Round 8 Preview – State League Women’s
State League Women’s continue on track as each side has played each other once and the competition moves on into the next section.
UNSW Lions vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 29th May 2016, David Phillips Field, 3pm
Renato Jelen has his UNSW Lions side firing on all cylinders and they look to make it five on the trot at home this Sunday afternoon.
The Lions have scored 23 goals in their four previous wins and possess the top two scorers in State League Women’s in Rachelle Godman (10) and Georgia Goulding (9). Their goalscoring feats has helped them create a two point break on 2nd position.
Mt Druitt come into this weekend in some form though with two victories in the last seven days to sit within striking distance of Gladesville and St George FC.
Town Rangers coach Danny Abboud is happy that his team’s effort has started to turn into results after a slow start to the season.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs Parramatta FC, Sunday 29th May 2016, Proctor Park, 3pm
Western NSW Mariners FC aim to build momentum as they host the struggling Parramatta FC in Bathurst.
The Mariners have moved into equal second with their 2-nil win and have proved hard to break down this season. Coach Michael Godbier hopes he can get some troops back this weekend.
Parramatta FC has a tough task ahead of them in the west as they continue to prop up the State League Women’s ladder.
Their coach Paul Fitzpatrick remains upbeat that the Eagles can turn their fortunes around soon as the squad continues to gel.
St George FC vs SD Raiders, Sunday 29th May 2016, St George Stadium, 3pm
St George FC have entertained this season but sit outside the top four as they host the SD Raiders this weekend.
The Saints flew out of the blocks to lead 3-1 last week but succumbed to a second half blitz that won’t please coach Carlo Tini.
For SD Raiders, they suffered their first defeat and lost top spot. They can lean on the fact they won this fixture back in round one 2-1 which kickstarted their season.
Both custodians between the sticks will be kept busy by two sides who are prepared to pile on the shots in what may turn out to be a Sunday afternoon shootout.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 29th May 2016, Lambert Park, 7pm
APIA Leichhardt Tigers head into the second game of a homestand full of confidence after their broke their drought under lights against a tough SD Raiders team.
Coach Matteo Maiorana was pleased the Tigers were clinical in taking their chances despite not having striker Dana Buttigieg but is wary that his side can’t fall back into bad habits.
Lucy Gilfedder stepped up in her absence and the hard working winger is central to their attack philosophy which has APIA comfortable in fourth.
Gladesville Ravens are always a tough match-up for any side and John Cook has them set up to punish teams that take them lightly. This sets up for a intriguing contest this weekend.
-By Justin Davies, State League Women’s reporter
