Round 11 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 11 sees us enter May and it may be time for teams in the League One Womens competition where the teams start to find their level in this marathon.
We have eight fantastic games to enjoy across Sunday so let’s get onto the preview!
Central Coast Mariners vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 1 May, 3pm, Pluim Park
Kicking off the weekend, Central Coast Mariners face SD Raiders FC in an important clash at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts head into this game off a tight 3-1 loss against league leaders Hills United FC to snap their recent winning run. SD Raiders FC showed their clinical edge in their 8-0 thrashing of South East Phoenix FC at home.
Central Coast Mariners remain in the top six and will be looking to get their groove back against a contending side. Helping that will be Sophie Nenadovic who has fit into the yellow-and-navy like a glove and has helped push them along.
For the visitors, they are firing on all cylinders in recent weeks. SD Raiders FC take a long winning streak to the coast and in form strikers in Mikala Tucker and Trudy Camilleri ready to rock n roll in a fascinating contest.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 1 May, 3pm, Popondetta Park
Mt Druitt Town Rangers head back home to Popondetta Park to take on Sutherland Shire FA on Sunday afternoon.
The Rangers head into this contest off another frustrating result. Losing 2-0 to Nepean FC in a Western Sydney clash. Sutherland Shire FA were comfortable 3-1 winners against Camden Tigers down at Harrie Denning Centre.
Sutherland Shire FA’s three game unbeaten run has helped the young squad settle into the season and keeps them in the top half of the table. Janan Codmani has been a consistent presence in the Sutherland Shire FA side the last few years and has found her scoring form recently to help power them to results.
The hosts might consider themselves unlucky after some of the bounces which have gone against them to keep them the only side without a win thus far. Maybe this might be the week the Town Rangers turn it all around and sing the song at home.
Camden Tigers vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 1 May, 3pm, Ron Dine Stadium
Camden Tigers welcome the Northbridge Bulls FC to Ron Dine Stadium for an interesting clash to play out Sunday afternoon.
Recent form hasn’t been impressive for Northbridge Bulls FC with back-to-back losses with the latest being their 2-1 loss to Gladesville Ravens at home. Camden Tigers also come into this off a loss with their 3-1 result against Sutherland Shire FA.
Northbridge Bulls FC might not have had the best fortnight but facing one of the leakier defences in the League One Womens competition will help. Tamires Souza has cooled off after her hot start but remains probably their best route to goal.
Home is where the heart is and where Camden Tigers have fashioned their only win thus far in the campaign. They will need a huge effort to tame the Bulls but they showed in the opening month it might be possible.
Nepean FC vs Blacktown City FC, Sunday 1 May, 3pm, Cook Park
Two sides desperate for points clash at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon when Nepean FC host Blacktown City FC.
Nepean FC will be bouncing into this contest full of confidence after their maiden 2-0 win against Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC last weekend. Blacktown City FC battled hard but lost 1-0 to an in-form UNSW FC side.
The next fortnight of fixtures is prime for Nepean FC to start their ascent up the table after being able to celebrate at home for the first time. Gemma Morgan showed an eye for goal with her brace and might be keen for further feats this weekend.
Blacktown City FC have two wins on the season and have shown their capabilities to remain competitive against the top sides in the division. Both Kaylie Shannon and Claire Szymoniczek work hard in their roles and add goals to that this weekend.
Inter Lions vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 1 May, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve
It is a tough task ahead for Inter Lions FC when they welcome Gladesville Ravens to Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The Ravens continue their ascent to the top of the League One Womens competition after their 2-1 success against Northbridge Bulls FC last weekend. Inter Lions took the lead but lost 2-1 to Marconi Stallions away.
Inter Lion’s bounce lasted a week and the proud club face another monumental task against a streaking Ravens side. Caitlin Webster has been one of their best performers in recent weeks and alongside Jess Wootton give them a chance.
Gladesville Ravens just need to continue at their current altitude which has them in equal second place in the League One Womens competition. Ash Palombi finding her scoring form adds another bow to their attack which already has goal machine Gemma Woolley and makes them a frightening prospect for teams.
South East Phoenix FC vs St George FC, Sunday 1 May, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
St George FC look to re-find their groove when the heavyweights go down the highway to face South East Phoenix FC on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints have stalled in their march recently. They lost their fourth straight game against South Coast Flame FC 4-1 in the Match of the Round. South East Phoenix FC were drubbed 8-0 by SD Raiders FC in their game.
South East Phoenix FC will be keen to make a better account of themselves against another of the competition’s heavyweights when they welcome St George FC. It was the first time they were held scoreless all season so their big guns will be ready to strike against a wounded St George FC side.
The visitors will just want three points to kickstart their stumbling campaign. St George’s potent attack hasn’t fired in recent weeks, but Jordan Baker remains a danger to any defence in League One Womens and is itching to find the back of the net again.
South Coast Flame FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 1 May, 7:15pm, Ian McLennan Park
Fresh from back-to-back wins, South Coast Flame FC host Marconi Stallions at Ian McLennan Park on Sunday night.
The Flame are white hot recently after their stunning 4-1 success against St George FC made it back-to-back wins for the first time in 2022. Marconi Stallions picked up a valuable three points in their 2-1 win against Inter Lions.
Riding back-to-back wins, South Coast Flame FC will look to add another huge scalp when they welcome one of the stalwarts of the competition to The Furnace. The combination between Emilia Skopal and Caley Tallon-Henniker were untouchable on Sunday and will be hard to stop again this weekend.
Points have been at a premium for Marconi Stallions in the first half of the season but four in the last fortnight is a good platform to boost from. If they can keep their defence intact they will go a long way to taking the points on Sunday.
UNSW FC vs Hills United FC, Sunday 1 May, 7:30pm, Hensley Athletic Field
Finishing off the weekend is a barnburner between the top two in UNSW FC and Hills United FC on Sunday night down at Hensley Athletic Field
Both sides head into the contest in fabulous form. Hills United FC remain the only undefeated side in the League One Womens competition after their 3-1 success against Central Coast Mariners. UNSW FC won 1-0 in a tight tussle against Blacktown City FC.
Hills United FC quickly have become a force in the League One Womens side and remain one of the most balanced sides in the competition. Having Sarah Easthope between the sticks gives them confidence for their potent attack to strike.
The students are in second spot and passing all the exams which have come their way thus far. The only thing missing is a big scalp which might happen on Sunday night. Both sides have been some of the high scorers in the division so it sets up for a shootout in the Hensley corral.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
