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Round 1 Review – NPL NSW Women’s

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What a way for the NPL Women’s NSW competition to kick off! There was plenty to see across the five live streamed games.

Football NSW Institute v Northern Tigers

It was the perfect start to the season for Leah Blayney’s side, coming away with all three points in their clash with the Northern Tigers at Valentine Sports Park.

The first goal of the game came after only eight minutes as Aideen Keane’s high press saw her disposes Servet Uzunlar and bare down on Eliza Campbell.

Her placed shot beat the keeper but rebounded off the post into the path of Bryleeh Henry who placed the ball into the back of the net.

The Tigers held most of the possession and tried to create something through Uzunlar on various occasions but the Young Institute side stood firm in defence.

For the home side, they sat deep and waited for their opportunity on the counter attack and looked to threaten Campbell on the break.

It took the Tigers less than a minute in the second half to find the equaliser as Daisy Arrowsmith crossed for Maddie Bart who headed well into the back of the net.

Gallagher seems to be ‘one to watch’ from the Institute this season and she continued to create issues for the Tigers left side in the second period.

AIdeen Keane should’ve had the Institute back in front in the 67th minute after a fine pass from Gallagher, only to get her bearing all wrong and shoot wide.

But right on 70 minutes it was 2-1 for the home side.

Scarlet Thomas received the ball on the edge of the box and found the top corner, giving an outstretched Campbell no chance.

With 10 minutes to go the Tigers should’ve been level once more.

Aimee Phillips got onto the end of a neat team move, moved in on Olivia Riddel but once again the Institute defence reacted well to avert the danger.

In the 86th minute Campbell kept the Tigers in the game with a fine save.

Some fine combination play from the home side had Keane in on goal but Campbell stuck a leg out to save.

Campbell showed safe hands a minute later, this time saving from Paris Kambouris.

The away side couldn’t create one final chance to find an equaliser as the depleted Institute recorded a excellent opening day win.

FNSW Institute 2 (Henry 7’, Thomas 70’)

Northern Tigers 1 (Bart 46’)

 

NWS Koalas 5 – 0 Emerging Jets

At Christie Park the North West Sydney Koalas faced off against the Emerging Jets.

Morgan Roberts had the Koalas in front seven minutes before half time, easing Jaime Gomez’s half time team talk.

As the second half wore on, the Jets began to tire as the home side took full advantage.

First Ariella Cabezas doubled the Koalas advantage with a neat finish after a good original save by Susanna Behne-Smith in the 78th minute.

Emma Stanbury made it three in the 83rd minute before another defensive blunder allowed Sophie Harding to make it 4-0 two minutes later.

Stanbury then had her second and the Koalas fifth from the penalty spot in the 90th minute to round off a 5-0 victory.

 

Sydney Olympic 5-2 Blacktown Spartans

They may be the new girls on the block but they sent warning signs across the competition, showing they won’t be push arounds.

It didn’t take long for Olympic to find their first goal in the top tier, courtesy of Panagiota Petratos.

Susan Phonsongkham soon doubled their advantage after a fine team move.

Sarah Yatim had her first goal in the Olympic blue, extending the lead to 3-0 just before half time.

Petratos then had her second just after the break, making it 4-0 for the home side.

And she completed her hat-trick with a fine shot into the bottom corner to have the home side cruising at 5-0.

Two late goals to the Spartans made the score 5-2.

 

Manly United 1-2 Macarthur Rams

It was always going to be a big game at Cromer Park as Manly United welcomed the champions Macarthur Rams.

And they kicked off the campaign in stunning style, with Rosie Galea scoring an absolute screamer after only four minutes.

On the half hour mark though, the home side was level after Claudia Cholakian rounded off a fine team move.

Both sides pushed hard for the winner and United thought they had it but the ball crashed off the cross bar.

In typical Rams fashion, they had the winner in the third minute of stoppage time.

And it was another stunning goal, this Time by Elizabeth Ralston as she found the top corner herself, an unlikely goal scorer.

 

Bankstown City 0-5 Sydney University 

Bankstown City hosted Sydney University to Jensen Park on Sunday afternoon.

It took until the half hour mark for the away side to hit the front and it was after some fine skill down the left by Julia Vignes who did it all herself, scoring a fine individual goal.

Cortnee Vine continued where she left off from last season, making it 2-0 from the spot.

Just before half time Julie-Ann Russel added a third for the away side.

Mackenzie Hawkesbury had Uni 4-0 up soon after half time, following up on a rebound.

They made it five mid-way through the second period as Nikki Flannery got herself on the scoresheet.

 

Illawarra Stingrays v North Shore Mariners – 13/03/19

-By NPL Women’s NSW writer Nikola Pozder

Round 1 Preview – NPL NSW Women’s

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The wait is finally over, the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s elite competition kicks off this weekend and do we have some quality matches for you!

Twelve teams, 6 games a week, all streamed LIVE with one game accompanied by commentary, what a step forward for the women’s game.

The teams have completed their long preseasons and are now ready to go to battle for the premiership and grand final, in what seems to be a season without an outright favourite.

Sydney Olympic 

O-LYM-PIC, O- LYM-PIC.

Welcome to the new girls on the block.

For coach George Beltsos it’s been a project getting Sydney Olympic to the women’s top tier over the years, spending almost a decade coaching at the club.

In previous seasons it’s almost become custom for the newly promoted team to find their way straight back into the second tier. Something Beltsos wants to change.

“We want to consolidate our spot in the NPL1 competition and then build as we go.”

To do this they haven’t wasted any time in their recruitment process, bringing the likes of Matilda Teresa Polias to wear the famous blue strip which in itself is a massive feat for the club.

Adding exciting youngsters like Susan Phonsongkham, Angelique Hristodoulou, Panagiota Petratos and goalkeeper of the year Jada Mathyssen-Whyman, the Olympic squad is looking like they will definitely leave their mark on the 2019 competition.

Dutch born striker Lieke De Bever, who took out the Player of the Year in 2018 in the NPL 2 NSW Women’s competition will hope the step up a division will only further her quality as a footballer.

One of the sour points leading into round 1 however has been the unfortunate knee injury to one of the club’s brightest sparks in Maddie Costanzo who has been ultimately ruled out for the season.

Beltsos says he team is raring to go ahead of kick off this week.

“We’re very excited, it’s a new challenge and we’re looking forward to the first game.”

 

Blacktown Spartans 

What to expect from the Blacktown Spartans?

With an average age of just 20, David Saliba will be hoping his team can mature quickly in what will be a competitive campaign.

Saliba has been given the opportunity to lead the first team after a successful stint with the Spartans Reserve Grade team last season, winning the grand final along the way.

Thus why the club has chosen to go down a slightly different path as technical director Stephen Peters explained.

“We want to promote and push through our young talent into the first team.”

“It’s an interesting and exciting time for the club as we aim to consolidate a mid-table position.”

Alix Roberts and Olivia Price have both resigned with Ash Crofts one to look out for.

Kristy Rohrer, Beth Gordon, Hannah Bourke and Keisha Allen have all been added to the team along with the return to the club of Tiana Barton and Anna Vassallo.

 

Manly United

After making four straight finals and winning one Championship, Manly United will definitely be one of the teams to beat this season.

Chris Williams leads the team again and for a coach like him self, he will be after the best results possible.

“Every season we’ve continued to improve and I won’t be expecting any less, my team’s always aim for the top.”

But it will be somewhat different this season at Cromer Park.

“We’re going through a transition phase at the club and some big changes”, Williams added.

They’ve managed to acquire the services of Hannah Peric and Bryany Parker from the North Shore Mariners as well as Emily Bastow and exciting talent from the WA NTC program Cheyenne Wise-Jarvis.

Sophie Nenadovic and Ruby Jackson will also be available this season after missing the last campaign through season-long injuries.

One of United’s best players will be there again in Ally Green, coming off a great W-League season and youngsters Emily Minnet and Jane Vanzino have been promoted to the first team from the reserves while look for a big year from pint-sized attacker Patricia Charalambous.

“I’m happy with the squad assembled, we’ll be a young, hungry team that will play the Manly United way.”

 

Northern Tigers 

The Northern Tigers are one of those that will look to improve on last season’s results and making their way up the ladder.

Squad depth may have been an issue last season for the Tigers and that is something club technical director Jason Eagar has needed to address.

“We’ve had some promising performances in in pre-season. The squad is gelling well and we now have a lot of depth across all positions in the 1st grade squad, along with a host of players keeping the first graders honest for their positions.”

They’ve been busy over the pre-season in terms of the player market too, bringing in the likes of New Zealand Ferns players Aimee Phillips and Malia Steinmetz.

Izzy Foletta has joined the club from Perth Glory while NPL stalwarts Maddie Bart and Daisy Arrowsmith will be welcome additions to the team.

Eagar believes his team will make a stir in this season’s competition.

“Our intent this season is to be very competitive and give ourselves the best chance to get a result in every fixture.”

“The players will be prepared and confident going into the season.”

“We’ll see what that lands us after 22 tough rounds of football.”

 

Bankstown City

It was a tough first season for Bankstown but they managed to keep their heads above water. Just.

Change was needed to insure results improve and that’s exactly what they’ve done, recruiting very well.

They brought in Spartans captain Diyana Cakovski along with Sydney University captain Stephanie Ambrose.

Exciting youngster Vesna Milivojevic has also signed as well as Candace Sciberras from the Western Sydney Wanderers.

Bankstown coach Troy Spinks is looking forward to the new season.

“The team looks ready and we’re excited to see what 2019 will bring for Bankstown City.”

As mentioned earlier, Bankstown saved their spot in the league by the smallest of margins and will now look to build on that.

“After consolidating our place in NPL1 last season, we want to really solidify our place in NPL1, it would be great to see Bankstown and our Red and Black in finals football this year.”

Spink knows who the favourites are for the 2019 season.

“It’s hard to go beyond Sydney Uni but many clubs have so many quality players like Illawarra, Macarthur and Manly.”

 

Sydney University 

Dominant. One of the best ways to describe Sydney University.

From the successful Heather Garriock era to the new beginning with one of the most perspective young coaches in Australian football, Alex Epakis.

Having won the club championship in record time last season, Epakis’ aim is to better that this season.

“The club championship is most important to Sydney Uni and to do what we did last season is remarkable. We want to at least match that this season and if premierships and championships can be added along the way, we’ll take it.”

There hasn’t been much player movement at Uni but Mackenzie Hawkesbury and Mel Caceres both return to their old stomping ground along with Teigen Collister and Julia Vignes, who both spent time in the W-League this season.

Aoife Colvill. And Sarah Morgan have also signed for Uni, having previously worked with Epakis at Canberra United.

The goalkeeping stocks have asp been shaken up with Cort Newbon and Chantelle Symes both coming in from the Instiute.

Nevertheless, his team’s average age is only 19, an amazing achievement for any senior football club.

“I’m very confident we’ll have a good season with the players we have.”

Epakis knows who will be his most dangerous opponents this season and it won’t be any different from previous campaigns.

“Definitely Macarthur Rams and Illawarra Stingrays will be challenging for the title.”

 

Macarthur Rams 

They took their time but they finally won the Championship after numerous stumbles at the final hurdle.

Captain Renee Rollason will line-up in the maroon once again and her targets are set in stone.

“We want to go back to back.”

“It won’t be easy though so making the finals is our main aim.”

They’ll need to do it without one of their leaders with Teresa Polias moving on.

“We’ll be fine. Obviously Teresa is an amazing footballer and person who we all have great friendships with but the Rams wish her all the best at Sydney Olympic.

They’ve managed to hold on to key players Kylie Ledbrook, Sham and Leena Khamis, Rosie Galea and Liz Ralston while adding Tash Prior and Nicola Orgill to their squad.

Last season’s success is something Rollason and her side will use to kick the new season off as best as possible.

“The title was a long time coming and we’re happy to have finished the season on top.”

“It’s given us confidence moving into the 2019 season.”

 

NWS Koalas 

Jaime Gomez knows what he needs to do to win titles and he’ll be hoping he can pass that onto his North West Sydney Koalas.

“We’ve had a good preseason and remained undefeated throughout.”

“Most importantly we’ve had no injuries and the squad is ready to go.”

The Koalas have kept most of their team from last season who made a late charge for finals football, losing only Panagiota Petratos to Sydney Olympic.

Key players like Chilean international goalkeeper Romina Parraguire Plaza, Nat Tobin and Princess Ibini-Isei will all line-up at the fantastic Christie Park complex.

They’ve also managed to add Sophie Harding from Manly, Tiana Jaber from the Mariners and Deborah-Anne De La Harpe from Sutherland.

After a slow start to the 2018 campaign, Gomez needs to make sure his team are ready for battle come Sunday.

“We need to start better than last season and build on from how we finished the season.”

“We just missed out on finals football and that’s definitely something we want to achieve this year along with a top three finish.”

 

Illawarra Stingrays 

Some big noises are coming from the South Coast with the Illawarra Stingrays.

First off, the announcement of former Socceroo Scott Chipperfield as the team’s new head coach, replacing ex-Canadian international Carmelina Moscato.

An amazing achievement from the Stingrays bringing a local hero home.

This was soon followed by the signings of experienced duo with former Sydney FC W-League keeper Trudy Burke and Eden Stoddard who returns to Australia after some time in the US.

With the Stingrays just missing out on the premiership and a grand final appearance last year, they’ll look to go a few steps better this campaign.

Talitha Kramer, Caitlin Cooper and Erica Halloway will all once again wear the pink with a local superstar also tipped to pull on the Stingrays jersey in 2019.

Chipperfield will look to install his football philosophy as soon as possible and with the quality his team possesses, we don’t think it will be a problem.

“I like to attack. Goals win games. We’ve got speed all over the park and we want to play a high tempo game.”

“I’m pretty happy with the team I’ve got, you need a bit of luck with injuries and so on but I’m happy with the squad.”

It won’t be easy for any team making the trip down to JJ Kelly Park this season and the Rays are definitely one of the teams to beat.

 

Football NSW Institute 

What a performance in 2018!

An incredible run saw Leah Blayney’s team finish the competition in fifth place and one game away from the Grand Final.

As has become custom, the new era of Institute superstars will need to step up this season with most of the team moving on to other clubs.

Building a new squad won’t be easy but the Institute have done it before and will need to do it again this season.

“Obviously it’s an opportunity for us to give game time to younger players in a very strong first grade competition”, said Blayney.

“Our goal is to provide more players for the Young Matilda’s and Matilda’s squad.”

Who will step up this season?

There’s a few names earmarked with the likes of Darcey Malone, Greta Kraszula, Margaux Chauvet and Jardan Jasnos some names hoping to make an impact this year.

 

North Shore Mariners  

What do we expect from the North Shore Mariners?

Every season they start their campaign like a house on fire…but then tale off as the season moves on.

Ryan Grogan takes the helm this season as he looks to make vast improvements to the sides seventh placed finish in 2018.

They’ve been busy in strengthening the side over the summer break.

Jasmin Maguire comes over from ACT champions Belconnen United and Camila Arentoft joins from Danish side IF Lyseng.

Katie Offer and Zoe Halpin both return for another season at the Bridge, while 17 year-old Gemma Gray will get her opportunity having worked her way through the club’s youth system.

The likes of Gabe Marzano, Hannah Brewer, Camilla Arentoft, Rochelle Johnson, Maddie Mirkovic and Jordan Evans have also joined the club.

They’re one of the major unknowns for the season ahead but the club is hoping to implement its own unique brand of football in achieving positive results.

 

Emerging Jets 

It hasn’t be easy for the Emerging Jets over the last few seasons.

Similarly to the Institute, every season they go through a whole revamp of their first grade squad.

This season will be no different as the Jets look to improve on their previous season’s results where they finished on the bottom of the ladder.

Head coach Ashley Wilson knows that her squad will learn week in week out playing against quality opposition but they too will possess some hidden gems that are hoping to knock on the Future Matildas door and beyond.

Look for some big performances from this duo, namely  Tessa Tamplin and Renee Pountney to catch the attention at the Jets.

 

ROUND 1 PREVIEW

We kick off the season with live stream and commentary from Valentine Sports Park on Sunday as Football NSW Institute welcome the Northern Tigers.

The Emerging Jets will travel to Christie Park as they face Jaime Gomez’s North West Sydney Koalas.

Fans at Cromer Park will be excited as Manly United face off against the champions Macarthur Rams.

The newly renovated Jensen Park will host its first competitive women’s game as Bankstown City faces a huge test as they host Sydney University.

Sydney Olympic will try and kick their season off in the best possible way when they take on Blacktown Spartans.

In a match rescheduled for next Wednesday, Scott Chipperfield’s Illawarra Stingrays take on the North Shore Mariners.

-By NPL NSW Women’s Chief writer – Nikola Pozder

Twitter handle – @NikolaPozder

 

2019 Competitions Declaration of Leagues

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At its meeting on 26 September 2018, the Football NSW Board considered the applications submitted by Football Associations, Clubs and Regional Branches (the Clubs) to participate in the men’s, women’s, boys’ and girls’ leagues conducted by Football NSW in the 2019 season.

The 2019 application process supported clubs to improve their governance and operations.

By meeting the requirements of the process, it helps to protect clubs, their players and other stakeholders.

The process allows Football NSW to continue to strengthen the administration of clubs competing in our competitions and identify areas where Football NSW can provide further support.

While the vast majority of clubs completed their requirements within the time frame provided, regrettably some clubs were unable to do so.

As a result, the prescribed sanctions, communicated to clubs in advance, were applied.  Those sanctions ranged from fines to the loss of Club Championship points.

Please find the attached circulars pertaining to the 2019 Declaration of Leagues for the following:

Declaration of Leagues for 2019 Season

 

Finals Week One – National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Review

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The National Premier League NSW Women’s competition entered into their first week of finals over the weekend, with Manly United FC being the first team to exit from the 2018 finals series

 

Illawarra Stingrays 2-2 (AET 3-3 Pens 1-3) Macarthur Rams

 

The Macarthur Rams lead twice in normal time but were pegged back both times by the Illawarra Stingrays to send the game to extra time.

Talitha Kramer then had the Rays headed for the major semi final before the experienced Renee Rollason turned on the style and assisted Kate Hensman for the equaliser.

Sham Khamis was the star in the shoot out though, saving two spot kicks to send the Rams to the next stage.

The first big chance of the game fell the way of the Rams as Georgia Yeoman-Dale hit a low shot just wide of the far post.

Blaize Kendis then went close in the 14th minute but Sham Khamis saved well.

Yeoman-Dale was back in again on 17 minutes and really should’ve scored but she could only hit the keeper.

10 minutes from half time the Rams were in front.

A great low ball in from Yeoman-Dale found Leena Khamis in the middle as the striker slid the ball into the back of the net.

12 minutes after the break the Stingrays threatened through Erica Halloway but Khamis came out well to thwart the danger.

Caitlin Cooper should’ve had the Stingrays level on 66 minutes but couldn’t find the target with her sweeping volley.

A minute later Evelyn Chronis went close as the Rams got away with another.

And the pressure finally payed off in the 69th minute.

The Rams defence was all over the place as Chronis ran straight through the defence, shooting first time, with the ball clipping the post on its way in.

Two minutes later and the Rams were back in the lead.

A fine touch and burst of speed from Yeoman-Dale saw her get around her defender before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Kylie Ledbrook once again reminded everyone of her quality, cracking a free kick against the bar with 10 minutes to go.

But three minutes from full time the Stingrays were back in it.

Talitha Kramer beat her defender, cut in and curled the ball beyond Khamis into the top corner.

Sham Khamis kept the scores level four minutes into extra time with an incredible double save.

First she came out and stopped Cooper in a one on one before pulling off a fine save from Chronis from the rebound.

In the 109th minute the Stingrays hit the front for the first time.

Mackenzie Hawkesby found space outside the box before setting herself and curling the ball into the top corner.

Five minutes from full time it was vintage Renne Rollason as she showed fine skill to beat two defenders before laying the ball up for Kate Hensman who made no mistake with her finish.

The game moved into penalties and the Stingrays sent their first attempt over the bar before Rollason snuck hers into the bottom left corner.

Katelyn Leadbeatter made it 1-1 in the shoot out but Leena Khamis had the Rams back in front, converting her effort.

Sham Khamis then saved Evelyn Chronis’ attempt as Georgia Yeoman-Dale made no mistake, making it 3-1.

Cooper had the chance to keep the Stingrays in the shoot out but Khamis again saved to send Macarthur into the major semi final.

 

Manly United 1-2 Football NSW Institute

At Valentine Sports Park, it was elimination football time as Manly United took on the Football NSW Institute.

The Institute got off to a better start, and had the lead just after 20 minutes as Courtney Nevin found the back of the net from the penalty spot.

Kyra Cooney-Cross then gave the fans something special in first half stoppage time, hitting a screamer from more than 30 metres out and catching the Manly keeper off her line.

Claudia Cholakian then had Manly back in with a shout mid-way through the second period, pouncing on an Institute error.

Susan Phonsongkham almost settled the result when her shot hit the post.

The Institute continued to press and didn’t hold back but couldn’t find the goal to seal the victory.

It didn’t matter though with Manly unable to find a goal to send them game into extra time.

 

By Nikola Pozder

National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s – Finals Week One

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In March, 12 teams started their run to be one of five teams competing in the NPL NSW Women’s finals.

The Finals are here as Sydney University, Illawarra Stingrays, Macarthur Rams, Manly United and Football NSW Institute fight to become champions.

 

Illawarra Stingrays v Macarthur Rams

Second takes on third at Valentine Sports Park No. 2 on Sunday afternoon as the Illawarra Stingrays face off with the Macarthur Rams.

Both teams were in hot pursuit of Sydney University throughout the whole season but could not take the premiership from them.

There will be quality and experience all over the park from these two and lots on offer to see for fans.

Norm Boardman’s side come into this one on the back of two straight wins but before that had gone three without a win.

Kylie Ledbrook looks to be in some fine form along with Georgia Yeoman-Dale who has scored an incredible eight goals in her last three matches.

The Stingrays have only lost once in their last five outings, including a jaw-dropping 14-0 win along the way.

Captain Michelle Carney is one of the Stingrays stars and her leadership could lead them all the way.

Carmelina Moscato won’t be able to rely on Chloe Middleton who will serve a suspension following a red card last week.

 

Manly United v Football NSW Institute

Just next door, Manly United and the Football NSW Institute will lock horns in their elimination final.

If you are looking for goals, you have certainly come to the right place.

There were an unbelievable 15 goals scored between these opponents in the two games they played against each other this season, including a 5-4 Manly win in round seven.

Just over a week ago the two clashed again and couldn’t be separated in a 3-3 draw.

Sunny Franco and Claudia Cholakian have found their scoring boots in recent weeks and if Sophie Harding can get in on the act, Manly will be hard to stop.

On the other side, the Institute have been fantastic this campaign.

After a sluggish start, they went on an astonishing 15 game run where they only lost once, you guessed it, against Manly.

There is quality across the board, from Jada Mathyssen Whyman in goals, to the potent attacking midfielder Susan Phonsongkham. Not to mention Rachel Lowe and Kyra Cooney-Cross.

We’re expecting goals and a blockbuster as both teams look to continue their season.