Round 3 Review: NSW Womens State League

Rain affected much of the Round 3 action, as only two games went ahead. For the second time in three weeks, many teams had to postpone their matches as the heavens opened on Saturday, drenching fields across Sydney.

MATCH OF THE ROUND: Bankstown City Lions 12-1 Nepean FC. Jensen Park

After narrowly missing out on all three points against the high-flying Parramatta Ladyhawks last Sunday, Bankstown buried the visiting Nepean side, re-establishing their threat as one of the most potent attacking sides in the State League this season.

In anticipation of the A-League Grand Final, the two sides agreed to bring forward the match to Thursday evening. It proved to be a stroke of luck considering the weather forecast, and their game ended up as one of just two fixtures that went ahead in Round 3.

Rosie Bacon made her debut for the Lionesses in the centre of defence after regular first teamer Beatrice Sim-Sing was withdrawn from the squad due to unavailability. Suspended captain Samantha Muscat could only look on from the sides as her team started to get on top of the match. 

The stage was set early as Bankstown roared to an early lead, passing the ball with nonchalance and dictating play. Amy Dahdah continued her fine form, finding the back of the net three times, while Tania Baban also bagged a hattrick. There were also goals to in-form players Georgia Klapos and Mel Parlato, who both have scored three goals from as many games this season.

However, the coaching staff at Bansktown will be happy that the goals were spread around, as Liana Babic and Maniso Michael also found the back of the net. In total, six players scored in what was a comprehensive victory for the Lionesses.

The player to watch for the Lionesses, though, is defender Ashley Kirby. Her consistency, leadership and vision at the back has made her one of the most dangerous and most entertaining players to watch in the NSW Women’s State League. 

Next week Bankstown take on the Gladesville Ravens, another dangerous attacking side, in what promises to be one of the matches of the round. They’ll host the Ravens at their home ground, Jensen Park. 

For Nepean, there is still plenty of work to do in fixing their defence. However, the traveling side weren’t without their chances though, their ability to force the ball wide and attack space will make them a side to keep an eye on as the season continues. They’ll face a tough test next week at home to Sydney Olympic.

Elsewhere in the Competition:

Western NSW Mariners v Southern Branch. Proctor Park.

The triple threat of Megan Embleton, Gillian Rosconi and Morgan Sherman struck again for the Western NSW Mariners, as they beat Southern Branch comprehensively at home. Two goals in each half, including a double from Megan Embleton, secured a second win in a row, and will give the side plenty of confidence going into next week’s clash against league leaders Parramatta Ladyhawks.

APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Southern Districts Emeralds. Lambert Park. WASHOUT

St. George Saints v Mt. Druitt Town Rangers. St. George Stadium. WASHOUT

Sydney Olympic v Parramatta Ladyhawks. Blick Oval. WASHOUT

UNSW Lions v Gladesville Ravens. David Phillips Complex. WASHOUT

Reserves:

Bankstown City FC 4 – 0  Nepean FC

Four goals and three points for the home side. The game might have been scrappy and the football on display might not have been brilliant, but Bankstown’s ability to win even when they play badly was most impressive on Thursday night. 

A name to remember is Jami-Lee ‘Turtle’ Mussett who boasts pace and balance, not to mention a deadly strike. Her hat-trick was a sign of things to come from the young striker.

Ivana Bojanovic, Bankstown’s midfield maestro, also found the back of the net, scoring the fourth goal of the match. 

Nepean had their chances, but lacked the killer edge in the final third of the pitch. 

As a goalkeeper, there really is nothing better than keeping a clean sheet, and the smile on the face of Laura Morabito said it all. A stand out performance between the posts for the young keeper whose confidence will only continue to grow as the season goes on. 

-Report by Joe Gorman
(photo by Pete Nowakowski during under 16s fixture)