Round 7 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW

Two points separate the first five teams in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition after six rounds, hinting we’re in for another long and unpredictable season with the Easter Long Weekend ahead of us.

Bulls FC Academy v Illawarra Stingrays at Northbridge Oval, Saturday 3:10pm

At Northbridge Oval on Easter Saturday, the action kicks off for round 7 as the Bulls FC Academy host Illawarra Stingrays at Northridge Oval.

The Bulls succumbed to defeat on Saturday against the NWS Spirit and could not back up their first season victory the week before.

A positive for the Bulls was that Ash Brodigan got on the scoresheet again, scoring her third of the season and they will need her at her best when they welcome the league leaders.

It was a tough and long trip away for the Stingrays on Sunday night but it didn’t affect them in the slightest, returning to the south coast with a 5-1 victory.

Siobhan Edwards took her season tally to four after scoring a hat-trick for her side and the positive here for the Stingrays is that they almost doubled their goal scoring in the one game.

They have started the season well, sitting top but face another difficult team and another tough away trip.

Manly United v NWS Spirit at Cromer Park, Monday 3:30pm

The football continues on Easter Monday as Manly United take on NWS Spirit at Cromer Park at 3:30pm.

Manly remain undefeated after six rounds, registering a draw against Sydney Olympic having been behind.

They played well on a heavy pitch at Peter Moore and will perhaps feel they could have taken more, nevertheless, Spirit will put up a battle and a tough task lies ahead.

After a couple games without a win, Spirit returned to the winners circle, defeating Bulls FC Academy.

Skye Halmarick has been the star for the yellow and blacks so far this season and she was again on Saturday, scoring a brace.

Encouraging for Tony Candy’s team was the return of captain Erin Pridmore and debut for Spanish star Cristina Aunon, adding some much needed depth to his side.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers v Sydney University at Popondetta Park, Monday 5pm

At Popondetta Park on Monday, the Mt Druitt Town Rangers face off against Sydney University.

Ben Gough’s team is on fire, six games, four wins, two draws and only one goal conceded, enough to share top spot.

Their fifth clean sheet, as well as a second consecutive goal for Leena Khamis and the Rangers are looking very good, in particular knowing they are the newly promoted side.

Uni suffered their fourth loss in five games on Sunday against APIA Leichhardt and are bottom of the league.

There were encouraging signs against APIA where they even took the lead in the opening minutes but couldn’t hold on, going down once more.

Things will need to change for the Students otherwise they face a long road ahead.

Sydney Olympic v UNSW at Peter Moore Field, Monday 3pm

Sydney Olympic and UNSW do battle on Monday at 3pm at Peter Moore Field.

Olympic looked on their way to their first win of the season but Manly United scored late on to thwart official new coach Tom Richardson from victory.

They are only one of two teams who are yet to win so far this season and will look for that victory as soon as possible.

They will also have a mid-week catch up fixture as they take on Sydney Uni on Wednesday night, stretching their small squad further.

Luke Richardson would be very proud of the character his team showed on Sunday, coming from two-goals down rescue a last-gasp point against the WSW.

It’s also a return for a number of players who donned the Olympic blue in the past, Demi Koulizakis, Aya Yamahata and Angelique Hristodoulou all return to their former stomping ground.

Macarthur Rams v Western Sydney Wanderers at Lynwood Park, Monday 5pm

This promises to be an exciting clash at Lynwood Park on Monday as the Macarthur Rams host the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Missing a number of key players, the Rams were well beaten against the Northern Tigers on Saturday, albeit after scores being locked at 1-1 at half time, conceding five more in the second 45 minutes.

Inconsistency is a known issue the young Rams may face but could find themselves in an even battle against another young and inexperienced side.

Jamie Dib will be extremely disappointed his team could not manage a 3-1 lead to record three points on Sunday, having to settle for a point.

Maya Lobo and Talia Kapetanelis looked good, while Anika Stajcic scored again, showing her danger and nose for goal in the front third.

Gladesville Ravens v Northern Tigers at Christie Park, Monday 5:10pm

At Christie Park it’s derby day on Monday, as the Gladesville Ravens take on the Northern Tigers from 5:10pm.

The Ravens could not back up their win from two weeks ago, defeated by Mt Druitt on Sunday night.

Only one win in six for Lauren Phelps’ team does not bode well for a side expected to be challenging for finals football, already eight points behind fourth spot.

The Tigers scored their biggest win of the season, a convincing 6-1 win over last sason’s Champions, Macarthur Rams.

Confidence will be high for the Tigers, currently sitting in third on the ladder and boasting the best attack in the competition, Haley Johnson leading the charts with six goals.

APIA Leichhardt v Newcastle Jets at Lambert Park, Monday 6:30pm – MOTR

The match of the round takes us to Lambert Park as APIA Leichhardt host the Newcastle Jets in the final match of round seven.

Brad Attard’s team snapped their two match winless run, coming from behind after an early shock to defeat Sydney University.

Welcoming news for APIA would be the fact that Ash Crofts found the back of the net for the first time since round one as well.

Attard shook things up with the line up which seemed to work but with their expectations of winning all silverware on offer, victory does not come into question here for the inner west side.

A tough defeat for the Jets on Sunday night made it three straight defeats and 12 goals conceded over that period.

Coming up against a potent attack, they will need to sure up their defensive set up, a problem the Jets faced last season also.

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-By Nikola Pozder