Round 23 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW

It is crunch time in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition with only four rounds remaining.

Bulls FC Academy v Sydney Olympic @Northbridge Oval, Sunday 2:40pm

The first game of round 23 takes us to Northbridge Oval for the early kick off of 2:40pm on Sunday afternoon.

Bulls remain at the top of the table despite dropping points for only the third time in the last 15 games.

Isabella Coco Di Sipio, Tamires Souza and Petria Phillips were all dangerous and will be key to find the back of the net for the Bulls who haven’t managed to score more than a goal in each of their last three games.

Olympic’s inconsistent form continued on Sunday, going down to the Newcastle Jets in a game that could have made the end of the season very comfortable for them, instead, dragging themselves back into the relegation battle.

Alyssa Whinham has been Olympic’s most dangerous player and if they have Aideen Keane available also, Bulls will need to be aware of the threat the blue and whites possess.

Sydney University v Macarthur Rams @Sydney Uni Football Ground, Sunday 5pm

The action at 5pm on Sunday kicks off at Sydney Uni Football Ground as Sydney University host the Macarthur Rams.

Sydney University’s form in the second half of the season has been excellent and they bounced back on Sunday to register another victory.

The star without a doubt is Talia Kapetanelis but the strength and leadership of Amelia Feeney at the back cannot not go unmentioned.

Consecutive defeats for Vic Guzman’s Rams and worse, convincing losses has them struggling again.

Missing a host of key names makes it difficult for them but they will believe they can spring a surprise in this one.

APIA Leichhardt v Northern Tigers @Lambert Park, Sunday 5pm

Also at 5pm on Sunday evening, APIA Leichhardt welcome the Northern Tigers at Lambert Park.

This one was expected to have massive implications for both a month ago, instead, the Tigers have dropped off.

The Tigers have only won one game in their last seven starts and have dropped off the finals pace but most definitely have the capability to beat every team in the competition.

Brad Attard’s side have turned a corner in the second half of the season, they have only lost once in their last 13 starts and also won the Sapphire Cup in between that.

They are currently scoring at will, scoring 18 goals in their last five starts, Ash Crofts scoring seven of those.

WSW v NWS Spirit @Wanderers Football Park, Sunday 5pm

The Western Sydney Wanderers take on NWS Spirit on Sunday evening at Wanderers Football Park.

Another disappointing performance from the Wanderers on Sunday and another defeat, making it nine games without a win.

They are safe in terms of the club championship and will be looking to prepare for next year and the A-League season.

Another team out of form at the moment are NWS Spirit.

Only one victory in their last seven games and finals are slipping away from Tony Candy’s side as things stand.

Nothing but victory will keep their depleted sides hopes alive.

Illawarra Stingrays v UNSW @Macedonia Park, Sunday 5pm – MOTR

A massive game takes place at Macedonia Park on Sunday night as the Illawarra Stingrays face off against UNSW.

The Stingrays sit in third and once more are quietly but surely pushing toward another finals appearance.

A defat here though would see their opponents creep only one point behind them with a match in hand.

Victory, all but secures their finals position while also just about eliminating UNSW from the race.

UNSW will have a lot to say, they have found form at the perfect time in the season, winning four games on the bounce.

They know how important this one is and will come in fully focused.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers v Newcastle Jets @Popondetta Park, Sunday 5pm

The Newcastle Jets make the trip to Popondetta Park on Sunday to take on the Mt Druitt Town Rangers.

Mt Druitt had the week off due to the weekend rain but would have taken that with open hands, giving players the opportunity to recover after a tough mid-week clash against Sydney Olympic.

They’ll expect to get three points here but Ben Gough will be reminding his side what happened last time they faced off against the Jets, losing when everyone expected all three points.

The Jets will come back into this one full of confidence after winning their first game after 12 games without a victory.

Looking back to the last time they played, they’ll have belief they could do it again to the Rangers.

Gladesville Ravens v Manly United @Christie Park, Sunday 5pm

The final game in round 23 takes us to Christie Park as the Gladesville Ravens host Manly United on Sunday at 5pm.

Another important game for both teams, in particular for Manly United.

After seven games without defeat, the Ravens finally suffered a 3-1 loss on Saturday against UNSW.

Massive improvement in the last couple months for the Ravens and they’ll do their best to finish the season as high on the ladder as possible.

Manly showed great characted to score late against the league leaders on Sunday and secure a draw and keep their finals hopes alive.

They cannot afford defeat as it would more or less end their dreams of taking part in elimination football.

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-By Nikola Pozder