Womens State League Round 17 Preview
There is a new leader perched upon the top of the Women’s State League, being Nepean FC after they toppled Bankstown City FC.
Next we move onto Round 17, as we enter the final month of regular season fixtures.
St George FC vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers
St George FC have firmed their position for the upcoming finals series with their 2-1 victory over Gladesville. APIA suffered a large defeat last time these two played in June conceding ten and will look to avoid another dismal night.
Melissa Toumbelekis has been in good goal-scoring form, netting six combined with hat-tricks in both previous contests against APIA. Toumbelekis has enjoyed a prolific first season in the State League, scoring 27 goals in 16 appearances.
For APIA, it will be damage limitation after double figure drubbings against St George added to a five goal loss last week to Mount Druitt. They sit on six points just ahead of Parramatta in last position of the ladder.
Game Information: 1:00pm, St George Soccer Stadium, Sunday 3rd July 2014
Nepean FC vs Parramatta Ladyhawks
All hail the new queens. Nepean has usurped Bankstown City FC for top position with a game in hand after winning 2-1 at Jensen Park. The last match between these two in April was an easy affair for the Western rivals.
Nepean have an extra game against Parramatta to play this season after a washed out fixture which will be played next week. The leaders will want to improve their goal difference against the Ladyhawks.
Parramatta are fresh after their washed out fixture against Southern Districts, so will be looking to provide some magic, FFA Cup style against one of the competition heavyweights. A victory will see them draw level with APIA.
Game Information: 3:00pm, Cook Park, Sunday 3rd July 2014
Gladesville Ravens vs Southern Districts Emeralds
The Ravens wings were clipped last weekend with their loss to St George after a month of form that saw them accrue eight points to firm into a finals challenge. They sit nine points outside the top four almost falling into the dreaded mathematical chance to qualify.
Southern Districts were the other team affected by the washout at Melita Stadium, will be ready to take on Gladesville this weekend. Both previous meetings this season in the State League have been drawn meaning this weekend will be a tense affair.
Gladesville playing successive home games will want to give their home fans something to cheer about with some goals against the Emeralds. If they don’t secure victory this weekend, Gladesville will need to be perfect in the run home.
Game Information: 3:00pm, Peel Park, Sunday 3rd July 2014
Mount Druitt Town Rangers vs Bankstown City FC
Beware the wounded lionesses of Bankstown City FC. They have ceded their position at the top of the State League pride. They will face fellow heavyweights Mount Druitt who now sit one point ahead of the now third placed Bankstown.
It has been a horrible three weeks for Bankstown City, losing three on the trot to bring their momentum to a screeching halt. A positive statistic for the traveling side is being unbeaten against the Town Rangers this season including a pulsating 4-4 draw in round three.
The Town Rangers are riding the wave of momentum scoring 13 goals in the month of July to their ascension to second position. A victory this weekend against Bankstown will put distance against third place and fire a warning salvo before the finals series.
Game Information: 3:00pm, Popondetta Park, Sunday 3rd July 2014
By Justin Davies
