By Joan Grey
Leaders and chasers are emerging in the Lotto NRFL Women’s Championship after five weeks of mixed results.
Four teams are breaking clear at the top of the competition while at the other end of the ladder, Central United and Manukau United are yet to win this season.
Game of the week
Table leaders Fencibles United and second-placers Franklin United will face off for the first time this season on Friday night.
A single point separates the two sides at the top of the table, and we can expect a highly-charged atmosphere at William Green Domain.
Fencibles have the most effective attack in the Championship, with 19 goals in five games.
Fencibles’ attack will be up against the league’s tightest defence. Franklin has conceded just three goals and have kept clean sheets in their last three outings.
Several of Franklin’s players were part of the Fencibles line-up last year, adding fuel to the fire.
The stakes are high, and the winner of this match will lead the Women’s Championship.
Players to watch
Fencibles’ striker Nina Feliciano-Heather has been instrumental in their attacking success, scoring three goals and assisting others.
Feliciano-Heather started with Fencibles when she was 14, and more than a decade later, she continues in navy and red to be a silky playmaker.
Her ability to outwit players with the subtlest of movements and precision through-balls will challenge the disciplined Franklin backline.
Bold prediction
Tauranga City and Onehunga Sports appear evenly matched on paper going into Sunday’s encounter. Both teams have raked in nine goals this season.
I’m predicting a keenly-contested affair, and the sides may have to settle for a share of the spoils, perhaps 2-2.
Fixtures
Game to be played Friday April 28, 2023
Fencibles United v Franklin United
William Green Domain, Pakuranga, 7.30pm
Games to be played on Sunday April 30, 2023
Tauranga City v Onehunga Sports
Links Ave, Mt Maunganui, 1.30pm
Otumoetai v Manukau United
Fergusson Park, Otumoetai, 1pm
Central United v Te Atatu
Kiwitea St, Sandringham, 1pm
Joan Grey
Friends of Football writer Joan Grey loves playing and writing about football. She attends ACG Strathallan College and plays football for Franklin United.
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