Round 8 Preview: NSW Womens State League
Round 8 of the Womens State League promises to be an exciting weekend of football, with all eyes on table toppers Sydney Olympic, who are still yet to lose a game this season.
With Bankstown City, Southern Districts, Western NSW and UNSW Lions all in good form, this week could see several teams break away from the pack.
Nepean FC v UNSW Lions. Cook Park, 3pm.
Cellar-dwellers Nepean this week host last season’s champions UNSW. After steady improvement throughout the first six rounds, Nepean will be disappointed with last week’s loss to APIA, while UNSW will be looking to find some rhythm in order to climb to the top of the ladder.
Bankstown City Lions v APIA Leichhardt Tigers. Jensen Park, 3pm.
Injuries have not helped APIA Leichhardt’s cause this season, but with a few new signings and some talented juniors stepping up to first grade, there is still plenty to suggest that they can be finals contenders. They’ll have to be on top form this week when they visit Bankstown, a side that is almost unbeatable when in the mood.
Western NSW v Gladesville Ravens. Marjorie Jackson Field, 3pm.
The women from the west this week host the Gladesville Ravens in Lithgow, at a field named after one of Australia’s greatest female athletes. The Mariners have been tough to beat at home, but if Gladesville can come away with the points it may be just the way to turn their season around. They’ll need to keep a close eye on the Mariners mobile front three, in particular Gillian Rosconi.
Parramatta Ladyhawks v Southern Districts Emeralds. Melita Stadium, 3pm.
This should be a very close match at Melita Stadium. The Emeralds are one of the toughest teams in the competition, not least because of their fierce determination and never say die attitude. However, when the Ladyhawks start to string the passes together, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Sydney Olympic v St. George Saints. Peter Moore Field, 3pm.
On current form, Sydney Olympic should win this one in a canter, but it’s never wise to write off the Saints. Scoring goals has been easy for the Saints this season, but they’ve conceded far too many. If they can stay tight at the back, they could well inflict the first loss on the league leaders.
Southern Branch v Mt. Druitt Town Rangers. South Nowra Football Complex, 3pm.
Led by their inspirational player coach Taryn Rockall, Mt Druitt have been one of the dark horses of the Womens State League. This week they travel to Nowra, to face a Southern Branch side reeling after letting a one goal lead slip last week to Southern Districts. The home side needs a win this week in order to stay in the hunt.
-By Joe Gorman
