Womens State League Round 13 Preview
After last round’s shock results we have a number of sides this week that are out for revenge.
A local derby and an interesting matchup between the competitions third and fourth placed team’s makes for a tantalising Round 13 of the Women’s State League
Bankstown City FC vs. APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Jensen Park, 1pm
Bankstown City is coming off a surprise result last round after recording a draw with fifth placed side Gladesville Ravens. Their lead at the summit has been slashed to just three points and has Mt Druitt hot in their heels. They need to forget about that disappointing result last week and focus on getting back to basics.
For APIA this is possibly the best time to be playing the league leaders. This side has been revitalising over the past weeks and have looked the part. Led by midfielder Koo Barbi, they have developed a sense of understanding amongst each other which has led to more fluidity in their approach. After last week’s defeat to Nepean the Tigers will go out this weekend to cause perhaps the biggest upset of the year so far.
Nepean FC vs. St George FC – Cook Park, 3pm
Nepean has solidified their position in the top half of the table after a string of decent results. Last week’s victory against APIA showed a side that is mature and is able to get the job done in an efficient manner. There have been difficult to break down in defence and hold the best defensive record in the competition only conceding an amazing eight goals in eleven games. They need to spark some attacking flare and if they do they will be very dangerous over weeks to come.
The Saints suffered a surprising defeat last week to Southern Districts and to make it worst lost with just seconds to go on the clock. Their attacking style of play has made them very pleasing on the eye but is often privy to some disappointing performances when the going gets tough. They need to forget last weekend’s lacklustre performance and get their season back on track with a solid win this weekend.
Parramatta Lady Hawks vs. Gladesville Ravens – Melita Stadium, 3pm
Parramatta suffered another dominating loss last week on the hands of Mt Druitt. They have now conceded 81 goals in 11 matches which is an average of 7.3 goals per game. Although there have been some flashes of brilliance, they unfortunately just cannot put a full 90 minutes together. The Lady Hawks need to keep positive and get back to basics and hopefully they can cause an upset here to get their season back on track.
Meanwhile the Ravens are on a high after causing last weekend’s biggest shock result. That draw against the might of Bankstown City proves that Gladesville are able to beat anybody in the league on their day. They need to re-invent themselves and build on that result. If they claim the three points here and some results in other games go their way they could make it to the top half of the table sooner than later.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC vs. Southern Districts Emeralds – Popondetta Park, 3pm
We have another local derby in our hands with both sides coming off victories last week. Currently sitting comfortably in second place the Town Rangers are coming off a 9-nil win over Parramatta. They dominated the whole match but were not seriously tested. They need to remain focus and respect their opponent this week.
After losing the first derby at home the Emeralds will be out for vengeance as they travel to Popondetta this week to get the three points. They are coming off a great victory against one of the tournament heavyweights St George last week. They always had the ability to beat anybody in the league if they played to their full potential. A win here would be great for the Emeralds as it will edge them closer to the top four.
-By Chris Doroudgar
