Round 7 Preview: NSW Womens State League

After six rounds of the Womens State League, Sydney Olympic are clearly the team to beat, while some of the slow starters are beginning to hit form.
This weekend there are plenty of exciting match-ups, headed by a top of the table clash in Bathurst.

APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Nepean FC. Lambert Park, 3pm.

Both teams remain at the bottom of the table, with unavailable players and injuries affecting their start to the season. However, there is plenty of time left to turn the season around. Tarek Madani’s APIA side may be a little stretched after a terrible run of injuries and a midweek catch-up game, but they’ll enjoy facing an ever improving Nepean at home.

St George Saints v Bankstown City Lions. St. George Stadium, 3pm.

Last week both sides were held to frustrating two-all draws away from home. They’ll be raring to go this Sunday, with Bankstown slight favorites after a strong start to the season. Don’t write off the Saints, however, who have the home ground advantage. 

Western NSW Mariners v Sydney Olympic. Proctor Park, 3pm.

This game should be a cracker out west, with both sides in good form. Olympic haven’t missed a beat all season, and will be determined to come away with all three points to stretch their lead at the top of the table. Western NSW will look to Gillian Rosconi, who continues her fantastic form in front of goal.

Southern Districts Emeralds v Southern Branch. Ernie Smith Reserve, 3pm.

Southern Districts will be without their star striker Kristy Rohrer, who was sent off during last week’s loss to Mt. Druitt. Still, there is quality all over the park for the Emeralds, who will be determined to make-up for last week’s slip-up. They’ll have to be on form for the whole 90 minutes, as Southern Branch are the comeback specialists in the competition.

UNSW Lions v Parramatta Ladyhawks. David Phillips Complex, 3pm.

This promises to be one of the matches of the round. Both sides possess deadly strikers in Ayse Adalis and Alix Waddel, so there should be a few goals in this game. UNSW will be disappointed after allowing Southern Branch back into the match last week, and might be slight favourites going into this match.

Gladesville Ravens v Mt. Druitt Town Rangers. Peel Park, 3pm.

Mt. Druitt’s gutsy win over Southern Districts last week was a big boost for the Rangers, who travel across town to face Gladesville Ravens this week. The Ravens have struggled to find consistency after their first big win back in Round 2. The home side will look to Fatty Agar for goals, while the visitors will look to dynamic duo Taryn Rockall and Brooke Conroy for inspiration.
-By Joe Gorman