Round 20 Preview – State League Women’s
Round 20 of the Women’s State League is headlined by the top four clash between St George FC and UNSW as both teams look to solidify their top four positions.
Parramatta FC welcome Premiers APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC while Western NSW Mariners FC welcome Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC in what could prove to be a pivotal game in the Mariners season as they look to continue their push to grab a top four spot.
St George FC vs UNSW, Sunday 20th August 3pm, St George Stadium
In what shapes as the Match of the Round, third placed UNSW travel out to face fourth placed St George FC. In a game that could impact either team’s finals ambitions both will be conscious of how important the three points are.
St George will be keen to return to the winner’s circle after being beaten in their last start by Western NSW Mariners FC.
UNSW had a convincing win in their last start against Parramatta FC but will know they will be in for a much sterner test against a tough St George outfit.
This game represents a chance for both teams to solidify their position in the top four as UNSW will be eying second place while St George will be aware of the Mariners which sit only one point behind them in fifth.
This game promises to be an exciting and open contest as both teams this year have shown there attacking intent and willingness to push forward and create chances.
St George coach Carlo Tini will be confident his team can bounce back positively despite last week’s disappointing result while UNSW coach Renato Jelen will be hoping his team can continue their recent winning form.
Parramatta FC vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC, Sunday 20th August 3pm, Melita Stadium
Parramatta FC play host to top of the table APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC in a game which represents another tough test for a Parramatta team which has struggled all year.
APIA will want to continue their positive form though as they build up to the finals after coming off the bye. Parramatta showed plenty of spirit last week against UNSW especially after the first 20 minutes where the score was still 0-0.
Parramatta though eventually ran out of legs like many times this year and were run over in the end. Parramatta will look to again try and make it tough against an APIA team which seems to be coming into some of their best form.
APIA regardless of the opposition will be keen to finish off the regular season in a positive fashion before the lottery of the finals begins.
Goals are guaranteed in this game and Parramatta will be hoping they can put up a resistance to the lethal attack of APIA.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC , Sunday 20th August 3pm, Majorie Jackson Field
In what is arguably the other huge match of the weekend Western NSW Mariners FC welcome Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC as the Mariners look to continue their charge for the top four.
The Mariners will be coming into the contest with plenty of confidence after their impressive 3-0 victory over St George FC in the last round. Mt Druitt though will prove to be a tricky opponent as they proved last start where they gave second placed SD Raiders FC a tough encounter.
The Mariners know they must keep winning and will be conscious they will need to maintain their form if they are to play finals football.
The previous clash between these two teams ended in a 2-1 win for the Mariners and Mariners coach Jason Payne will be aware this will be a tough test for his team.
Mt Druitt will be motivated to upset the top four ambitions of the teams above them and will come into this contest with nothing to lose.
-By Sebastian Kalos
