With only two rounds to go, there is a new league leader in the National Premier League Women’s NSW competition.
The Macarthur Rams have overtaken APIA Leichhardt at the top of the table, while the top four battle continues with six teams still fighting it out for one last finals position.
Macarthur Rams v Bulls FC Academy – Match of the Round
5pm, Sunday 18 August, Lynwood Park
The match of the round takes us to Lynwood Park as the Macarthur Rams take on Bulls FC Academy.
Stephen Peters can take out the Premiership this weekend if the Rams can win and APIA fails to secure a victory.
One draw in their last 10 games and an incredible eight clean sheets over that period and 29 goals has them sowing fear in opponents.
Kelli Brown has started finding the back of the net with more regularity, while Bronte Trew, Mel Caceres and Beth Gordon are all contributing in the front third.
Bulls cannot afford to drop points here as their finals hopes will more than likely come to an end.
They saw the retirement of Trudy Simmons last weekend and will be without Young Matildas representatives Amber Luchtmeijer, Maddie Caspers, Avaani Prakash and Peta Trimis.
It will be a tough game but one they must come away with a victory from.
Northern Tigers v UNSW FC
4pm, Sunday 18 August, North Turramurra Recreation Area
The Northern Tigers open up the penultimate round at North Turramurra Recreation Area against UNSW FC at 4pm.
A victory is imperative here for the Tigers if they wish to be playing finals football in a couple weeks.
Only two wins in their last five games have somewhat cost them already assuring their spot and their loss against the Illawarra Stingrays last weekend definitely hurt their chances, conceding in the final moments.
UNSW have secured their spot in the top tier for the 2025 campaign with last week’s win over APIA Leichhardt.
They’ll come into this one with no pressure, making them a very dangerous opponent.
Football NSW Institute v Blacktown Spartans
4:45pm, Sunday 18 August, Valentine Sports Park
At Valentine Sports Park, Football NSW Institute take on the Blacktown Spartans on Sunday afternoon.
Only two wins in their last 10 games and it hasn’t been the best season for the Institute.
They did record a good win away from home against the Illawarra Stingrays and will be quietly confident they can take the points here.
The Spartans come into this one off a devastating defeat to the Gladesville Ravens on Sunday.
Confidence will be low and it will perhaps be a difficult game for the Spartans to get up for.
Emerging Jets v APIA Leichhardt
5pm, Sunday 18 August, Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
The Emerging Jets are at home on Sunday afternoon as they welcome APIA Leichhardt to Lake Macquarie.
After a poor start to the season, the Jets have won five games in the second half of the campaign and lifted themselves into 12th place.
Coming to town are APIA Leichhardt, a team that cannot afford to even drop a point in their hunt for the Premiership.
APIA suffered a shock defeat last week against UNSW and Brad Attard will have no excuse this week in a game they are really expected to win.
Sydney University v Manly United
5pm, Sunday 18 August, Sydney Uni Football Ground
At Sydney Uni Football Ground, Sydney University face off against Manly United.
On a three match unbeaten run, Uni has found some form late on in the season.
They’ll have one eye on their Sapphire Cup final which is due to be played next Wednesday night.
Manly’s finals hopes are still there but hang by a thread with two games to go in the season.
They will need to bounce back after a heavy 6-0 defeat at home by the Macarthur Rams also.
Illawarra Stingrays v NWS Spirit
5pm, Sunday 18 August, Macedonia Park
The Illawarra Stingrays take on NWS Spirit at Macedonia Park on Sunday evening.
Finals football is secure for the south coast side after they came away with a late victory over the Northern Tigers.
Mathematically, they can still finish first but more realistically, they will finish second at best, potentially securing a home final.
NWS Spirit has had their faint finals hopes boosted by a midweek win over Sydney Olympic, they sit in ninth on the table but only two points out of finals contention.
A win here could put them in a good position ahead of the final round, provided other results go their way.
Gladesville Ravens v Sydney Olympic
5pm, Sunday 18 August, Christie Park
The final game of the round takes place at Christie Park as the Gladesville Ravens host Sydney Olympic.
After Bella Habuda’s late goal gave them all three points on Sunday, the Ravens finals hopes are still alive.
A match against a direct rival and the side currently in fourth makes this one a must win for the Ravens.
Just one win in their last five games and Olympics’ finals hopes are in serious doubt now.
With one games in hand though, they hold all the cards and are in charge of their own destiny.
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By Nikola Pozder
