Title and last national league spot up for grabs in Women’s Premier League

By Joan Grey

Entering the final round of the 2023 Lotto NRFL Women’s Premier League, Auckland United, Eastern Suburbs, and Western Springs have guaranteed entry to this year’s National League.

The fourth and final promotion spot is still to be decided between two contenders — Ellerslie and West Coast Rangers.

Ellerslie have a one-point lead over West Coast Rangers on the ladder.

West Coast Rangers are expected to win against bottom side Northern Rovers this weekend.

This means Ellerslie will likely need to collect three points on Sunday to earn a spot in the National League.

Game of the week

Ellerslie face a must-win against Hibiscus Coast.

Last weekend, Ellerslie pulled off an impressive 2-0 win against third-placed Western Springs, which bodes well for them going into Sunday’s game.

Ellerslie haven’t lost on their home territory at Michaels Ave since early May.

After struggling for much of the season, Hibiscus Coast have shown remarkable recent form, winning three of their last four games.

Can Hibiscus Coast continue their momentum and stop Ellerslie in their National League tracks?

Bold prediction

Auckland United and Western Springs meet on Sunday.

Auckland United are playing for the 2023 Women’s Premier League title.

Going into the weekend, Eastern Suburbs were In second position, trailing United by three points but bolstered by a superior goal difference.

However, Hamilton Wanderers defaulted Sunday’s game to give Suburbs a 3-0 win, meaning Auckland United will need to win or draw against Western Springs to claim top spot.

In the most recent Springs/Auckland United showdown, they battled for a 1-1 share of the spoils.

Now, momentum leans towards Auckland United, and they’re on a six-game unbeaten streak.

I predict a 2-1 victory to Auckland United.