There’s a new leader in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition and only two remaining undefeated teams after five rounds.
There are some enticing fixtures for round six, kicking off on Saturday afternoon.
NWS Spirit v Bankstown City Lions
The action kicks off on Saturday afternoon at 3pm as the NWS Spirit host the Bankstown City Lions.
NWS Spirit got back to winning ways over the weekend with a convincing win over 2022 Premiers, Sydney University.
A fifteen-minute blitz in the first half was enough to secure the points with Monique Holder once more on the score sheet for Tiana Gauci’s team.
That win pushed Spirit into the Top Four and they’ll be hoping to build on that when Bankstown come to town.
In all honesty, it’s been a disappointing start to the season for the Lions and Matt Costantini.
Only one win in their first five games and the issue of allowing the opposition to get in front in all of those matches, except the one they triumphed in.
Despite dominating most games this season, Costantini will expect a response this week and Spirit could be the team it comes together against.
Bulls FC Academy v Illawarra Stingrays
Bulls FC Academy are back at Northbridge Oval this Sunday as they take on the Illawarra Stingrays.
It was an excellent victory against the league leaders and previously undefeated Sydney Olympic on Sunday for Jaime Gomez’s team.
An early Anneke Corry goal was all they needed as they showed fine game management to record a massive three points for their second win of the 2023 season.
The Stingrays suffered another defeat over the weekend, this time convincingly against newly promoted Gladesville Ravens.
The task won’t be any easier on Sunday when they travel to the Bulls and will be hoping to have captain Michelle Carney back, fit and ready.
Sydney Olympic v Emerging Jets
The Emerging Jets travel south this weekend to take on Sydney Olympic at Peter Moore Field.
Olympic suffered defeat for the first time this season against Bulls FC Academy and will look to get back to winning ways here.
Sarah Yatim was once more the most dangerous player on the park and with Teresa Polias now having served her suspension, will be a welcome returnee to George Beltsos’ team.
Well, I said it last week, the Jets have some fire power and can score namely through their attacking weapon Brinley Gentle.
The problem lies at the other end where again they let themselves down defensively.
Should they tighten that screw, expect a surprise in this one, the Jets may just be able to secure their first points of the campaign.
Football NSW Institute v APIA Leichhardt
An exciting game will take place at Valentine Sports Park as Football NSW Institute host league leaders APIA Leichhardt.
The Institute are in action tonight in a rescheduled fixture against the Emerging Jets and will be hoping to record three points which will push them up a couple places.
If they are able to knock off the competition front runners, they’ll most definitely be knocking on the door of the Top Four.
Note, the Institute have only played three games this season and have a win and two losses to boot so far.
What a start to 2023 for Spencer Prior and APIA Leichhardt.
Three victories, two draws and the second most stubborn defence in the competition, accompanied by the league’s third best attack.
Interestingly, Prior has not been able to pick from a full squad until last week, with Tash Prior and Siahn Bozanic finally available for selection.
They are looking good and playing some quality football to go with it.
Blacktown Spartans v Sydney University
The Blacktown Spartans return to Blacktown Football Park as they welcome 2022 Premiers Sydney University.
It’s been a tough start to life for Lauren Phelps on the bench of the Spartans but a week off may have done the team a world of good.
Their match last week was postponed, giving them more time on the training pitch to get this new team to gel.
The Students have also found it much tougher this campaign, albeit with a plethora of players injured and unavailable.
With only one victory in their first five matches, Emily Husband will be keen to take the points here and stay within toughing distance of the top four.
Manly United v Northern Tigers
Now isn’t this a big game as Manly United take on the Northern Tigers at Cromer Park on Sunday evening.
Manly suffered defeat for the first time this season last weekend when APIA was just simply the better team.
It was perhaps Manly’s worst performance of the season with coach Tom Hopley eager to turn things around.
It will remarkably be only their second home game of the season after already being on the road four times in the first five rounds.
It’s been a decent start for the Northern Tigers who remain one of the two current undefeated NPL NSW Women’s teams.
They were given a scare against the young Emerging Jets last week but composed themselves and got the job done late on.
Stepping up into the captain’s role, Hannah McNulty has so far been the Tigers best and one to look out for here.
Macarthur Rams v Gladesville Ravens
The Champions Macarthur Rams are back at Lynwood Park this week as they tackle newly promoted Gladesville Ravens.
Macarthur look to be back on track after a rocky start to their 2023 campaign, securing two straight victories in as many weeks.
The steal of the season Tenealle Hay, has been colossal at the back and with three youngsters blossoming around her, the Rams seem to be coming into their own.
Added to that, veteran Leena Khamis is on fire, along with Laura Murtagh and Kelli Brown also chipping in.
You would think the Gladesville Ravens are seasoned campaigners in the NPL NSW Women’s competition, not the new team in the league.
A fine start to the season for the Black and White’s, only one defeat and one of the best defensive records in the competition.
Romina Parraguirre is a fine goalkeeper and one of the major reasons behind the Ravens early season success, she’ll be key here again on Sunday.
By – Nikola Pozder