Women’s State League Round 2 Preview
After an exciting, high-scoring start to the Football NSW Women’s State League, teams will endeavour to continue making big statements in Round 2 this weekend.
Coincidentally, each fixture this week features a team who won their first round facing a team who lost.
Southern District Emeralds vs Gladesville Ravens – Sunday 19th April, 3PM at Ernie Smith Reserve
The Emeralds fell to a disappointing 4-3 loss in round one to Parramatta FC, though will undoubtedly be proud of their efforts away from home at Melita Stadium. They managed to score three goals, and will be looking to build upon this with stronger defending at home to the Ravens this Sunday.
The Ravens enjoyed an exciting come-from-behind-win against the Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC at Peel Park in round one, where they scored four consecutive goals to overcome a two goal deficit in the first half. After conquering early nerves, Gladesville demonstrated strong mental fortitude and creative attacking play. The Southern District Emeralds will be determined to prevent the Ravens attack from breaking through their defence as much as Parramatta were able to in round one.
Bankstown City FC vs Parramatta FC – Sunday 19th April, 3PM at Jensen Park
Bankstown City did not enjoy the long trip to Proctor Park in round one, where they fell to a 2-1 defeat against the Western NSW Mariners. It was a tightly fought affair and they will be more confident in their chances at home this weekend, aiming to score a lot of goals as they have done historically.
Parramatta FC, however, will be raring to go after a 4-3 victory against the Southern District Emeralds. The Women’s State League newcomers will look to continue scoring freely and make it six points from six this season.
Mt. Druitt Town Rangers FC vs St. George FC – Sunday, 19th April, 3PM at Popondetta Park
The Rangers would have been devastated with their loss to the Ravens, having taken an early 2-0 lead at Peel Park on the weekend. They were not outplayed by the home side, but were unable to hold back the Ravens attack over ninety minutes. This is something they will look to build upon over the season, and the first half an hour of their game in Gladesville proved they have what it takes.
St. George, on the other hand, will be delighted with their 4-0 victory against the Tigers at Lambert Park, and confident that a second game away from home will not prove a problem. Sitting at the top of the table after round one, St. George will prove quite the test for Mt Druitt in what should be an exciting clash.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs APIA Leichardt Tigers – Sunday 19th April, 3PM at Rangers Park
The Western NSW Mariners got their Women’s State League debut off to a solid start, after a narrow 2-1 victory at home to Bankstown City FC. With a second game at home this week against the Tigers, they will be confident on adding another three points to their tally and preparing themselves for a tough away trip to St. George the following week.
The Tigers were humbled at home by St. George in round one and will be determined not to let this season continue as unsuccessfully as their last. A difficult away trip to Lithgow will be a major challenge of this determination. However, it is far too early to rule the Tigers out and they will be looking to make a very strong statement this weekend.
-by Daniel Palmer, Women’s State League Reporter
