Round 3 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s
After a week off due to the Easter long weekend, the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Women’s competition recommences on Sunday afternoon.
The match of the round takes us to the 2016 grand final rematch with a few more mouthwatering clashes in prospect.
North West Sydney Koalas v Sydney University
The highly anticipated rematch of last season’s grand final takes place at ELS Hall Park with the North West Sydney Koalas hosting Sydney University.
After two matches, Stephen Peters’ side is yet to record their first points of the season, a somewhat slow start.
This game would be a perfect opportunity for his team to show their worth and get their season back on track.
A loss would see them sitting eight points behind Uni with only three games played.
For Sydney Uni, they’re already on top of the league, scoring 10 goals inside their first two games of 2017.
Holding the edge over the Koalas last year and beating them to every trophy, they’ll take a mental edge moving into this fixture.
Illawarra Stingrays v Manly United
Illawarra Stingrays take their round three clash against Manly United to Albert Butler Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon.
Having lead by two goals in their previous match and eventually losing, would’ve been a real kick to the teeth for Brett Wallin’s side.
They’ve lost both of their opening fixtures and will look to get into the winning circle before they’re left to far behind.
A win and a loss see’s Chris Williams’ Manly United begin the season in a mixed fashion.
With some fantastic talents within the squad, United will look to push on and put pressure on the sides currently above them on the ladder.
Emerging Jets v Blacktown Spartans
At Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, the Emerging Jets host the Blacktown Spartans.
It’s been a tough start for the young Emerging Jets team, going down to two defeats and conceding 10 goals.
With development the key, the results will come with time and experience.
For the Spartans, a win and a loss to start 2017 sees them prop up mid table.
New coach Andrew Mastoris will be keen his side records their second win of the season and continue to stay in touch with the early pace setters.
Macarthur Rams v Northern Tigers
Lynwood Park will see the Macarthur Rams and newly promoted Northern Tigers do battle on Sunday.
The Rams have enjoyed a 100% start to the season, recording two tight victories in their opening fixtures.
Norm Boardman’s side will look to continue their good start on Sunday and build on their earlier victories.
After their heavy opening day defeat, it was a fantastic performance from the Tigers in round two, as they held last year’s runner’s up to a scoreless draw.
It’s a fantastic result and confidence booster for the team to build on coming against one of the competition heavyweights.
North Shore Mariners v Football NSW Institute
The North Shore Mariners welcome the Football NSW Institute to Northbridge Oval on Sunday afternoon at 3:30pm.
The Mariners gave a brave account of themselves in round two but went down to the Champion’s by three goals.
Victory would see themselves assert their intention in terms of a finals football and a possible title challenge.
The Institute have been fantastic so far this season and have built from their Preseason Cup performances.
They showed great character coming from two behind in their last outing to record a valuable three points and Craig Foster will be impressed with his team’s fighting spirit.
Victory will continue their perfect start to 2017.
-By Nikola Pozder
