Womens State League Round 19 Preview
With three weeks left of the normal season and the top four established the rest of the remaining games provides teams the opportunity to consolidate their positions.
Nepean FC vs. APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Cook Park, 1PM
It seems like there is nothing stopping Nepean FC’s march to the title. After going through what you may call a slight mid season form slump which saw them earn just five points from a possible twelve the girls from the west have won nine straight equalling Bankstown City’s record of most successive games earlier in the season.
Nepean faces an APIA side that have lost four in a row and are coming off a season that they may look at with disappointment. Amidst what the table says they still have much to be proud of. They are a team with great belief which is evident on the pitch every week. Perhaps they can pull one big upset out of the hat and bag their biggest scalp of the season this week.
Southern Districts Emeralds vs. St George FC – Ernie Smith Reserve, 3PM
This game is vital for the Emeralds as they hold on to their slim chances of a finals berth. They are eleven points with a game in hand from their rivals and if they win that, a victory this weekend could mean a nine point swing giving them a great chance to catch up to the Saints. They will gain great confidence from their result against the Tigers at the weekend and will need to bring that focus here to win this match.
Meanwhile the Saints know what needs to be done. They quite simply need a result. After narrowly losing last round to the Town Rangers their management staff need to revitalise their confidence and go into this game with full force and treat it like a final. They still boast the best attacking record in the competition and they need their goals more than ever this weekend.
Bankstown City FC vs. Gladesville Ravens – Jensen Park, 3PM
After what was an amazing start to the season winning nine games in a row, most around the league thought the Lionesses would take out this year’s crown with ease. Though, complacency has plagued the team from Jensen Park at times this season. After slotting eight past Parramatta last week there is no doubt they are one of the most impressive attacking sides in the comp. Their issue though is their ability to keep their heads in the game when it gets tight and composure is something they need to work on prior the finals.
For some there is no better reason to win a game than for pride. Proud they should be, after all the Ravens came into the campaign without much expectations. They have produced some brilliant results this season with results against a number of top four sides. Unfortunately for them though they simply just did not have the depth in the squad. A win here would do them wonders for next year.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC vs. Parramatta Lady Hawks – Poppondetta Park, 3PM
The Town Rangers produced a brilliant display against St George last round effectively leap frogging them to third place. They showed great composure and guile to get the win after the ninety minutes. Their management staff would be proud of what they produced as they head into the finals.
After just one victory so far this season, the Lady Hawks need to keep their heads up and finish the season with a positive. A win here would not only provide them with that confidence leading to next year but also would cause much disruption in the top four.
-By Chris Doroudgar
