By Joan Grey
Eastern Suburbs and West Coast Rangers lead the Women’s Premier League table, tied on points.
Close behind are Western Springs and Auckland United, both of whom have a game in hand.
Auckland United’s six-game winning streak ended with a loss to Eastern Suburbs last round, dropping them to third position.
Western Springs regained the competition points they had been docked due to an administrative error in the season opener against Hibiscus Coast. This has elevated them to fourth position on the table.
Game of the week
West Coast Rangers meet Eastern Suburbs in a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday.
In their last encounter, West Coast Rangers grabbed a 1-0 victory, but will Rangers get the upper hand over Suburbs a second time?
Interestingly in all their five victories this season, Rangers have kept their opponents scoreless. They hold the best defensive record in the Women’s Premier League, conceding just eight goals across eight games.
Captain and goalkeeper Emily Couchman (25) spearheads the Rangers line-up. Couchman brings valuable experience from a six-year tenure in goal for Forrest Hill Milford United in the Women’s Premier League.
On paper, Eastern Suburbs demonstrates one of the most dangerous attacks in the Women’s Premier League. They hold the league’s top-scoring record of 20 goals, tied with Auckland United.
Player to watch
Young West Coast Rangers attacking midfielder and striker Emily Lyon (16) is a dynamic force in the Rangers frontline.
Lyon’s fearlessness in challenges and strength on the ball has helped her to three goals this season.
Lyon was part of last year’s winning Napier U-19 tournament team and has played for Fusion FC, West Coast Ranger’s sister club in Canada, which further honed her attacking prowess.
Bold prediction
Ellerslie welcomes Hamilton Wanderers at Michaels Ave Reserve on Sunday.
Points are paramount for both sides if they want to stay in the race for Women’s National League qualification. Separated by two points on the table, the two teams appear to be on relatively even footing.
It could go either way, but I’m leaning towards 2-1 to Hamilton Wanderers.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Friday June 9, 2023
Western Springs v Northern Rovers
Seddon Fields, Westmere, 7.30pm
Games to be played on Sunday June 11, 2023
Hibiscus Coast v Auckland United
Stanmore Bay Park, Whangaparaoa, 1pm
Ellerslie v Hamilton Wanderers
Michaels Ave Reserve, Ellerslie, 3pm
West Coast Rangers v Eastern Suburbs
Huapai Domain, Kumeu, 3pm
Joan Grey
Friends of Football writer Joan Grey loves playing and writing about football. She plays football for Franklin United.
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