Round 7 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s
It’s always coming sevens as the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens roadshow moves onto another weekend of action.
Five fixtures to enjoy headlined by Nepean FC vs SD Raiders FC in this weekend’s Match of the Round.
Match of the Round: Nepean FC vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday May 16th, 3pm, Cook Park
Third takes on fourth in this weekend’s Match of the Round when Nepean FC host SD Raiders FC at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon.
SD Raiders FC remain undefeated after their seesawing 0-0 draw against Gladesville Ravens last Sunday night while Nepean FC lost their undefeated tag after the tense 1-nil loss to St George FC. These two contenders will be keen to take all three points.
Nepean FC will be hoping to avoid a repeat of their wayward performance against the Saints. It will be a mouth-watering clash between the two potent attacks. Coach Alan Tasses will have Stefanie Trovato and Imogen Lane leading the line with the pace of Brittany Pelle on the wings to cause issues.
For the visiting SD Raiders FC, they have their own dynamic duo in their attack. Sarah Mandile has been a feature of the visitors attack all season and the energy of youngster Ella Abdul Massih will try to unlock the solid Nepean FC defense in an early season heavyweight clash.
Sutherland Shire FA vs Inter Lions, Sunday May 16th, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Two struggling sides in Sutherland Shire FA and Inter Lions do battle down at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides come off last start losses. Sutherland Shire FA hung tough but fell to a close 1-nil loss against UNSW FC at ES Marks Field. Inter Lions were thrashed by a rampaging Northbridge Bulls FC side 9-1 at their home ground.
Sutherland Shire FA will fancy their chances of their second win of the season against fellow strugglers Inter Lions. The hosts are regenerating this year but putting together some positive results is always one way to help the process move quicker.
For Inter Lions, the only way is up! After last week’s chastening loss, they will relish a chance to face the ninth placed Sutherland Shire FA. One thing which hasn’t been hard for Inter is finding goals through Alina Stojcevski and Caitlin Webster. That gives them a better chance to prise something from this contest.
Central Coast Mariners vs South East Phoenix FC, Sunday May 16th, 3pm, Pluim Park
Back at Pluim Park, Central Coast Mariners welcome South East Phoenix FC in a battle of the two coastal sides in an intriguing fixture on Sunday afternoon.
Coming into the contest, both sides enjoyed a weekend off due to different circumstances. South East Phoenix FC had the weekly bye while Central Coast Mariners fell victim to the rain as their game against Marconi Stallions was washed out.
The Mariners will be fighting for back-to-back victories for the first time this season after their enforced weekend off. Dan Barrett’s side has a wonderful target in off-season recruit Emily Diaz alongside the talented Iona Snape make them a tough out.
Refreshed and ready for action, South East Phoenix FC will eye off a chance for another upset this weekend against eighth place Central Coast Mariners. Phoenix will need top scorer Bronte Trew and the experienced Shaylee Meehan to fire to lead them to three points.
St George FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday May 16th, 3pm, St George Stadium
St George FC aim to continue their unbeaten start with the visit of Gladesville Ravens to historic St George Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints took their unbeaten run to six after their close 1-nil success against fellow contenders Nepean FC and retain their league leader status. Gladesville Ravens took a valuable point in their 0-0 draw against the other undefeated side SD Raiders FC.
Gladesville Ravens have found their groove after the first month of the competition. Four points in the last fortnight has them on the edge of the top five and if the Ravens can find a consistent route to goal it can help them soar into that spot.
No longer lingering in the shadows, St George FC have started the season in impressive fashion with five straight wins to lead the chasing pack. If you glance a scoresheet when the Saints play, it is a good bet Jordan Baker has found the back of the net. Baker leads the Golden Boot race and will take some stopping from the Ravens defense.
Northbridge Bulls vs UNSW FC, Sunday May 16th, 3:30pm, Northbridge Oval
The Bulls look to keep their momentum up with UNSW FC making the trip out to Northbridge Oval on Sunday afternoon.
Northbridge were in fantastic fettle in their eight-goal success against Inter Lions to move into second position on the ladder. UNSW FC got themselves a much needed three points in their 1-nil win against Sutherland Shire FA.
Looking to defend their title, Northbridge Bulls have started to find their mojo in recent weeks piling in 14 goals in their last three games either side of their 0-0 draw with Nepean FC. Coach Grant Lee has the experienced side ready to attempt back-to-back Premierships and it starts with putting mid-table teams to the sword.
UNSW FC broke their four-game streak of losses with the pass mark of three points last weekend which moved into seventh spot. The students will have to dig deep and cram all their effort into defense to blunt the Bulls potent attack starting with shot stopper Nadine Knight.
Marconi Stallions have the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
