Round 4 Review: NSW Womens State League

There were some cliffhangers and a couple of big wins in the Womens State League on a sunny afternoon for football around the state. 
The home sides did well this round, while Bankstown and Mt Druitt will be the happiest teams, scoring eight goals apiece in their respective matches.
 
MATCH OF THE ROUND: Bankstown City FC 8-1 Gladesville Ravens.
A beautiful afternoon at the picturesque Jensen Park set the stage for home side Bankstown to dazzle their fans with a big win over the visiting Gladesville Ravens. The visitors had the first real chance through striker Fatty Agar, but it was Bankstown who remained dominant.
The afternoon began with Bankstown holding the ball for long periods at a time, frustrating the Ravens by maintaining possession well between the midfield and defence. And it didn’t take long for Bankstown to turn possession into goals. The first came after some sustained pressure, and after Mel Parlato hit the crossbar, Amy Dahdah crossed perfectly for skipper Samantha Muscat to guide the ball home from just a few yards out.
The Bankstown back four started strongly, shutting out the Ravens attacks and distributing smartly to the midfield. Georgina Stylianou burst forward down the right flank several times, carrying the ball with speed and skill, while Tijana Cerro kept the backline organised. Not long after the opener, Muscat and Maniso Michael combined to set up Mel Parlato for the second goal of the match. 
Indeed, it was in the middle of the park where Bankstown were most impressive. Michael’s assured distribution created plenty of space for Muscat and Liana Babic to create havoc. Babic in particular had a maginificent first half, scoring two goals.
Her first was a cracking shot from thirty yards out, which sailed over goalkeeper Nicola Simmons outstretched arms. Her second was from almost an identical spot, again too high for Simmons, who managed a touch but couldn’t keep it out. It wasn’t simply Babic’s goals, though, that will please her coach. She was a livewire throughout the first half, making herself available and causing the Gladeville midfield plenty of headaches.
Going into half-time 4-0 up, the game looked won for Bankstown. But after the break, Gladesville showed plenty of character, and were able to keep more of the ball. Ruth Bartos and Noelle Loyzaga both showed plenty of promise, while Alisha Hill did her best at the back, making several important tackles.
But after some good play from Gladesville, it was Bankstown who scored first in the second half, through Maniso Michael. Her shot from an acute angle on the right flew over Simmons’ head, whose late reaction suggested she may have been blinded momentarily by the sun. 
Michael’s goal got the home side going again, and moments later Stylianou’s fantastic switch of play released Amy Dahdah down the left flank. Beating her marker, Dahdah wisely and unselfishly crossed to Samantha Muscat, who tapped in for her second of the afternoon.
The Ravens were able to find a consolation goal through Noelle Loyzaga, who capitalized on a defensive error by Ash Kirby before finishing calmly past Bankstown keeper Amanda Horafios.
It was short lived, however, as Bankstown went straight back on the attack. In a flowing move, Samantha Muscat hit the post after some splendid build up play by Liana Babic and striker Georgia Klapos. It mattered little, though, as Tania Baban scored, and then Muscat rounded out an captain’s performance with her third goal of the match.
Gladesville weren’t helped by injuries to several of their players, but nothing could take away from a strong performance from Bankstown, who were on top form.Their patience on the ball and decisiveness in attack make them an attractive team to watch. Next week they face Sydney Olympic in what promises to be a tough match for both sides.
 
Elswhere in the Competition:
 
Western NSW Mariners 4-1 Parramatta Ladyhawks.
After a strong start to the season, the Ladyhawks had their first loss away to Western NSW Mariners, who were too good for the visiting side. The Ladyhawks scored first through Alix Waddel, but the home side showed great determination to come back. For the Mariners, Gillian Rosconi kept up her hot form in front of goal, while Megan Embleton scored a hattrick, taking her tally to six for the season. 
 
Southern Branch 3-3 Saints.
The Saints traveled to Nowra to play Southern Branch. Both sides put in spirited performances, and in the end had to share the spoils with a thrilling three all draw. For the visitors, there were goals to Melissa Toumbelekis and Samantha Scarlato, who bagged a double, while Madeline Costanzo, Danielle Wise and Ashleigh Clayton all found the back of the net for Southern Branch. 
 
Mt Druitt Town Rangers 8-2 APIA Leichhardt Tigers.
A big win in the firsts for Rangers capped off a great day for the home side, who won all their matches in every grade. The girls gelled today and put on a stunning performance for their fans. Taryn Rockall and Brooke Conroy both registered hattricks, while Stefanie Travato scored a double. APIA did it tough, with injuries taking their toll on the squad. Goals for the visitors came from Willow Shorrocks and Constance Kikitis.
 
Southern Districts Emeralds 2-1 UNSW Lions.
A tough battle between two of the teams of the competition saw the Emeralds take all three points at home against UNSW. Kristy Rohrer put in a starring performance for Southern Districts, scoring both goals. Southern Districts now sit equal top of the ladder. 
 
Nepean FC 0-3 Sydney Olympic.
Yet another strong performance for the girls from Sydney Olympic means that the side maintain their unbeaten record in 2013. For Nepean FC though, this result makes it four losses in a row and 30 goals against. Something needs to change soon to get the season back on track and that could simply be some self belief.
 
RESERVE GRADE
Gladesville Ravens defeated Bankstown 4-0 at Jensen Park whilst UNSW were too strong for Southern Districts securing a 2-0 win away from home.
Sydney Olympic and Mt. Druitt registered wins over Nepean FC and APIA Leichhardt respectively. St. George pulled off arguably the shock result of the round defeating Southern Branch 3-0 in Nowra. Finally, Western NSW and Parramatta played out an entertaining 1-1 daw in Bathurst.

-By Joe Gorman