Round 18 Preview – State League Women’s
The competition has pivoted almost the final month as teams continue to vye for the four finals positions which promises a round of furious action in State League Women’s.
SD Raiders vs Parramatta FC, Sunday 7th August 2016, Ernie Smith Reserve, 3pm
SD Raiders look to get themselves back into a rhythm against bottom placed Parramatta FC at Ernie Smith Reserve.
The Raiders have lost their last two contests against UNSW and Gladesville so the return of Catherine Cannuli was well timed.
Her presence in midfield will be a calming influence on the young Raiders side who have both St George and Gladesville nipping at their heels.
For Parramatta FC the season can’t end soon enough after recent results but they can still play spoiler for the teams chasing finals.
Gladesville Ravens vs UNSW Lions, Sunday 7th August 2016, Peel Park, 3pm
The slim finals hopes of Gladesville Ravens face the stern test of UNSW Lions as they visit Peel Park for an exciting clash.
Gladesville Ravens found their shooting boots against SD Raiders as Isabella Breukelaar netted a hat-trick which pleased coach John Cook.
Cook is hoping for a similar performance if they were to overturn the third placed UNSW Lions side who has plundered 60 goals this season.
For the Lions, Rachelle Godman and Emily Fardell has sprung into form making the fixture at Peel Park an intruiging contest.
St George FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 7th August 2016, St George Stadium, 3pm
St George continue their unlikely charge to finals football with a winnable clash against Mt Druitt at home.
The Saints filled their boots against lowly Parramatta last weekend and Marissa Nicopoulos in red hot form after six goals of her own.
Mt Druitt though have been a physical team to play against and Lisa Fressard gave APIA few headaches last weekend.
This weekend remains vital because St George need to continue winning to usurp SD Raiders from the top four which makes for a intriguing contest at St George Stadium.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs Western NSW Mariners, Sunday 7th August 2016, Lambert Park, 7pm
The clash of the top two rounds out a promising round 18 of action as both teams aim to take sole control of first position in State League Women’s.
APIA come into the game with a few injury concerns but coach Matteo Maiorana has made due with the available squad to post four straight victories.
Despite the injuries – Christina Ferreyra has excelled up front with a hat-trick against Mt Druitt and now shares the top scorer mantle with Georgia Goulding.
Western NSW Mariners first half performance against the vibrant UNSW Lions will give them confidence to take down APIA.
Their much vaunted defense will face their sternest test but Jess Daymond and Teegan Courtney have been solid the last few weeks.
By Justin Davies, State League Women’s reporter
