Round 12 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW

Thirty-four goals in the last round of action in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition makes for an intriguing round 12 and an expectation for even more goals.

Manly United v NWS Spirit FC

7:30pm, Friday 22 May – Cromer Park

The action kicks off on Friday night at Cromer Park as Manly United host NWS Spirit FC.

Manly have been strong at home this season, only one loss all campaign and will look to continue that good form and try stay in touch with the top four.

NWS Spirit have battled through a difficult campaign but are starting to show signs of improvement despite sitting at the foot of the table.

Spirit will need to stay compact and hit on the counter, while Manly’s attacking quality could prove the difference.

UNSW FC v Sydney University SFC

12pm, Saturday 23 May – The Village Green

UNSW FC face a strong test when they host Sydney University in a clash between the students at The Village Green.

UNSW have been one of the competition’s standout teams this season, remaining unbeaten deep into the campaign and building their success on a strong defensive structure and attacking depth.

Sydney University have shown they can trouble quality opposition despite an inconsistent season. While results have fluctuated, the students have still produced competitive performances and will see this as an opportunity to claim a statement result against one of the league leaders.

Northern Tigers v Bulls FC Academy

6:30pm, Saturday 23 May – NTRA

At NTRA on Saturday evening the Northern Tigers take on Bulls FC Academy in a massive fixture for both sides.

The Tigers have been difficult to beat at North Turramurra this season, while reigning champions Bulls continue to show why they remain one of the competition’s benchmark teams.

Bulls FC Academy enter the clash with strong attacking depth and big-game experience, led by key players such as Tamires Souza and Petria Phillips. Their ability to control matches in midfield and punish defensive lapses has been a major feature again in 2026.

Northern Tigers, however, have proven they can match top sides on their day and will back themselves at home, especially with an in form Ellie Head. Expect a physical and competitive contest, with the Bulls slight favourites given their consistency and strong recent record in this matchup.

Illawarra Stingrays v Hills United FC

3pm, Sunday 24 May – Lakelands Oval

The Illawarra Stingrays return down the south coast to Lakelands Oval to host Hills United.

After last week’s heavy defeat to APIA Leichhardt, the Stingrays will be keen to bounce back this weekend. They should enter this fixture with some new recruits which will add quality and depth to their side.

Hills sits mid-table on the competition ladder, an excellent achievement so far in their first year up in the top tier. Only one loss in their last four and they are one of the competitions form teams, looking to build on that and continue their climb up the ladder.

Gladesville Ravens v Sydney Olympic

3:10pm, Sunday 24 May – Christie Park

They Gladesville Ravens take on Sydney Olympic at Christie Park on Sunday afternoon in a must win game for both sides.

Level on points and sitting in 9th and 10th, this could be the last opportunity for these two teams to stay near finals football positions.

After back-to-back wins, the Ravens slumped to a surprise defeat against Hills United last week, setting them back after all the hard work they’d done in the previous two weeks.

Inconsistency has killed Olympic so far this year and just when you expect them to push on, they trip over. This will be an important game for them to score consecutive wins in.

WSW v APIA Leichhardt FC

5pm, Sunday 24 May – Wanderers Football Park

Western Sydney Wanderers FC face one of their toughest tests of the season when they host APIA Leichhardt FC in the NPL NSW Women’s competition.

The Wanderers have been among the league’s most consistent sides in 2026, but APIA arrive as genuine title contenders with one of the strongest attacking records in the competition.

APIA looked on song last weekend, their potent attack down both wings and the quality of Sophie Hoban in the front third were impressive. If they put in a disciplined performance like last weekend, they will be tough to beat.

It was a shock result last weekend with the Wanderers going down to Sydney University, their first defeat of the season. How they bounce back will be a test of their character now and a testament of their Premiership credentials.

This shapes as one of the round’s marquee fixtures, with both sides expected to play attacking football. APIA may enter as slight favourites based on recent form, but the Wanderers’ home advantage ensures this should be a close and entertaining contest.

Western City Rangers v Macarthur Rams

5pm, Sunday 24 May – Popondetta Park

Western City Rangers host Macarthur Rams in a crucial clash between two sides looking to climb away from the lower end of the ladder.

Both teams have shown flashes of quality this season but have struggled to turn competitive performances into consistent results.

The Rangers will hope home advantage can help spark an improved display, particularly after several narrow defeats.

Macarthur Rams, meanwhile, have picked up form of late and created serious problems for quality opposition. Last week’s last gasp victory will give them much needed confidence moving forward.

– By Nikola Pozder