Round 4 Preview – NPL NSW Women’s

Some enticing fixtures lie ahead for us in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition round four.

Illawarra Stingrays v North Shore Mariners

The Illawarra Stingrays take their home game to Albert Park Memorial Park on Sunday against the North Shore Mariners.

This top of the table clash pits 1v2 with first place on the line.

The Stingrays have gone three from three and have really found their scoring boots under Carmelina Moscato. Captain Michelle Carney leads the scoring charts alongside Erica Halloway with four goals.

Conceding goals has still been somewhat a problem and the Stingrays will look to tighten the screws. North Shore are yet to lose a competitive match in 2018 and are sitting right on the heals of their weekend opponents. Their defence has been tight while they’re attack has done enough.

If Drew Taylor’s side can keep this up, they will continue their assault on a top spot on the ladder.

Blacktown Spartans v Emerging Jets

Blacktown Football Park will host the fixture between the Blacktown Spartans and Emerging Jets.

The Spartans picked up win number one on Sunday in a high scoring game against the Institute. Gab Marzano and Ashlie Crofts were the standouts but with captain Alix Roberts hobbeling off, it could be a problem for Blacktown. With her exit from the pitch the Spartans performance dropped and that’ll be something o work on if she is missing.

It hasn’t been a pleasant start to 2018 for the young Jets.

They’re yet to register any points but won’t lose any hope as they continue their development.

NWS Koalas v Manly United

With Christie Park construction still not completed, the North West Sydney Koalas will take on Manly United at ELS Hall Park.

The Koalas played only their first game on Sunday and had a negative result, going down to the Mariners. Jaime Gomez is slowly building this team and they will improve as the rounds move on.

United picked up win number two of the season in convincing style on the weekend, scoring 12 goals and conceding none during that time. This will be another test for the girls in Blue as Remy Siemsen leads from the front.

It should be an exciting game, one that promises lots.

Sutherland Shire v Macarthur Rams

Harrie Denning Centre will host the fixture between Sutherland Shire and the Macarthur Rams.

It’s been a difficult return to the top flight for Sutherland Shire as they sit at the bottom of the table after three rounds. They need to start gathering points as they look to avoid the lower position on the table.

Norm Boardman’s Macarthur Rams have picked up where they left off, collecting two wins from as many games. A slow start only kicked them into gear last week but they won’t want that happening again on Sunday.

Bankstown City v Sydney University

At Jensen Park, Bankstown City and Sydney University clash in round four on Sunday.

City had a difficult game last time out, going down heavily to the Champions. Patty Charalambous has proved to be a fine signing already and she will be one City go to.

Alex Epakis has enjoyed his start as Sydney Uni coach. Two wins from two along with quite a lethal attack and a solid defensive effort, Uni look the rel deal so far.

Northern Tigers v Football NSW Institute

The Northern Tigers and Football NSW Institute do battle at North Turramurra Recreational Area on Sunday.

It’s been a fairly slow start for the Tigers this campaign, losing both of their opening games of 2018.

They would’ve taken positives out of their start from last week, giving them something to build on. The Institute played two games in a few days last week and lost both by the odd goal.

There is a lot of talent in this Institute side and they’ll continue to grow as the season moves forward.

-By Nikola Pozder