Round 4 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s
Round 4 sees the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition get through the first month of the fixture list.
There remain three teams undefeated thus far and five fantastic fixtures to salivate over in another fun weekend of football.
Match of the Round: St George FC vs UNSW FC, Sunday 25 April, 3pm, St George Stadium
This week’s Match of the Round heads to where the city meets the sea for St George FC hosting UNSW FC at historic St George Stadium Sunday.
The students showed some school spirit with their two-goal comeback to force a 2-2 draw against high flying SD Raiders FC at home. St George FC started the season on fire and took a week to cool off with the bye.
St George FC have marched their way into the top four of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition. The Saints have done so scoring an average of three goals in their two successes thus far and the free scoring forwards are helped by the dynamic work of Sarah Nachar in midfield. They will ready to tackle the challenge of UNSW FC on Sunday.
The visitors have shown through three weeks, they will be a tough out for any side this season. Captain Sarah Ferris helped them motor to a point and that will have them motivated for another big performance against St George FC.
Sutherland Shire FA vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 25 April, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Sutherland Shire FA face their biggest test thus far as they face Champions Northbridge Bulls at Harrie Denning Centre this weekend.
Both sides come into the contest off victories – Sutherland Shire FA triumphed 3-1 against well-known foe Gladesville Ravens in the night cap while Northbridge Bulls won the Grand Final rematch, 1-nil over Marconi Stallions – so we’re set for a fascinating contest.
The hosts got the new NPL2 Womens year off a good start with a win and loss in their opening two fixtures. Filling the void for the young side in the leadership stakes is Genevieve Nisbet. The captain led the way with a goal and a solid performance in the heart of defense to help them win. She will need another captain’s knock to take down the Champions.
Northbridge Bulls rampaged out of the gates and jet heeled forward Rita Boateng added another highlight reel goal to help them win. Boateng has been a revelation for the Bulls in the last year and her combination with Evelyn Chronis has been potent and one to watch this weekend.
Inter Lions vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 25 April, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Two sides looking to rebound face off at Majors Bay Reserve. Inter Lions host Marconi Stallions in an important clash for both teams.
The Marconi Stallions took great heart as an undermanned side in pushing Champions Northbridge Bulls in their 1-nil defeat in last week’s Match of the Round. Inter Lions were on the wrong side of a 5-3 result against South East Phoenix FC.
It has been a while since the Lions roared. Inter Lions sit in 10th spot and the only way for them is up for the side. Despite their losses, Natalie Rutstein and Caitlin Webster have been bright spots for the side and can find the back of the net for them.
Coach Andy Severin will hope to get some troops back for their clash this weekend. Thus far in the young season, Julia Morales has been a standout for the Stallions alongside stalwarts Tania Baban, Ceyda Cambaz and Tahlie Walton and should fire them to their second win of the season.
South East Phoenix FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 25 April, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex
Buoyed by their first win, South East Phoenix welcome Gladesville Ravens down to South Nowra Football Complex on Sunday afternoon.
South East Phoenix soared to their first win an eight-goal thriller, 5-3, against fellow strugglers Inter Lions to lift themselves off the bottom. Gladesville Ravens fell to a second half pair of goals to Sutherland Shire FA.
The Ravens are languishing at the bottom but the side is ready to fly in the avian derby led by some of their experienced campaigners. Hannah Brewis got their goal last weekend and maybe playing down in Nowra might help them get lift off for the season.
For the Phoenix, they have started the season reasonably well. Bronte Trew has scored four goals thus far including a hat-trick in their win against Inter. If they can repeat their performance, the Phoenix could rise to the challenge and knock off another side.
SD Raiders FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 25 April, 4pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
Unbeaten SD Raiders FC head back to fortress Ernie Smith Reserve to entertain Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon.
Despite having to share the points in a 2-2 draw against UNSW FC, SD Raiders FC have started the season well and take on a Central Coast Mariners side who were beaten 3-1 by Nepean FC at Pluim Park.
Seven points is a solid return for SD Raiders FC through three weeks. Helping them in the goals department has been Sarah Mandile who leads the Golden Boot race. Back at home, they will want to keep their streak alive against the Mariners with another strong performance.
Central Coast Mariners are lodged in mid-table and coach Dan Barrett will hope to start putting together some results in the next few weeks. There is plenty of talent in the side headlined by Iona Snape and Gabrielle Blanch can see them turn over SD Raiders FC.
Nepean FC have the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
