Round One in the NSW Women’s NPL competition is finally upon us, but it won’t be a regular round with all six matches being played.
Due to W-League player commitments, three games have been deferred to a later date but that won’t stop the other six clubs ready to do battle in the opening match of the NPL NSW Women’s season.
Sunday 4th April 3pm @ JJ Kelly Park – POSTPONED
Illawarra Stingrays v Emerging Jets
The Illawarra Stingrays open their campaign at JJ Kelly Park against the Emerging Jets on Easter Sunday.
Bruce Tilt’s side will be confident they can register all three points and get their campaign off to a perfect start.
The Jets remain somewhat of an unknown coming into this one meaning the Stingrays will need to be well prepared for any surprises.
Anything but a victory would be a disappointing start to the season for the south coast side.
Sunday 4th April 3pm @ Cromer Park
Manly United v Bankstown City
Last season’s Champions Manly United take on the bottom placed side from 2020, Bankstown City on Sunday at Cromer Park.
Tom Hopley takes his first game in charge of the first grade at Cromer Park and will be anticipating a victory to kick the season off.
Manly will be favourites in this one despite missing a number of W-League stars for the fixture.
Similarly for Bankstown City head coach, Matt Costantini, he’ll be in charge of his first game for the red and black.
A decent recruitment drive and Bankstown will be expected to be a different team 2021 with hopes to better last season’s campaign.
Monday 5th April 3pm @ Christie Park
North West Sydney Koalas v Macarthur Rams
Christie Park will host the Easter Monday clash between the North West Sydney Koalas and Macarthur Rams.
A side that played a decent brand of football last year and that just missed out on finals football will look to go one better this season.
Adam Keramea has worked hard with his troops throughout the preseason and firmly believes his team is ready to mix it with the strongest.
Stephen Peters sits in the Rams hot seat with the role to bring them back to their dominating days.
With the core of the squad still at Lynwood Park and some decent arrivals, Peters will expect his side to start the season in the best way possible.
APIA Leichhardt v Northern Tigers – Postponed
Blacktown Spartans v Sydney University – Postponed
FNSW Institute v Sydney Olympic – Postponed