Arrive Alive Women?s Super League Round 13 Preview

The Lady Hawks have the bye this weekend.
The clash of the round this week must certainly be the Central Coast Lightning v Blacktown Spartans match at Pluim Park. This match pitches the competition leading Spartans against the third placed Lightning in a game that may have an important bearing on the makeup of the final four.
At David Phillips Field the Eastern UNSW Lions come up against Northern Tigers.
The Lions put in another enthusiastic performance last weekend against Blacktown Spartans but, once again, fell just short of the mark. It must be tough for the Eastern UNSW team to come so close so often. The positive of the whole situation is that The Lions have proven themselves a competitive side in their debut season. The girls have certainly set a good base in building their club towards the future.
The Northern Tigers grabbed themselves another three points last week with a win over Springwood United FC. This wasn?t one of The Tigers best efforts of 2010 but the win was certainly well received. The Tigers, like their opponents this weekend, have suffered a few near misses against the competition?s more highly rated teams. They will go into Sunday?s game under the cloak of favouritism but they?ll need to be wary of a side with a similar amount of enthusiasm to themselves.
This will be a close one. I think that a draw would be the favourite on TAB Sportsbet but I?m going to tip Northern Tigers by a single goal.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers host St George FC at Lambert Park.
APIA is currently poised in fourth place on the ladder with a couple of games in hand. They continue to promise plenty but are yet to deliver their best form. The individual skills of a number of players are getting The Tigers through some of the time games with their near catastrophe against Springwood United being a case in point. Still, given the personnel at Coach Tarek Madani?s disposal, it would be a brave football pundit who?d dismiss APIA?s title chances.
St George FC has not had a memorable season. With only Springwood below them on the ladder the St George side has stalled since a promising start to the year. Last weekend they took something of a hammering at the hands of the Central Coast Lightning. Things don?t look any easier for the St George side this weekend and Coach Craig Fletcher will be working overtime prise an improved showing from his side on Sunday.
APIA looks too good in this game. They should win comfortably.
Central Coast Lightning and Blacktown Spartans go to battle at Pluim Park.
This should be a spectacular encounter. The Lightning found a touch of their best form last weekend in a 7-0 win over St George FC. Yes, this game offers a significant step up in class for the Central Coast squad but their confidence must be building as they work towards the Finals. Ashleigh Morris?s hat trick was a highlight of her side?s win and she?ll be keen to add to her tally this weekend.
The Spartans have been playing with plenty of flair in recent weeks. Midfielder Erin Connell has been in a rich vein of form but has been well served by a team that has had plenty of contributors. Being the only undefeated side in the league is a major achievement but one that also puts a target on your back that every other side you meet is keen to aim at. Blacktown?s confidence level is high. Their title credentials are certainly looking good at this stage.
This is a game that will be worth the drive up the F3. There won?t be much between the two sides but Blacktown Spartans have been impressive so far and get my vote as the probable winners.
Finally, we see Springwood United FC host Gladesville Ravens at Summerhayes Park.
Springwood battled away against Northern Tigers last Sunday but rarely threatened goal. Whilst the team remains winless they have shown their competitive streak on a couple of occasions during the season. Their effort against APIA, in particular, showed what the side are capable of. Against the high flying Ravens Springwood will need to lift quite considerably on last week?s effort but maybe their home ground advantage will work in their favour.
Gladesville Ravens have had a strong season with some solid performances. A solid midfield base from Ashley Hulme has been complimented by some fine efforts from the likes of Naj Eid, Hannah Vousden and ?Super Sub? Fatma Agar. Last weekend?s draw against Lady Hawks didn?t help the side?s Premiership hopes but they are still in the thick of the battle for a top two spot. That alone should be enough to ensure a focussed effort form the sides this weekend.
The Ravens have plenty to play for and I would expect them to take the points in this game.
I?m looking forward to another great weekend of football. Upsets have been few and far between in this season?s Arrive Alive Women?s Super League but maybe it?s about time for a few results to go against the form guide. Is there a side that can turn the round upside down this weekend? Get out to your local ground and cheer for your team.
See you at the ground this weekend.
-By Ross Anderson