Round 8 action in the NPL NSW Women’s competition kicks off on Anzac Day this week!
Sydney Olympic v Manly United
We kick off round eight with an Anzac Day special at Belmore Sports Ground on Thursday as Sydney Olympic host Manly United.
Just one loss for the home side so far this campaign has them sitting in third place on the ladder and well in the fight for the premiership.
They got the job done on Sunday in a difficult clash away against Bankstown.
United have had a slow start to the season but came out to play on Monday, beating the undefeated Illawarra Stingrays.
A win for Chris Williams’ girls will have them just outside the top five.
It’s only a three-day turn around for both teams so it could be a telling factor.
Blacktown Spartans v Illawarra Stingrays
At Blacktown Football Park on Sunday, Blacktown Spartans host the Illawarra Stingrays.
Despite sitting in seventh place, the Spartans are one of the form teams in the competition.
On a four-game undefeated run, Blacktown will fancy their chances against the Stingrays.
Illawarra registered their first loss of the season on Monday afternoon.
The loss saw them drop from first to fourth on the ladder and Scott Chipperfield will be looking for an immediate response.
Football NSW Institute v Emerging Jets
The two youngest sides of the competition collide at Valentine Sports park on Sunday afternoon as the Football NSW Institute host the Emerging Jets.
Two straight losses for the Institute are far from what Leah Blayney expects from her young side.
A defeat could see them drop out of the top five for the first time this season.
The Jets have been competitive this season and showed that Sunday, pushing the Northern Tigers all the way.
Northern Tigers v Sydney University
North Turramurra Recreational Area will host the Northern Tigers and Sydney University.
Well. Who would’ve guessed the Northern Tigers would be leading the competition at the end of April?
It’s been a fine start to the season for the Tigers and they’ll look to continue their form in what will be a stern test on Sunday.
Alex Epakis would’ve left the ground of Sydney Uni on Sunday with mixed feelings, first seeing his team come from behind, only to have to settle for a draw with the last kick of the game.
A win will lift Uni into top place and above the Tigers on the competition ladder.
North Shore Mariners v NWS Koalas
It’s derby day at Northbridge Oval on Sunday as the North Shore Mariners face off with the north West Sydney Koalas.
Finally! It took seven games but Gab Marzano’s winner was well worth the wait on Monday for the Mariners.
The Mariners can only build from that result and the Koalas will be a perfect starting place.
Four games without a win has seen the Koalas slip out of the top five.
Two games without a goal in that run points to troubles in front of goal as a potential problem.
Macarthur Rams v Bankstown City
The Macarthur Rams and Bankstown City clash at Lynwood Park on Sunday.
When you count them out, they bite back twice as hard.
Despite a range of injuries and issues this season, they keep battling away and Norm Boardman’s team are currently in eighth place, just outside the five.
Bankstown are currently 10th but gave a fine account of themselves on Sunday.
Vesna Milivojevic is definitely one to watch for the red and black and she could well lead her team to victory in this one.
By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s Writer