Round 21 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW

2024 NPL NSW Women's preview 21

With only six games remaining in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition, points are of a premium in the battle for the Premiership, finals football and relegation.

Northern Tigers v Gladesville Ravens

6:30pm, Sunday 21 July, North Turramurra Recreation Area

At North Turramurra on Saturday night, the Northern Tigers and Gladesville Ravens open up Round 21.

In what could more or less be a finals football elimination match, both teams will be desperate to secure three points and keep their fight alive.

The Tigers put up a proper battle against the Macarthur Rams last week with Jade McAtamney and Lily McMahon standouts.

Gladesville made it three straight wins on the weekend and have found form at the perfect time, sharing the goals as well.

Sydney Olympic v Manly United – MOTR

3pm, Sunday 21 July, Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

We kick off Sunday’s football with the match of the round as Sydney Olympic host Manly United at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.

Olympic’s Premiership hopes took a major blow when they were defeated quite comfortably by Sydney University on Sunday night.

It was a tough run for Olympic with four games in two weeks but they won’t be able to blame fatigue on Sunday where points are imperative.

Manly seem to have turned a corner at the right time of the season, making it three games undefeated.

Defeat here though will almost definitely extinguish any finals hopes with Olympic currently occupying fourth place and sitting five points above Manly.

APIA Leichhardt v Sydney University

5pm, Sunday 21 July, Lambert Park

At Lambert Park on Sunday evening, APIA Leichhardt host Sydney University, a game always full of emotion.

APIA extended their lead a top the competition ladder last weekend following their late win against the Blacktown Spartans.

They are marching toward consecutive Premierships and a win here will go a long way toward securing that.

Coming to town will be a Uni team full of confidence with nothing to lose, a dangerous prospect for their opponents.

Talia Kapetanellis continues to lead the line and is the biggest threat in the front third for her side.

Blacktown Spartans v Macarthur Rams

5pm, Sunday 21 July, Blacktown Football Park

The Blacktown Spartans entertain the Macarthur Rams at Blacktown Football Park on Sunday.

A late push has seen the Spartans improve over recent weeks, winning as many games in the last month as they have all season.

A major question is which Spartans outfit will turn up, last time they played the Rams they took a major scalp, could they do it again?

The Rams title aspirations took a major hit after not being able to take all three points last weekend.

Without the suspended Beth Gordon, this could be a tricky game for the Rams which they must win.

Emerging Jets v Football NSW Institute

5pm, Sunday 21 July, Lake Macquarie Regional Football Park

At Lake Macquarie on Sunday night, the Emerging Jets take on the Football NSW Institute.

The battle of the youth takes place up north with the Institute securing a comfortable victory the first time the two met.

After leading by two-goals on Sunday, the Jets would have been devastated they let three points slip against the Stingrays, having to settle for a 2-2 draw.

The Institute suffered a similar fate last Wednesday against Sydney Olympic before being easily beaten by the Gladesville Ravens on Sunday.

Illawarra Stingrays v Bulls FC Academy

5pm, Sunday 21 July, Macedonia Park

The Illawarra Stingrays will host Bulls FC Academy at Macedonia Park on Sunday evening.

It was a point won rather than two dropped on Sunday when the Stingrays had to fight from two down to secure a last gasp equaliser against the Emerging Jets.

It will be even tougher against the Bulls and with faint Premiership hopes still there for them, this could be the last chance for the Stingrays to stay within touching distance.

The Bulls have suffered four straight defeats and it seems as though finals football has gotten away from them.

Nevertheless, they have enough quality to beat anyone on their day and won’t lay down for any team.

NWS Spirit v UNSW FC

5:30pm, Sunday 21 July, Christie Park

NWS Spirit take on UNSW FC at Christie ark in the final match on Sunday night.

Spirits finals aspirations are hanging by a thread and they must take all three points here to remain in the race.

Their victory last weekend gave them hope and will need some more Ella Abdul Massih magic to secure another three points.

UNSW snapped a five-game losing streak with a draw away to Manly United.

They are fighting for their lives and any points at this point of the season are worth more than gold.

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By Nikola Pozder