The second half of the season kicks off on Sunday in the NPL NSW Women’s competition.

Blacktown Spartans v Sydney Olympic

It will be a blockbuster at Blacktown Football Park on Sunday as the Blacktown Spartans host Sydney Olympic.

Last time out Olympic kicked off the season with a win over the Spartans in convincing fashion.

Since then though, the Spartans have vastly improved and are currently on an eight match unbeaten run.

A win for the Spartans would see David Saliba’s side jump their rivals on the ladder and firm up their premiership hopes.

Olympic continue to do their business and get results, with the promoted side at the top of the table.

With Susan Phonsongkham back in the team and whispers of some major signings, Olympic will only continue to improve.

Emerging Jets v NWS Koalas

At Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, the Emerging Jets host the North West Sydney Koalas.

It’s a second match in a row at home for the Jets and they’ll look to capitalise this time.

Revenge is on the cards after a 5-0 defeat in round one.

Inconsistency is a problem for Jaime Gomez’s Koalas. Two draws, two wins and two losses in their last six games.

It’s seen them drop out of the five and slowly drift away from finals football, a victory is imperative.

Northern Tigers v Football NSW Institute

The Northern Tigers welcome the Football NSW Institute to NTRA on Sunday afternoon.

They just continue to do it! What a first half of the season for the Tigers.

But, the hard work starts now and they need to kick on to cement their place in the five and potentially continue their fight for the premiership.

Leah Blayney and the Institute will be breathing a sigh of relief after finally snapping their losing streak last week.

The come from behind victory will have lifted the side in more ways than one and they’ll be confident they can get something from Sunday as well.

North Shore Mariners v Illawarra Stingrays

Northbridge Oval will see the North Shore Mariners and Illawarra Stingrays clash.

It’s been a tough campaign for Bill Papas and the Mariners and it doesn’t get easier on Sunday.

There were some positives on Sunday but conceding goals early on has caused many problems for the North Shore side.

Fifth place and two points from top spot, Scott Chipperfield will be happy with how the first half of the season has progressed down the south coast.

To keep in touch with the top teams they need all three points and may see this match as an opportunity to improve their goal difference, but they should be aware of complacency.

Macarthur Rams v Manly United

Match of the round takes place at Lynwood Park between the Macarthur Rams and Manly United.

Disappointment at Lynwood after dropping a two-goal lead against the Institute last week, succumbing to defeat.

Still, it was a first defeat in six but Norm Boardman’s team must take all three points to stay in touching distance with the top five.

Finally a win after three straight defeats for Chris Williams’ team.

There is still hope of finals football but it will require a massive effort from United in the second half of the season.

Sydney University v Bankstown City

Sydney University take on Bankstown City at Sydney Uni Football Ground at 4:30pm on Sunday.

The second best in-form team in the league is currently Sydney University.

Seven games without defeat and first place for Alex Epakis’ side.

Bankstown is another team that needs a huge second half of the season to reach finals.

They’ve unearthed a few talents and none more so than Vesna Milivojevic.

By- Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s Writer

We’re at the half way point in this incredible race for the NPL NSW Women’s Premiership with Sydney University sitting at the top of the ladder by a solitary point over Sydney Olympic, Northern Tigers and Illawarra Stingrays.

Blacktown Spartans v North Shore Mariners

Match of the round takes us to Blacktown Football Park as the Blacktown Spartans host the North Shore Mariners.

Who will bring the Spartans run to an end?

How long can they keep it going for?

One draw and six wins in their last seven have them two points from top spot.

No fouls around the box otherwise gun set-piece specialist Alix Roberts will be all over that, so the Mariners need to be careful.

Still on just the one win this campaign and it definitely won’t be any easier this week.

They do have the power to threaten the Spartans through their former player Gab Marzano.

Illawarra Stingrays v Sydney University

It’ll be a blockbuster at JJ Kelly Park as the Illawarra Stingrays take on first placed Sydney University.

A win for the Stingrays will see them leapfrog Uni and potentially move them to the top of the competition table.

Two wins and two draws in the last four for Scott Chipperfield’s team have them in a good place at the moment.

It wasn’t easy for Uni last week but they managed to scrape a victory in a very tight contest.

It means Alex Epakis’ side on top of the mountain and they’ll need three points to stay there.

Emerging Jets v Manly United

Manly United travel to Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility to take on the Emerging Jets.

Don’t rule out the Jets that easy.

They can cause shocks and have been very unlucky so far this campaign.

Manly looked on course to end their barren run last week.

Instead, they lost their third straight game 2-1.

They need points here to keep any hopes of finals football alive.

Football NSW Institute v Macarthur Rams

At Valentine Sports Park, Football NSW Institute and the Macarthur Rams lock horns.

Five straight losses has seen the Institute plummet down the table and head coach Leah Blayney will be a little worried.

Another team that needs points in order to stay close to finals football places.

For the Rams, they got away with one last week and a similar showing might not be so forgiving from the young Institute side.

Sitting just outside the five, a win could see the Rams move into finals places.

Northern Tigers v Bankstown City

At North Turramurra Rec Area, Northern Tigers face off with Bankstown City.

The Tigers recorded a massive victory last week and continued their find first half of the season form.

When it seemed that defeat two weeks ago could rock the team, they regrouped and knocked off the table toppers.

Bankstown finally picked up a win last week that was coming over the past few rounds.

They need to build on this and with Amy Dahdah picking up a brace, they’ll hope it gives the striker a confidence boost.

NWS Koalas v Sydney Olympic

Two teams coming off defeats clash at Christie Park on Sunday as the North West Sydney Koalas host Sydney Olympic.

The Koalas were somewhat disappointing last week at Jaime Gomez will look for an immediate reaction from his girls.

To stay hot on the heals of the Spartans and teams above them, they need three points here.

Olympic were the creators of their own demise last week.

Two goals given away along with a completely unnecessary red card to Sarah Yatim saw them fall to the Tigers.

A win could put them back on top of the table but it won’t be easy against one of the toughest defences in the competition.

By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSw Women’s Writer

Premiership contenders change as much as the NBA’s MVP battle in the NPL NSW Women’s competition.

Manly United v Blacktown Spartans

At Cromer Park on Sunday, the Blacktown Spartans travel north to take on Manly United.

The Spartans are in some form right now and are ready to take anyone on. No defeats since round three and only one draw along the way has them flying high.

Only four points from first place, David Saliba’s team could only be an inch away from the league leaders if they win.

They were minutes away from rescuing a massive point but Manly fell late to another defeat.

We aren’t at the half-way point yet but the finals look to be getting away from United.

Sydney Olympic v Northern Tigers

It’s first against third at Peter Moore Field as Sydney Olympic host the Northern Tigers.

Olympic’s win on the weekend had them on top of the ladder.

Another win on Sunday will have them back there with more space between them and the Tigers.

The toughest defence in the league will need to be on their game as they host the competition’s top scorers.

It was a first defeat since round one for the Tigers on Sunday and to keep in touch with the teams leading the comp, they must pick up all three points.

Football NSW Institute v Illawarra Stingrays

Football NSW Institute welcome the Illawarra Stingrays to VSP this weekend.

The Institute are in a rough patch and Leah Blayney’s team have now suffered four-straight defeats.

It’s seen them spiral down the ladder and they currently occupy eighth place.

After two straight defeats, the Stingrays snapped that with a fine victory on Sunday.

Scott Chipperfield’s team have Michelle carney back and the captain showed how much of a leader of this team she is.

North Shore Mariners v Bankstown City

Northbridge Oval will see the North Shore Mariners and Bankstown City do battle.

One win this season has the Mariners in last place on the ladder.

Leaking early goals has been an issue and if the Mariners can keep their concentration to the fullest, they may be able to score a result here.

In 10^th place, Bankstown will feel hard done by so far this campaign.

A win will see them move up the ladder and lead by Vena Milivojevic, they’ll feel confident going into this one.

Macarthur Rams v Emerging Jets

Lynwood Park will see the Macarthur Rams and Emerging jets face off at 4:30pm on Sunday.

It’s been a strange season so far for the Rams.

Despite that, they’re currently in seventh place and on a five-match unbeaten run, chasing down a finals place.

Another team that will feel hard done by this season are the Emerging Jets.

They’re able to create problems for any team so the Rams will need to be aware.

Sydney University v NWS Koalas

Our cameras will be at Sydney University Football Ground as Sydney University welcome the North West Sydney Koalas.

Alex Epakis’ side are travelling well, in second place and only a win off top spot.

The last time Uni lost, our cameras were also there, against the institute. They’ll be hoping not to see the same scenario on Sunday.

The Koalas, the draw specialists, have won two in a row and are currently in fifth place.

A victory will see them move above Uni on the ladder and right in the battle for the premiership.

By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer

Round 9 of the NPL NSW Women’s competition kicks off on Sunday afternoon.

Emerging Jets v Sydney Olympic

The action kicks off at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility as the Emerging Jets host Sydney Olympic.

After last week’s win, the Jets come into this one against the table toppers full of confidence.

Olympic will look to stay on top of the league with another three points.

They’ve got two wins on the trot and will look to continue their good form.

 

Macarthur Rams v North Shore Mariners

At Lynwood Park on Sunday, Macarthur Rams host the North Shore Mariners.

Four games without defeat, the Rams are in hot form.

Leena Khamis and Kylie Ledbrook are playing well and are showing true leadership qualities.

For the Mariners, please keep shooting Gab Marzano! Two spectacular goals in as many weeks with last week’s an extra special effort.

Still, the Mariners are leaking too many goals, in particular early on and it’s become a major problem for them.

 

Football NSW Institute v NWS Koalas

The North West Sydney Koalas travel to Valentine Sports park to take on the Football NSW Institute.

When talking about out of form teams, it’s hard to look beyond the Football NSW Institute.

Three games without victory has seen them slide down to sixth place on the ladder.

The ‘Queens’ of draws, four so far this campaign.

After four games without a win, they snapped that streak last week and will look to build on that on Sunday.

 

Northern Tigers v Illawarra Stingrays

It’s second against fourth at North Turramurra Recreational Area as the Northern Tigers face off against the Illawarra Stingrays.

They continue to impress and after eight rounds, the Tigers share top spot.

No losses since the opening day of the season, making it seven games without defeat on Sunday.

For the Stingrays, they’re going through a small blip in form, losing two games on the bounce.

Scott Chipperfield will look to refocus his side and get themselves on the same points as the Tigers with a win on Sunday.

 

Sydney University v Manly United

Sydney University Football Ground will see Sydney University and Manly United do battle.

A team very hard to break down and on the look out to make it five games without defeat.

Alex Epakis’ team could move into first place should they win and other results go their way.

United woke up too late last week and it cost them dearly in defeat to Olympic.

Chris Williams’ team needs to be focused from the opening whistle this time around.

 

Bankstown City Blacktown Spartans

In the final clash of the day, Bankstown City host Blacktown Spartans at Jensen Park.

Bankstown hasn’t won in four but will be cursing their luck over those matches.

Vesna Milivojevic has been outstanding for them and she’ll be key for the Lions.

David Saliba’s side have been fantastic.

After three opening defeats, the Spartans are undefeated in five and only just outside the top five.

By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer

 

 

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 10^th 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