By Joan Grey
The Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League resumes on Sunday with four teams desperate to take the fourth and final qualifying spot in this year’s Women’s National League.
After a four-week hiatus, the league returns for its final two rounds.
Round 13 will be spread over two weekends; two games this weekend and two games next weekend, on the afternoon of the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.
Three of the four national league spots have already been secured by Auckland United, Eastern Suburbs, and Western Springs.
The fourth position is up for grabs.
West Coast Rangers, Ellerslie, Hamilton Wanderers, and Hibiscus Coast all have a chance to capture the fourth spot.
Game of the week
Hibiscus Coast and West Coast Rangers clash at Stanmore Bay Park on Sunday in what’s shaping up to be a must-win fixture for both sides if they want to keep their hopes alive for National League qualification.
Before the break, West Coast Rangers lost 2-1 to a strong Western Springs.
Hibiscus Coast, on the other hand, pulled off a 4-3 upset against second-placed Eastern Suburbs. That win extended Coast’s winning streak to three matches in a season that’s seen them achieve only four victories.
Bold prediction
I’ll tip Western Springs to win 2-0 against Ellerslie.
Western Springs have scored 19 goals in their last five games and proven dangerous in front of goal.
Though Ellerslie are a quality side, I can see Springs triumphing.
Fixtures
Games to be played on Sunday August 13, 2023
Hamilton Wanderers v Auckland United
Porritt Stadium, Hamilton, 1pm
Hibiscus Coast v West Coast Rangers
Stanmore Bay Park, Whangaparaoa, 1pm
Games to be played on Sunday August 20, 2023
Eastern Suburbs v Northern Rovers
Madills Farm, St Heliers, 1pm
Western Springs v Ellerslie
Seddon Fields, Westmere, 1.30pm
Joan Grey
Friends of Football writer Joan Grey loves playing and writing about football. She plays football for Franklin United.
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