Round 1 Preview – State League Women’s

The State League Women’s competition kicks off this weekend with the eight teams primed and ready to do battle for the new season.
SD Raiders vs St George FC, Sunday 10^th April 2016, Ernie Smith Reserve, 3pm  – MATCH OF THE ROUND
Following a disappointing season in 2015 where they finished bottom. Southern Districts has welcomed aboard former Matilda Catherine Cannuli as first grade coach.
The former Matilda will hope to use her wealth of knowledge and experience to rebuild the Raiders and possibly challenge this season.
St George FC has furnished their impressive squad with the additions of Taylor Moore and Beth Robinson plus youth prospect Marissa Nicopoulos to offset the departure of Suzie Gallagher to Blacktown Spartans in NPL1.
These additions has brought a sense of excitement and anticipation around the St George FC squad to kick of the season in style out in Sydney’s south-west.
Parramatta FC vs Western NSW Mariners FC, Sunday 10^th April 2016, Melita Stadium, 3pm
Last year’s runners-up Western NSW Mariners FC head out to Melita Stadium to take on Parramatta FC Sunday afternoon at Melita Stadium.
The Mariners have kept their impressive defense that only conceded 21 goals led by keeper Jess Daymond and defenders Annie Meadley and Katie Pakai.
Plus the additions of former Canberra United and Newcastle Jets midfielder Sammie Wood and Kayla Steeden has Western NSW Mariners as the early contender for the crown.
Parramatta FC were disappointed to finish second last and will want to make a statement on Sunday although Western NSW Mariners will be confident of taking three points home.
Gladesville Ravens vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 10^th April 2016, Peel Park, 3pm
Two sides disappointed with how they finished last season come together for a cracking contest.
Gladesville Ravens had a successful season in 2015 – despite their first round exit in the finals which will fuel them to a better finish this season.
The visitors APIA Leichhardt made some big changes to their women’s football set-up hoping to be in the NPL competition within two years.
The Tigers hope to kick off their ambitious project with three points at Peel Park.
Mount Druitt Town Rangers vs University of NSW, Sunday 10^th April 2016, Popondetta Park, 3pm
Relegated University of NSW look to start their journey in State League with a visit to Popondetta Park.
Mount Druitt Town Rangers had an inconsistent 2015 and finished fifth – they will aim to improve on that with a finals appearance this season.
UNSW coach Renato Jelen will want to make an instant impression against a tough opponent in Mount Druitt Town Rangers.
The home side will start favourites but UNSW Lions are a talented team that are capable of making a winning start to the new season.
-By Justin Davies