Round 15 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW
The top four in the National Premier Leagues Women’s NSW competition could become increasingly clearer after this round of fixtures.
NWS Spirit v Western City Rangers
3pm, Saturday 13 June – Christie Park
The action kicks off on Saturday afternoon at Christie Park as NWS Spirit take on Western City Rangers.
After consecutive victories, NWS Spirit now have this weekend’s opponents firmly in their sights and, with a win, can overtake their closest rival. They have tightened up defensively, with Tiahna Robertson leading from between the sticks, while goals continue to come from across the attacking unit.
The Rangers gave a strong account of themselves on Sunday, pushing the league leaders to the brink but were unable to hold on for a point. Now 10 games without a win, they are in danger of slipping to the bottom of the ladder if they cannot avoid defeat here.
Macarthur Rams v Bulls FC Academy
3pm, Sunday 14 June – Lynwood Park
An intriguing clash awaits on Sunday at Lynwood Park as the Macarthur Rams host Bulls FC Academy.
After three straight wins, the Rams were finally held to a draw on Sunday afternoon against Manly United. Their improved form has seen them rise to 8th on the ladder, and a win here could lift them as high as sixth and keep their slim finals hopes alive.
It took a late goal from substitute Arna Hogarth-Scott to secure all three points for the Bulls on Sunday, keeping them just three points off top spot. This looms as a tricky test, but also a real opportunity to assess the Bulls’ Premiership credentials.
Illawarra Stingrays v Northern Tigers
3pm, Sunday 14 June – The Pond
The Illawarra Stingrays are at home at The Pond on Sunday as they take on the Northern Tigers.
It is not getting any easier for the Stingrays, who are now seven games without a victory. They pushed the Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday but were unable to hold on for a draw, succumbing to a devastating late goal.
The Tigers’ inconsistency continues, going down to the Gladesville Ravens by the odd goal last weekend. They have won just one of their last four matches, and their hopes of finals football could come to an end if they are unable to take three points on the coast.
Manly United v Sydney Olympic
5pm, Sunday 14 June – Cromer Park
At Cromer Park on Sunday evening, Manly United take on Sydney Olympic.
Manly’s finals hopes could slip away if they do not register a victory here. They started brightly last week but were forced to settle for a draw, leaving them eight points outside the finals places.
Sydney Olympic have suffered two straight losses, and just as they looked to be building momentum, it has come to an abrupt halt. They still possess the quality to trouble any side on their day and remain a dangerous opponent.
Sydney University v Gladesville Ravens
5pm, Sunday 14 June – Sydney Uni Football Ground
Sydney University take on the Gladesville Ravens on Sunday evening at Sydney Uni Football Ground.
The Students had the opportunity to jump into fourth place last weekend but were unable to capitalise, instead being surprisingly beaten at home by APIA Leichhardt. Their form has been solid overall, and they will be keen to return to winning ways on Sunday.
After three straight defeats, the Ravens stopped their losing streak courtesy of a last-minute winner from Laura Murtagh. They have the quality to be much higher up the ladder and will be eager to build momentum.
Western Sydney Wanderers v UNSW FC
5pm, Sunday 7 June – Wanderers Football Park
Wanderers Football Park will host a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday as Western Sydney Wanderers welcome UNSW FC.
The Wanderers could draw level with the league leaders if they are able to secure a win. Amelia Bennett was influential in midfield last weekend and could again be key in this clash.
UNSW FC found things tougher than expected against the Rangers last weekend, requiring a late winner. They may not be afforded the same margin for error here, with the Wanderers boasting significant attacking firepower.
Hills United v APIA Leichhardt
5:30pm, Sunday 14 June – Valentine Sports Park
Hills United take on APIA Leichhardt on Sunday evening in the final match of the round at Valentine Sports Park.
Three games without a win for Hills United has seen them slip to 11th on the ladder. They remain very difficult to break down, and that will be the first step if they are to take anything from this match.
It was a strong bounce-back performance from Brad Attard’s side last weekend, coming away with the points in a tough contest. Another difficult away trip awaits, but also an opportunity to further cement their finals position.
-By Nikola Pozder
