A long season, longest on record, finally draws to a close this Sunday afternoon in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition. 

Sydney University and Manly United will battle out for the big prize at Valentine Sports Park and look to lift the Championship trophy after what has been a strange campaign to say the least. 

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY (1^ST) 

The Premiers are back once more in the Grand Final and are looking to consolidate their first ‘double-double’, illustrating their dominance in the women’s competition.

Despite doing it tough on Sunday, Uni got the job done convincingly in the end and what Alex Eapkis’ side has over all of its competitors, is depth.

The strength of the Uni bench is obvious when Michelle Heyman has to wait for her time to shine off the sideline.

Names like King, Hunt and Tumeth have created such a defensive wall for Uni that they’ve shut out even the most potent attackers this season, conceding an incredible three goals and keeping 9 clean sheets!

It goes deeper into midfield though with Galic and Wheeler providing their fair share of work, while the 34 goals scored so far this season distributed across 14 goal scorers, Julie-Ann Russell leading them with six.

They really are a complete team with the argument consistently rising, are they the best team ever in the top tier of women’s football in NSW?

32 games without defeat adds to that argument and if they lift the trophy on Sunday, the outstanding record will continue into 2021!

MANLY UNITED (3^RD) 

“You’re never a great team until you come from behind and win.”

Well, Chris Williams’ team showed that on Saturday afternoon in spectacular fashion, knocking out Sydney Olympic on enemy territory.

The character from United shone, even after losing their superstar Remy Siemsen to injury.

And Siemsen could be key on Sunday afternoon with the staff sweating on her fitness.

Even though Manly managed to book their grand final place, that flare in attack went missing with the exit of their star striker.

Tara Andrews had a fairly quite Saturday afternoon and if Siemsen is missing, she’ll need to fill those shoes, much like Elizabeth Copus-Bown did in the final 10 minutes of the match.

Corrine Winkler and Ally Green will be extremely important on Sunday, in particular the semi-final goal scorer who is a menace from set pieces.

Manly last defeat came seven games ago, against, you guessed it, Sydney Uni.

Since then, they’ve scored 22 goals and conceded only four.

If history is anything to go by, the last time Manly United’s reserves failed to make the finals, the first grade won the Championship in 2017, could we see a repeat?

Don’t forget leading into the big match, Sydney University SFC will also feature it’s 20s squad taking on the Football NSW Institute side.

LAST MEETINGS –  

2020 –  

R6:      Sydney University 2-0 Manly United 

2019 –  

R20:    Manly United 0-4 Sydney University 

R9:      Sydney University 2-1 Manly United

2018 –  

R22:    Manly United 2-2 Sydney University

R11:    Sydney University 3-0 Manly United

2017 –  

R14:    Manly United 1-0 Sydney University

R5:      Sydney University 1-1 Manly United

By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer 

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The coveted Finals Series are finally upon us in the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition with the Semi-Finals kicking off this weekend. 

There is no doubt the Premiers Sydney University are the favourites but Sydney Olympic, Manly United and the Northern Tigers will all stake their claim to the throne. 

Sydney Olympic (2^nd) V Manly United (3^rd) – @ Peter Moore Field, 4pm 

The action kicks off on Saturday afternoon at Peter Moore Field as second placed Sydney Olympic host third placed Manly United.

Déjà vu for Olympic as for the second straight year they finished runners up to Uni in the race for the Premiership.

With the best attack in the league and the league’s top scorer in their ranks, Cortnee Vine, Olympic will feel confident in the attacking prowess they possess.

Olympic fell at the final hurdle last season and failed to qualify for the grand final. They only have one jump left to make the big dance and will look to go a step further than 2019.

United are back in the finals after missing out last year and come in with some fine form. Four straight wins and an amazing 19 goals in that same period with only one conceded!

Tara Andrews and Remy Siemsen have scored most of their goals this year, 22 of 29 in fact which is 76%, an incredible statistic.

Interestingly, United have played finals football every time since 2015, minus last season, mostly under the tutorage of Chris Williams who has done a fine job at Cromer Park.

These two have clashed three times in the last two seasons with Olympic winning both clashes in 2019, Manly taking the spoils in a fantastic game this year, 2-1.

Sydney University (1^st) V Northern Tigers (4^th) – @ Arlington Oval, 2:30pm 

The premiers Sydney University will take on the Northern Tigers in what will be the sixth game between the two in two years!

Uni have shown some steel this year. So strong in defence with Tori Tumeth and skipper Taren King holding the fort in front of Courtney Newbon, a dynamic midfield duo of Bianca Galic and Clare Wheeler and then a free flowing attack with a plethora of scorers led by Julie-Anne Russell and lets not forget the experience of Michelle Heyman.

They will be tough to beat and their current run of 31 matches without defeat could stretch into their third year should they take out the Championship next weekend.

But, first, they must get beyond a plucky Northern Tigers outfit who love a big game and could punish them with the slightest dip in concentration.

After a slow start, many thought (including myself) that the Tigers would miss out on their second consecutive season of finals football.

They proved everyone wrong and with a fine performance on the final day of the season, they made their own luck and snuck into fourth spot on the competition ladder.

Losing Servet Uzunlar was massive for the Tigers, but Ellie Brush has stepped it up and led from the back with Daisy Arrowsmith getting the job done at the front, scoring eight goals so far this campaign.

Only two weeks ago, Uni came away with a comfortable 3-0 victory at the same venue this blockbuster takes place at on Sunday.

Last season, Uni won two games against the Tigers, both 2-0 and drew the other two with the second draw being settled by penalties in the 2019 grand final which Uni came out victorious in.

Interestingly, the Tigers have only managed to score one goal in the last five matches against Uni, in last season’s grand final.

REMINDER: Football NSW’s Valentine Sports Park has been confirmed as the venue set to host the 2020 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s Grand Final on Sunday 11th of October.

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By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer 

The final round of NPL NSW Women’s football season is upon us with one finals spot remaining and three times fighting out for it. 

Mathematically, Manly can still slip out of the four but it will take a might effort, while Blacktown, APIA and the Northern Tigers battle for position number four. 

Blacktown Spartans v Sydney Olympic 

At Blacktown Football Park we are in for a special game as the Blacktown Spartans host Sydney Olympic.

A win will ensure the Spartans a place in the playoffs, anything but will depend on how APIA fair at Cromer Park.

They’ve been one of the most consistent teams in the competition and with Ash Crofts in fine form, they’ll be hoping to get the job done.

Olympic’s place in next week’s games is assured. They still want to finish in second place and win the right to ‘host’ the first semi-final.

A draw should be enough for Olympic to round the season off in second place rounding up another successful campaign.

Manly United v APIA Leichhardt 

Cromer Park is the venue for a direct clash in terms of finals football between Manly United and APIA Leichhardt.

Only with some sort of football miracle will Manly miss out on finals football.

They need to lose to APIA by at least five-goals and the Spartans to win to drop out of the five, pretty unimaginable.

APIA just need to win. It doesn’t matter how, they just need three points.

Everything else is out of their hands but if Rhianna Pollicina can repeat Sunday’s performance, they’ll be in a good position.

Emerging Jets v FNSW Institute 

The clash of the academies at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility as the Emerging jets host the Football NSW Institute.

The institute’s finals hopes slipped away but they gave a fine account of themselves this season.

For the Jets, they improved and pushed most teams until the end, losing energy in crucial moments of games.

Bragging rights are up for grabs!

Sydney University v Illawarra Stingrays 

The new/old Premiers Sydney University host the Illawarra Stingrays at Sydney Uni Football Ground on Sunday.

Despite securing the Premiership with a round to spare, Alex Epakis will expect his side to be on their game as they push that undefeated run into the 30s.

Despite picking up all three points last week, the Illawarra Stingrays hopes of making the finals came to an end.

They’ll be keen to be the one to end Uni’s run.

Northern Tigers v Macarthur Rams 

At North Turramurra the Northern Tigers will host the Macarthur Rams.

In probably the toughest position of those hoping to slip into the playoffs are the Tigers.

They need to win and win big, as well as hope the Spartans and APIA lose.

The Rams have nothing but pride to play for and they’ll try be as competitive as they can.

NWS Koalas v Bankstown City 

The season proper rounds up at Christie Park as the North West Sydney Koalas host Bankstown City.

Dropped points on Sunday destroyed the Koalas finals hopes.

Even with their mid-week game and another three points, they still can’t make the finals.

Bankstown has struggled this season but put up a better performance last week.

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By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer

It’s the penultimate round in the NPL NSW Women’s competition with finals places and the Premiership all on the line. 

Sydney University vs Northern Tigers 

The action kicks off on Sunday with a replay of last season’s grand final at Arlington Oval as Sydney University hosts the Northern Tigers.

Should Uni remain undefeated after this one, they will hit a landmark 30 matches without defeat, an incredible feat, raising the question if this is the best women’s team to play in the competition?

Epakis’ side looked incredible on Sunday and controlled the match with ease against the Koalas.

The Northern Tigers looked down and out at one stage in this revamped competition but have made some run.

Only one loss in the last seven has them in fourth place on the ladder.

Illawarra Stingrays vs NWS Koalas 

At Ray Robinson Field, the Illawarra Stingrays will host the North West Sydney Koalas.

The Stingrays still have a mathematical chance of playing finals football.

It’s a long stretch but they won’t lie down that easy either though, in particular with Michelle Carney leading the line.

They’re still alive despite being 10^th on the table the Koalas.

If they can pick up points in their catch ups they’ll be right in the mix for a top four spot, but they must win down the coast on Sunday.

Bankstown City vs Blacktown Spartans 

Bankstown City welcome the Blacktown Spartans to Jensen park on Sunday afternoon.

It doesn’t look good for Bankstown and won’t be any easier when the Spartans come to town on Sunday.

The finals race may come down to goal difference and the Spartans will need to be at the top of their game in the front third.

Football NSW Institute vs Sydney Olympic 

A massive clash at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday takes place as Sydney Olympic take on the Football NSW Institute.

It’s simple for Olympic, win and hope Uni doesn’t to decide the premiership in the final round.

A loss puts up for grabs their finals place although they are in control of their destiny.

As for their opponents, a loss could spell the end of their finals aspirations.

Only one loss since round two and they’ll probably feel hard done by after last week’s draw so confidence will be high at VSP.

Macarthur Rams vs Manly United 

At Lynwood park on Sunday evening the Macarthur Rams host Manly United.

Only one goal conceded in the last three games for United has seen them move up to third on the ladder.

They’ll need to be focused and disciplined against the likes of Leena Khamis.

Macarthur can’t make the semis but can definitely build toward 2021.

With Kylie Ledbrook back, confidence has risen at the Rams and they finally won their first game on Sunday after four straight defeats.

APIA Leichhardt vs Emerging Jets 

The Emerging Jets travel to lambert Park in the final game of the evening to take on APIA Leichhardt.

Pressure mounts at Lambert Park with finals potentially slipping away from the new girls and Matt Costantini.

Should APIA fail to win here, their finals dreams will be over.

The Jets have mixed it with everyone this season and gave even the best some trouble so expect much of the same come Sunday night.

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By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer 

 

 

With three games to go, the Premiership and finals places are still well up for grabs in the NPL NSW Women’s competition. 

Only four points separate third to seventh with teams in eight and ninth both having played one match less. 

Blacktown Spartans v Football NSW Institute 

Two teams recovering from defeats clash at Blacktown Football Park as the Blacktown Spartans host Football NSW Institute.

The Spartans led on Sunday before being shocked by the Tigers and losing their first game after four without defeat.

The chasing pack is breathing down their necks and they can’t afford to drop points because an Institute win will see the young side jump their rivals on the ladder.

It was never going to be easy for the Institute on Sunday but when they took the lead, they seemed on the right path.

They were pegged back and their fine run also came to an end.

A win could push them into second, a defeat, would mean they will find it difficult to secure a finals place.

Manly United v Bankstown City 

At Cromer Park, bottom placed Bankstown City take on Manly United.

Manly sit in equal third but fifth on goal difference and need both a win and as many goals as they can muster.

The race for finals could potentially come down to goal difference and with the fire power Manly possess, they’ll feel confident.

A sorry campaign got worse on Sunday for Bankstown, letting their lead slip to lose against the Jets.

This week will be tougher away at United.

Emerging Jets v Macarthur Rams  

At Lake Macquarie Regional Football facility, the Emerging Jets welcome the Macarthur Rams.

Bouncing back from a big come from behind victory last week, confidence is high at the Jets.

A win on Sunday could see them move above their opponents and start bridging the gap with other sides in front of them.

The Rams went down again on Sunday, their fourth straight loss.

Finals are out of reach but it will be important to finish the season as best as possible and the return of Kylie Ledbrook will be a huge boost to the team.

Sydney Olympic v APIA Leichhardt 

At Peter Moore Field, Sydney Olympic will host APIA Leichhardt in a blockbuster match.

Olympic still have hopes of mounting a Premiership charge but will need to take all three points in this one.

Defeat on Sunday though was a major setback in their pursuit of Uni and a loss here will more or less gift Uni the Premiership.

After four winless games, APIA jumped back on the winner’s wagon.

A win on Sunday will see them leapfrog Olympic and come a step closer to consolidating a finals place.

Northern Tigers v Illawarra Stingrays 

The Northern Tigers and Illawarra Stingrays clash at North Turramurra Rec Area on Sunday.

It was the Tigers that kept their finals hopes alive with a special comeback win last weekend.

They’ll need to repeat it to really throw their name in the hate.

The Stingrays suffered a fairly heavy defeat, pushing them away from a finals place.

This really is a six pointer for these two with the loser almost definitely missing out on finals football.

NWS Koalas v Sydney University 

All eyes will be on Christie park in the match of the round as first placed Sydney University travel to take on the North West Sydney Koalas.

The Koalas continue to improve every week and thus their rise up the ladder.

With a result still to come against Macarthur and a fine win last week, they enter this one full of confidence against the league leaders.

The Champions’ run continues, 28 and counting.

A win here puts them ever closer to the Premiership and they’ll look to wrap it up as soon as possible.

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By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer