Round 2 Preview – Football NSW League One Women’s
Everyone has shaken off the cobwebs after the long off-season and the Football NSW League One Women’s competition is ready to roll on for Round 2.
There are eight matches to play out across our very own ‘Super Sunday’ including the first battle of the West between Blacktown City FC and Mt Druitt Town Rangers amongst the smorgasbord.
The Round is headlined by St George FC and Marconi Stallions in the Match of the Round.
Match of the Round: St George FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 27 February, 3pm, Fraser Park
The Match of the Round heads to Fraser Park as St George FC host Marconi Stallions in an early season mouthwatering clash on Sunday afternoon.
St George FC picked up right where they left off last season with a solid 4-0 win against Nepean FC to open their account this year. Marconi Stallions were made to work for the three points in a 4-3 victory against South East Phoenix FC.
The Saints have shown they will continue to march on in 2022 as they kept the core of their squad which saw them in the top two last year. Sharpshooter Jordan Baker got her campaign started in style with a hat-trick as she chases more goals. Down the other end, custodian Chloe Avgoustou will need to be on her game against the potent Stallions attack.
Marconi Stallions made heavy weather of it but showed their class in taking the points. The tandem strike force of Tania Baban and Ceyda Cambaz will be a tough ask for all other 15 teams in League One Womens while we could see the return of Hannah Voloder who recently got married to Sydney United 58’s Anthony Tomelic.
All in all, a massive game will be on hand between two evenly contested sides.
Gladesville Ravens vs Hills United FC, Sunday 27 February, 3pm, Christie Park
Two first up winners clash at Christie Park when Gladesville Ravens take on newbies Hills United FC in an afternoon kick-off.
Gladesville Ravens were soaring in their opening fixture after a 5-1 victory against Sutherland Shire FA in the Shire. Hills United FC lived up to their motto to make history after a memorable 2-1 win against one of the favourites to win the league, Northbridge Bulls FC in the Match of the Round last weekend.
It was an all-round effort Gladesville Ravens in their four-goal win last weekend, but the headlines will be taken up by Gemma Woolley’s brace. The Ravens have quality across the park and will provide another stern test for Hills United FC.
If Round 1 was an indication, it is going to be a rollercoaster ride of a season for Hills United FC. It does fit in with their narrative to make big strides in their debut season. Annie Halls took over the contest in the second half and she might need similar against this Ravens outfit.
Blacktown City FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 27 February, 3pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
Our first battle of the West comes early in the season when Blacktown City FC and Mt Druitt Town Rangers come together at Blacktown City Sports Centre.
It wasn’t the ideal beginning to life in League One Womens for both Blacktown City FC and Mt Druitt Town Rangers with losses last weekend. Blacktown City FC were tight 1-0 losers to SD Raiders FC while Mt Druitt Town Rangers lost 3-1 to the Central Coast Mariners.
Blacktown City FC are a young side and were spirited in its loss which has emboldened coach David O’Keefe headed into this weekend’s derby game. Custodian Kiara Rochaix might be integral to them blunting the Rangers attack and possibly taking home their first points tonight.
Down the other end of the park, Mt Druitt Town Rangers were beaten but not broken against the Mariners but in small pockets, especially their goal, showed promise. One thing we can guarantee this weekend is a fantastic encounter between two closely matched sides.
Sutherland Shire FA vs UNSW FC, Sunday 27 February, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Sutherland Shire FA have their second straight home game where they host a fired-up UNSW FC on Sunday afternoon at Harrie Denning Centre.
This is the second home game on the bounce for Sutherland Shire FA after their 5-1 defeat against Gladesville Ravens on opening weekend. UNSW FC opened their season with three points in a 3-2 win against South Coast Flame FC.
There is plenty of talent in the Sutherland Shire FA side to help their cause on the weekend headlined by last weekend’s goal scorer Lacie Bowling and Isabella Georgievski which makes for an interesting game against the students.
Getting results hasn’t been a problem for UNSW FC in their time. It is about putting together a run of results for them to get themselves into the upper half of the table. Hannah Charak scored a brace in their first game and might be primed to find the back of the net again.
Inter Lions vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 27 February, 3pm, Majors Bay Reverse
Looking to rebound, Inter Lions have their first home game of the season against one of the contenders in SD Raiders at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday.
There are contrasting fashions headed into this weekend’s fixtures for Inter Lions and SD Raiders FC. The home side lost 3-1 to Camden Tigers after their big off-season. SD Raiders FC squeaked past Blacktown City FC, 1-0 at Ernie Smith Reserve.
There will be some disappointment for Inter Lions after their off-season to lose their first game to one of the new sides in the League One Womens competition. Coach Michael Cunningham hopes their home ground can provide the lift with the added class of Jess Wootton and Chloe O’Brien to unlock SD Raiders FC.
It will be a tough ask to get past SD Raiders FC goalkeeper Natasha Pentecost who has a plethora of highlight reel saves to get SD Raiders FC points. It was also the perfect start for Trudy Camelleri with her first goal of the season. So, we’re set for an intriguing contest on Sunday afternoon.
Central Coast Mariners vs Nepean FC, Sunday 27 February, 3pm, Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners aim to continue their positive start to the 2022 season when they welcome Nepean FC to Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Mariners were comfortable winners in their opening game, defeating Mt Druitt Town Rangers 3-1 at Valentine Sports Park. Nepean FC were blown away by St George FC, 4-0 at their home ground of Cook Park.
For the yellow-and-navy it was a good solid performance in an important year for the Mariners club building up to becoming a W-League side. Having Sophie Nenadovic is a big addition for the side who will help solidify the team and give room for Candice Phelan and Rachel Glendenning to find the back of the net.
Nepean FC have plenty of firepower in their ranks to bounce back this week. Coach Albert Disciascio has said it was going to take time to rebuild the side but having Annalise Schiraldi is a big help for the side as they make the tough trip to Central Coast.
Northbridge Bulls FC vs South East Phoenix FC, Sunday 27 February, 3:30pm, Northbridge Oval
Northbridge Bulls FC take on a dogged South East Phoenix FC side on Sunday afternoon when the two do battle at Northbridge Oval.
Both sides head into this weekend off first-up losses and look to rebound. Northbridge Bulls FC lost 2-1 to Hills United FC in the Match of the Round and South East Phoenix FC comeback fell short in a 4-3 defeat to Marconi Stallions.
Despite the defeat, Tamires Souza was a bright spark for Northbridge Bulls FC. Her goal opened the scoring, and she was bright on the ball. Experienced attacker Rochelle Johnson has a relentless engine which will keep the Phoenix on their toes on Sunday night.
South East Phoenix FC might feel like Sunday was a positive start as Marconi Stallions were one of the sides that will contend this season. Maddy Carter was a prolific goal scorer in the local Shoalhaven league and got her first League One Womens goal. She will be keen add another to the tally against the current Premiers.
South Coast Flame FC vs Camden Tigers FC, Sunday 27 February, 7pm, Ian McLennan Park
The night cap for Round 2 is down on the South Coast. Camden Tigers head down the highway to take on South Coast Flame at Ian McLennan Park Sunday night.
The Flame were extinguished in their opening game after a second half goal helped UNSW FC defeat them 3-2 while Camden Tigers got off the mark with an impressive 3-1 win against Inter Lions in their first home game.
Camden Tigers showed their grit in their comeback win against Inter Lions with Mel Parlato getting herself off the mark with a brace either side of half-time. Alongside Ashlee Taff and Kristy Rohrer they won’t be an easy assignment for any side.
South Coast Flame FC will be keen to make their maiden home game a positive one against one of their fellow debutants. Their first half performance which saw them go in 2-2 against UNSW FC so if they can repeat that dose, the Flame will shine brightly on Sunday night.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
