By Joan Grey
The Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League table got reshuffled last week, with seven of the eight teams changing positions on the ladder.
The disruption — caused by latest results and the impact of the reversal of the Western Springs/Hibiscus Coast result — saw Springs and West Coast Rangers fall from the top three to the bottom three.
Auckland United now take the lead with a two-point buffer to their nearest rivals.
Game of the week
Yee-Haw! Catch the spirit of the West this Sunday at Seddon Fields.
Western Springs welcome West Coast Rangers in a round-five clash that promises excitement and top-notch football.
After a flying start, Western Springs encountered a double whammy recently, being docked points and suffering a defeat by Eastern Suburbs.
Can they get back in their saddle this weekend?
The ride of West Coast Rangers has been rocky, with two losses and two wins this season. Struggling to find fluency, a victory over Springs would get them back on track.
Player to watch
Western Springs forward Sofia Garcia returns for her second Springs season.
Originally from Colorado, USA, Garcia played NCAA-level soccer for Regis University.
With pace and composure, she nailed 21 goals across the Women’s Premier League and National League last year.
West Coast Rangers will need to keep her dangerous attacking plays at bay on Sunday.
Bold prediction
Table frontrunners Auckland United are a force to be reckoned with, scoring the most goals (14) so far.
On Sunday, they go head to head with Ellerslie, who have also kicked off this season strongly.
It could be tight. I’m picking Auckland United to win 2-1.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Sunday April 30, 2023
Hibiscus Coast v Hamilton Wanderers
Stanmore Bay, Whangaparaoa, 1pm
Northern Rovers v Hamilton Wanderers
McFetridge Park, Glenfield, 1pm
Western Springs v West Coast Rangers
Seddon Fields, Westmere, 1.30pm
Ellerslie v Auckland United
Michaels Ave Reserve, Ellerslie, 3pm
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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