Women’s State League Round 3 Preview
The 2015 Women’s State League season is well on its way, with the table beginning to take early shape. Teams will be looking to ensure they are in the right half of the table by the end of round three.
The competition is yet to register a draw, with teams fighting hard for three points in each fixture.
Parramatta FC vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, – Sunday 26 April, 3PM at Melita Stadium – WASHED OUT
Both Parramatta and APIA Leichhardt suffered large defeats in round two and will be determined to bounce back as quickly as possible. Parramatta have tasted victory this season, and while being outclassed in their round two clash against Bankstown City, will be confident they can sweep past a Tigers side who have yet to register a single goal, while conceding ten.
Meanwhile, its crunch time for APIA Leichhardt who will be looking to ensure their 2015 season doesn’t finish as poorly as their last. Three straight losses to start things off would be a devastating blow to this objective, and certain to hurt morale. The girls will have to fight.
Gladesville Ravens vs Bankstown City FC – Sunday 26 April, 3PM at Peel Park
The Gladesville Ravens have gotten off to the best possible start in their 2015 season, edging victories in both of their opening games. Last week saw the Ravens fight past the Southern District Emeralds away from home, while the week before they came from behind to confidently beat the Mt. Druitt Town Rangers. Now back at Peel Park, Gladesville will hope to make a strong statement about their intentions to challenge for the title this season with a third straight victory.
Bankstown City registered their first win of the season against Parramatta FC last week in resounding fashion, winning 4-1. They looked close to the attacking best they have become renowned for in previous seasons. An away trip to Peel is always a challenging affair, but Bankstown will be feeling well up for it.
Mt. Druitt Town Rangers FC vs Southern District Emeralds – Sunday 26 April, 3PM at Popondetta Park
Mt. Druitt were pushed to their limits against St. George in round two of the Women’s State League, but emerged victorious after an exciting 3-2 encounter. While delighted with the three points, they will be concerned about how leaky their defence has been in the past two weeks. This is an issue they will be looking to address in their round three clash with the Emeralds.
The Southern District Emeralds have had a frustrating start to the season, losing narrowly in their opening two rounds. They have not been outplayed in either fixture, but have been unable to leverage any advantage. The Emeralds will be extremely determined to take their fate into their own hands this week against the Rangers, but things will not be easy at Popondetta Park.
St. George FC vs Western NSW Mariners FC – Sunday 26 April, 3PM at St. George Soccer Stadium
St. George began their season in hugely promising fashion, dispatching the APIA Leichhardt Tigers 4-0 in round one. However, their second round clash against Mt. Druitt would prove more difficult, and they were defeated after an extremely tight and high scoring ninety minutes. St. George will not be too disheartened by this loss as they played well, and will be fired up for this week’s home fixture against the league’s top team.
The Western NSW Mariners have won six points from a possible six in 2015, narrowly ousting Bankstown City before crushing APIA Leichhardt 6-0. That being said, this week’s game will represent their first fixture away from home; a considerable issue when their home ground in Ranger’s Park is 162km (more than two hours) away from St. George Soccer Stadium. This is a challenge that the club is used to dealing with, however, and they will not be deterred in their efforts to regain promotion this season.
-by Daniel Palmer, Women’s State League Reporter
