Round 12 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

For the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens it’s time to turn around, flip it and reverse it as we enter the second half of the season in Round 12. It’s time for teams to work it as they look to challenge for higher honours this year. It starts with five furious fixtures to fascinate and feature on Sunday afternoon.

Gladesville Ravens vs UNSW FC, Sunday 20 June, 3pm, Christie Park

Fresh from their bye, Gladesville Ravens welcome UNSW FC to Christie Park for an important clash in the chase for the top five on Sunday afternoon.

The Ravens will be feeling ready to take flight after having the bye last weekend and ready to get back to work at Christie Park. UNSW FC were high achievers in their 3-1 success against Inter Lions last weekend to move into seventh.

It was a slow start to the season for Gladesville Ravens after three straight defeats but have started to find the middle of their bat in recent weeks. Their 3-2 loss against Northbridge Bulls showed the side can compete against the best especially with Elizabeth Gilbane and Lara Brewis both in good form thus far.

Mid-season report cards would give UNSW FC a pass for their effort in the first 12 rounds with them still being able to challenge for the top five. Their success comes through the energetic work of Zoe Bartley and Eve Hess to help facilitate their attack headed by Ashley Blayney which makes for an interesting matchup at Macquarie Park.

Inter Lions vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 20 June, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve

Last place Inter Lions face a big task when they welcome the energetic SD Raiders FC to Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.

The Lions found their roar in the second half but were defeated 3-1 against a studious UNSW FC side at ES Marks Field. SD Raiders FC couldn’t find their rhythm against Marconi Stallions and participated in a 0-0 draw in our Match of the Round.

SD Raiders FC coach Anthony McFadden always preaches his side sticking to their style over just getting results this season as they are building. He was disappointed with them not asserting themselves against Marconi and will hope his side bounce back against Inter Lions.

For the Lions, it has been a tough first half in the season. They remain winless and have become the bubblegum on the shoe of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition. The Lions have shown in spurts they can compete and will need a 90 minute one to get themselves off the mark.

Central Coast Mariners vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 20 June, 3pm, Pluim Park

Following their monumental upset, Central Coast Mariners welcome last year’s Champions Northbridge Bulls to Pluim Park for a big clash on Sunday.

Both teams come into this clash in great form. Central Coast Mariners gave St George FC their second defeat of the season, in a 2-1 success at home. Northbridge Bulls charged forward with an 8-nil win against South East Phoenix FC.

For Central Coast Mariners they are surfing the wave after their huge win on the weekend. Coach Dan Barrett set up his side well and they delivered a clinical performance. Striker Emily Diaz is always a threat to find the back of the net and could help the yellow-and-navy sail towards another three points on the weekend.

Two weeks into Joe Haywood’s reign, Northbridge Bulls have stabilised and look much more like the side who swept everyone before them last season. Rita Boateng is a livewire attacker and can create magic for the visitors alongside Hannah Brewer in a mouth-watering clash.

South East Phoenix FC vs Nepean FC, Sunday 20 June, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex

Time for a road trip for high flying Nepean FC. They head down to South Nowra Football Complex to face a chastened South East Phoenix FC side on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors maintained their rage in a tense 1-nil success against Sutherland Shire FA to cement their position in the top five after the halfway mark. South East Phoenix FC failed to back up their point last week after losing 8-nil to Northbridge Bulls FC.

Nepean FC have been the metronomes of the competition, just consistent with their results and performances which will please coach Alan Tasses. They have set themselves up well for a top five finish and can lay down their marker down in Nowra.

For South East Phoenix FC, they sit in tenth spot and can play spoiler for the second half of the season and help to shape the destination of the top five. The regional side do feature sharpshooter Bronte Trew who can cause defenses some trouble.

St George FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 20 June, 3pm, St George Stadium

We have another huge clash to round off Round 11 as leaders St George FC host Marconi Stallions down at St George Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Coming into the game, both sides are ready to get back on the horse. St George FC lost 2-1 to a staunch Central Coast Mariners side at Pluim Park. Marconi Stallions huffed and puffed but were kept scoreless in a 0-0 draw against SD Raiders FC in last week’s Match of the Round.

The Saints clung onto top spot despite their loss last week. Last time they were defeated against SD Raiders FC, they went out and thrashed Inter Lions. So, down where the city meets the sea might see some fireworks with names like Jordan Baker, Ceyda Cambaz, Tania Baban and Maddison Farmer all to feature up front.

Last time these two met, it was the opening game of the season on Easter Friday. It was where St George FC announced themselves as a title threat with a 3-2 win. Marconi Stallions coach Andy Severin will hope his side will be more composed in front of goal and even up the season ledger.

Sutherland Shire FA has the bye

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)