Round 19 Preview – State League Women’s
The top four sides are only separated by six points between them, as the competition moves into last few weeks of action of an exciting State League Women’s season.
UNSW Lions vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 14th August 2016, David Phillips Field, 3pm
The undisputed match of the round heads the preview this weekend as first takes on second at David Phillips Field.
APIA hold a slender advantage at the top after their midweek defeat to SD Raiders and come into this game with some injury concerns for coach Matteo Maiorana to deal with.
UNSW on the other hand come into the game in form after downing Gladesville 2-1 and last time these two met at this ground, they provided a stirring comeback to win 3-1.
All the attention will be on the forwards in this contest with three of the top five scorers all sharing the field but both defenses deserve some credit for creating the foundation for them to build on.
This contest will go a long way to deciding the premiership and makes for an exciting contest Sunday afternoon.
Western NSW Mariners vs St George FC, Sunday 14th August 2016, Glen Willow Stadium, 3pm
Western NSW Mariners have tumbled to third position and want to rebound with a home clash against the spirited St George FC.
The Mariners were dogged against APIA Leichhardt but fell 2-1 while St George FC fell victim to the weather in their postponement.
St George FC has talented striker Marissa Nicopoulos to anchor their attack tasked to unlock the best defense in the league.
Mariners aren’t just a defensive powerhouse, they enjoy some good attacking options in Samantha Wood and Jess Salomoni which makes for a tight tussle in Mudgee.
Parramatta FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 14th August 2016, Melita Stadium, 3pm
Parramatta FC host Gladesville Ravens as both teams look to head to the finish line with a flurry starting at Melita Stadium this Sunday.
Gladesville Ravens went down battling to UNSW Lions last week and aim to rebound with a convincing victory.
Isabella Breukelaar has been in fine form with eleven goals this season and hopes to add to her tally against a struggling Parramatta FC side.
Sheldon Brown has been a bright spot for the Eagles and her side will look to claim a big scalp before the end of the season.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs SD Raiders, Sunday 14th August 2016, Popondetta Park, 3pm
This weekend proves a vital contest for the SD Raiders to get themselves back into the top two starting with Mt Druitt on Sunday.
SD Raiders seem to have found their groove picking up six points over the last days piloted by Catherine Cannuli in midfield.
Combine that with the striking prowess of Caterina Moio and Stephanie Conejeros-Berjerie makes for a tough match up for Mt Druitt this weekend.
Danny Abboud’s Town Rangers haven’t been pushovers this season and will be a thorn in plenty of times sides in the next month.
By Justin Davies, State League Women’s reporter
