We’re set for another blockbuster round of fixtures in round 13 of the National Premier Leagues Northern NSW Women’s.
Here’s what’s coming up.
Match of the Round - Charlestown Azzurri v Broadmeadow Magic FC
Lisle Carr Oval, Saturday 4pm
Both Charlestown Azzurri and Broadmeadow Magic will be missing key players as they battle it out in a top of the table clash on Saturday.
Azzurri’s squad has been plagued with injuries and sickness, meaning that coach Niko Papspiropoulos will be holding out until the end of the week to see who will be available for his side.
“At this point in time, we have a lot of players unavailable, but hopefully by the end of the week we have a few more back on deck,” Papspiropoulos said.
“It’s a big game on Saturday so we need to make sure that everyone is healthy.”
Defender Katie Oliveria has returned to training after being forced off with a knee injury against Adamstown, but it is still tentative if she will return this weekend. Azzurri are also unsure if Indianna Asimus will be fit to play, after injuring her neck from a knock she sustained against Rosebud.
It is also up in the air if Nicole Jones will return from a calf strain or if Emily Diaz will have recovered from a chest infection in time to play.
However, in some positive news, it is hopeful that Sarah Halvorsen will be back and able to get some minutes against Magic, after suffering a back injury.
Despite their misfortunes, coach Papspiropoulos is feeling confident that Azzurri can still get the job done against the league leaders.
“All of the girls are very hungry and keen to put on a good show. This will be a very entertaining match,” Papspiropoulos said.
“Magic are tipped as the favourites and they are a very good team.
“We know that their strengths are but it’s important to focus on our strengths and focus on the game. If we can control possession in the midfield, create chances and dictate the game we will have success.”
Magic’s squad will also look a little different, as they will be without key attackers Lucy Jerram and Adrianna Konjarski.
Jerram is serving a two-match suspension, while Konjarski is away on an overseas holiday.
“Lucy is a big loss as she is a very good player. AJ is also a big loss for the side,” Broadmeadow Magics’s coach Jake Curley said.
However, Magic are looking forward to the contest with Azzurri and Curley believes that his squad has the depth to get the result.
“We are feeling pretty confident. We are in good form,” Curley said.
“Charlestown will pose a good game for the squad. They have good players and are coached well.
“We have pretty good depth in our squad. We are solid in attack.”
“There are a number of players that can help us get the result.”
Magic will be looking to attackers Chelsea Lucas, Kirstyn Pearce and Kiarra Lewis to fill the roles of Jerram and Konjarski.
Curley’s side will be coming into this week rested, after their match against Maitland was washed out.
“Having a week off will be good for the squad to freshen up a bit,” Curley said.
The league leaders know the importance of that every three points make in maintaining their stay at the top of the table.
“I think every game is important, it’s tight up the top. Games are always close when you play the top five teams in this competition,” Curley said.
Mid Coast FC v Maitland FC
Taree Zone Field, Saturday 6pm
Mid Coast player-coach Emma Stanbury knows her side must step up defensively to keep the Maitland out this weekend.
Stanbury was pleased that her side was able to pick up their second win of the season against Warners Bay but is aware of the threat that the Magpies pose, especially in attack.
“We were happy to get the three points, but we know it won’t be an easy challenge against Maitland,” Stanbury said.
“Last time we played Maitland we lacked in defence massively.
“We will be focusing on defence and if we can narrow the score line, that will feel like a win to us.”
One player that will help their side’s defensive efforts will be centre-back Jorja Holborow who is returning to the squad after a week out injured.
Middies have had a tough season so far, sitting in seventh on the table but coach Stanbury believes that if her side can improve in some areas, her side have the ability to challenge the Magpies.
“If things aren’t going our way, we need to make sure to stay in the game and not drop our head.”
“We need to take our chances when we can and we have a few tactics where we want to press. If we can pull that off, we should be able to get the reward.”
“If we can get a result that would be massive.”
Stanbury will remain out with a fractured rib that she sustained in Round 11 against Charlestown Azzurri.
The Magpies will be looking to make it four wins in a row, as their side continue to be in strong form. Keelan Hamilton’s side will be coming into the match rested, after their match against Magic was washed out.
Three points for the Magpies will be crucial to sustain their spot in the race for finals football.
Adamstown Rosebud v Newcastle Olympic FC
Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, Saturday 7pm
Adamstown will hope to end their three-game losing streak and snatch the win from Newcastle Olympic on Saturday.
Rosebud went down in the final ten minutes to Charlestown Azzurri 2-1 despite a positive team performance. Ryan Campbell will be looking for his side to build on this against Olympic, relying on his attacking players Josie Morley, Courtney Anderson and Ashleigh Vetter to get his side over the line.
Despite their recent results, Adamstown remains fifth on the table, keeping their hopes of finals well and truly alive. Campnell’s side is five points away from Maitland in fourth.
Olympic were able to grind out an impressive 2-1 win against New Lambton, with a standout performance from striker Jemma House.
Sophie McDonald also displayed her attacking prowess, scoring a first-half hat-trick in a 4-2 victory over Azzurri in the Women’s League Cup semi-final on Wednesday night.
Neil Owens will be hoping that House and Sophie McDonald continue their attacking form up against Rosebud.
It is hopeful that goalkeeper Claire Coelho will return to the side this weekend, returning to Newcastle from overseas at the end of the week.
New Lambton FC v Warners Bay FC
Alder Park, Sunday 4pm
New Lambton will be looking to bounce back against Warners Bay at Alder Park on Sunday.
The Golden Eagles narrowly went down to Olympic 2-1 in what has been an inconsistent season so far. Greg Lowe’s side are in desperate need of three points to keep their hopes of finals alive. The side are sitting in sixth, eight points away from Maitland in fourth.
Despite the injection of Jets players, Cass Davis, Tara Andrews and Lauren Allan, the side have been unable to get on a roll, winning only two of their last five games.
Warners Bay season will be hoping to turn their season around and salvage something from the match, coming off the back of their 12th straight loss in as many matches.