Round 17 Preview – NPL Women’s NSW

UNSW FC could take a major leap toward securing the Premiership ahead of round 17 action while teams in finals positions could go even closer to cementing their spot in finals football.

NWS Spirit FC v Northern Tigers

3pm, Saturday 27 June, Christie Park

It’s back-to-back derby games for NWS Spirit and the Northern Tigers on Saturday afternoon at Christie Park.

Spirits run of undefeated game stretches to four now after being held by the Bulls FC Academy. A late goal denied them recording their fourth straight win but the form of Skye Halmarick and Ella Abdul Massih could pose a real danger to the Tigers.

The Tigers’ finals hopes suffered a serious blow last week as they weren’t able to defeat Manly United. They are 11 points away from fourth place with 10 games to go and cannot afford to drop any more points.

Bulls FC Academy v UNSW FC

2:50pm, Sunday 28 June, Northbridge Oval

Sunday action kicks off with a top of the table blockbuster at Northbridge Oval as second placed Bulls FC Academy host UNSW FC.

The Bulls dropped five points behind their opponents after last weekend’s draw but will take confidence from it having scored via captain Liz Grey in the dying stages of the game.

A defeat for the Bulls could be the end of the Premiership hopes and a giant leap toward silverware for UNSW FC.

UNSW faced a difficult trip down south last weekend and came away with the points. This is another tough away game, and they know how important three points could be for them.

Macarthur Rams v Western Sydney Wanderers

3pm, Sunday 28 June, Lynwood Stadium

The Western Sydney Wanderers travel to Lynwood Stadium on Sunday to take on the Macarthur Rams.

After a string of positive results for the Rams, they have now gone three games without a victory and stopped their climb up the ladder. A win could lift them a couple spots up the ladder and begin their rise again but they will have to do it without their influential midfielders Marcella Santos who could be out for an extended period following an unfortunate injury last weekend.

The Wanderers showed character last weekend, coming from behind to steal the win against Hills United. Alyssa Ng Saad was the star of the show, scoring an 18 minute hat-trick either side of the break and will be important for the visitors once more.

Illawarra Stingrays v Gladesville Ravens

3pm, Sunday 28 June, The Pond

At The Pond on Sunday afternoon, the Illawarra Stingrays host the Gladesville Ravens.

It was an improved performance against the league leaders by the Stingrays last weekend but aside from being competitive, weren’t able to get anything from the game. Nine games without a victory, this could be the day to snap that streak.

Manly United v APIA Leichhardt

5pm, Sunday 28 June, Cromer Park

Manly United are at home again on Sunday as APIA Leichhardt come to town.

The home side need a win here and will feel hard done by after last weekend’s draw away at the Tigers. Finals are getting away from them but this could be their last chance considering APIA sit in fourth place.

APIA seems to have found their form again, three victories in a row and they have created a gap with the chasing pack. Another win here in a not so easy away trip and they will be more or less eliminate a team from finals contention.

Sydney University v Western City Rangers

5pm, Sunday 28 June, Sydney Uni Football Ground

At Sydney Uni Football Ground, Sydney University will take on the Western City Rangers.

Sydney Uni were right in the fight for finals football but have dropped off the pace in recent weeks. Five games without a win has set them back and they will see this game against a struggling Rangers the perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways.

The Rangers are bottom of the table now and things don’t get much easier with a trip to Sydney Uni. This will be a tough task but one they need to be up for if they are to come away with anything.

Hills United v Sydney Olympic

5:30pm, Sunday 28 June, VSP

The final game of the round takes us to VSP as Hills United host Sydney Olympic.

Hills has lead in their last two consecutive games but haven’t been able to hold out, losing both against strong opponents. This will be another test for them against a dangerous attacking side.

Olympic scored their first win after going three games without a victory last weekend. They have shown throughout this season that they have significant attacking power, in particular through Morgan Witz and that they can beat anyone on their day.

– By Nikola Pozder