The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s side travel to Cromer Park as they take on Manly United, looking to secure back-to-back wins.
The Western Sydney Wanderers NPL Women’s side travel to Cromer Park to take on Manly United as they look to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since Round 5 of the competition.
The Wanderers broke a five-game losing run against the Newcastle Jets in a dominant 5-0 win, which saw Amy Barker and Miriam Zumaya both score braces in their most commanding performance of the season.
The result came in a timely manner, as a loss could have seen the side fall nine points behind the finals positions, and a win on the weekend could see them close the gap between themselves and the top four.
UNSW play NWS Spirit, meaning a win for either side, and a subsequent win for the Wanderers, could see the Red and Black close the gap to three points between themselves and the chasing pack between fourth and sixth.
Manly United defeated Sydney University in a 2-1 win that saw the Manly side come back from an early concession. A second-half double from Emily Minett was enough to see off the University side, as they broke a two-game losing run.
The two sides last faced off in the opening round, as Manly United stormed home 5-1 victors in a dominant win for the Northern Beaches side. The loss marred what was a disappointing inaugural match for the Wanderers, as they conceded three goals within 34 minutes.
The Key Decider: Don’t Make the Same Mistake Twice
The last time the two sides played, Manly United’s sheer physicality overran the young Wanderers side, as they struggled to contain the seasoned team. Their ability to play through the team and force their way into the final third was a key component of the win, although the Wanderers found some fortune going over the top. A lack of clinical finishing ultimately cost them.
Simply, if the Wanderers are any chance of winning on Sunday, they will need to prepare for a physical battle and take their chances when they arise, as their performances against the top three sides this season have led to heavy defeats in each game due to the physicality of those teams.
This looks to be an exciting game, as it is two sides with the same ambition, and three points will go a long way toward playing finals.
NPL NSW Womens Round 14
Manly United v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Sunday 8th of June, 5:00pm
Cromer Park
