Women?s Premier League Round 19 Preview

Whilst our final five may be all but decided the composition of the semi-finals will be sorted by results in the remaining rounds. The Premiership title plus the much desired top two finals spots will leave the top five plenty to play for in the coming weeks.
Amongst that top five the NWS Koalas and Sydney University clash head on this Sunday at ELS Hall Park in a match that will certainly have a bearing on Sydney University?s chances of taking the Premiers mantle with them into their finals campaign.
The Koalas will hope to have survived a midweek meeting with the NSWIS side prior to this Sunday?s game but will be heartened by their dynamic 5-2 win over Illawarra Stingrays at J.J.Kelly Park last Sunday. Gerry Gomez?s side continue to grow in confidence and the smiles on the team?s faces after last weekend?s win show that they believe they can give the finals series a real shake.
Sydney University had a momentary stumble last weekend in a struggling draw with Marconi Stallions however their form otherwise has been hard to ignore. You would think that the University side would be ready for a game like this; a stellar match up against a possible finals opponent. This side has the talent across the park to give The Koalas a tough afternoon.
This will be a tremendous game. Both sides have solid winning claims but Sydney University would be likely to start favourites.
Cromer Park is the venue for Manly United FC?s clash with Blacktown Spartans.
Manly will be out to find their winning form again after successive losses to fellow finals aspirants Illawarra Stingrays and Sydney University. There was no disgrace in either defeat with Manly giving an honest account of themselves before going down narrowly. There is plenty to like about this Manly side. They can build their profile with a few solid wins heading into the finals.
Blacktown, in contrast, had scored successive victories before going down to Marconi Stallions last weekend. Their performance, although ending in defeat, was a competitive one which must give them some confidence coming into this game.
There are 21 competition points between these two sides on the table. That in itself explains the task at hand for the Blacktown side. Manly are sure to be heavily favoured by the pundits.
It doesn?t seem that long ago that Inter Lions and Illawarra Stingrays were contesting a Women?s Premier League Grand Final. However, those heady days seem to have passed The Lions by in the last two seasons with only mixed success coming their way. This season also has many wondering if the Illawarra dynasty is about to come to an end. Both sides would welcome a win this Sunday.
Inter Lions have lost five matches in a row since their last win which was against Northbridge in Round 14. Amongst those losses have been some credible performances but there have also been one or two disappointments. With the loss of their two main attacking spearheads plus injury and suspension Inter are facing a difficult few weeks as the competition winds down.
Illawarra Stingrays were starting to look as if they were clicking into title defence gear before being tripped up by a gritty NWS Koalas side last weekend. It was a difficult week for The Stingrays for a variety of reasons; maybe the emotion took them over the top on match day. I find it hard to believe that Illawarra won?t mount a strong challenge during the finals but they need to find their best form quickly.
The Stingrays will be seeking a show of strength on Sunday. Inter will need to improve considerably if they?re to stretch Illawarra in this one.
Last Sunday put a smile on the face of all Sutherland Shire supporters when they scored a long overdue win against Inter Lions. They?ll have high hopes of a double this weekend when they host Gladesville Ravens at Harrie Dening Centre.
Sutherland have not had a season to remember but last week?s win may be the catalyst for a winning run for the Shire girls. Whilst they have a couple of tough games ahead they also some games that are well within their scope. Their effort last weekend gives them a positive base to work from.
Gladesville Ravens will also be hoping to find a win or two before season?s end. Sunday?s match and the following week against Northbridge FC offer them their best opportunities of success but neither game will be easy. Ravens will need to lift a cog if they wish to finish the season on a high.
Either side is capable of winning but Sutherland may just have the edge.
Marconi Stadium is the venue for Sunday?s match between Marconi Stallions and Central Coast Mariners Academy.
These two teams sit within three points of each other, mid table. Marconi were very impressive last weekend in gaining a draw against the competition?s form side, Sydney University. Central Coast have been playing some solid football, lifting themselves from the bottom rungs of the ladder to within striking distance of a very credible sixth.
Marconi showed what they are really capable of last Sunday. It?s unfortunate that performances like that one were not forthcoming a little earlier in the season. Whilst finals are no longer in the frame for The Stallions you?d hope that their pride would carry them through to some more strong efforts in the next few weeks. The Stallions position on the table doesn?t reflect their true ability
Central Coast Mariners Academy have been ticking all the boxes with some excellent performances. A series of quality wins, some fighting losses against strong opposition: Central Coast have given their supporters a lot to smile about. Can they continue on their winning way? Why not?
This should be a good game of football. Marconi have the ?names? but Central Coast appear to have the desire. Who?ll come out on top?
Our final game for preview is the Northbridge FC v Macarthur Rams match at Northbridge Oval.
Northbridge FC?s season hasn?t been one of champagne and celebration but they have given Premier League their best shot. In recent matches they have had periods where they have been quite competitive but have eventually been overrun by more fancied opponents. No doubt they?ll give Sunday?s match up all they have but The Rams will certainly be difficult opponents to overcome.
What do you say about Macarthur Rams? Most Women?s Premier League fans see them as one of the title favourites. They have a star studded squad that enjoys a lethal strike force. Defensively they appear sound, organised and effective. With the premiership/Grand Final double there to be won don?t expect Macarthur to stumble here.
The Rams won?t take any prisoners. Northbridge will try their hardest but they could be in for a tough afternoon.
Don?t curl up in front of the television this Sunday. Pack your chair and thermos; maybe a picnic lunch, and get yourself out to a ground to watch the Women?s Premier League sides in action. You won?t be disappointed. The girls have all the skills with an array of W League and Matildas stars sprinkled amongst the teams. These players are talented footballers; not just ?women footballers?. Come along and enjoy the game.
See you at the ground this weekend.

-By Ross Anderson