Round 8 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW
Round Eight of the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition will see some intriguing games take place over Saturday and Sunday.
Some blockbuster games lie ahead of us this weekend with fans and viewers spoiled for choice.
NWS Spirit v Sydney Olympic at Christie Park, Saturday 3pm
The action kicks off on Saturday afternoon at Christie Park as NWS Spirit take on Sydney Olympic.
Two teams that are coming off losses have also been busy, with both having mid-week games last week.
Spirit secured a win against the Newcastle Jets on Wednesday but did not back up well, losing 5-0 against Manly United at Cromer Park.
Tony Candy will be expecting a bounce back from his side this week, in particular at home where they are yet to lose this season.
Olympic are currently bottom of the league and the only team without a win so far in the 2025 season.
They suffered a tough defeat at the hands of Sydney University mid-week and then lost again on Easter Monday to UNSW.
Olympic need a change of fortunes and need it quick.
Northern Tigers v Illawarra Stingrays at North Turramurra Recreation Area, Saturday 6:30pm
At North Turramurra on Saturday evening, the Northern Tigers take on the Illawarra Stingrays as two undefeated sides clash.
Even though they are undefeated, the Northern Tigers are yet to secure back to back wins this season.
They fought hard to come from behind against the Gladesville Ravens last weekend and could have perhaps stolen all three points at the end but had to settle for a point.
Similarly, the Stingrays also took a point from their clash, the only difference they lead by two, losing two points rather than gaining one.
Alexia Karrys-Stahl has been a standout performer for the Stingrays and once again shun against the Bulls on Saturday.
Manly United v APIA Leichhardt at Cromer Park, Sunday 5pm
The first game on Sunday takes us to Cromer Park as the undefeated Manly United take on APIA Leichhardt.
Manly are flying high this season, sitting in second place on the ladder and coming into this one full of confidence, dismantling NWS Spirit on Monday 5-0.
United have been finding goals from a number of different sources but Anita Zordan and Emily Minett have been in excellent form which will be encouraging for Tom Hopley.
APIA showed proper character in their match on Easter Monday, a player and two goals down at half time against the Newcastle Jets, to turn the game within five minutes after the restart, only for lightning and thunder to cut the game short.
APIA coach, Brad Attard, wasn’t afraid to make changes at the break in that one and will expect his team to show up against one of the best teams in the competition.
UNSW v Sydney University SFC at The Village Green, Sunday 5pm
UNSW are back at home on Sunday evening as they host Sydney University in the battle of the Students.
UNSW have continued their improved form, only one defeat in their last four fixtures with a tight win over Sydney Olympic.
Marcella Santos found herself in the starting line up and found the back of the net for the second consecutive week.
Sydney Uni had a must win game mid-week against Sydney Olympic, coming away with all three points in a convincing 3-0 win, but couldn’t back it up on Monday in a tight defeat to Mt Druitt.
This will be a tough one for Sydney Uni but any points will welcome for Oz Rowley’s side.
Newcastle Jets v Gladesville Ravens at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Sunday 5pm
Gladesville Ravens have the tough task of travelling north to take on the Newcastle Jets on Sunday night.
The Jets played perhaps their best 45 of the season on Monday as they lead against APIA 3-1.
Lightning and thunder were perhaps their saving grace though as APIA struck back within the opening five minutes of the second half before the game was abandoned.
It was encouraging from the Jets with lots of positives to take into this game.
The Ravens took a point from their game against the undefeated Northern Tigers.
It’s been a tough season so far for the Ravens and a side that was expected to be challenging for finals football is not at the races right now.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Bulls FC Academy at Wanderers Football Park, Sunday 5pm
The Western Sydney Wanderers are at home on Sunday evening as they host the Bulls FC Academy.
The Wanderers are finding form at the right time, four games without defeat and they have moved up into fifth position.
Miriam Zumaya has become one of the stars of this team, starting to find the back of the net with regularity.
It’s been a tough start to 2025 for the Bulls, only one win so far this season.
They will take confidence from last week’s come back draw against the Stingrays, captain Liz Grey scoring a last gasp equaliser to perhaps kick start their campaign.
Macarthur Rams v Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Lynwood Park, Sunday 5pm – MOTR
The final game of the round takes us to Lynwood Park for the first time this season as the Macarthur Rams take on the league-leading Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
Last year’s Champions are currently in ninth place on the ladder, but don’t let that fool you, Vic Guzman’s young side capable of turning it on against anyone.
They have lost their last two in a row, conceding nine goals in the process, something they will need to improve on Sunday to get something from this game.
Tea Mucenski has been in solid form for the Rams, scoring four goals so far this season and can definitely be a threat to the most stubborn defence in the league.
After seven games, the newly promoted Mt Druitt Town Rangers are first, and there wouldn’t be many that would have believed you had you said that in late February.
Ben Gough’s side is playing good football, are extremely difficult to break down, and now, finding the back of the net too, veteran Leena Khamis scoring three in three weeks.
They have only conceded two goals all season, conceding their first from open play last weekend, showing just how disciplined and organised they are.
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By Nikola Pozder
