The champions are gone and only four remain in the NPL NSW Women’s finals.
A new champion will be crowned in 2018 as Manly United were knocked out of the finals series by the Football NSW Institute last weekend.
Illawarra Stingrays v Football NSW Institute
Women’s football returns to Seymour Shaw on Saturday night as the Illawarra Stingrays take on the Football NSW Institute.
The Stingrays fought back twice last week to push their game against the Macarthur Rams to extra time.
It wasn’t enough though as they went down in a penalty shoot out without their stars Chloe Middleton and Michelle Carney.
There is no second chance this week though and a loss will see their dream of a championship come to an end.
Talitha Kramer was on fire last week and could be one the Stingrays’ go to players but their midfield led by Liana Danaskos and defence will be on high alert against one of the most potent attacks in the league.
For the Institute, what a season this one has been for them.
They were in control from start to finish in their clash last week and deservedly moved on to the next stage of the play offs.
With talent across the park it’s difficult to pinpoint one but Jada Mathyssen-Whyman will have to be at her best come Saturday night.
While at the other end, the Stingrays defence will need to be aware of Susan Phonsogkham and Kyra Cooney-Cross, as well as Courtney Nevin’s devastating left foot.
Illawarra one the first clash between the two in a five-goal thriller while the Institute steam rolled the Rays in the second fixture 5-1.
Sydney University v Macarthur Rams
Two of the most competitive teams over the last few years clash at Arlington Oval on Sunday afternoon as the premiers Sydney University take on the Macarthur Rams.
Uni won the league with a free scoring team and a tough defence that only conceded 19 goals in 22 games.
Alex Epakis’s side is well drilled and a tough outfit to break down and Sunday night will be no different.
Cortnee Vine has been in spectacular form this season, scoring goals at will and will be a major threat to the Rams defence.
Sham Khamis though stands in the opposing goal and she was fantastic again last week for Macarthur.
The experience this team has from Renee Rollason and Teresa Polias to Kylie Ledbrook and Leena Khamis is second to none.
They’re only a couple steps away from breaking their hoodoo and winning the championship after coming so close in recent years.
Two draws in their previous two outings displays how tight this one will be and it will go down to the wire.
By Nikola Pozder
