#PS4NPLNSW March Recap
High-Flyers: Bankstown City Fc, Rockdale City Suns
After 3 rounds of this competition, two teams remain undefeated in this years premier competition. Last years NPL champions Blacktown City have shown the won’t surrender their tittle without a fight. The premiers comfortably defeated Sydney Olympic in round 3, whilst coming back in consecutive weeks beforehand with Sutherland and Sydney United being the victims. The game against Sutherland being the highlight where a stunning volley from Cairncross securing a memorable victory after being down 3-0 at half time.
Elsewhere Rockdale City find themselves just behind the leaders on 7 points. The Suns suffered a hiccup in game one of the season surrendering a 2 goal lead against Bonnyrigg. However two professional performances against newcomers Hakoah and Wollongong have seen them finish the month in 2nd position.
Surprise Packets: Manly United, Parramatta Fc
In recent seasons, these two teams have found themselves languishing in the bottom half of the ladder. However as a welcome change for them both, they find themselves having acquired a win and a draw each respectively holding them in good stead to launch their seasons. Parramatta possibly acquired the surprise of the season defeating Blacktown spartans in the opening game of the season. Whilst Manly, thumped Parramatta just last weekend, showing they aren’t pushovers and want to better their 8th place finish last year.
Disappointments: Sydney Olympic, Apia Leichhardt tigers.
Now to the not so fun part of doing a review like this. Both these teams have appeared rather lethargic compared to last season. APIA Leichhardt appear to be feeling the effects of a great season last year with players such as Marc Warren and Blake Powell leaving, struggling to two draws. However an upcoming fixture against Hakoah provides an opportunity for 3 points and one they don’t want to miss.
Sydney Olympic are one of those teams you just expect to be doing well no matter which competition and time of the year. However they would be one of the first to tell you that they are disappointed with just two draws from their first three fixtures. Yes, they have had two away fixtures but they couldn’t beat Manly at home in round 2, a fixture they should be comfortably winning.
Academy Watch:
This year saw the introduction of three A-league club academies into NPL2. So far we have seen a few routs yes, but we have still seen some competitiveness amongst the traditional teams. Four rounds in all three academies (CCM, WSW and Sydney) find themselves on equal points chasing Bankstown City and Mounties Wanderers in equal first position.
All results and tables can be found here: http://www.foxsportspulse.com/comp_info.cgi?c=1-10179-0-398400-0&a=LADDER
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