Round 14 Preview – State League Women’s
Round 14 of the Women’s State League see some intriguing match ups as Western NSW Mariners FC host UNSW while St George FC welcome APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC and Parramatta FC play SD Raiders FC at Melita Stadium.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs UNSW, Sunday 9th July 3pm, Glen Willow Stadium
This game pitches two teams who find themselves inside the top four, with both clubs coming off confident boosting wins in their last starts. Western NSW Mariners had a tough 2-1 win over Mt Druitt while UNSW won a topsy-Turvey contest against St George.
This game shapes as a crucial one for both teams as they look to consolidate their position inside the top four and pushing for a top two spot. The Mariners have been hard to beat at home this year and UNSW will know they will be in for a tough battle to take all three points.
Mariners coach Jason Payne will know the importance of his team being able to continue their strong home form and the dangers UNSW present. UNSW coach Renato Jelen will have his team ready for the long trip and the huge challenge they face against the Mariners.
St George FC vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC, Sunday 9th July 3pm, St George Stadium
In what shapes as a possible match of the round St George FC welcome the undefeated league leaders APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC. St George coach Carlo Tini was hugely disappointed with his team dropping crucial points against UNSW last week and will know this week presents another massive challenge.
St George just sit outside the top four and will know they cannot afford to drop any more points if they have any hope of securing a top four finish. The task though is not easy as they face an APIA team which seems to be going from strength to strength. APIA have remained undefeated through the first 11 rounds and have opened up a six-point advantage at the top.
This lead that they have opened up has them in pole position to secure the minor premiership but they will know a loss will drag the rest of the teams within touching distance. This game has the potential to provide plenty of goals and chances as both teams will be seeking another crucial three points.
Parramatta FC vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 9th July 4.30pm, Melita Stadium
In the late game, bottom placed Parramatta FC host SD Raiders FC with both teams seeking three points for very different reasons. Parramatta are still chasing their first win of the season as they look set for the wooden spoon
SD Raiders will be searching for the three points as they continue their push for a top two position.
The Raiders will be fresh after coming off the bye and be keen to shake off a last month which has seen mixed results for the club.
It is very hard to see how Parramatta FC will take any points from this contest but stranger things have happened as reflected when these two teams with Parramatta FC escaping with a point after a 0-0 draw last time they clashed.
-By Sebastian Kalos
