The final round of NPL NSW Women’s football season is upon us with one finals spot remaining and three times fighting out for it.
Mathematically, Manly can still slip out of the four but it will take a might effort, while Blacktown, APIA and the Northern Tigers battle for position number four.
Blacktown Spartans v Sydney Olympic
At Blacktown Football Park we are in for a special game as the Blacktown Spartans host Sydney Olympic.
A win will ensure the Spartans a place in the playoffs, anything but will depend on how APIA fair at Cromer Park.
They’ve been one of the most consistent teams in the competition and with Ash Crofts in fine form, they’ll be hoping to get the job done.
Olympic’s place in next week’s games is assured. They still want to finish in second place and win the right to ‘host’ the first semi-final.
A draw should be enough for Olympic to round the season off in second place rounding up another successful campaign.
Manly United v APIA Leichhardt
Cromer Park is the venue for a direct clash in terms of finals football between Manly United and APIA Leichhardt.
Only with some sort of football miracle will Manly miss out on finals football.
They need to lose to APIA by at least five-goals and the Spartans to win to drop out of the five, pretty unimaginable.
APIA just need to win. It doesn’t matter how, they just need three points.
Everything else is out of their hands but if Rhianna Pollicina can repeat Sunday’s performance, they’ll be in a good position.
Emerging Jets v FNSW Institute
The clash of the academies at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility as the Emerging jets host the Football NSW Institute.
The institute’s finals hopes slipped away but they gave a fine account of themselves this season.
For the Jets, they improved and pushed most teams until the end, losing energy in crucial moments of games.
Bragging rights are up for grabs!
Sydney University v Illawarra Stingrays
The new/old Premiers Sydney University host the Illawarra Stingrays at Sydney Uni Football Ground on Sunday.
Despite securing the Premiership with a round to spare, Alex Epakis will expect his side to be on their game as they push that undefeated run into the 30s.
Despite picking up all three points last week, the Illawarra Stingrays hopes of making the finals came to an end.
They’ll be keen to be the one to end Uni’s run.
Northern Tigers v Macarthur Rams
At North Turramurra the Northern Tigers will host the Macarthur Rams.
In probably the toughest position of those hoping to slip into the playoffs are the Tigers.
They need to win and win big, as well as hope the Spartans and APIA lose.
The Rams have nothing but pride to play for and they’ll try be as competitive as they can.
NWS Koalas v Bankstown City
The season proper rounds up at Christie Park as the North West Sydney Koalas host Bankstown City.
Dropped points on Sunday destroyed the Koalas finals hopes.
Even with their mid-week game and another three points, they still can’t make the finals.
Bankstown has struggled this season but put up a better performance last week.
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By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer
