Round 6 Preview – State League Women’s
Round six provides us with some pivotal fixtures that will help to shape the State League Women’s table highlighted by our Match of the Round – Gladesville Ravens hosting Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
Parramatta FC vs UNSW Lions, Sunday 15th May 2016, Melita Stadium, 3pm
Buoyed by their comeback win last weekend, UNSW Lions look to build on their
Rachelle Godman has started the season in good form with four goals in five games and her connection with Georgia Goulding has sparked the Lions form which propelled them into second.
Parramatta has been State League Women’s most porous defense with 27 goals shipped which spells trouble against a pacy UNSW side.
For their woes at the back Parramatta FC can rely on goals from Sheldan Brown and Yadira Renfigo to give them a chance in any contest.
Gladesville Ravens vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 15th May 2016, Peel Park, 3pm MATCH OF THE ROUND
The enigmatic Ravens went from conceding eight to scoring that many now look to continue building their confidence against the downbeat Town Rangers.
Mt Druitt have lacked results in the first month but know a positive result against the Ravens can spark their season.
If they are to overturn Gladesville, they need to watch the on-fire Noelle Loyzaga after her four-goal haul last weekend.
Ravens coach John Cook’s side sit five points adrift from the pack and three points at home may help them to bridge the gap.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs SD Raiders, Sunday 15th May 2016, Proctor Park, 3pm
First takes on third in an early season blockbuster as the impressive SD Raiders head to Bathurst to face the established Western NSW Mariners.
SD Raiders has been the surprise packet of the first five rounds with three victories already to their name and poised to make it a fourth.
Raiders coach Catherine Cannuli will need to tweak her defense with the suspension of dogged defender Sasha Hammoud to keep the Mariners at bay.
The Mariners get the job done at both ends of the park with prolific striker Samantha Wood’s return to bolster their chances.
St George FC vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC, Sunday 15th May 2016, St George Stadium, 3pm
St George FC look to rebound from last weekend’s loss with a home fixture against an injury ravaged APIA Leichhardt.
Despite that loss the Saints are undefeated at home and coach Carlo Tini will want to use Sunday to springboard back into the top four.
APIA Leichhardt are low on numbers but not confidence, as the Tigers welcome back State League Women’s top-scorer Dan Buttigieg to coach Matteo Maiorana’s relief.
Both teams prefer to be on the front foot and coming off losses will want to get themselves back into the winner’s column Sunday.
-By Justin Davies, State League Women’s reporter
