Womens State League Round 9 Preview
Plenty of interesting match-ups this weekend, with several struggling sides given the opportunity to cause major upsets in the Womens State League.
APIA Leichhardt could do everybody a favour by knocking off Sydney Olympic, Mt Druitt Town Rangers are looking to sneak into the top four, while form sides Bankstown and UNSW face off in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Sydney Olympic. Lambert Park, 3pm.
In the last match at Lambert Park before redevelopment, APIA Leichhardt hosts their historic rivals Sydney Olympic. Tarek Madani’s side will want to send the old ground off with a win against the top of the table Olympic. However, with Sydney Olympic’s star striker Kate Halaska on the mend from her hamstring injury, they might have their work cut out for them.
St George Saints v Western NSW Mariners. St George Stadium, 3pm.
Saints travel to Bathurst this week in search of their second win of the season. The Mariners have plenty of talent all over the park, and will be looking for consistency to remain in the top four. However, despite the points difference on the table between these two sides, there are no easy games in this competition.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers v Parramatta Ladyhawks. Popondetta Park, 3pm.
Sixth plays seventh this week at Poppondetta Park, in a match that promises to be a close contest. Both sides possess deadly strikers in Alix Waddel and Nubia Lopez, but it could be the battle of the midfield that decides this match. With Taryn Rockall pulling the strings in the centre of the park for Mt Druitt, the Ladyhawks will need to keep space at a limit.
Southern Districts Emeralds v Nepean FC. Ernie Smith Reserve, 3pm.
While Southern Districts have shot out off the blocks this season, Nepean remain a work in progress, improving every week. The Emeralds can expect a tough match from their opponents, who are one of the hardest working sides in the competition. Always strong at home, look for the Emeralds to come away with the three points in this one.
UNSW Lions v Bankstown City Lions. David Phillips Complex, 3pm.
In a battle of the Lions, UNSW and Bankstown face off in what should be match of the round this week. Gus Cerro will no doubt be planning to mark UNSW striker Ayse Adalis out of the match, but with Bankstown being one of the best passing sides in the competition, possession may be the best form of defence. Matches like these often produce cagey performances, but neutrals will be hoping for a high-scoring thriller.
Southern Branch v Gladesville Ravens. South Nowra Football Complex, 3pm.
For the second week running, Gladesville hit the road, this time to Nowra to play Southern Branch. The Ravens will look to Fatty Agar and Noelle Loyzaga for spark up front, while Southern Branch’s Mel Leedham, Angela Graham and Danielle Wise are the ones to watch.
-By Joe Gorman
