Arrive Alive NSW Women?s Super League Round Round 15 Preview

Can the chasers topple Southern NSW FC out of fourth spot in the race for the semi finals?
There are just four rounds to go before the finals so every team is striving for a big finish to the 2008 season.
The stand out match of the weekend is definitely the first versus third clash at Peel Park when the hometown girls of Gladesville Ravens meet up with the Illawarra Stingrays. The last time these two sides did battle The Stingrays proved much too strong, coming away comfortable 5-0 winners. This weekend the Illawarra girls go into the clash with injuries robbing them of two stars in Christie Akid (broken finger) and Michelle Heyman (ankle). Coupled with this is the departure overseas of Erica Halloway leaving The Stingrays with a few problems as they race towards the finals. The girls proved last weekend though that they can handle any hurdle that gets in their way with a solid 4-0 win over Southern NSW FC in the South Coast Derby. With Michelle Carney always ready to add to her burgeoning goal tally The Stingrays still have plenty of talent to worry their opponents.
Gladesville are a good side but maybe not quite the equal of the table topping Stingrays and Panthers. They?ve struggled to get by the likes of Blacktown Spartans and Northern Tigers in recent weeks and the Illawarra side are certainly a step up in class from those teams. Gladesville have a touch of determination about them though; even when they?re in trouble they hang in there, a trait that?s won them a couple of games they could well have lost this season. Courtenay Parrot, Alyssa Hardie and Ashleigh Smith will certainly keep The Stingrays defence honest but can they do enough to reverse that first round result? Paul Wade would certainly be doing his homework trying to come up with a suitable match plan that closes Illawarra down. Good luck Paul!
I have to go for The Stingrays to win this one.
Blacktown Spartans are hosting the Northern Tigers at Francis Park. Both teams are coming off last round defeats; Blacktown at the hands of Western NSW Panthers, Tigers to Gladesville Ravens.
After watching Blacktown play Ravens a few weeks back I left the ground wondering how they?re so far down the ladder. They played some very attractive football at various times in that match. Led by Bronwyn Jarvis the squad obviously has plenty of talented players. However, apart from the odd spark, the team just hasn?t got going in 2008.
Northern Tigers are a feisty bunch. They?re probably not the most skilful team in the competition but they play with plenty of passion. That quality has won them a few games but hasn?t been enough against the stronger sides. This is a game where they will be hoping to come to the fore and snare another three points.
The first round encounter saw a narrow win to The Tigers. I?m going to go for the upset here though. Blacktown by one at home is my pick.
Western NSW Panthers meet Bankstown Wildcats at Alec Lamberton Field. Bankstown have put in some reasonable performances in recent weeks but The Panthers have much to play for with both a Minor Premiership and Club Championship at stake. Therefore, I doubt that The Wildcats will get a large measure of country hospitality from the Bathurst girls this weekend.
The Panthers have looked like one of the only two teams likely to win this competition. They play with skill, purpose and have a strong roster on which to call from. For all the flair and firepower that The Stingrays show The Panthers have other qualities that are a good match. They must win on Sunday and I?m sure they will.
St George FC are the only side outside the four capable of breaking into the finals. They meet a UNSW side on Sunday that?s been battling away with a reduced squad recently. Despite this the UNSW girls have shown that courage goes with brains and beauty as they battle on towards season?s end!
St George though, like a few other sides, have something to play for. Yes, their hopes of getting into the semis may be slim but, as long as there?s a possibility, they need to be motivated. They scored a good win over Bankstown last week, put up a creditable effort against The Panthers prior to that and certainly look hard to beat in this game.
St George FC by three for mine.
The final game of the round sees an under strength Inter Lions side taking the long haul to Nowra for a match with the fourth placed Southern NSW FC. Inter put up a good showing at Ison Park in their last visit with Coach Joe Baldacci picking up a few valuable pointers on the offside rule. The Lions, despite their problems, have a win and two draws in recent weeks so maybe they?re not without some hope here.
Southern NSW though will be keen to maintain the semi final spot with a solid win. The ?derby? loss last weekend will have hurt somewhat so a quick bounce back into the winner?s circle will be the plan. These girls would still fancy their chances of having a major say in the finals series if they can get there.
Southern by a couple. Sorry Joe!
Some good matches on offer but Illawarra Stingrays, Western NSW Panthers, Southern NSW FC and St George FC are the teams who we?ll all be watching this weekend. Every point is vital from here on in; it?s three points or nothing!
Good luck to all the Arrive Alive NSW Women?s Super League sides this weekend.
-By Ross Anderson