Round 4 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW

After three rounds of football in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition, only one team remains with a 100% record, with round four throwing up some intriguing fixtures, could we see that change?

NWS Spirit v Illawarra Stingrays @Christie Park, Saturday 3pm

The action kicks off on Saturday at 3pm as NWS Spirit host the Illawarra Stingrays at Christie Park.

These two come into this one both having recorded wins in the previous round.

Spirit scored their first win of the season last weekend with Skye Halmarick a standout performer in a very good team display.

Tony Candy will be hoping his very young team will continue to grow with last week’s victory and take that confidence into a difficult game against the Stingrays.

Undefeated after three games in 2025 and the Stingrays have made a good start to the season.

A 3-1 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday pushed them into equal second on the ladder and with Alexia Karrys-Stahl already finding form, the Stingrays look like a force in the new campaign.

Northern Tigers v Bulls FC Academy @North Turramurra, Saturday 6:30pm

Also on Saturday, only at 6:30pm, the Northern Tigers take on Bulls FC Academy at North Turramurra.

The Tigers are still undefeated this season but have had to settle for two draws over those games.

There is no doubt Chris Wood would have expected to have more points on the board after these matches but will take confidence in the face they still haven’t lost.

A tough start to 2025 for the Bulls has them in 12th place, only registering one point in their opening three games.

Last weekend’s defeat against the Jets was a difficult one to take having conceded in stoppage time and they will need to recover quickly in order not to risk falling into unwanted territory.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers v APIA Leichhardt @Popondetta Park, Sunday 5pm – MOTR

The match of the round takes us to Popondetta Park as the Mt Druitt Town Rangers host league leaders APIA Leichhardt at 5pm on Sunday.

This is one of those that many will be tuning in to and keeping a close eye on.

Both teams come into this clash undefeated, one team is hoping to play finals football, the other to win everything on offer.

A win and two draws for the Rangers has Ben Gough’s team in fifth to start the season but only one goal in three has raised question marks on their ability in the final third.

In saying that, with the likes of Rosie Galea, Leena Khamis and Rita Boateng in the squad, the Rangers possess definite goal threats.

At the other end of the park they have been perfect at the back, managing to consolidate three consecutive clean sheets.

Coming to town though are the league leaders who have scored in every game so far this season, albeit half of those goals coming from set pieces.

Brad Attard’s team has only kept one clean sheet though and seem to not be playing anywhere near their top capability yet.

Nevertheless, they are finding ways to win and they are the first signs of Championship winning teams.

UNSW v Macarthur Rams @The Village Green, Sunday 5pm

The Village Green will host the match between UNSW and the Macarthur Rams on Sunday evening.

It’s been a mixed bag of results for UNSW in the first three rounds of competition and they’ll want stabilise and get some consistency.

Demi Koulizakis scored a spectacular goal last weekend and got off the mark for her new club, which would have been very welcoming for coach Luke Richardson.

Talking about welcoming, how about Vic Guzman securing her first as head coach of the Macarthur Rams on the weekend.

It didn’t come easy but they did what was required against the Gladesville Ravens but know now that they have the ability to challenge the best and would have gained much needed confidence.

Newcastle Jets v Manly United @Lake Macquarie, Sunday 5pm

At Lake Macquarie Regional Facility on Sunday, the Newcastle Jets take on Manly United.

The Jets secured their first win of the season on Sunday with a last-minute goal against the Bulls FC Academy.

Confidence will be high for the Jets and points here could really show that will be improved on previous seasons.

Manly dropped their first points of the season last weekend but still remain undefeated and are in second placed.

It will be a tough away trip for them but like their opponents, a win hat could go a long way in their battle for the top spot.

Sydney Olympic v Sydney University @Peter Moore Field, Sunday 5pm

At Peter Moore Field on Sunday, Sydney Olympic face off against Sydney University.

Two teams yet to win a game this season clash in this one and will be desperate to record a victory.

Olympic have come closer this season to securing three points, they had two draws but haven’t ben able to get that win yet.

They have quality across the park and this could be the game the season begins to turn for them.

It’s been a tough start to the campaign for Oz Rowley’s team but aside from last weekend’s performance, they have been good.

They will need to improve on their performance against NWS Spirit and if they do so, could be in with a shot here.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Gladesville Ravens @Wanderers Football Park, Sunday 5pm

On Sunday evening the final game takes us to Wanderers Football Park as the Western Sydney Wanderers take on the Gladesville Ravens.

The Wanderers suffered defeat last time out and consistency looks to be a problem for them, including the squad they are able to put out.

This will be a tough game for the young side but they’ll expect to put up a performance at home.

After three games, the Ravens only have a point to their name and are currently in 13th position on the ladder.

A squad with some big names throughout it, they will need to step up and ensure that they can turn their results around before losing becomes a habit.

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-By Nikola Pozder