By Joan Grey
Fans of top-tier women’s football can get their fix of Lotto NRFL Women’s Premiership action with matches spread across Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Last weekend’s results have split the premiership table into two groups: the leading quartet of West Coast Rangers, Auckland United, Eastern Suburbs and Western Springs, and the trailing pack of Fencibles United, Hibiscus Coast, Ellerslie and Hamilton Wanderers.
Game of the week
This Saturday, prepare for a spirited showdown between the premiership’s two unbeaten sides, West Coast Rangers and Auckland United.
Rangers have stormed out of the gates this season, rounding up five wins in as many rounds, and in convincing fashion.
They sit on top of the table and are poised to avenge their 2023 heartbreak.
Last year, Rangers agonisingly missed out on a top-four finish and subsequent Women’s National League qualification by a single point.
Relatively new to the premiership, having joined in 2022, Rangers were quick to establish themselves as worthy contenders, finishing 6th in their debut season and fifth last year.
Their blistering start this season suggests they could be destined for much greater heights in 2024. Can they break Auckland United’s stranglehold on the league?
Auckland United cruised through their opening fixtures but ran into a roadblock when they faced Eastern Suburbs last weekend. They had to rally from 2-0 down to salvage a 2-2 draw, with striker Rene Wasi bagging a brace.
Wednesday night saw them return to their winning form, bagging a 6-0 victory over Hibiscus Coast.
Adding spice to the Saturday fixture, former Auckland United players Maisy Dewell and Shannon Henson will saddle up for Rangers.
Auckland United host a double-header once again, with the men’s Northern League fixture between Auckland United and West Coast Rangers being played before, starting at 3pm.
Player to watch
Four months ago, Maisy Dewell’s 57th-minute goal secured Auckland United’s 2-0 victory against Southern United in the Women’s National League Grand Final.
This season, the former New Zealand age group player lines up in West Coast Rangers’ blue and black.
Dewell (23) been a key part of Ranger’s successful campaign so far, and has notched three goals.
Dewell’s eye for goal was demonstrated with this effort in the Women’s National League Grand Final for her former club:
Bold prediction
Western Springs take on Fencibles on Sunday. The two teams currently sit 5th and 6th, respectively, on the ladder.
I think Springs’ recent batch of signings and two-game winning momentum might carry them to a 3-1 victory over Fencibles.
Fixtures
Game to be played on Thursday April 25, 2024
Eastern Suburbs v Ellerslie
Madills Farm, St Heilers, 3pm
Game to be played on Saturday April 27, 2024
Auckland United v West Coast Rangers
Keith Hay Park, Mt Roskill, 5.45pm
Games to be played on Sunday April 28, 2024
Hamilton Wanderers v Hibiscus Coast
Porritt Stadium, Hamilton, 1pm
Fencibles United v Western Springs
Riverhills Park, Pakuranga, 1.30pm
Joan Grey
Friends of Football writer Joan Grey loves playing and writing about football.
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