Round 3 Preview – State League Women’s
Round three will help the competition ladder to take shape with four engrossing contests as Peel Park is the scene for the Match of the Round between Gladesville Ravens and SD Raiders.
Gladesville Ravens vs SD Raiders, Sunday 24th April, Peel Park, 3pm MATCH OF THE ROUND
It’s been a tough opening fortnight for Gladesville Ravens with two losses but they head home to Peel Park ready for the second placed SD Raiders.
The Raiders have already equalled their 2015 win total after their 3-2 comeback against UNSW Lions and Catherine Cannuli has built her side on a strong defensive platform. This helps Brittany Holzheimer up front to knock in some key goals.
Gladesville Ravens will be disappointed in starting the season with two losses after making the finals in 2015. They will fancy their chances against a SD Raiders side they were victorious over twice last season.
Despite being rooted near the bottom, Gladesville have the experience and talent in their squad headed by Noelle Loyzaga to build up some results which needs to start Sunday afternoon.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs UNSW Lions, Sunday 24th April, Glen Willow Stadium, 3pm
Western NSW Mariners got an unexpected weekend off after some wild weather, and will be primed to get back onto the pitch.
UNSW Lions were brought back to earth last week, as they surrendered a halftime lead to the Raiders which wouldn’t have pleased Renato Jalen.
The positive for Jalen’s team was the form of Amanda Amberg who netted again last week and provide a stern test for a stingy Mariners defense.
All these attacking options make for a potential goalfest between two potent forward lines keen to bank points early in the season.
Parramatta FC vs St George FC, Sunday 24th April, Melita Stadium, 3pm
St George FC collected their first victory of the season in a dominant 4-1 victory and look to go back to back against the 8th placed Parramatta FC.
Marissa Nicopoulos has been the star thus far for the Saints with three goals thus far and the diminutive forward may notch a few more this weekend.
Parramatta FC coach Paul Fitzpatrick needs to address the defensive lapses that cruelled his side at Lambert Park otherwise it could be a long afternoon.
Mount Druitt Town Rangers vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 24th April, Popondetta Park, 3pm
APIA Leichhardt sit atop the State League Women’s ladder after two convincing victories and head to Popondetta Park brimming with confidence.
Coach Matteo Maiorana will want them APIA to maintain their "best start in several years" against a stubborn Mount Druitt Town Rangers side.
Mount Druitt Town Rangers are fresh after their weekend off due to lightning and raring to kick start their season.
The home side face their toughest challenge of the season and must watch out for talented APIA Leichhardt duo Christina Ferreya and Dana Buttigieg and stop them to earn three points.
-By Justin Davies, State League Women’s reporter
