Round 20 Preview – State League Women’s
We move into the penultimate round of the season with the top four still in doubt and four cracking matches in a smorgasbord of action this weekend.
SD Raiders vs Western NSW Mariners FC, Sunday 21st August 2016, Ernie Smith Reserve, 3pm
In a match which will go a long way to determining their finishing positions, Western NSW Mariners head down the M4 to take on SD Raiders.
Both teams come off huge victories making for a fierce clash between the second and fourth placed side in State League Women’s.
The spotlight will be on the two hat-trick heroes in Jess Salomoni and Dominique Caridad for their respective sides in a mouth watering contest which is a preview for the finals.
For the Raiders this game represents a chance to move into equal second if they can take all three points this weekend while the Mariners can regain ground on APIA.
Parramatta FC vs UNSW Lions, Sunday 21st August 2016, Melita Stadium, 3pm
UNSW Lions sit safe in third position and aim to get themselves back into winning form against bottom placed Parramata FC.
The visitors fell to APIA 3-0 on the weekend missing equal top scorer Rachelle Godman and hope to have the striker back for the visit to Melita Stadium.
Emily Fardell deputised in her absence well against a stout APIA Leichhardt defense but will welcome a much more open game.
Parramatta FC have a handful of games in their season and look to end on a high with some late season scalps.
Gladesville Ravens vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 21st August 2016, Peel Park, 3pm
Two teams out of the finals running but plenty of pride on the line come together at Peel Park this weekend.
Gladesville have had an up and down season but when on form they can be a handful for any defense to handle.
Isabella Breukelaar and Isabelle Hatton up front are a handy duo for the Ravens to help unlock defenses and both will look to finish the season with a flurry of goals.
For Mt Druitt it has been a testing season but they have nurtured some good talent included Lisa Fressard which may serve them well in the future.
St George FC vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 21st August 2016, St George Stadium, 3pm
Our final contest of round 20 heads to St George Stadium as APIA try to build on their three point lead against dogged St George FC.
The last few weeks has been a headache for APIA coach Matteo Maiorana as injuries has decimated his squad but they have still managed to play the football which earnt them 13 wins this season.
Filiz Urkanci and Lucy Gilfedder have both stepped up in recent weeks and Gilfedder bagged a rare double last week so will be hungry to add to her tally.
St George FC are always a tough prospect to face and Marissa Nicopoulos helped them earn a draw in round 13 which makes for an intriguing contest.
By Justin Davies, State League Women’s reporter
