We’ve only got three remaining undefeated teams in the National Premier League NSW Women’s competition after five rounds of football and round six promises to be a belter.
Football NSW Institute v Sydney University @Valentine Sports Park, 3pm
The Football NSW Institute will host Sydney University on Sunday at Valentine Sports Park.
Three wins on the bounce after their tight opening day defeat to the Stingrays has Jaime Gomez’s team in top form and third place.
Bryleeh Henry and Holly McNamara have both been outstanding so far and huge proven leaders of this team.
A win against Uni will go a long way to in stacking its claim to find themselves at the pointy end of the competition ladder.
It’s been a tough 2021 for the Premiers.
An interrupted beginning to the season due to players’ W-League commitments, a draw and defeat in their opening two fixtures.
Alarm bells aren’t ringing yet for the students making this a match they simply cannot lose in getting their season back on track.
Northern Tigers v Emerging Jets @North Turramurra, 3:30pm
The Northern Tigers are back at North Turramurra on Sunday afternoon as they take on the Emerging Jets.
Three matches played and a positive outlook so far for the hosts with two wins and a defeat.
The Tigers showed all their strengths against the Premiers two weeks ago and then all their character last Sunday against the Champions.
Jason Eagar has built a strong machine at North Turramurra and they will continue their march up the ladder.
The Jets inconsistencies and lack of experience has cost them so far.
They pushed the Rams and APIA and probably should’ve got more from the Koalas game but didn’t show up against the Institute.
If they turn up on Sunday, they will cause the Tigers problems.
Macarthur Rams v Manly United @Lynwood Park, 4pm
Lynwood Park is the venue for Sunday afternoon’s clash between the Macarthur Rams and Manly United.
What a start to the season for Stephen Peters’ side.
Four wins and a draw from their first five fixtures has them in the driving seat atop the competition ladder.
The trio of Leena Khamis, Renee Rollason and Kylie Ledbrook right now are too hot to handle for the competition and it will take some job to cool them down.
Injuries have hampered the Champions and despite that, they are still in fifth position with two wins in their opening five matches.
They conceded four at home last week and the tightening the defence will be on the agenda in this week’s trainings.
Sydney Olympic v Illawarra Stingrays @Belmore Sports Ground, 6pm
Sydney Olympic are back at Belmore Sports Ground once more, this time the Illawarra Stingrays will be the opponent.
Olympic’s first game of the season was only two weeks ago at this same venue and they looked to find the going somewhat tough but escaped with a point.
Last week, with a few extra sessions in between, George Beltsos’ squad was on fire!
With Teigen Collister leading the line and scoring four, yes, you read right, four spectacular goals, they absolutely destroyed the Spartans away from home.
Beltsos will be looking for much of the same from his team as they look to chase down first place.
It’s been a good start for the South Coast side in 2021.
Currently in second place with three wins, a draw and a loss, the Stingrays will be pleased with their start.
Again, as always, Michelle Carney is the go-to, already finding the back of the net consistently and leading from the front.
North West Sydney Koalas v Blacktown Spartans @Christie Park, 6pm
It will be an intriguing battle at Christie Park as the Blacktown Spartans visit the North West Sydney Koalas.
A tough start for both these teams so far in 2021 with a win each.
The Koalas showed resolve to come away from a tough away fixture last round and returned home with a point.
While the Spartans capitulated at home, conceding five-goals!
They’ll both be desperate for three points come Sunday night with the hopes of potentially sneaking into the top five.
APIA Leichhardt v Bankstown City
APIA Leichhardt return to their spiritual home of Lambert Park on Sunday night as they face Bankstown City.
Having only played three games, Spencer Prior’s team are currently undefeated with two wins and a draw to boast so far.
They have a fine team on paper and look dangerous every time they move swiftly up the park.
Another who will want to take three points here and in their mid-week catch up to begin closing the gap on the first placed Rams.
Sitting in second last place, the ladder is probably an injustice to Bankstown.
They’ve played some good football, been very unlucky in some fixtures, and only been able to register one point so far.
It’s a return to Lambert Park for Matthew Costantini and he’d love to inflict defeat on his former employers.
By: NIKOLA POZDER, CHIEF NPL NSW WOMEN’S WRITER
