Women’s State League Round 7 Preview

Teams have found their stride heading into round seven of the Women’s State League. 
This week’s fixtures sees a range of exciting clashes across the table.
Bankstown City FC vs. St. George FC – Sunday 24 May, 3PM at Jensen Park
Both of these sides have extremely potent forward thirds, who have settled in the past couple of rounds. Bankstown City are coming off a dominant 4-1 victory over the APIA Leichhardt Tigers, where Samantha Muscat was in unstoppable form up front. They possess one of the league’s most fluent midfields and looked a well-oiled machine against Leichhardt despite a shaky start to the game. Meanwhile, St. George have the extremely dangerous Georgia Koinis leading their line, supported well by the likes of Rachelle Wang. They demolished Southern Districts in Round 6, but also conceded a pair of sloppy goals. This Sunday’s match should be extremely entertaining, likely coming down to who can defend best.
Gladesville Ravens FC vs. Parramatta FC – Sunday 24 May, 3PM at Peel Park
The Ravens were swept away by first place Mariners last Sunday, suffering their first loss of the season. They will be extremely determined to bounce back immediately, at home to a relatively inexperienced Parramatta squad. However, Parramatta performed extremely well over the weekend and enjoyed an important three points against the Mt. Druitt Town Rangers. A win will thrust them comfortably ahead of Gladesville on the ladder. They will have to work hard to break through one of the league’s hardest working defences, led by Ashleigh Smith.
Mt. Druitt Town Rangers FC vs. APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Sunday 24 May, 3PM at Popondetta Park
Mt. Druitt and the Tigers will be extremely disappointed with their starts to the season, with only one win between the two sides. If either club is to turn their year around and compete this season, they will surely have to start now. Mt. Druitt were narrowly defeated by Parramatta last week, but have never been completely outplayed this season; as much as they will feel hard done by, they will have optimism about their chances at home against the last placed Tigers. APIA scored their first goal of the season on Sunday, against Bankstown. They even held a lead at half-time. However, their second half of football wasn’t pretty and they slumped to yet another loss. Nevertheless, with a goal finally under their belt, a win against Mt. Druitt would represent the next step in their recovery.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs. Southern Districts SFA – Sunday 24 May, 3PM at Proctor Park
The Mariners have looked simply unstoppable this season, winning every single game. They have found no shortage of goals, sweeping aside Gladesville Ravens with ease in round six. Meanwhile, their defence has held strong even through injuries. At home again this weekend, it will take a near miracle for Southern Districts to cause an upset. The Emeralds were thoroughly dismantled in round six by St. George FC, where they lost 5-2. With a long, long trip to Proctor Park on their hands, a similarly ungratifying scoreline might await them this weekend. Nevertheless, they will be determined to cause the biggest upset of the season.
-by Daniel Palmer, Women’s State League Reporter