Women’s State League Round 1 Preview

Derby’s, revenge and hopefully lots of goals!

The wait is over, put all the pre-season stories away Round 1 of the Women’s State League is upon us and what an exciting round of fixtures we have to start season 2014.

Southern District Emeralds vs. Bankstown City FC – Ernie Smith Reserve, 3PM

Tricky away trip first up for Bankstown FC as they look to a game against the team they eliminated from the semis last season. As they analyse their opposition the team upon them is a side coming off an offseason with vengeance in their heads.

The rematch against the team that eliminated them has been on the forefront of the minds of the girls from the Southern Districts as their steely youthful midfield look to topple Bankstown’s sturdy core.

Some offseason and injuries might be an initial issue for both sides though recent fixtures show that once the whistle is blown it is no-holds-barred.

Nepean FC vs. Mt Druitt Rangers – Cook Park, 3PM

What we have here could be something special. Why you may ask, because we have two teams coming off a pre-season with renewed vigour. Some might say that last season for both squads was one to forget but a new season comes with a new sense of optimism.

For Nepean, finishing bottom of the ladder last campaign is their motivation. The air of confidence in the women give their staff and fans self-assurance on the upcoming year and as a team there would be nothing better than claiming the three points at Cook Park.

Meanwhile for Mt Druitt, missing out on the finals last season was a clear disappointed and is not something they are looking to emulate. For the Rangers, the best way to make up for it is to get all three away points first up against rivals Nepean FC

APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs. Gladesville Ravens Lambert Park, 3PM

Here we have another derby game to kick off the 2014 season. These games early on are there to test the women as what will ultimately be a measuring stick for the rest of the year.

APIA come off a season in which they recorded three wins, but the way pre-season have gone evidently the fans around Leichhardt are expecting a top-four finish. The squad has brought with it experience which is exactly what they need as they attempt to get the victory at Fortress Lambert.

On the other hand the tactical minds of Gladesville have been planning and preparing for this game for weeks and as the dust settles on another pre-season there is much excitement about their first game. Fresh faces and renewed belief is what will win them this game, let’s wait and see if this is enough.

St George FC vs. Parramatta Lady Hawks – St George Soccer Stadium, 3PM

After narrowly missing out on last season’s finals the forefront on the minds of the women from Parramatta is redemption. They travel to St George this weekend ready to claim a top four spot this season and are ready to put everything on the line against St George this weekend.

Meanwhile St George know they are much better than where they finished on last year’s ladder and what better way to prove that than to start season 2014 with a three point victory against the Ladyhawks this weekend.

-By Chris Doroudgar