Women’s State League Round 9 Preview
Round Eight of the Women’s State League saw a number of crucial results breathe even more life into this year’s competition, with a real sense that anything could happen this Sunday.
Parramatta FC vs. Bankstown City FC – Sunday 7 June, 3PM at Melita Stadium
Both of these Western Sydney based sides have been in seemingly unstoppable form over the past three weeks, and sparks are guaranteed to fly as they collide this weekend at Melita Stadium. Parramatta FC comfortably shrugged off the Southern District Emeralds away from home last Sunday, having defeated Gladesville by the same 3-0 scoreline the previous week. Meanwhile, Bankstown City pulled off the biggest coup of the season so far, outplaying the Western NSW Mariners in front of their own fans to a resounding 5-1 victory. The last time these two sides face, Parramatta were outclassed by a vastly more experienced Bankstown outfit; but one must feel that both sides have only improved since this fixture, and a much closer game of football shall take place in this return leg.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs. Western NSW Mariners FC – Sunday 7 June, 3PM at Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt are still searching for their first win of the season, and will hardly feel optimistic coming into this fixture against the Western NSW Mariners, who have seemed a class above the rest of the field for most of this season. However, the Mariners will be reeling from their first loss of the year last weekend, where they were comfortably defeated by Bankstown City. If there was ever a time for the Tigers to beat a squad of the Mariners’ calibre, it would be now. That being said, the Mariners will be incredibly determined to immediately bounce back from their loss, and will see a trip to Lambert Park as the perfect opportunity to rediscover their shooting boots. If so, things could get messy for the Tigers.
Gladesville Ravens vs. Southern Districts Emeralds – Sunday 7 June, 3PM at Peel Park
The Ravens had a strong start to the season, but have slowed down considerably over the past few weeks. Having failed to win since round five, Gladesville will look to compound on Southern Districts’ misery and claim an important three points at home in Peel Park. The Emeralds have only been able to garner a single point this season, despite strong optimism at the year’s start. This game is a crucial turning point for both sides. If the Ravens can win, they will re-enter the title race; if the Emeralds win, they can start rebuilding their season towards a place in the finals series.
St. George FC vs. Mount Druitt Town Rangers FC – Sunday 7 June, 3PM at St. George Soccer Stadium
St. George recovered from a disappointing loss to Bankstown City in Round Seven with a strong 5-2 victory over APIA Leichhardt last Sunday. They will have been happy to see Georgia Koinis back on the scoresheet, with a superb hattrick. However, they will have also been disappointed to leak two goals against the Tigers, who hadn’t scored more than one goal in a game before last weekend. The Rangers looked strong in a 1-1 draw against the Ravens in Round Eight, where they arguably deserved all three points for their efforts. The talent is certainly there, but Mt. Druitt haven’t quite found their stride yet this season. This is something they will be determined to work towards against St. George on Sunday.
-by Daniel Palmer, Women’s State League Reporter
