Round 5 Preview: NSW Womens State League
Round 5 of the competition kicks off this Sunday afternoon with nothing but blue skies and plenty of goals on the radar.
Bankstown City FC, Sydney Olympic, Western NSW Mariners and Southern Districts Emeralds all occupy top spot on the ladder having won three of their opening four games whilst at the other end, APIA Leichhardt Tigers and Nepean FC are winless in 2013.
Southern Branch vs APIA Leichhardt. South Nowra Football Complex, 3pm.
Both teams are in search of their first wins of the 2013 campaign, which should provide some incentive going into this match. Tarek Madani’s APIA side have been frustrated by injuries to several players, but there is still plenty of talent in the squad to trouble the home side. Southern Branch put three goals past Saints last week, but conceded the same amount. If they can tighten up a bit at the back, they’ll be confident of walking away with all three points.
St George Saints vs Parramatta Ladyhawks. St. George Stadium, 3pm.
Saints go into their first home match of the season against a wounded Parramatta Ladyhawks side, who after a strong start, were taken apart by Western NSW Mariners last week in Bathurst. Saints have shown glimpses of their capability, and will provide a test for the visitors. They’ll need to keep alert at the back, as the Ladyhawks have proved to be a lethal attacking side when they are on form.
Western NSW Mariners vs Nepean FC. Proctor Park, 3pm.
The women from the foot of the mountains, Nepean FC, make the trip westwards this week to face a confident Mariners side. The trip to Bathurst is always a tricky one for away sides, and with Nepean struggling, expect the home side to go on the attack early. Look out for star Mariners trio Megan Embleton, Gillian Rosconi and Morgan Sherman.
Sydney Olympic vs Bankstown City FC. Blick Oval, 3pm.
This match-up will be impossible to pick, with both sides scoring goals for fun in the opening four rounds of the season. Sydney Olympic may be slight favourites due to the home advantage, but it would be foolish to write off Bankstown, who will be brimming with confidence after an enviable start to the season. This one might go right down to the wire, and with both sides possessing plenty of attacking talent, it could be the defence which seperates the two.
UNSW Lions vs Mt. Druitt Town Rangers. David Phillips Complex, 3pm.
UNSW will be disappointed with their performance last Sunday, losing away from home to Southern Districts. Mt. Druitt, on the other hand, had a terrific week, putting eight past APIA. If they can continue that kind of form in front of goal, they’ll really trouble the home side.
Gladesville Ravens vs Southern Districts Emeralds. Peel Park, 3pm.
Gladesville have experienced both ends of the spectrum in their first two outings of the season, winning their first match by a big margin before losing heavily last week to Bankstown. This week they host Southern Districts, who are without doubt one of the form teams of the competition. Stopping goal-machine Kristy Rohrer will be priority number one for the Ravens.
-By Joe Gorman (photo by Pete Nowakowski)
