Womens State League Round 18 Preview
We’re into the final month of the NSW Womens State League, as the race for the premiership heats up between Nepean FC and Bankstown City.
There is the jostling for minor places as well while the rest look to finish on a high.
Southern Districts Emeralds vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers
There is still the faint possibility for Southern Districts to force their way into the finals, if they can win their five remaining games (including a postponed fixture against Parramatta). The Emeralds will look to continue their run with a win over the Tigers.
The Emeralds were impressive last week, with their two-one win against Gladesville, so they will want to win and help their goal difference in the process against the struggling Tigers.
For APIA, it is another week of trying to move themselves away from fellow cellar dwellers, Parramatta, as a victory, would certainly consign the Ladyhawks to the dreaded wooden spoon.
Game Information: 1:00pm, Ernie Smith Reserve, Moorebank
Parramatta Ladyhawks vs Bankstown City FC
Second against last doesn’t sound very appealing, as on paper, it would be a rout for Bankstown City but the fixture could prove to a banana peel, for a side who is slowly regaining their identity after a lean month.
Bankstown City FC, showed they would still be a force in the championship race, as they dispatched of Mount Druitt, six-two, thanks to four-goal hero, Sammy Muscat. Muscat and her team-mates, will look to continue their free scoring ways against the Ladyhawks.
Parramatta doesn’t have much left to play for, besides pride and the outside chance of evading the spoon with a victory in two of their final four games. This weekend at Melita, probably won’t be one of those games in the end.
Game Information: 3:00pm, Melita Stadium, Sefton
Gladesville Ravens vs Nepean FC
Nepean continued their reign at the top with their win over Parramatta last week, creating a three point break between themselves and the pack. Gladesville will be looking to finish off the season with some style after being eliminated from finals contention.
Currently leading the table, Nepean will looking over their shoulders, just in case Bankstown City may sneak up behind them. The leaders have scored a combined twenty goals in their last five fixtures and will continue that against Gladesville.
The Ravens were clipped of their high flying aspirations last week, against fellow aspirants Southern Districts. So now, the season will be about causing nuisance value for the top four sides and where better to start than Nepean.
Game Information: 3:00pm, Peel Park, Gladesville
St George FC vs Mount Druitt Town Rangers
The battle between third and fourth position, is the last game for Round 18, as St George FC fresh from a nine goal rout of APIA take on fourth placed Mount Druitt. The Rangers are reeling from their last start loss to Bankstown.
St George FC are building a nice run for themselves, heading into the final month of the regular competition. Four straight wins with their last loss back on the 7th of July is some heavyweight form which they hope will continue against Mount Druitt.
Mount Druitt had been inconsistent over the last month, winning against lower teams before losing to both Bankstown and Nepean. If they want to make a run to the Grand Final, the Town Rangers will have to prove they can knock over St George.
Game Information: 3:00pm, St George Soccer Stadium, Rockdale
-By Justin Davies
