Womens State League Round 9 Preview
With only six points separating first and fifth in the Women’s State League, Round 9 will give a number of teams an opportunity to make up some ground or create a buffer.
Nepean meet Bankstown in a top-of-the-table clash, the Lady Hawks look for revenge against the Emeralds, APIA are out to cause a major upset and St George try to consolidate their spot.
Nepean FC vs. Bankstown City FC – Cook Park, 3pm
This match has been on the cards for sometime as both teams look to make a statement to the rest of the league. With Bankstown in devastating form and striker Samantha Muscat scoring for fun, it is hard to argue against their tags as favourites. Their movement, chemistry and structure has been nothing short of outstanding and they are simply the best team right now.
Bankstown’s strength lies in their attack, with a proven goal scorer as the focal point, their midfielders never lose direction in transition. In comes Nepean who have a very organised structure and seems to thrive on these big games. Their midfield is arguably the best in the league in work rate and very rarely put a foot wrong. Their communication with the back four is the reason why they have the best defensive record in the league.
It will be interesting to see how this game will be played out. Whether Nepean goes for it or do they sit back and rely on their potent counter attacks. Best attack against the best defence. We can’t wait!
Southern Districts Emeralds vs. Parramatta Lady Hawks – Ernie Smith Reserve, 3pm
These two teams are down on luck at the moment. The Lady Hawks were thrashed last week by a hungry St George side and to be beaten by eleven goals must be hard to come back from. Although to their credit, the girls from Parramatta never seem to let these losses get to them. Just two weeks ago they enjoyed their first win of the season and need to build on that.
Southern Districts on the other hand faced the form team of the competition last round. Bankstown’s finesse and clinical finishing was too strong for the Emeralds as they simply had no answers. On the upside they did score three goals they just need to show more belief and they will get results.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs. Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC – Lambert Park, 3pm
The last two weeks showed great improvement from the Tigers after great displays. Losing to Gladesville by one would have encouraged the girls as their effort shone through. There is such a thing as losing well and they did that. They need to build on the momentum from the last two rounds and try to grind out a win.
Meanwhile the Town Rangers hand are sitting second on the ladder and enjoying a great season. After their draw last week, they need to go out there and earn three points to ensure that they stay at the summit. Now is not the time to be complacent.
St George FC vs. Gladesville Ravens – St George Soccer Stadium, 3pm
The Saints arrived at Melita Park and hammered Parramatta last week. They have developed a great brand of attacking football that thrills the crowds weekly. Although, they have been disappointing in a few fixtures this season. When tested, they seem to lose their composure at times and concede goals. They can dominate possession but at the same time are also privy on conceding easy goals.
The Ravens are in desperate need of a solid performance. The way they have played in the last few rounds has seen them slip down the ladder and they need to start regaining some form to ensure they do not slip from finals contention.
-By Chris Doroudgar
