It is possibly one of the tightest seasons on record in the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Women’s competition as we move closer to the half way point of the campaign.
Macarthur Rams v Sydney University
Lynwood Park will host the match of the round on Sunday as the first placed Macarthur Rams take on the Champions Sydney University.
Five wins for the Rams, five wins by the odd goal, showing Norm Boardman’s side has the grit to grind out tough results.
They won’t care how the results come so long as they keep coming.
The addition of Amy Harrison to a team boasting some experienced faces, their Premiership chances just got a massive lift.
A slight dip in form form for Uni has only seen them win twice in their last 5 games, something Heather Garriock and her girls aren’t used to.
A convincing win last week against an always uncomfortable Northern Tigers means they may have straightened up their campaign.
A win will see them overtake the Rams on the ladder but it may not mean they will move back into first placed.
Illawarra Stingrays v NWS Koalas
The Illawarra Stingrays welcome the North West Sydney Koalas south to JJ Kelly Park on Sunday afternoon.
Consistency has been key for the south coast based side and one defeat in their last 5 is extremely encouraging for Brett Wallin’s team.
Michelle Carney was a standout performer last week with an incredible double hat-trick and she’ll need to give another impressive performance to help the Stingrays to victory.
After a shaky start, Stephen Peters has steered his side back on track, having not lost in six, albeit with three draws.
They continue to climb up the ladder and a win on Sunday will see them overtake the Stingrays into a finals position.
Emerging Jets v North Shore Mariners
At Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, the Emerging Jets host the North Shore Mariners.
The struggling young Jets side will look at this match as a fantastic opportunity to get something from it.
Having started to find the back of the net, if they can now tighten up their defence, points won’t be too far away.
The Mariners must win to keep pace with the top four.
They went down by the odd goal last week but need all three points come Sunday as the leading pack looks to break away.
Northern Tigers v Football NSW Institute
The Northern Tigers host the Football NSW Institute at North Turramurra Recreation Area on Sunday afternoon.
For the Tigers, they’re currently winless in their last three starts, seeing them drop down to ninth position on the competition ladder
A loss will more than likely see them drop well off finals football pace and will make it difficult for them to make a charge.
The Institute are in a tough run of form, not winning since round two and losing four matches on the bounce.
Despite going down last week, Craig Foster’s side dominated large parts of that match and can take confidence from it.
Blacktown Spartans v Manly United
A fantastic battle will take shape at Blacktown Football Park as the Blacktown Spartans host Manly United.
The Spartans are flying high, sitting in second spot on the ladder and currently on a three-match winning streak.
Captain Alix Roberts, Gab Marzano, Olivia Price and Trudy Burke in goals have all lead this side forward and contributed to the team’s good start in their own way.
Manly head to the West unbeaten in four but only sitting in sixth place on the ladder.
A team with quality all over the park, spearheaded by teen sensation Remy Siemsen, they are always dangerous.
Both teams are well coached, making for an exciting game on Sunday afternoon at 4pm.
-By Nikola Pozder