Round 12 Review – State League Women’s
In another exciting round in the Women’s State League SD Raiders FC played host to Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC, bottom-placed Parramatta FC welcomed UNSW while St George FC hosted in form Western NSW Mariners FC.
Match of the Round
St George FC 2 (Antonia Sarikakis, Amy Bennet) vs Western NSW Mariners FC 1 (Jessica Salomoni)
St George FC welcomed Western NSW Mariners FC to St George Stadium in what proved to be an exciting contest as St George ran out 2-1 winners.
The Mariners came into the contest looking to cement their second position. St George though started the brighter of the two teams as they looked to exploit the space especially in midfield and play between the lines.
St George pressed the Mariners and were rewarded with two goals in the first half as Antonia Sarikakis and Amy Bennet struck.
The Mariners struggled to contain St George as their wide players were able to get in behind the Mariners defence and caused the wide defenders for the Mariners plenty of headaches.
The second half though was a different story as the Mariners tightened up the space they allowed for St George and fought their way back into the contest.
The Mariners were able to pull one goal back through Jess Salomoni as they pressed for an equaliser.
The Mariners created second half chances but were unable to find a second goal.
St George coach Carlo Tini was pleased with his team’s first half especially and acknowledged the importance of three points for his team as they sit just outside the top 4.
Western NSW coach Jason Payne was disappointed with his side’s first half but was encouraged by the second half showing as they looked to battle back from a 2-0 halftime deficit .
Match Stats
Sunday 25th of June 3pm, St George Stadium
St George FC: 6. Amy Bennett, 25. Jacklyn Gabriel, 3. Lauren Gardner(21. Monica Bornze), 17.Jacobi Kitchen-Gurney(15. Juliet Browner) 23. Peta Koinis, 9. Marissa Nicopoulos, 4. Antonia Sarikakis(77. Renee Mansour) 12. Paloma Shrestha, 7. Carla Smith, 5. Theoni Thimakis(2. Serena Bornze) 78. Emily Upstone)
Western NSW Mariners FC: 18. Jessica Carman(17. Kallie Sargent), 8. Kirsty Collingridge(9.Chloe Lanham) 24.Sarah Colman, 10. Teegan Courtney, 1. Darby Elms, 5. Larissa Kilby(31. Micaela Gillespie) 3. Poorsha Mcphillamy, 4. Annabel Meadley, 6. Cushla Rue(2. Abbey Barcham) 25. Jessica Salomoni, 19. Lauren Stein
SD Raiders FC 2 ( Helena Ngauora, Sarah Bitner) vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC 1 ( Stephanie Trovato), Sunday 25th of June 3pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
In a hard-fought and tight contest SD Raiders FC were able to overcome a resilient Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC 2-1.
In a perfect afternoon for football down at Ernie Smith Reserve both teams came into the contest knowing three points were crucial for both teams top 4 ambitions.
In a fast paced start, Mt Druitt took an early lead through Stephanie Trovato as they looked to press and pressure the Raiders team.
In a game that saw both teams pushing forward and looking to create chances.
Mt Druitt came close to a second when they hit the crossbar but could not find that crucial second goal.
This proved costly as the Raiders were able to find two goals through Helena and Sarah Bitner as they took all three points from the tough contest.
Mt Druitt coach Danny Abboud was pleased with his teams performance and effort but conceded they were just not clinical enough in the final third as they were punished for their mistakes.
SD Raiders coach Catherine Cannuli was also happy with the fighting quality of her team as they consolidated their position in the top three.
Parramatta FC 1 vs UNSW (Angela) vs UNSW 17 ( Alice, Christine x2, Emma, An, Yadira x9, Nicole x2), Sunday 25th of June 3pm, Melita Stadium
In what proved to be another one sided contest at Melita Stadium UNSW ran out 17-1 winners over bottom placed Parramatta FC.
In a game which UNSW controlled from start to finish they completely dominated Parramatta and put them to the sword.
New UNSW recruit Yadira helped herself to 9 goals while Japanese import An also impressed on her UNSW debut.
Parramatta did not show much resistance as UNSW dominated possession and scored almost at will.
This result continues a tough season for Parramatta as they continue to search for their first three points of the year.
UNSW coach Renato Jelen was pleased with his side’s ability to maintain possession and the clinical nature of their finishing.
This game though in truth was never a true contest and UNSW will know tougher challenges lie ahead as they look to secure a place within the top 4.
-By Sebastian Kalos
