Things are heating up as the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Women’s Premiership continues to heat up.
It looks as though it will be a battle between the first four but whoever has been following this competition knows that anything is possible.
Manly United V Emerging jets
At Cromer Park in the first game of the afternoon, Manly United host the Emerging Jets.
The Jets picked up a valuable three points last week, defeating the Football NSW Institute.
The win lifted the young squad off the bottom of the ladder and they’ll look to keep it this way with a positive score on the weekend.
In front of them though is a team who has been fantastic over the last two months, not losing in seven games and throwing themselves right back into finals contention.
With only five games left of the season, United know that any dropped points could cost them their place in the finals.
This young team has grown and their experience has increased as the season has worn on
Manly came away with a 2-0 win when the sides met in their first fixture.
Football NSW Institute V Illawarra Stingrays
At Valentine Sports Park on Sunday afternoon, the Football NSW Institute takes on the Illawarra Stingrays.
After last week’s defeat, the Institute slumped to bottom place on the competition ladder.
The side has the capabilities to create problems for the best teams in the competition and could do so come the weekend.
For the Stingrays, three games without defeat means that they are back challenging for the Premiership.
Having a catch-up on Friday against table toppers Koalas, they’ll need to back up on Sunday.
Two wins could see them move to the top of the table.
It was a seven-goal thriller between the two last time, with the Rays coming away with a 4-3 win.
Blacktown Spartans V Sydney University
Also on Sunday, the Blacktown Spartans host Sydney University in a must win for both teams.
The Spartans secured a surprise win when they took on Uni last time and they’ll need to do that again on Sunday.
Having slipped away from finals places with only one win in seven, Paul Costantini knows the value of this one.
As for Uni, Heather Garriock would’ve been seething after last week’s loss having played some good football.
The Champions have dropped to fourth place but are still in with a shout of winning the Premiership.
As mentioned earlier, the Spartans took the points in a dominant 5-2 victory.
Marconi Stallions V North West Sydney Koalas
Marconi Stadium will be the venue for the Marconi Stallions verse North West Sydney Koalas clash.
The inform team in the competition finds themselves in third place on the ladder, just two points off first place.
Six wins and one draw in seven has seen Stephen Neligan’s team enforce themselves as one of the league’s heavyweights.
Stephen Peters’ team is in first place and they have reinforced their fantastic form from as far back as preseason.
With a couple games in hand, albeit against Uni and the Stingrays, they’re in pole position to take out the Premiership.
The Koalas were the last team to defeat the Stallions back in round five when they came away with a 3-1 win.
North Shore Mariners V Macarthur Rams
The North Shore Mariners take their home game against the Macarthur Rams to Valentine Sports Park.
A win is imperative for the home side on Sunday to stay in touch with a finals place.
Last weekend’s defeat did not help their case and improvements are needed immediately.
The Rams finally snapped their losing streak on Sunday with a comprehensive win over the Spartans.
Leena Khamis was the star, scoring all four goals and along with captain Renee Rollason will be important for the Rams.
In round five it was the Mariners that came away with the points with a tight 1-0 win.
Round 13 Review – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s
A new contender has joined the battle for the Premiership in the PlayStation 4 NSW NPL Women’s competition.
With only five rounds left, seven points is all that separates first place down to seventh in what is one of tightest ever seasons.
Sydney University 2-3 Marconi Stallions
It was a thriller at Sydney University Football Ground on Sunday afternoon as Sydney University and the Marconi Stallions played out a five-goal thriller.
The Stallions went into the break two goals to the good but were pegged back in the second half before Helen Petinos popped up with the winner late in the game.
It was the home side who would threaten first though as Evelyn Chronis had a golden chance to open the scoring.
A deflected shot saw the ball fall into her path just outside the six-yard box but her rushed effort sailed over the bar.
The home side continued their forays forward as the Stallions struggled to cope with the confident start.
Stephanie Ambrose was next to try her luck with a volley outside the box but it went just over.
The Stallions were struggling to keep hold of the ball and didn’t have their first attempt on goal until almost the 20th minute through Ashlie Crofts.
The Stallions started to slowly get into the game as Heidi Makrillos tested the Uni keeper with a speculative shot from distance.
It was Makrillos who would open the scoring for the Stallions though five minutes before the break.
A neat cut back by Joey burgess on the edge of the area found the Stallions marksman who calmly placed the ball into the top left corner of the Uni goal.
In the 44th minute it was 2-0 to the away side.
Crofts made a fantastic run down the right wing, crossing in for Makrillos who thundered the ball into the back of the net with a sweat volley to grab her second of the afternoon.
Despite not playing their best football, Stephen Neligan’s side didn’t mind, going into the break two goals to the good.
Uni started the second half much like the first, pressing high on the Stallions defence.
They had their reward six minutes after the restart.
A deflected shot by Georgia Yeoman-Dale after some neat build up play saw Chronis steal in and calmly slot the ball into the back of the net against her former club.
Only two minutes later and Uni should’ve equalised.
A fantastic headed flick on by captain Elizabeth Grey allowed Yeoman-Dale to break through into the box.
She seemed odds on to score but didn’t connect well enough with the ball as Renee Krstanovska made a great save before the Stallions defence cleared.
Less than a minute later and Krstanovska was beaten.
A nice turn and ball out wide to the left by Yeoman-Dale found Georgia Plessas who took a touch before powering a ball toward goal.
Krstanovska saved well again only for Yeoman-Dale to finish the move she started, running onto the ball and volleying home for the equaliser.
The Stallions keeper was working over time and did well to save from a Chronis shot shortly after.
All the momentum was with Uni as they looked to hit the lead.
A stubborn Marconi defence and goalkeeper wouldn’t be beaten again though and would get their reward with just over 15 minutes remaining.
A ball to the far post found Joe Burgess who held off two defenders before laying the ball off for Petinos.
The Stallions star didn’t think twice and sent her first time shot from the edge of the area into the top corner.
Uni almost had an equaliser four minutes later but some last ditch defending saw the ball get cleared off the line following a corner.
The home side was pushing hard to find the leveller and again Yeoman-Dale should’ve had it with five minutes remaining.
A ball to the far post found Yeoman-Dale all alone but her header could only find the cross bar before Clare Woods’ follow up was saved by Krstanovska.
It was the last chance the home side would get as they ran out of time.
The win has thrown the Stallions into second place and right in the mix for premiership glory, while Heather Garriock will find positives in her side’s performance despite the result and hope to get them back to the top of the league.
Sydney University 2 (Chronis 51’, Yeoman-Dale 54’)
Marconi Stallions 3 (Makrillos 40’, 44’, Petinos 73’)
Macarthur Rams 4-0 Blacktown Spartans
At Lynwood Park on Sunday, it was a must win match for both the Macarthur Rams and Blacktown Spartans to stay within touching distance of fourth place.
It was the home side though that recorded the all-important three points, coming away with a commanding 4-0 victory.
The experienced Leena Khamis was the hero as she scored two goals in each half to grab all four goals for the Rams.
The Rams have advanced up the ladder but still sit just outside the four, while for the Spartans, it’ll be a mountain to climb to make finals football.
North West Sydney Koalas 1-1 Manly United
The two form teams of the competition clashed at ELS Hall Park as the North West Sydney Koalas welcomed Manly United.
United have bolted up the ladder and were on a six-match unbeaten run heading into this clash.
Similarly, the Koalas were five unbeaten and sitting in first place on the ladder.
It was the away side that would hit the front though in the first half, courtesy of a Claudia Cholakian strike.
Stephen Peters’ side aren’t at the top of the table for no reason and managed to find an equaliser through Tara Andrews.
The draw sees the Koalas retain top spot while United continue their fight for finals football.
Emerging Jets 2-1 Football NSW Institute
It was the clash of the academies at Lake Macquarie Football Centre on Sunday as the Emerging Jets took on the Football NSW Institute,
With the Jets in 10th and the Institute in ninth, the home side knew that a victory would see them jump the Institute.
It was the Jets that came away with all three points on Sunday though, claiming a valuable 2-1 victory that saw them overtake their opponents on the ladder.
Illawarra Stingrays 1-0 North Shore Mariners
It was a battle of two teams well in the finals fight as the Illawarra Stingrays hosted the North Shore Mariners.
Victory was imperative for both teams as the Stingrays wanted to stay in the fight for the Premiership while the Mariners needed points as they looked to sneak into fourth place.
Youngster and promising Jordan Baker was the difference in this one as the talented Stingrays attacker capitalised on a well-deserved goal.
Her strike was enough to give the south coast based side all three points and move them into second place on the ladder.
-by Nikola Pozder, PlayStation®National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Reporter
Round 13 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s
It’s round 13 of the PlayStation 4 NSW NPL Women’s competition and the table was only closer after round one.
With only five rounds remaining, the competition can go any way with fierce battle for both the Premiership and finals football taking shape.
Emerging Jets v Football NSW Institute
It’s the battle of the academies at Lake Macquarie Football Facility in the mid-week clash between the Emerging Jets and Football NSW Institute.
Both teams have pride to play for and of course, bragging rights.
The Institute are in a slightly better position than the Jets, sitting one place ahead of them on the ladder.
Princess Ibini-Isei is obviously an important player for the blues and she could be the difference.
For the Jets, a victory would see them leap frog their rivals and it will be the extra incentive they need.
They have been unlucky in many games this season and will look to turn it around.
It was the Institute that came away with the points last time in a seven –goal thriller, winning 4-3.
North West Sydney Koalas v Manly United
It’s new table toppers North West Sydney Koalas taking on giant killers Manly United at ELS Hall Park.
The Koalas emerged as the new competition leaders last week after a tight victory over the Emerging Jets.
For the Koalas, it is four wins on the bounce and points here will be imperative to stay ahead of the chasing Uni.
United though are on fire and it’s a question of who can stop them?
Undefeated in six, the Northern Beaches side have thrown themselves right into finals contention after many wrote them off earlier in the season.
Playing some flowing attacking football, with the hungry and inspired Remy Siemsen leading the line, Manly cannot slip up here as they look to force themselves into fourth spot.
Having knocked Sydney Uni off their perch last week, it could be the Koalas’ turn this round.
The Koalas came away with the three points last time in a tough battle, winning 2-1.
Illawarra Stingrays v North Shore Mariners
JJ Kelly Park will see an important fixture take place between the Illawarra Stingrays and North Shore Mariners.
To stay in contention for in the Premiership battle, Illawarra must win on Sunday afternoon.
Two wins and two losses in their last four outings have seen the Stingrays slightly drop off the leaders pace.
The Mariners are only a point off fourth place but a victory on Sunday will see them over take their opponents and potentially move into third place.
After a massive dip in form mid season, the Mariners are three games without defeat now and are peaking at the right time,
The two couldn’t be separated last time they met, drawing 3-3 in a thrilling match.
Macarthur Rams v Blacktown Spartans
Lynwood Park will host the fixture between the Macarthur Rams and the Blacktown Spartans.
Macarthur have dropped to seventh place on the ladder and are in danger of missing out on finals football.
Four games without a win and Norm Boardman needs his girls and captain Renee Rollason to turn things around immediately.
The Spartans are in a similar boat to the Rams but one point further adrift.
If Paul Costantini’s team can’t record three points on Sunday, it could may well be the end of their finals aspirations.
It was one-way traffic the last time they played each other, with the Rams running away comfortable 4-1 victors.
Sydney University v Marconi Stallions
Sydney University will welcome the Marconi Stallions to Sydney University Football Ground.
Sydney University have dropped points only three times this season, once against Marconi.
Having lost last week and losing top place at the same time, Heather Garriock would not have been happy with her team’s performance.
They lacked the conviction that has made them the force they are last week and they’ll need that back if they are to continue their fight with the Koalas.
Steven Neligan’s team is one of the form teams in the competition at the moment and find themselves in fourth place.
With their games in hand and with a victory here, the Stallions could be surprise Premiership contenders.
They’ve turned the tables and won five games in a row now.
When they met last time, they couldn’t be separated and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
Round 12 Review – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s
A new leader has emerged at the top of the PlayStation 4 NSW NPL competition as the whole league hots up.
It is the closest season in years with so little points separating so many teams with the season slowly coming to a close.
Manly United 2-1 Sydney University
On fire and in-form Manly United welcomed Sydney University to Cromer Park in a massive match in round 12.
Having fallen many times in the second half of games earlier this season, United showed their maturity and coming of age in this competition, coming from behind and taking all three points against the Premiership favourites.
It only took the Champions six minutes to hit the front though.
Emma Stanbury was the culprit, scoring a spectacular goal direct from the corner as the United keeper misjudged the flight of the ball.
The home side recovered well and in the 13th minute, the ever-dangerous Remy Siemsen chased down what seemed a nothing ball.
Trudy Burke’s missed clearance allowed the speedy striker to win the ball and shoot toward goal, only for her effort to go just wide.
Full of running, Siemsen again chased down a long ball in the 17th minute, this time one on one with Burke she tried placing the ball around her, only for her shot to lack conviction and go wide.
The home side continued to push and seemed as though they were getting closer to an equaliser.
From another set piece, Uni should’ve scored in the 25th minute.
Following a corner, United couldn’t clear the ball as it fell to Evelyn Chronis, but the Uni attacker sent her volley high over the bar.
It was a real tactical battle with both sides struggling to break down each others strong defences as they went into the break.
The away side had the first chance of the second half as Stanbury stepped up to a free kick just outside the area.
She opted to surprise the United defence and cross the ball but no team mates could get onto the end of it.
Then in the 54th minute Siemsen had her reward.
A fantastic flick on header by Claudia Cholakian found the feet of the nippy striker as she hit the ball on the half volley into the top left corner of the goal.
Siemsen was proving a real headache for the Uni defence and almost had her second after some great individual play, only for her shot to lack power.
It seemed the away side was struggling to play their free-flowing attacking football, giving up possession on too many occasions.
With the clock ticking and only seven minutes left, Courtney Holmwood seemed to have been brought down in the box, only for the referee to wave play on.
With five minutes remaining though, the home side would hit the winner.
Jessie Wharepouri crossed in a teasing ball onto which Isabella Walker got a glancing header to as the ball went beyond Burke and into the back of the net.
Stephanie Ambrose had one last chance for the away side but her free kick didn’t trouble United.
Manly United 2 (Siemsen 54’, Walker 85’)
Sydney University 1 (Stanbury 6’)
North West Sydney Koalas 2-1 Emerging Jets
At ELS Hall Park on Sunday in the early kick off, the North West Sydney Koalas welcomed the Emerging Jets.
It was never going to be easy for the Koalas as they moved into the break up by the odd-goal thanks to a Rachel Perrins strike.
Siahn Bozanic then made it two for the home side before Lucy Kell made for a nervy finish with a goal for the Jets.
It was a magnificent result for the Koalas as they shot to first place on the ladder as Stephen Peters’ side are now in the driving seat to claim the Premiership.
Marconi Stallions 2-1 Macarthur Rams
It was a clash of old rivals at Marconi Stadium as the Marconi Stallions hosted the Macarthur Rams in a crunch match.
Alesha Clifford opened the scoring for Stephen Neligan’s side with a special goal from distance before Ashlie Crofts missed a good chance to double the home sides lead.
Crofts made up for her earlier miss though and made it 2-0 for the Stallions with a neat finish from a cross.
The Rams would not lay down though and hit back mid-way through the half as Lauren Ralston did well to head home and half the deficit.
It should’ve been curtains with about 10 to go but Heidi Makrillos missed a spot kick which would’ve put the Stallions 3-1 up.
The fantastic momentum the Stallions are on now sees them go five without defeat and into fourth place with a couple games in hand.
Blacktown Spartans 2-3 Illawarra Stingrays
It was going to be a big match at Blacktown Football Park as the Blacktown Spartans took on the Illawarra Stingrays.
The two couldn’t be separated at the break, going in to the sheds locked at 1-1.
Amy Dah Dah found the back of the net for the home side while it was veteran and captain Michelle Carney for the Stingrays.
The second half was no different to the first but it was the Stingrays that held firm and came away with a colossal three points.
Sophie Hancock was the hero for the travelling girls, scoring a brace in the second half as the Stingrays won 3-2.
Samantha Nagy found the back of the net for the Spartans in the second period.
The win keeps the Stingrays in the hunt for Premiership glory, with some work to do to catch the leaders.
North Shore Mariners 3-3 Football NSW Institute
In a late change, the North Shore Mariners took their home game to Valentine Sports Park as they took on the Football NSW Institute.
This one was a see soaring battle that could’ve went either way and it was the Institute that went into the break 2-1 to the good.
The Mariners picked up the pace in the second half but had to settle for a 3-3 draw and a share of the points.
For the Mariners Hannah Brewer picked up a brace while Daisy Arrowsmith scored the other.
Three different scorers for the Institute saw Panayiota Petratos, Eliza Ammendolia and Eleni Bradley all hit the back of the net.
The result sees the Mariners drop out of the top four, something they’ll need to rectify quickly with the season moving into its final stages.
-by Nikola Pozder, PlayStation®National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Reporter
Round 12 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s
It’s really hotting up in the PlayStation4 NSW NPL Women’s competition with only three points between third to eighth place.
North West Sydney Koalas V Emerging Jets
At ELS Hall Park, it will be the second placed North West Sydney Koalas to take on bottom placed Emerging Jets.
The Koalas got another week off due to torrential rain on Sunday and meant they had further time to prepare for the Jets.
That’s two games in hand for the Koalas meaning they will be busy in the close season and three points here would be fantastic as they continue their battle for the Premiership.
The Jets have been battling hard and have had significant improvements over recent weeks.
The Koalas snuck past the last time they met with a close 2-1 victory, a tight match will be on the cards this time too.
Blacktown Spartans V Illawarra Stingrays
It’s seventh verse third at Blacktown Football Park as the Blacktown Spartans host the Illawarra Stingrays.
It was a first win in five for the Spartans on Sunday and Paul Costantini would’ve been a relieved man.
With some experienced personnel set to return to Blacktown in the coming rounds, the Spartans will be hoping to make a hard run in to the finals.
Two straight losses along with two wash outs means the Stingrays aren’t the happiest campers at the moment.
They’ve ever slightly dropped off the pace of the leading two but they are by no means out of the title race.
Defeat here could mean otherwise though.
It was an explosive 15-minute period the last time these two clashed as the scores were locked at 2-2.
Marconi Stallions V Macarthur Rams
At Marconi Stadium, the sixth placed Marconi Stallions face the fifth placed Macarthur Rams.
Stephen Neligan’s side are one of the in form teams of the competition and are flying toward finals football, peaking at the right time.
A win here will inch them ever closer to fourth place and with the likes of Helen Petinos in the team, anything is possible.
The Rams gave a fantastic account of themselves in dreadful conditions on Sunday afternoon.
Captain Renee Rollason will lead her team out as they look to move back into the top four where they have been for most of the season.
It was victory for the Rams in round three but only by the slightest margin, 2-1, making this one too close to call.
North Shore Mariners V Football NSW Institute
Northbridge Oval will see the fourth placed North Shore Mariners host the ninth placed Football NSW Institute.
After some poor form, two straight wins are exactly what the doctor ordered for the Mariners.
The wins have seen them jump into fourth place on the ladder and points are imperative as they look to hold onto their position.
Only one win in 11 games for the Institute but don’t count them out.
They love to score and it could be something that causes the Mariners some problems on Sunday.
Goals were the tale of the tape the first time these met as the three points went the way of the Mariners in a seven goal thriller, winning 4-3.
Manly United V Sydney University
Cromer Park will see the clash between a resurgent, eighth placed Manly united and first placed Sydney Uni.
After a ‘slow’ start to the season, United was constantly threatening to explode and pick up some form.
Five games on, they now see themselves only three points out of finals football.
They were unlucky last week against the Rams but with such danger players as Remy Siemsen, Sarah Yatim and Ally Green to name a few, Uni will need to be aware.
Heather Garriock wasn’t happy on Sunday afternoon as her team’s game was washed out just hours before kick off.
They still sit in first place on the ladder as a Premiership looms for them.
They have quality all over the park and play some fantastic football making them one of the best in the competition.
The points went the way of Uni when they met in round three, coming away with a 2-0 victory.
-By Nikola Pozder