By Joan Grey
Entering the fourth round of the Lotto NRFL Women’s Premiership, West Coast Rangers lead, having picked up all nine points from their first three matches.
Last weekend, Eastern Suburbs cruised to a 6-0 victory over Fencibles United.
Their clinical performance deflated Fencibles who had been in high spirits following two season-opening wins following their promotion to the top tier of northern women’s football.
On Friday night, Fencibles will face another tough opponent in 2024 OFC Women’s Champion’s League Winners Auckland United.
Game of the week
The Ellerslie and Western Springs match on Sunday could go either way.
The two sides have played each other nine times since 2020: Springs have won five and Ellerslie have taken four of those encounters.
Ellerslie are yet to pick up points this season and the Ponies found the net for the first time last weekend.
Springs have been a mixed bag in the opening rounds — first up, losing to West Coast Rangers, next defeating highly-rated Eastern Suburbs, and last week sharing the spoils 2-2 with Hibiscus Coast.
Player to watch
Former New Zealand international Megan Lee (four caps) is a seasoned maestro in the Springs’ green and white hoops.
Lee (29) has a wealth of experience in the Premiership, having played at Forrest Hill-Milford United, Lynn-Avon United and Norwest United.
She also played Division 1 collegiate soccer in the United States at Louisiana State University.
Lee scored in Springs’ 2-2 draw against Hibiscus Coast last weekend.
Bold prediction
West Coast Rangers have already slotted home eleven goals and conceded only three in the league.
They face Hamilton Wanderers on Sunday, who have struggled so far against the Auckland teams.
It could be a large scoreline in Rangers’ favour.
I’ll forecast a 4-0 win for the Aucklanders.
Fixtures
Game to be played on Friday April 12, 2024
Fencibles United v Auckland United
Riverhills Park, Pakuranga, 7.30pm
Games to be played on Sunday April 14, 2024
Hamilton Wanderers v West Coast Rangers
Porritt Stadium, Hamilton, 1pm
Eastern Suburbs v Hibiscus Coast
Madills Farm, St Heliers, 1pm
Ellerslie v Western Springs
Michaels Ave, Ellerslie, 3pm
Joan Grey
Friends of Football writer Joan Grey loves playing and writing about football.
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