WOMEN’S PREVIEW: NORTHERN TIGERS v MANLY UNITED

On Sunday, the Manly United Women’s team is set for an away game against Northern Tigers. With only six points separating us from the Tigers on the ladder, this weekend presents an excellent chance to close the gap on our neighbours.

Manly are looking to bounce back from a close 2-1 loss to league leaders APIA Leichhardt. There are plenty of positives to take from that game, most notably a goal scoring return to Manly colours for Young Matilda Kahli Johnson – her strike against APIA is a contender for Goal of the Season. At the back for Manly, Ruby Jackson put in another assured performance and the Manly 1st Grade captain is sure to be a key performer against the Tigers. Daisy Arrowsmith and Gema Simon add a lot of experience to our side and those two will be lining up against one of their former clubs on Sunday.

Northern Tigers had last weekend off as their game against Emerging Jets was postponed. They suffered defeat in their last outing, going down 3-0 to Sydney Olympic at Peter Moore Field two weekends ago. The Tigers squad has a few familiar faces, with Claudia Cholakian, Jessie Wharepouri, Gemma Woolley and Beth Bernardi all having spent time at Cromer Park. Our opponents will have plenty of motivation on Sunday, as they are only five points away from fourth place and are aiming for a fourth consecutive NPL NSW Women’s 1st Grade finals appearance.

Our last 1st Grade game at North Turramurra Recreation Area ended in an exciting manner, as Manly scored two late goals to earn a 3-3 draw when we played the Tigers in Round 4 of the 2022 campaign.

The Manly Reserve Grade side are seeking a return to the winner’s circle, and victory will see them leapfrog the Tigers Reserves on the table. Defeats in the last two games have seen our Reserves drop to tenth place, but they are only five points off a finals place so there is lots to play for on Sunday. Manly’s Reserves were triumphant the last time they played Northern Tigers, defeating them 3-1 at Cromer Park in Round 6.

If you can’t get to the ground for our Women’s 1st Grade clash, tune in on NPL.TV .

Northern Tigers v Manly United

Sunday 16 July, 5:30pm (Reserves at 3:30pm)

North Turramurra Recreation Area