Round 13 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Women’s

Thirteen is usually unlucky for some but it is lucky for Nepean FC who are the leaders of the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Womens competition headed into the home straight.

We start the long, winding road with the Round 13 pitstop which has five fixtures on Sunday afternoon which will help shape the rest of the highway as we move towards the finals.

Let’s get onto the preview!

Match of the Round: Northbridge Bulls FC vs St George FC, Sunday 27 June, 3:30pm, Northbridge Oval

Our Match of the Round features last year’s Champions Northbridge Bulls FC hosting the upstart St George FC at Northbridge Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulls have been on parade in recent weeks and stomped towards their ninth game unbeaten in a comfortable 2-nil success against Central Coast Mariners. St George FC were handed their second loss this season in a 4-1 loss to Marconi Stallions.

Last time these two met, Northbridge Bulls were caught off guard and suffered their only loss thus far this season. The Bulls have drawn three games which has them in second spot but with the recent form of Hannah Brewer and Rita Boateng, they are a different and harder prospect on Sunday afternoon.

Back-to-back losses has dented the confidence of St George after their blistering start to the season, but they will look to complete the season sweep on last year’s Champions. They do have a consistent scorer in Jordan Baker who still leads the Golden Boot race with 18 goals which always gives them a chance against any team in the competition.

Gladesville Ravens vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 27 June, 3pm, Christie Park

Two sides flying high do battle at Christie Park as Gladesville Ravens welcome Marconi Stallions to Sydney’s northwest on Sunday afternoon.

Both sides come into this clash off impressive wins last weekend. Gladesville Ravens swooped on UNSW FC to defeat them 3-2 in a comfortable win. Marconi Stallions strode confidently to a 4-1 success against fellow contenders St George FC.

Marconi Stallions were able to break their habit in front of goal as they moved one step closer to cementing themselves in the top five. Much has been made about their vaunted attack but the Stallions have been indebted to their staunch backline led by Samantha Huynh and Daniela Brekic in front of custodian Renee Krstanovska which makes them tough to break down.

For the home side, they have shown in their last two fixtures they might have helped to fix their problems in front of goal with five goals scored. Their success is helped by the work from Lara Brewis and Keiko Tanaka and both will be needed to haul in the visitors.

UNSW FC vs Nepean FC, Sunday 27 June, 3pm, ES Marks Field

New league leaders Nepean FC head across town to face UNSW FC in an important clash at ES Marks Field on Sunday afternoon.

The visitors had to dig deep to produce their 3-2 comeback against South East Phoenix FC last weekend in Nowra to take their place at the top of the league. UNSW FC battled hard with goals in each half but were on the wrong side of a 3-2 score line against Gladesville Ravens.

Nepean FC are two points ahead of the chasing pack after their eighth win of the season and Alan Tasses’ side has been a consistent presence in the top five in recent years. Led by Stefanie Trovato who is a consistent scorer and the superb work from midfielder Annie Halls make them a tough team to defeat this season.

For the students, their final exam to stay alive in the chase for the top five is lurching closer and closer with each passing week. Nine points adrift, UNSW FC need to start banking some results and it starts with a tough assignment against Nepean FC.

Central Coast Mariners vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 27 June, 3pm, Pluim Park

In the last game of their three-game homestand Central Coast Mariners take on Sutherland Shire FA in an intriguing clash at Pluim Park this weekend.

The Mariners were unable to defend their home turf in a 2-nil defeat against Northbridge Bulls last weekend but remain in the hunt for the top five. Sutherland Shire FA got a chance to freshen up after their bye last weekend.

Pluim Park remains a tough place to get a result. Only the top two in Nepean FC and Northbridge Bulls FC were able to take home wins on the coast. The yellow-and-navy are well drilled by coach Dan Barrett and having Emily Diaz upfront makes them the favourite on the weekend.

In a rebuild year, Sutherland Shire FA have shown themselves to be capable of some stellar performances this season. They have a good mix of youth and experience which are led by Genevieve Nisbet and if it all clicks, can cause a shock on the weekend.

South East Phoenix FC vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 27 June, 3pm, South Nowra Football Complex

South East Phoenix FC face another heavyweight side as SD Raiders FC make the road trip down to South Nowra Football Complex on Sunday afternoon.

The home side missed a famous victory by that much, as Nepean FC produced a three-goal comeback to win 3-2 down by the beachside. SD Raiders FC were back hitting the right notes in their 5-1 success against Inter Lions away.

Last week, we said that South East Phoenix FC could play spoiler and they almost brought instant rewards against Nepean FC. Bronte Trew remains their biggest threat in front of goal with a brace last weekend and needs to be kept quiet by the visitors.

SD Raiders FC were back dancing to their own beat and found success which pleased coach Anthony McFadden in their huge win. They will want to continue to thrive and much of that is down to the hard work of their attack led by Sarah Mandile.

Inter Lions have the bye

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)