Women’s State League – Finals Week 3 Preview

Bankstown City have all the momentum going into the Womens State League preliminary final. Results from the regular season matter little now, and the winner will face UNSW Lions in the grand final at Popondetta Park in Mt Druitt.

Bankstown City v Western NSW Mariners. Jensen Park, 3.30pm.

After winning the minor premiership, the week off did little to help Western NSW Mariners, who were thumped last Sunday by the form team of the competition, UNSW Lions. After taking an early lead, the Mariners struggled to keep pace with a rampant UNSW side, conceding three second half goals to lose 4-1. Having been beaten by UNSW twice in two games, there weren’t too many positives for Western NSW Mariners to take out of the match, but the side from Bathurst will be desperate to get another shot at UNSW in the grand final.

Bankstown, on the other hand, are cruising after five straight wins. Having all the finals series played at their home ground Jensen Park has certainly helped, although nothing should be taken away from the side’s dominant performances against Southern Districts and Sydney Olympic. With Amy Dahdah, Liana Babic, Sam Muscat and Georgina Stylianou all in terrific form, Bankstown look comfortable in the attacking third. They can be guilty of being too casual at the back, although their determination to play out of defence has won them many admirers this season.

Of the two matches played between these two sides this season, there have been two draws. Will it be third time lucky for Bankstown City or Western NSW Mariners?