State League Women’s – Round 2 Preview
The weekend sees Round 2 of the State League Women’s in action as teams look to continue to build into the season and continue on from performances from Round 1.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC vs Parramatta FC- Popondetta Park, 3pm
In a game which pitches the two bottom teams from last year both clubs will be desperate to start their 2017 campaign on the right foot. This will be the first game of the season for both clubs as Parramatta FC had a bye round 1 while Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC washed out. The disappointment of a 2016 season which never took off for both these clubs will be a driving force as both teams will want to record their first win of the 2017 season as soon as possible, with this weekend presenting a perfect opportunity for both teams to start the 2017 with three points.
The lack of pre-season games will prove interesting for both these clubs as their match fitness will be tested and both teams will be eager to finally get their 2017 season underway.
The game even though it brings the bottom two teams from last year together could prove to be an exciting and gripping encounter as 2017 will be a season where both these clubs will look to take a positive turn and force their way up the table.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs SD Raiders FC- Proctor Park, 3pm
In what could prove to be the match of the round SD Raiders FC make the long journey to face Western NSW Mariners FC in a game which see’s both teams entering round 2 undefeated. SD Raiders FC would have been pleased to have come away from St George last week with all three points after being pushed all the way by a young St George FC team. SD Raiders FC coach Catherine Cannuli though will be conscious of the tough assignment her team faces this week and will expect her team to raise their level once again.
Western NSW Mariners FC also enjoyed a positive result last week as they took a tough point at home against the defending premiers APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC. Western NSW Mariners FC have faced a disrupted pre-season but head coach Jason Payne will be looking to build on the first-round performance as they again face a tough examination against last years champions. Western NSW Mariners FC will be hoping to build a strong home base and make SD Raiders FC visit as tough as possible.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC vs UNSW FC- Lambert Park, 7pm
The final game of round 2 takes us to Lambert Park where defending premiers APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC play their first home game of the 2017 season after earning a tough point away against Western NSW Mariners FC last week. APIA coach Matteo Maiorana was positive after last weeks point but will be looking to turn a good performance into three points this week.
UNSW FC saw their round 1 game washed out so will be eager to begin their 2017 campaign. with a positive performance and result.
This will not be easy at Lambert Park against the defending premiers but UNSW FC will take heart from seeing Western NSW Mariners FC being able to battle and take a point last weekend even when reduced to 10.
-By Sebastian Kalos
