Round 5 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s
Round 5 sees the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition with more banger clashes than your spotify playlist. It is headlined by the Match of the Round between Northbridge Bulls and Nepean FC with a local derby, battles for top four spots and more to entertain this weekend.
Match of the Round: Northbridge Bulls vs Nepean FC, Sunday May 2nd, 3:30pm, Northbridge Oval
This week’s Match of the Round sees Champions Northbridge Bulls face off against undefeated Nepean FC in a big clash on Sunday afternoon down at Northbridge Oval.
Both sides have had fantastic starts to their season. Northbridge Bulls triumphed in a 5-2 result against Sutherland Shire FA while Nepean FC had the weekend off after their three straight wins to have them sat in second spot.
The Bulls sit third and have the chance to move to the top of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens ladder with a win this weekend. Their attack continues to hum through the combination of Evelyn Chronis and Rita Boateng. Added to that, Northbridge has the rock-solid Trudy Burke between the sticks to keep them confident in this weekend’s match up.
Nepean FC will be fresh headed into this top of the table clash after the weekend off. Coach Alan Tasses has much of his squad available to tackle the Champions. It will be a big afternoon for Nepean shot stopper Sarah Easthope to quell the Bulls on parade while their attack in Stef Trovato and Imogen Lane hit them on the scoreboard.
Marconi Stallions vs South East Phoenix FC, Sunday May 2nd, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Back at The Palace, Marconi Stallions aim to continue their trot up the table as they face South East Phoenix FC at Marconi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Stallions have started to find their stride in this year’s competition after a 4-2 success against Inter Lions at Majors Bay Reserve. South East Phoenix have shown their talent in spurts including their 3-1 loss to Gladesville Ravens.
Marconi Stallions looked solid since their loss in the Grand Final rematch against Northbridge Bulls with their success last weekend. Tania Baban put in a fantastic performance for her hat-trick and alongside strike partner Ceyda Cambaz with their solid defensive structure should see them move into the top four.
Sunday will be the first road trip for South East Phoenix FC since their opening day defeat to Nepean FC. The south coast club remain competitive in each game but will need a big performance from top scorer Bronte Trew, Shaylee Meehan and captain Melanie Leedham to possible cause an upset.
Central Coast Mariners vs UNSW FC, Sunday May 2nd, 3pm, Pluim Park
Two sides looking to find their rhythm this season – Central Coast Mariners and UNSW FC – come together to tango at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
Coming into this clash and feeling not so fine, both teams were on the losing side of the ledger last weekend. Central Coast Mariners were downed 3-1 by unbeaten SD Raiders FC while UNSW FC also fell to an undefeated side in St George FC, 3-nil.
It has been a tough start to the season for the Mariners. They have faced the two undefeated sides and Champions Northbridge Bulls so will relish facing the students. Coach Dan Barrett will have his side prepared well and hopefully at 5pm Sunday it will be the yellow-and-navy celebrating.
The students have had a return of four points in their four games thus far. UNSW FC have a talented side and against a fellow mid-table side might flourish. Eve Hess and Ashley Blayney will lead the way for the students as they look for their second win of the season.
Sutherland Shire FA vs St George FC, Sunday May 2nd, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Local rivals Sutherland Shire FA and St George FC will lock horns in a derby at Harrie Denning Centre in a fierce contest on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides will be quite excited for this contest on the weekend. St George FC come in off another 3-nil result against UNSW FC while Sutherland Shire FA were gallant but beaten 5-2 against Champions Northbridge Bulls.
One might be the loneliest number but three has been the magic number for the Saints this season. In all three of their wins thus far, St George has scored three goals. The Saints also boost several former Sutherland Shire FA players which adds some spice to the contest and good viewing.
Sutherland Shire FA have been in all their games thus far but unable to find the back of the net in regular fashion. The home side will have to find that edge against the free-scoring Saints and will lean on Genevieve Nisbet and Eden Holmes for derby delight.
Gladesville Ravens vs Inter Lions, Sunday May 2nd, 6pm, Christie Park
Fresh from their first win, Gladesville Ravens welcome fellow strugglers Inter Lions to Christie Park for Sunday’s nightcap fixture.
The Ravens found their wings in a 3-1 success against South East Phoenix FC down in Nowra last weekend while Inter Lions were involved in another high-scoring affair losing 4-2 to Marconi Stallions at home.
Sunday is a big occasion for Gladesville Ravens. The club is holding a ‘Back to Ravens’ day for former players to come along and cheer on the side. The Ravens started to find their groove in recent weeks and could build on last week’s success.
Goals aren’t a problem for Inter Lions this season. They have some talent in their attacking stakes in Caitlin Webster and Danielle Rutstein which will give them a chance in any contest, but the Lions need to find their roar in defense to deny the Ravens and turn their fortunes around.
SD Raiders FC have the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
