some appetizing contests to play out across Sunday.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the football!

Match of the Round: Northbridge Bulls vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 18 April, 3:30pm, Northbridge Oval

We have a Grand Final rematch for this week’s Match of the Round as Northbridge Bulls host Marconi Stallions on Sunday afternoon down at Northbridge Oval.

Northbridge will be licking their wounds after suffering their first loss against St George FC, 3-2, last weekend while Marconi Stallions won by the same score line when they clipped Gladesville Ravens wings.

These two sides played out some fantastic contests in the shortened season last year. There was a chaotic 2-2 draw in Round 8 then of course, Northbridge Grand Final triumph 5-nil. Once again, these two teams will be eyeing off a top two finish this year. Games like this will be central to that aspiration and is highly anticipated.

Both sides are littered with talent across the park. Northbridge boast last year’s Golden Boot Evelyn Chronis, jet heeled Rita Boateng and  Siahn Bozanic to name a few. For Marconi Stallions, Ceyda Cambaz, Tania Baban and Julia Morales are key names as we have an early season marker for both these heavyweight sides.

UNSW FC vs SD Raiders, Sunday 18 April, 3pm, ES Marks Field

UNSW FC aim to bounce back as they host the unbeaten SD Raiders FC side at ES Marks Field on Sunday afternoon in an intriguing contest.

The students were never in the contest against a rampant Nepean FC, who ran out 5-nil winners in last week’s Match of the Round. SD Raiders continued their winning ways in a 5-1 success against South East Phoenix FC down in Nowra.

Anthony McFadden has got his SD Raiders FC side humming in the first fortnight of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens season. Seven goals scored with only one against is a solid return and a big performance will help them stay unbeaten for the season.

For the students, it is all hands-on deck. UNSW FC fell back to earth after their opening week win but now have a chance to make amends at home. Ashley Blayney and Darcey Read up front and Nadine Knight between the sticks will be key to them getting a second win of the season.

Central Coast Mariners vs Nepean FC, Sunday 18 April, 3pm, Pluim Park

Two sides who know plenty about success in the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition collide at Pluim Park when Central Coast Mariners and Nepean FC meet on Sunday afternoon.

Coming into this game, and both sides are feeling just fine. Nepean FC are one of three undefeated sides in the competition after their 5-nil success against UNSW FC while Central Coast Mariners got off the mark with a 3-nil win against Sutherland Shire FA.

Nepean FC have found their groove and are smiling like they mean it with two comfortable successes with a full complement to choose from. Strikers Stefanie Trovato and Imogen Lane have hit the ground running and teams will find it hard to get past custodian Sarah Easthope making them a tough nut to crack.

For the Mariners, they will want to build on their win last weekend. New recruit Emily Diaz got a brace in that game and has added another element to their potent attack. Alongside Iona Snape and Candice Phelan, the yellow-and-navy will push sides this season.

South East Phoenix FC vs Inter Lions, Sunday 18 April, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex

Inter Lions are the next club to make the trip down to Nowra, taking on South East Phoenix FC at South Nowra Football Complex.

South East Phoenix FC were on the wrong side of a 5-1 score line against the unbeaten SD Raiders FC side at home while Inter Lions had the weekend off with the bye. The Lions will be primed to strike after the weekend to freshen up.

Despite their opening round loss, there were positive signs for Inter Lions. The Lions created plenty of chances against SD Raiders with Danielle Rutstein central to that. If they provide a similar performance, they should get on the board for 2021.

The home side Phoenix FC have been gallant in both their defeats thus far. They have scored a goal in each fixture and might eye further against fellow strugglers Inter Lions on Sunday. It sets up for a fascinating fixture down on the south coast.

Gladesville Ravens vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 18 April, 6pm, Christie Park

Gladesville Ravens have their first home game of the campaign against a well-known foe in Sutherland Shire FA on Sunday evening at Christie Park.

Both sides were on the losing end last weekend. Gladesville Ravens battled hard and lost 3-2 to last year’s Runners up Marconi Stallions. Sutherland Shire FA never gave up despite their 3-nil loss to Central Coast Mariners.

The Ravens will hope this is the week, the side can turn the corner for their first win. Gladesville showed plenty of heart in both of their defeats thus far. There is enough talent in their forwards and midfield with Zoe Zaczek, Keiko Tanaka and Georgia Vlangos to take flight this weekend.

Sutherland Shire FA started their season a week later due to the bye. They have already mentioned this year being one of rebuilding for the side but they will want to maintain some standards in results. Both Isabella Georgievski and Genevieve Nisbet have been a part of their success in recent seasons and can help them through this period, starting with a result.

St George FC have the bye

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)