Arrive Alive Women?s Super League Round 7 Preview

 There was joy also for a number of teams who tasted their initial success of the 2009 season. You can never be sure what the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League may serve up but one thing you can be certain of is that the football is never dull. As we move into round 7 of the competition the table is tightening up as teams battle for a spot in the top four.
Southern NSW FC will return to Ison Park this weekend to meet Gladesville Ravens.
The locals have been in fine form though they certainly ran into a brick wall last Sunday when losing heavily to Inter Lions. The scoreline in that match didn?t do Southern NSW any justice though they were beaten by a better side on the day. There were enough good things about their performance to make one think they?ll be tough to beat this weekend.
The Ravens form has been disappointing so far in 2009. However, their effort last week against Sydney Tigers was good enough to promise better results may be just around the corner. The trip to Nowra is never an easy one for visiting sides and The Ravens face a big test in this game.
Last week?s result would have dented Southern NSW?s confidence but I think they will bounce back to take the points this Sunday.
An interesting match up at Lambert Park, where the Sydney Tigers play host to the Blacktown Spartans.
The Tigers sit third on the ladder but I continue to feel that we?re yet to see the best of this side. They appeared to make life a lot tougher for themselves than need be against The Ravens last Sunday. Losing Lisa Gilbert is a body blow for the team but there is an ample amount of talent available to keep the team on track.
The Spartans disappointed last Sunday against St George FC. The Blacktown girls have given signs though that 2009 will not be a repeat of last season?s poor campaign. A win over The Tigers would certainly have people giving The Spartans a new level of respect. I?m not entirely sure why but I have a feeling they?ll put in one of their better performances on Sunday.
Something about this game has me wary. I think The Tigers will need to be on their game but, looking at the competition table, you?d think they?d win this one.
PCYC Lady Hawks will open the gates at Melita Stadium for a visit from the table topping Inter Lions.
The Lady Hawks have come back to the pack somewhat after a promising start to their debut season in the league. They became the first victims in 2009 of the Northern Tigers last Sunday; form that doesn?t stand them in good stead for a tussle with the dangerous Lions line up.
Inter were too good for Southern NSW FC last Sunday at Ron Routley. Though Southern NSW certainly tested them for a greater portion of the match the Inter girls took their chances, scoring some memorable goals. The form of Renee Tomkins and Catherine Cannuli, in particular, would have had the bookmakers tightening the odds of an Inter Lions premiership in 2009. If Inter have their minds on the job it could be a long afternoon for their opponents.
It?s impossible to tip anything other than an Inter Lions win here.
Central Coast Lightning scored a great win last weekend against Western NSW Panthers. A return to Pluim Park with their confidence sky high means that the Lightning will be keen to build on that success this Sunday. Sitting in fourth spot with a game in hand the Central Coast girls will be hoping to consolidate their position with a solid win over the competition?s tail enders.
Northern Tigers win over PCYC Lady Hawks last Sunday was a just reward for some gritty efforts in recent weeks. Battling injuries and a lack of experienced hands The Tigers have had a difficult season but they haven?t let their heads drop. Georgie Eastoe?s winning goal last Sunday meant a lot for this young side. Can they repeat the dose against the highly fancied Lightning?
I?d love to tip The Tigers again but any side who can beat The Panthers at home have plenty going for them; Centra Coast Lightning are my tip here.
In the last game for preview in this round the Western NSW Panthers FC meet St George FC at Proctor Park, Bathurst.
I?ll admit to being stunned with last weekend?s result in Bathurst when The Panthers went down to Central Coast Lightning. That?s no reflection on The Lightning but rather an indication of how highly I rate The Panthers. The locals will not be happy to have conceded their place atop the competition table and will be determined to prove that form wrong with a big effort on Sunday.
St George FC got the monkey off their back last Sunday with a strong win over Blacktown Spartans. The manner of the in suggest that St George are capable of keeping the momentum going with a strong effort against the well fancied Panthers. Can they step up well enough to have the locals facing back to back home defeats? It?s a big ask but the St George side will be doing their best.
I?m a Panthers fan and Bathurst is their fortress. St George may well give them a run for their money but I believe that The Panthers will be a little too good in this one.
Five terrific games of football that are sure to be hard fought encounters. Is another weekend of upsets possible? Keep your eye on those results come Sunday evening.

-By Ross Anderson