Womens State League Round 8 Preview
Round 8 of the Womens State League is headlined by a top-of-the-table match followed by games between teams from the top half and the bottom half of the ladder.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC vs. Nepean FC – Popondetta Park, 3PM
With both these teams locked on 16 points, this matchup is crucial for either to create some separation at the summit. Nepean who has been the surprise of the campaign has shown that their organisation on the pitch has been the difference. They have skilled players throughout the spine of their team and have remained composed when need be. After losing just one game so far this season Nepean has the best defensive record in the league only conceding six goals.
The Town Rangers have been very clinical up front and are very confident in what they have done on the pitch. After their previous form, their confidence is at an all-time high and will go into this game as the league’s second best attacking side.
Parramatta Lady Hawks vs. St George FC – Melita Stadium, 3PM
The Lady Hawks will be encouraged after claiming their first win of the season in Round 7 against APIA. They scored three goals last week and will look to build on that performance as they attempt to gain some momentum and kick-start their revival.
They face a Saints team that are licking their wounds after their away loss against league leaders Bankstown. Last week’s result certainly did not reflect the game as the girls from St George put in a stellar performance but was just not clinical up front. Their management will need to get their confidence back and the best way to do that is to beat Parramatta this weekend.
Southern Districts Emeralds vs. Bankstown City FC – Ernie Smith Reserve, 3PM
The Emeralds suffered a tough two nil loss against Nepean in round 7 but they all put in a great shift. They showed that they can step up against the top teams in the competition and just need to be more clinical and the wins will come. This Emerald team with their experience can beat anybody on their day if they believe it.
The league leaders and form team of the competition showed once again last week why they were pre-season favourites. After defeating St George by three at home they will look to extend their lead on the ladder with a dominating performance against Southern Districts.
Gladesville Ravens vs. APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Peel Park, 1PM
The Ravens dropped to fifth on the ladder after a great start to the season. After losing last week to Mt Druitt, they need to get back to basics and show the great organised structure they showed earlier in the year. Their back four need to aim up as they look for a clean sheet this week.
Meanwhile the Tigers scored two last week and will look to build on that performance. They need to find the hunger and motivate themselves in their quest to claim their first win of the season.
-By Chris Doroudgar
