Round 10 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s
As we head into Round 10, the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition remains tougher to pick than your favourite ice cream flavour.
We have five toppings to choose from this weekend which includes crucial clashes for the top five while the Match of the Round heads to Christie Park for Gladesville Ravens against Champions Northbridge Bulls FC.
Match of the Round: Gladesville Ravens vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 6 June, 6pm, Christie Park
Two sides battling for the top five clash in this week’s Match of the Round between Gladesville Ravens and Premiers Northbridge Bulls FC on Sunday night.
The Ravens come into this week’s clash after having their wings clipped after a 4-nil loss to a rampant Nepean FC side in Sydney’s west. Northbridge Bulls had a weekend off to freshen up and get themselves right for the second half of the season.
Gladesville Ravens showed a sharper edge in recent weeks, but it was blunted against heavyweights Nepean FC. Now, they face another tough task against last year’s Champions Northbridge Bulls and will lean on their experience in Zoe Zaczek and Keiko Tanaka to bounce back.
This year’s vintage of Northbridge Bulls hasn’t been the all-conquering side which swept through the 2020 season. Still sitting comfortably in third spot, Northbridge Bulls will want to find their form again especially their deadly duo up top in Evelyn Chronis and Rita Boateng which makes for an interesting game for this week’s Match of the Round.
Inter Lions vs St George FC, Sunday 6 June, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Fresh from defeat, St George FC head across to Majors Bay Reserve to face Inter Lions in a crucial clash on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides head into the game off losses. Inter Lions were game in their 2-nil defeat against Central Coast Mariners on the coast. St George FC lost their undefeated tag in a 2-1 defeat against SD Raiders FC down at St George Stadium.
Under new management, Inter Lions showed some pride in their second half performance against Central Coast which gives coach Michael Cunningham something to build on. It is a tough challenge to face an angry St George FC side but football can throw up shocks sometimes.
St George FC felt the bitter taste of defeat for the first time this season where they hit more posts than a social media influencer against SD Raiders FC. Golden Boot leader Jordan Baker will fancy her chances to add to her total against Inter Lions.
Marconi Stallions vs Nepean FC, Sunday 6 June, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Marconi Stallions welcome high flying Nepean FC side to historic Marconi Stadium for a heavyweight clash on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides are feeling bright after their wins last weekend which has them both cemented in the top five. Marconi Stallions won 2-nil against UNSW FC in the Match of the Round while Nepean FC were 4-nil victors against Gladesville Ravens.
The Stallions have found their gallop in recent weeks and it is in part to their dynamic duo upfront Tania Baban and Ceyda Cambaz who are both sharpshooters. Added to that is the form of goal scorer from last weekend Tahlie Walton and it makes for a dangerous mix for Nepean FC to defend.
Nepean FC were in cruise control last weekend as they thrashed Gladesville. Coach Alan Tasses has the team clicking on all cylinders as they sit firmly in second spot. The last month has been a highlight reel for midfielder Annie Halls with her goals and work in midfield. Her combination with Stefanie Trovato and Imogen Lane will be key to Nepean FC getting a result this weekend.
South East Phoenix FC vs UNSW FC, Sunday 6 June, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex
Down by the sea, UNSW FC hope to bounce back against a chastened South East Phoenix FC side at South Nowra Football Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The students featured in last weekend’s Match of the Round where they were defeated 2-nil against Marconi Stallions at home. For South East Phoenix FC, they lost 6-nil to a superb Sutherland Shire FA side in a chastening defeat.
South East Phoenix FC started the season building their sandcastle which was reinforced with some good results but recently it has been brutally kicked down with their losses. Now they face UNSW FC and hope it might allow them to rebuild their castle slightly.
For UNSW FC, we are almost at the halfway mark, so they need to pick up some results to stay in touch with the top five. Central to their success will be last week’s goal scorer Eve Hess and Ashley Blayney to find the back of the net against a porous Phoenix FC defense.
SD Raiders FC vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 6 June, 4pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
Giant killers SD Raiders FC head back to fortress Ernie Smith Reserve as they welcome Sutherland Shire FA for an important clash for top five hopes on Sunday afternoon.
Last weekend SD Raiders FC pulled off one of the results of the season in their 2-1 success against previously undefeated St George FC while Sutherland Shire FA enjoyed their day by the beachside in a 6-nil success against South East Phoenix FC.
SD Raiders FC coach Anthony McFadden will be delighted with the recent performances from his side in taking four points from St George FC and Northbridge Bulls. Youngster Ella Abdul Massih showed off with a pair of cracking goals against the Saints and her partnership with Sarah Mandile might be key to a third straight positive result this weekend.
The visitors also have been in brighter form recently. Sutherland Shire FA scored a dozen goals in their last three games and can move into the top five with a win this weekend. Regan Deeley has been in a purple patch with a double alongside Eden Holmes will be ones to watch against SD Raiders FC.
Central Coast Mariners have the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)