National Premier Leagues 2 Womens Preview – Finals Week 1
The regular season is done and dusted, we head into the crucible that is the finals series. Talking to all four coaches competing this weekend, they have echoed the excitement in being on this stage, now hopefully this translate to two wonderful matches to kick-off the next few weekends.
Match of the Round: Elimination Final: APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs Nepean FC, Saturday 11 August, 7pm, Lambert Park
First up for this weekend of finals; APIA Leichhardt Tigers duel with Nepean FC on Saturday night as only one side can remain after the ninety minutes, so we’re set for a massive game of football.
These two sides have played out a frantic 2-2 draw six weeks ago, where APIA Leichhardt Tigers threw “everything included the kitchen sink” at Nepean FC the visitors refused to wilt, led by Desiree Vassallo. Earlier in the campaign though, APIA did take the spoils in a 2-nil success at Cook Park.
Talking to Alan Tasses in the lead up to the final, remains enthused about having both first and reserve grade in the later stages of the competition. His young squad has trained well all week, hoping not to exit at this stage for a second consecutive season (they lost to eventual champions Bankstown City Lions in a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout).
If they are to do so, they will need two names to stand out. Stefanie Trovato comes into the weekend in fine fettle, scoring a hat-trick against Southern Branch FC. The striker netted 18 times this season and if she can repeat the dose alongside another big performance from Nepean’s rock in defense, Vassallo could possibly turn over APIA.
APIA Leichhardt seem to have timed their run to perfection. The Tigers roar into the elimination final off six games unbeaten, the latest being a 5-nil dissection of St George FC away from home has coach Matteo Maiorana and his side “raring to go” in his own words.
An added bonus for the Tigers is the return of two of their influential stars – Carla Canini and goal-scoring supremo Ash Palombi as Maiorana expects to have a full squad to choose from in this important game.
“The return of Canini and Palombi have provided the team an extra lift. Also finishing the season, six unbeaten has reignited the belief within the team after their mid-season poor patch.” said Maiorana as he knows that Nepean FC are a tough prospect but the side is ready for a big performance on the big stage.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers definitely have the edge in firepower headed into the contest – Christina Ferreyra has been in goalscoring form in recent weeks, now reunited with Ash Palombi, who scored 16 across the season makes for a daunting prospect. Add to that, the energy of Lucy Gilfedder and Eliana Vatcky means the Tigers have weapons across the park as we’re set for a mouth-watering contest.
So we have two very enthusiastic sides butting heads underneath the Saturday night lights as they fight for survival in the season, so Saturday night is set up perfectly for a wonderful night of football to kick off the finals.
Match of the Round: Preliminary Semi Final: Central Coast Mariners vs SD Raiders, Sunday 12 August, 3:45pm, Seymour Shaw
SD Raiders have the rare distinction this season, being the only side to complete the season double over the rampant Mariners. Their first was a 2-1 close victory at home then they travelled to Tuggerah, returning with a 4-1 success.
Sadly for Matt Constanini, on the Raiders bench his side has been battered by injuries since those successes. Top scorer Cassidy Chidgey is out for the season, with Samantha Nagy and Kathleen Butler both still on the sideline. They remain confident though, taking the underdog tag into the contest and “confident of causing an upset against one of the best attacking sides.” said Constantini.
If they are to do so, SD Raiders will lean heavily on the experience of Elizabeth O’Reilly, who played a dominant role in their 4-1 win against UNSW FC to finish third. Her combination with the explosive Logan Garard and Kasia Wojtowicz – the latter looking to make it back-to-back triumphs after being in Bankstown City Lions’ Grand Final victory last season – is crucial to unlocking a stubborn Central Coast Mariners defense.
The Mariners have been one of the heavyweights of the NPL2 Womens competition this season, amassing 54 points across the season, plundering 94 goals as they finished seven points behind Sydney Olympic FC. Striker Candice Phelan in her second season with the navy and yellow netted an astonishing 43 goals, making her the top marksman in the competition and a threat that the Raiders defense need to be wary of.
Their coach Dan Barrett has a fully fit squad to choose from, making them ready to go for what will be “a great game against a team we are yet to beat this season.” added the Mariners boss. Barrett has an embarrassment of riches to choose from – youngsters Iona Snape and Jordan Evans have combined for 26 goals in the season. Snape finished the season with a flourish with seven goals in the last month, making her a prime strike partner for Phelan.
Adding all those ingredients into the soup, makes for an enticing recipe and a intense contest that gifts the winner a chance to duel with Sydney Olympic FC for the first spot in the Grand Final whilst the loser takes on the winner of the elimination final – so we’re set up for a smorgasbord of attacking football in the Shire.
By Justin Davies
