Round 13 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW
Big clashes loom as Round 13 of the NPL Women’s NSW competition rolls into town kicking off this Saturday with a whole host of matches on Sunday including our Match of the Round at Cromer Park between Manly United v Sydney University SFC.
Let’s check out this week’s preview.
NWS Spirit FC v Gladesville Ravens
3pm, Saturday 30 May – Christie Park
The first game of the round takes place at Christie Park as NWS Spirit FC host the Gladesville Ravens in the local derby.
Spirit have shown improvement in recent games, been more competitive and even took the lead against Manly United last weekend. They themselves will feel the progress and may take confidence from that into this fixture.
After two massive wins in a row, the Ravens have not lost back to back games, including a 5-1 humbling last weekend against Olympic. They have a squad who has much more quality than their league position suggests but are well off the pace at the moment.
Bulls FC Academy v Western City Rangers
2:40pm, Sunday 31 May – Northbridge Oval
On Sunday, the action kicks off from Northbridge Oval as Bulls FC Academy take on the Western City Rangers.
It seems the Bulls have not made too much noise this season and have perhaps even gone under the radar somewhat, sitting in second place after last week’s results. This is a game they will expect to win and keep the pressure on UNSW FC.
Rangers sit second bottom currently and have found this campaign much tougher than their return season last year. They have lost four in a row but have been competitive and on their day can prove a handful.
Macarthur Rams v Illawarra Stingrays
3pm, Sunday 31 May – Lynwood Park
The Macarthur Rams host the Illawarra Stingrays on Sunday afternoon at Lynwood Park.
The Rams have climbed to 10th on the ladder with back to back wins for the first time this season. They will look to continue this rise up the ladder and try and claw themselves into a top 4 conversation.
It has been a difficult campaign for the Stingrays so far but they bounced back with a point and clean sheet against Hills after that 5-1 defeat to APIA the week before. There could be heavy legs though, with the Stingrays playing a Sapphire Cup game mid-week.
APIA Leichhardt FC v Northern Tigers
4:50pm, Sunday 31 May – Lambert Park
On Sunday evening, APIA Leichardt are back at Lambert Park as they take on the Northern Tigers.
Only one victory in their last five has seen APIA drop from first place on the ladder down to fourth. The teams behind are beginning to close the gap and Brad Attard’s side cannot afford to drop points to allow that difference to get even closer.
It has been an inconsistent season for the Tigers. A team that can beat the best in the competition but one that can also slip when least expected. This will be a true test of their quality and perhaps their last opportunity to continue their finals fight.
Manly United V Sydney University SFC
5pm, Sunday 31 May – Cromer Park
A massive clash at Cromer Park awaits on Sunday evening as Manly United take on Sydney University.
Three games without defeat and it seems as though United are starting to gather momentum. A key game for them to stay within touching distance of finals football and continue this good form they find themselves in.
Sydney University are just one victory outside of the top four and are one of the competitions form sides. Never an easy away trip but to start to reel those ahead of them, they cannot afford to drop points in this one.
Hills United v UNSW FC
5:30pm, Sunday 31 May – VSP
Hills United welcome the league leaders UNSW FC to Valentine Sports Park on Sunday night.
Hills have only lost once in their last five outings and have seen a significant improvement of form. They have grown accustomed to the standards and quality of the league and found their feet well.
UNSW FC continues to be the team to beat in the competition, sitting first and still undefeated after 12 rounds of football. They were given a mighty scare on the weekend and will be aware to the dangers Hills may pose.
Sydney Olympic v WSW
5:40pm, Sunday 31 May – The Crest
At The Crest in the final game of the round on Sunday night, Sydney Olympic take on the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Olympic have shown Premiership credentials this campaign but have also shown the ability to throw it all away. They have been dominant at home of late and this will be one of their toughest tasks at home this season.
Just as people thought the Wanderers season may start to drop, they respond with a massive win over APIA Leichhardt. This will be another difficult game for them but if they expect to continue to challenge UNSW, they need all three points here.
