After 10 rounds we are no closer to having a clearer picture on the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Women’s competition ladder.
The battle for the Premiership and finals continue this week with some enticing fixtures ahead of us.
Illawarra Stingrays v Football NSW Institute
JJ Kelly Park will host the match between the Illawarra Stingrays and Football NSW Institute.
The goals are flowing for the Stingrays and they’re coming from all positions on the park.
They’re now on a four-match unbeaten run but Brett Wallin’s side will feel they missed a chance to go top after Monday afternoon’s match.
Craig Foster’s girls are coming around well, they’re in sixth place on the ladder but only four points from first place.
Three straight wins have thrown the Institute right back into the hunt for a finals place.
The last game between the two was quite the fixture, including some outstanding goals with the Institute winning 3-2.
Macarthur Rams v Blacktown Spartans
Top placed Macarthur Rams host the Blacktown Spartans on Sunday afternoon at Lynwood Park.
The Rams came through in a five-goal thriller last week and pushed themselves back to the top of the league.
One loss in six has the home side in good form and they’ll look to continue their push for the Premiership.
For the Spartans, a slight dip in form has seen the team drop to fifth place on the ladder.
Three matches without a win mean the girls from Blacktown are desperate to register three points on the board.
It was tight when the two met in round two with the Rams winning 2-1.
Northern Tigers v NWS Koalas
A derby of sorts see’s the Northern Tigers hosting the North West Sydney Koalas at North Turramurra Recreation Area.
After a decent start by the Tigers, a great drop in form came which came to an abrupt end last Sunday when they defeated the Blacktown Spartans 3-2.
The win has kept faint hopes of finals alive but for the Tigers it’s all about registering as many points as possible.
Stephen Peters’ side has hit quite the form slump, four games without a win and sliding down the ladder.
Points dropped here could see their hopes of finals football slip away.
The points were shared in a 0-0 draw last time they met.
North Shore Mariners v Sydney University
At Northbridge Oval on Sunday afternoon, the North Shore Mariners take on Sydney University.
The Mariners brought their three-game losing streak to an end last Sunday, defeating the Koalas and keeping their finals hopes alive.
A win here is imperative to stay within touching distance of the top four.
Heather Garriock has seen a large number of players out due to injury, nevertheless, there is more than enough quality in the team to do well.
They’re in second place and will be really keen to chase down the leading Rams and hit the top of the table again.
It was a comfortable victory for Uni in round two, winning 3-0.
Emerging Jets v Manly United
Two young teams collide at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Sunday as the Emerging Jets host Manly United.
The Jets picked up their first win of the season two weeks ago but were brought back down to earth last week.
They were right in the fixture for the first 45 against the Institute but faded in the second period.
Manly is a side that will punish and any fading will be pounced on.
After going down last week, United will be keen to improve and register three points in their battle for the Premiership.
Manly won the first match between the two 4-0.
-By Nikola Pozder