Womens State League Round 12 Preview

There will be plenty of action as usual this Sunday in the Womens State League.
There is a local derby in Gladesville, while Sydney Olympic look to bounce back against Mt Druitt and Western NSW Mariners hope to continue their lead at the top against Southern Districts Emeralds. 

Gladesville Ravens v APIA Leichhardt Tigers. Peel Park, 3pm.

With Gladesville and APIA searching for some consistency, this local derby will surely be a test of character for both sides. Both teams have shown glimpses of their potential, but have struggled with injuries and a leaky defense. Expect fireworks as both sides try to lift themselves out of the lower half of the table.

UNSW Lions v St George Saints. David Phillips Complex, 3pm.

There will be some tired bodies limbering up for this game, with both sides completing catch-up games on Thursday night. After some impressive form, UNSW will be heavy favourites going into this game. However, a result for Saints would cause several heads to turn, and the visitors will be hoping to take the defending champions down a peg or two.

Western NSW Mariners v Southern Districts Emeralds. Proctor Park, 3pm.

There are few more difficult trips to make for the Sydney clubs than the trip west to Bathurst. However, the women from Moorebank are tough customers, and will be looking to take the game to their more fancied opponents. Shutting down the mobile Mariners front three will be priority number one for the Emeralds, while the home side will keep a close eye on hot shot Southern Districts’ striker Kristy Rohrer. 

Mt Druitt Town Rangers v Sydney Olympic FC. Popondetta Park, 3pm.

The Rangers are in week two of a big three weeks for the club. Last week they succumbed to Bankstown at home, but showed plenty of promise. This week they come up against a wounded Olympic, who have lost two on the trot and their top spot on the ladder. With such high standards, expect Olympic to come out firing and t come away with at least a point.

Southern Branch v Bankstown City. Jensen Park, 3pm.

The last time Bankstown traveled to Nowra, they came away content after a tidy three goal victory. After a catch up game on Thursday night, they’ll likely be a little worse for wear, but will have plenty of incentive to stay at the top half of the table as the business end of the season fast approaches. Playing at home, they’ll be favourites for this one.

Parramatta Lady Hawks v Nepean FC. Melita Stadium, 3pm.

The Ladyhawks are coming off a big win against Gladesville, and this week they’ll hope to continue that run at home against Nepean. Defence will be priority number one for Nepean, who’ll need to keep Ladyhawks midfielder trio Desiree Vassallo, Alisha Dudman and Tori Axisa in check.
-By Joe Gorman