Round 5 Preview – State League Women’s
As we move into May, the competition continues to move along at a rapid pace with four more enticing contests headlined by UNSW Lions hosting APIA Leichhardt Tigers in the Match of the Round.
UNSW Lions vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 8th May 2016, David Phillips Field, 3pm MATCH OF THE ROUND
The wounded Tigers head to the UNSW Lions den for a blockbuster match of the round at David Phillips Field.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers suffered their first defeat against Western NSW Mariners while UNSW Lions clipped the Ravens wings.
APIA coach Matteo Maiorana will have to rotate his starting eleven after Dana Buttigieg’s red card last weekend.
The home side come into the weekend flying after Rachelle Godman hat-trick fired them into fourth place in the table.
These results sets the stage for two of State League Women’s best attacks to produce an open and compelling Match of the Round.
Parramatta FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 8th May 2016, Melita Stadium, 3pm
Parramatta FC enjoyed a week break and now host the sixth placed Gladesville Ravens at Melita Stadium.
Eagles coach Paul Fitzpatrick has preached patience over the opening month and may be rewarded with three points on Sunday.
Despite their troubles, Sheldon Brown scored in her last two appearances and with an evenly matched opponent will look for three on the bounce.
Gladesville Ravens coach John Cook will look to Hannah Gestier to lift them against a committed Parramatta FC team.
Mount Druitt Town Rangers vs SD Raiders, Sunday 8th May 2016, Popondetta Park, 3pm
The refreshed SD Raiders aim to move themselves back into the top four with two games in the next ten days started with a trip to Mount Druitt.
Mount Druitt Town Rangers sit seventh just above Parramatta FC and need a victory to move away from the bottom of the ladder.
Catherine Cannuli will have her Raiders team primed to arrest their slow starts and put in a full performance this weekend.
Raiders striker Brittany Holzheimer is hungry after not hitting the target last game to torment a Mount Druitt back four that has conceded 10 goals in three games.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs St George FC, Sunday 8th May 2016, Proctor Park, 3pm
After knocking off APIA Leichhardt Tigers at home, Western NSW Mariners welcome the Saints in a second verse third shootout.
The Mariners rode their luck but coach Michael Godbier was proud of their effort. They will have to dig deep again with their injuries and the suspension of Sammie Wood.
St George FC has been steady and accumulated results in the last few weeks and while the credit is poured on their attack, custodian Stephanie Lara has been rock solid.
Both teams prefer to play the game in their opposition’s half so this game promises to deliver action aplenty.
-By Justin Davies, State League Women’s Reporter
