Preliminary Final Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Women’s 2
This Sunday Marconi Stallions’ Grand Final opponents will be decided.
Sutherland come into the match with a winning feeling after their triumph over Sydney Olympic, and will seek to keep that rhythm going. Southern Branch were defeated, but they ran Marconi all the way in the Major Semi Final. They’ll be confident of getting the result here over their southern neighbours.
Southern Branch FC v Sutherland Shire FA, 3.45pm Sunday 30th of August at Valentine Sports Park Field 1
Southern Branch were more than admirable in defeat against the rampaging Stallions. Their young side was able to break in behind Marconi consistently, even if the final result didn’t reward their efforts.
It was a very tactically astute performance, and if they can replicate that discipline in their game plan this weekend they will prove a very difficult opponent for Sutherland.
Samara Wehmeyer and Wrylka Colburn were always ready to burst in behind the Marconi defence thanks to their high starting positions, and those advanced positions have the added value of pinning the opposing full backs in defensive areas, making it far harder for them to push forward and help out in an attacking sense.
Especially impressive about their performance against Marconi was that both Wehmeyer and Colburn kept their pace for the full 90. Colburn in particular can accelerate past players with visibly little effort, and if she can deliver quality crosses from the left then the likes of Sarah Hickling and Wehmeyer could have an excellent afternoon in front of goal.
They will need quality service to break quickly, and in midfielders Danielle Wise and Amanda Carney that shouldn’t be a problem. They were always aware of the quick release available to them when they could win the ball in the centre of the park, and were responsible for beginning much of the Nowra side’s best work from the weekend.
Sutherland brushed aside Sydney Olympic and come into the game on a high after their 3-0 victory. We know Sutherland move the ball well, and they’ll need to move it quickly if they are to break through a Southern Branch midfield that has proved adept at breaking up the rhythm of their opponents.
Sutherland’s strength lies in their poise on the ball. When they can get their rhythm going in games the ball seems to flow around the park at a continuous pace.
There’s no stop-start style of movement, no holding the ball looking for options, and no aimless long passes down the wing into open spaces; just players shifting positions and finding gaps in which to play the simple ball.
They do this better than anyone in the league (with the exception of Marconi, who does just about everything better than everyone else) and they are very good at putting away teams with multiple goals in quick succession. If they can up the intensity of that movement then they should find some success this weekend.
Getting the ball quickly to the feet of Rochelle Borremeo will be key to Sutherland’s success. If she can receive the ball in enough space to turn and face the defence, then the movement around her should provide sufficient space to conjure some magic. Although if the defenders pay too much attention to Borremeo that will open up space for Raegan Deeley and Verity Quartermain, who will provide another test entirely for the Southern Branch backline.
But as much as the attackers will steal the glory, this match will be won in midfield. The side that can execute their plans for the centre of the park more effectively should come out on top when all is said and done. Space will be at a premium, so look to the likes of Amanda Carney or Toni Vukasin to break the game open for their respective sides.
Reserve Grade:
Marconi Stallions FC v Sydney Olympic FC, 1.30pm Sunday 30th of August at Valentine Sports Park NO.1
Premiers Marconi will be smarting after their shock 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Inter Lions in the major semi-final, so they’ll be out to put that performance behind them in this do or die clash against Olympic.
The Stallions have a good head to head record against Olympic, having defeated them twice and drawing once already this season so they should be confident. Olympic will sense their opportunity here though, hoping to capitalise on a Marconi side down on confidence after last week’s defeat.
By Eamonn Warner, PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s 2 Reporter
