Women’s State League Round 4 Preview
Unfortunately last round’s fixtures did not escape the week’s deluge, and information about their rescheduling has yet to been finalised.
If the state can escape another torrent this week, however, we shall be treated with some entertaining round four fixtures over the weekend.
Bankstown City FC vs. Southern District Emeralds – Sunday 3 May, 3PM at Jensen Park
Having dispatched Parramatta with ease in round two, Bankstown City will have been disappointed to be stripped of the opportunity to maintain momentum against the Ravens last week. However, with an extra week’s training under their belt, Bankstown will be determined to gather their second lot of three points at home to the Southern District Emeralds this Sunday. The Emeralds, on the other hand, will be looking to hold back a strong Bankstown City offence to register their first win of the 2015 season; having suffered narrow defeats in their opening two rounds.
Gladesville Ravens vs. APIA Leichardt Tigers – Sunday 3 May, 3PM at Peel Park – WASHED OUT
Gladesville have won their first two games of the season, establishing themselves as strong title contenders. They will be confident of their ability to defeat the last placed Tigers at Peel Park this Sunday, as their opponents have conceded at an average of five goals a game after their first two fixtures. The Tigers will have likely been thankful for the week off, and determined to start the season anew. It would be some statement if they were to come away from Peel Park with any form of points.
St. George FC vs. Parramatta FC – Sunday 3 May, 3PM at St. George Soccer Stadium
In what should be an exciting clash, these two sides have both accrued a win and loss each this season; and will be eager to register a positive ratio by the end of the weekend. St. George have shown an ability to score freely this season, but will have to ensure their defence does not leak unnecessary goals to a Parramatta team with nothing to lose. Parramatta are enjoying their first season at this level, and considered their second round loss an important lesson that they will be looking to learn from. They will be confident of a better performance this Sunday.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs. Mt. Druitt Town Rangers – Sunday 3 May, 3PM at Wade Park
Last week’s storm allowed the Mariners to avoid the long voyage to St. George Stadium, and they will be quietly thrilled by the followup fixture being at Wade Park. Having claimed victories in their opening two fixtures, notably dispatching APIA Leichhardt 6-0 in the second, they will expect nothing more than three points this weekend. They face difficult opposition however, as the Mt. Druitt Town Rangers have displayed quite a knack for scoring so far this season. If they can better manage themselves defensively, they will prove strong title contenders alongside the Mariners this season.
-by Daniel Palmer, Women’s State League Reporter
