Macarthur continued their good form last week and held their 14-point lead at the top of the table. The fight for second place has become a real battle with Manly United, the FNSW Institute and North West Sydney Koalas separated by a mere two points.

There is then only three points separating fifth to eighth as they all try to gather some form and points in the pursuit of fourth place.

At JJ Kelly Park on Sunday afternoon, the Illawarra Stingrays welcome Manly United down the coast.

The Stingrays showed character last week, coming back twice to draw and have been in great form in the last month. A loss here though could really dent their finals hopes and the girls in pink will do all they can to avoid that.

United registered a comprehensive 4-0 victory over rivals Northbridge FC last week to the delight of coach Chris Williams. They still hold onto second place on the ladder with the Institute and Koalas hot on their heals.

There have been 10 goals scored in fixtures between these two this season, in two five-goal thrillers. United came away with victory in both fixtures, winning 3-2.

Lynwood Park plays host to an always-intriguing fixture between the Macarthur Rams and Marconi Stallions on Sunday afternoon.

The Rams have continued their march toward the minor premiership and are within touching distance of claiming it now. Coach Neligan has got his side back on track following two straight losses a few weeks ago.

The Stallions have improved as the season has moved on and last years champions won’t lie down. They felt hard done by last week and were disappointed they didn’t take all three points. A win is imperative here for them in regards to both finals football and the club championship.

The first game between these two wasn’t for the faint hearted, an amazing 4-4 draw with various lead changes. The second game saw another heart stopper, with the Rams coming from two goals down to take three points. It promises to be a great game of football.

Fifth placed Sydney University welcome the bottom placed Blacktown Spartans to Wilson Park.

University went down to the Koalas in a direct clash for finals football last round. A team that’s been in the top four all season will do everything they can to get back there, a real test for Heather Garriocks girls.

The Spartans showed some Spartan fighting spirit last week as they tackled the league leaders. They held the lead at half time but ran out of legs and succumbed to a 3-1 defeat. They have enough quality to trouble University and will look to secure an important three points on Sunday.

University has won both games between the two so far this campaign. First a 2-1 win in round 2 and then a 2-0 win in round 9.

Northbridge FC tackle the North West Sydney Koalas at Northbridge Oval on Sunday for their second straight derby game.

The ‘Bridge’ suffered defeat against Manly last week but will ensure they improve this weekend against rivals Koalas. Sitting outside the top four, the three points will be golden for them.

The Koalas scored an important win last week against finals rival University and placed themselves comfortably in fourth place. A win could see them move into second place on the ladder depending on other results.

The Koala’s have so far won both games against their rivals, 2-1 and 4-0, giving the ‘Bridge’ a further imperative for victory.

At Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday night, round 16 finishes off with the FNSW Institute taking onNorthbridge FC.

The young Institute team is playing above expectations this season and has been extremely impressive with both their style of football and results. They currently sit in third place on the table, only one point behind second place.

Northbridge will look to this fixture as a way of catching the top four teams and making a move for the finals. If they can pick up six points from their two fixtures, they would really stake a claim for finals football.

The Institute has won both the two previous fixtures between these two, winning 3-1 and 1-0.

- by Nikola Pozdar