Round 3 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW

Round Three of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition will see all seven games played on Sunday.

Sydney Olympic v Northern Tigers at Peter Moore Field, Sunday 5pm

At Peter Moore Field on Sunday afternoon, Sydney Olympic take on the Northern Tigers.

Still winless after their first two games, Olympic will be looking to score their first victory of the season.

The start of their second half over the weekend will be a base that they can build from and if they are able to perform at that level for 90 minutes, they will be on the right path.

A win and a draw in their first two games and it hasn’t been a bad start to the campaign for the Tigers.

They would have been disappointed having led twice at home on Sunday, having to settle for a point in the end. A victory for Chris Woods’ team here could be a statement in the Premiership battle.

Sydney University v NWS Spirit FC at Valentine Sports Park, Sunday 5pm – MOTR

Sydney University take on NWS Spirit FC on Sunday afternoon at Valentine Sports Park.

Two teams looking for their first wins of the campaign clash in the match of the round at Glenwood.

Uni showed fight last week to come from behind twice but like in round one, going behind is becoming a habit they will need to stop.

A tight defeat and draw in their opening two games, Oz Rowley’s team will be looking to secure all three points here.

Tony Candy had an extra week to prepare his team for this one, last weekend’s game postponed due to the extreme heat.

Spirit was right in their round one game against UNSW until the final 20 minutes and will need to put up a performance for the whole 90 to come away with something here.

Newcastle Jets v Bulls FC Academy at Lake Macquarie, Sunday 5pm

Bulls FC Academy travel north on Sunday as they face off against the Newcastle Jets at Lake Macquarie.

Having pushed the Northern Tigers in round one, the Jets got a reprieve last week but will need to start putting points on the board, in particular at home where they will look to make their home ground a fortress and a tough place to go and visit.

The Bulls got their first points of the season last weekend, holding UNSW to a draw after losing their round one match to Mt Druitt.

Expectations would be to come away with victory here but this is never an easy away trip.

Manly United v Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Cromer Park, Sunday 5pm

An exciting match beckons at Cromer Park as Manly United take on Mt Druitt Town Rangers.

Two undefeated teams in this one and a tough test awaits both.

Tom Hopley’s Manly side have started the season perfectly, two wins from two games but will be weary they started in similar fashion last season.

A win here would be a real statement by the Manly girls and place them in the conversation as proper contenders.

A solid start for Ben Gough’s team to life in the top tier but they will definitely feel that they could be two from two.

They are on the road for the first time this season in one of the toughest away trips, a true test of what we can expect from the Rangers in 2025.

APIA v UNSW at Lambert Park, Sunday 5pm

On Sunday afternoon, APIA Leichhardt take on UNSW at Lambert Park.

APIA are at home for the third consecutive game and will have expectations to make it three wins from as many games in the inner west.

Christina Kiceec showed her presence in the box is a dangerous weapon for APIA, while a brace to Ash Crofts in round one has her in good goal scoring form as well early on.

After a convincing round one win, UNSW had to settle for a draw last weekend against Bulls FC Academy.

It doesn’t get harder than travelling away to the competition favourites but people have spoken about UNSW in high regard in pre-season, this is their opportunity to show that they are here to compete for the Premiership.

Illawarra Stingrays v Western Sydney Wanderers at Macedonia Park, Sunday 5pm

The Illawarra Stingrays are at Macedonia Park on Sunday as they take on the Western Sydney Wanderers.

It’s been a good start to the season for the Stingrays, a win in round one and an important point away against the Mt Druitt Town Rangers.

They face a team who will arrive down the south coast full of confidence and will need to be up to the task.

After a heavy opening round defeat to start life in the top tier, the WSW bounced back last Sunday and recorded a comfortable 3-1 win.

The strength of their squad depends on which Ninja A-League Women’s players come down and add to their team, nevertheless, Miriam Zumaya was outstanding last weekend and is definitely one to watch.

Gladesville Ravens v Macarthur Rams at Lynwood Park, Sunday 5:10pm

The final game of the round takes us to Christie Park as the Gladesville Ravens host the Champions, Macarthur Rams.

Only a point for the Ravens from their first two games and Lauren Phelps will feel like they should have had more.

They came to life late against APIA but it wasn’t enough to trouble them and will need to put this young Rams side under early pressure.

It was known that the Rams will take time to gel and for Vic Guzman to begin to put this talented side together.

In both their opening matches they have been more than just competitive and will hope to surprise the Ravens on Sunday and record their first points of the season.

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-By Nikola Pozder