Round 6 – NPL NSW Women’s Preview
Round six of the NPL NSW Women’s competition kicks off on Sunday afternoon.
The Emerging Jets, Bankstown City and Sutherland all go in search of their first wins of the campaign while the Macarthur Rams and Sydney University look to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Blacktown Spartans v Manly United
At Blacktown Football Park on Sunday afternoon, the Blacktown Spartans take on Manly United.
The Spartans looked like they were on their way up the ladder but were brought straight back down by an inspired Northern Tigers on Wednesday night.
Sitting only three points out of the four, the Spartans need to keep pace with the leaders and three points will be imperative on Sunday.
Manly’s away form has been fantastic. Three from three for Chris Williams’s side but it’s the home form that’s a concern.
They’re on the road again though and they’ll feel confident moving into this one.
NWS Koalas v Macarthur Rams
At the re-developed Christie Park, the North West Sydney Koalas host top of the table Macarthur Rams.
It’ll be a special day for the Koalas as they begin their stay at their new home and they’ll look to get it off to a perfect start.
It hasn’t been the beginning Jaime Gomez would’ve hoped for but his team more than enough talent to turn it around.
It’s been cruise control for Norm Boardman’s side so far this campaign as they sit at the top of the competition.
The comp’s top scorers have been on fire and if they continue this way it’ll be hard for anyone to stay in touch with them.
Georgia Yeoman-Dale was in fine form as she bagged a double in the Rams’ 5-1 victory over Bankstow City last Sunday and she will once again be the main target for Boardman’s side as will former Matildas star Renee Rollason and midfield whiz Teresa Polias.
Illawarra Stingrays v Sydney University
JJ Kelly Park will host the intriguing fixture between the Illawarra Stingrays and Sydney University.
The Stingrays have started well under the watchful eye of Carmelina Moscato with only one defeat this season.
They bounced back last week with a tough away win against Manly and they’ll look to build on that this week.
Sydney Uni has enjoyed a fine start to the campaign with Alex Epakis’s side currently equal first on the ladder.
They’ve been quite convincing so far and will be tested to their limits on Sunday afternoon.
Bankstown City v Sutherland Shire
Bankstown City take on the Sutherland Shire on Sunday afternoon at Jensen Park.
A battle of two winless sides takes place between these two with both hungry for their first three points of the campaign.
After two opening draws, Bankstown has conceded an incredible 17 goals in three games. The side will be hoping that the likes of Erica Toscana, Jelena Petkovic, Vida Opoku-Agyemang and Tania Baban fire-up for this huge clash.
Sutherland hasn’t fared much better, picking the ball out of the net 23 times already this season.
Jordan Baker has been a shining light for the Shire side and she will hope to push her name on the teamsheet once more after scoring last weekend.
This should be an open game with both sides going hard to start their move up the ladder.
Northern Tigers v Emerging Jets
North Turramurra Recreational Area will host the fixture between the Northern Tigers and Emerging Jets.
The Tigers are roaring and in form collecting two wins on the bounce.
When you have players like former Matilda Servet Uzunlar in your roster, you know your quality up top.
First off, they defeated Sutherland on Sunday before a massive performance on Wednesday night with Hannah McNulty picking up the winner against the Spartans.
As for the Jets, they’re still looking for win number one of the season.
A couple draws, along with a couple losses see them in 10th position on the ladder, in desperate need of a win.
North Shore Mariners v Football NSW Institute
The North Shore Mariners and Football NSW Institute do battle at Northbridge Oval.
It has been quite the start to the season for the Mariners as they sit fourth on the ladder.
A somewhat surprise defeat last week would have had Drew Taylor quick to get his girls back on course and in search of a positive result this week.
The Institute sit mid-table after five rounds with some unlucky results to go with their two victories.
Two wins on the bounce has them coming into this one full of confidence and with the opportunity to be right behind the Mariners should they collect all three points.
The likes of Melinda Barbieri, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Shadeene Evans, Courtney Nevin and Susan Phonsongkham have been in great form as has Angelique Hristodoulou and Greta Kraszula, so expect more fireworks from the young upcoming squad from Parklea.
-By Nikola Pozder
