Womens State League Round 12 Preview
After some great results last week which saw Mt Druitt retain second place on the ladder, APIA record their first victory and Bankstown City FC scoring 14 goals this week’s games in the Women’s State League sees the top half of the table play the bottom.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs. Nepean FC – Lambert Park, 1PM
Both sides are coming off some much needed wins last round. Nepean’s month-long victory drought came at the expense of Gladesville which cemented their place in the top four. Just past the halfway point of the season, the girls from Nepean now need to focus and string some wins together to march higher up the ladder.
The 22nd of June saw APIA Leichhardt Tigers win their first Women’s State league game of season 2014 and what a win it was. Led by midfielder Koo Barbi, the Tigers were a completely different outfit that stepped onto the pitch during the first-half of the season. They looked inspired and motivated. Their passing play in that Round 11 clash was impressive and will need to pull-off another perfect performance if they wish to topple fourth-placed Nepean.
Parramatta Lady Hawks vs. Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC – Melita Stadium, 3PM
After losing in devastating fashion last weekend to an overwhelming Bankstown City side, Parramatta must now face the league’s second placed team in Mt Druitt Town Rangers. The Lady Hawks slipped to last in the ladder after APIA’s win and are starting to lose their grip on this campaign. Undeterred, the Lady Hawks have a great attitude and must look to change their tactics if they are hopeful of getting a result.
Meanwhile the Town Rangers recorded a very impressive win against an in-form St George side last week. They have created a reputation built on their great team chemistry and efficiency and last week showed that to full effect. Although favourites for this match, they must not be complacent as a trip away to Melita Stadium is always a difficult task.
Gladesville Ravens vs. Bankstown City FC – Peel Park, 3PM
After last week’s four-nil loss to Nepean FC the Ravens are in dire need of a win. They sit in fifth position and are six points behind of Nepean FC. A win here and a loss to Nepean would see them cut their lead to three as they look to regain the good form they enjoyed earlier in the season.
Bankstown City scored 14 goals last week; they now have the second-best attack in the league (one goal behind St George) and are full-steam ahead. Their team from keeper to striker is well-built and will definitely be hard to beat.
St George FC vs. Southern Districts Emeralds – St George Soccer Stadium, 3PM
With players like Melissa Toumbelekis, Lauren Gardner, Rachelle Wang and Georgia Koinis it’s no surprise that the Saints are the best attacking side in the Women’s State League. Their attacking philosophy has left many teams in the league in their dust. Having said that last weekend’s loss to the Town Rangers exposed one of the weaker parts of their team persona which is composure. They need to keep their heads when they are tested and unfortunately all of their losses this year have occurred when they are required to be level-headed.
Meanwhile the Emerald season seems to be going from bad to worst. After starting the game very strongly against APIA the girls from Southern Districts managed to lose the lead twice on their way to a loss. The team needs to stick together as they have enough quality to march their way to the top-four. The good news is they still have ample time to get their season back on track and but it needs starts this week against St George.
-By Chris Doroudgar
