Womens State League Round 14 Preview

After wet weather washed out much of Round 13, the Womens State League resumes this Sunday, with everybody hoping for blue skies. Sydney Olympic face a tricky task away to Parramatta Ladyhawks, while Nepean and Gladsville will be hoping to cause big upsets over their more fancied opponents.

Southern Districts Emeralds v APIA Leichhardt Tigers. Ernie Smith Reserve, 3pm.

Southern Districts host APIA Leichhardt this Sunday, hoping to maintain their position in the top four. The Emeralds have been tough opposition for all opponents this season, but haven’t scored many goals. This will give confidence to APIA, who have struggled with a leaky defence all year. If the visitors can start well and score first, they could cause an upset.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers v St George Saints. Popondetta Park, 3 pm.

This match is a classic mid-table clash that could go either way. Mt Druitt have lost three in a row against the top three teams in the competition, but in all games their opponents have been made to work hard for the result. Playing at home, they will be keen to get back on a winning streak against a Saints side that has had both of their past two matches postponed due to wet weather.

Southern Branch v Western NSW Mariners. South Nowra Football Complex, 3pm.

The distance derby this week sees the Mariners travel to Nowra to take on Southern Branch. The last time these two sides met, the Mariners romped home to a four goal victory in Bathurst. However, both sides are far stronger at home then they are on the road, and Southern Branch will be looking to cause a major upset in order to keep within reach of the top six.

Parramatta Lady Hawks v Sydney Olympic. Melita Stadium, 3pm.

Melita Stadium will play host to an interesting clash between the Ladyhawks and Sydney Olympic. The table suggests that Olympic should be favourites, however the Ladyhawks can beat any side in the competition when they are on form. While Olympic play direct, effective football to capitalise on their dangerous strikers, the Ladyhawks are more expansive in their play. Don’t be suprised if the home side comes away with all three points.

Nepean FC v Bankstown City Lions. Cook Park , 3pm.

Bankstown will travel to Nepean this week expecting to take home all three points. The Lions have racked up 51 goals this season, more than any other team in the Womens State League. On the other hand, Nepean hold the unwanted tag of having conceded the most goals. Still, they say football is a funny old game, and their is always a chance that the underdog will cause a major upset.

Gladesville Ravens v UNSW Lions. Peel Park , 3pm.

This Sunday UNSW make the trip across the bridge to face Gladesville Ravens at the picturesque Peel Park. Winless since Round 2, the Ravens are badly in need of at least a point, while UNSW are well poised to make a late surge to the top of the table with a few games in hand.

 –By Joe Gorman