Round 17 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 17 sees the League One Womens heat up with some superb clashes to light up the town like the city is during Vivid.
Headlining the weekend is the top of the table clash between Hills United FC and Gladesville Ravens among the eight games this weekend.
Let’s get onto the Preview!
Match of the Round: Hills United FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 12 June, 3:45pm, Bella Vista Public School
It is a top of the table clash between Hills United FC and Gladesville Ravens Sunday afternoon at Bella Vista Public School.
These two sides sit first and second on the League One Womens ladder after last week’s results shook up the table. Gladesville Ravens are on top after their 1-0 win against Sutherland Shire FA while Hills United FC were beaten 1-0 by Northbridge Bulls FC.
Hills United FC will hit the ground running after the last fortnight which has seen them drop their first points followed by their first loss last weekend. The hosts have one of the most potent attacks and they will be keen to atone for their misses on Sunday.
Headed into this game, Gladesville Ravens are unbeaten in 14 games! We the two longest streaks in League One Womens football clashing this weekend. The Ravens have talent across their whole squad which makes this a huge game for the Premiership.
Nepean FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 12 June, 3pm, Cook Park
Nepean FC welcome Central Coast Mariners to the west when the two sides clash at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides both come into this game off 7-0 score lines but on different ends of the spectrum. Nepean FC were beaten by a resurgent St George FC side while Central Coast Mariners thumped Mt Druitt Town Rangers.
Under new coach Ben Gough, Nepean FC have endured a tough start. The new coach will enjoy having a whole week to orchestrate a way to defeat the Mariners and break their recent run of outs at their home ground.
Pre-season Central Coast Mariners coach Peter Preston said his side would take time to settle into the League One Womens season and now they are flourishing. Chloe Smith is in good form with her hat-trick and will be looking for further goals this week.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs Blacktown City FC, Sunday 12 June, 3pm, Popondetta Park
It is another battle of the west between Mt Druitt Town Rangers and Blacktown City FC at Popondetta Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Town Rangers have had a challenging few weeks which wasn’t helped by their 7-0 loss to Central Coast Mariners on the coast. Blacktown City FC won back-to-back games after their 3-0 win against SD Raiders FC.
Coach Neil Ross has been in a tough spot with his team the last month or so, Town Rangers have dealt with a lot of injuries and illness which hasn’t helped their results. One thing they do have is a good team spirit and will jag a result soon enough.
Blacktown City FC have started to get the results their performances have deserved in the last week which has pleased coach David O’Keefe. One big part of their turnaround has been their solid defense including Bronte Tilsed with back-to-back clean sheets.
Camden Tigers vs South Coast Flame FC, Sunday 12 June, 3pm, Ron Dine Stadium
Camden Tigers welcome South Coast Flame FC for an entertaining clash at Ron Dine Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
These two teams both come off last start losses and aim to rebound this weekend. Camden Tigers led twice before they were defeated 3-2 by Inter Lions. South Coast Flame FC lost 2-0 to UNSW FC on Saturday afternoon.
Last time these two played, it was one of the games of the early League One Womens season in a superb 3-3 draw. The Tigers clawed back a point in dramatic style but after two good performances in recent weeks will want to take all three points.
South Coast Flame FC showed in their win against Inter Lions, they can find goals when they need it and beat anyone in the competition. In Jessica Cruickshank and Caley Tallon-Henniker they have two fabulous players who can break open any game.
Marconi Stallions vs St George FC, Sunday 12 June, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
We have a mouthwatering clash between Marconi Stallions and St George which takes place at Marconi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
We’re set up for a classic contest with both teams coming off impressive results. Marconi Stallions hopped down to Nowra and won 8-1 against South East Phoenix FC. St George FC demolished Nepean FC 7-0 at Fraser Park.
The Stallions found their clinical edge in front of goal in time for this massive clash at home on Sunday afternoon. Last time these two met, they canceled each other out in a 0-0 draw so Marconi will rely on their attack to help them break into the top five.
St George FC come into the weekend looking to further the gap to the chasing pack in their quest for finals football. Golden Boot leader Jordan Baker plundered four goals and will need to be watched by the Stallions defence in this massive clash.
South East Phoenix FC vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 12 June, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
Fresh from their big win, Northbridge Bulls FC head down to Nowra to face South East Phoenix FC on Sunday afternoon.
The Phoenix side head into another home game after an 8-1 defeat against Marconi Stallions at South Nowra Football Complex on Sunday afternoon. Northbridge Bulls FC won 1-0 against table toppers Hills United FC.
South East Phoenix FC were competitive against the Bulls in their first meeting at Northbridge Oval and hope to carry it to a full performance this week. Amanda Carney returned to the scoresheet and her combination with Madison Cater is key for South East Phoenix FC.
Last week’s win will be the boost Northbridge Bulls FC need for their finals football assault as they hold onto fifth spot in a three-way tie. Evelyn Chronis returned to form with a goal last week and look to add to her total in the south coast.
SD Raiders FC vs Inter Lions, Sunday 12 June, 4:10pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
Back at Ernie Smith Reserve, SD Raiders FC host a resurgent Inter Lions side on Sunday afternoon in an important contest
Coming off their thrilling 3-2 win Inter Lions will be headed to the south-west full of confidence taking on one of the top sides of League One Womens. SD Raiders suffered a 3-0 loss to Blacktown City FC at Blacktown City Sports Centre.
SD Raiders FC remain in fourth spot and will aim to get themselves back on track at fortress Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday. The hosts are always a hard side to break down and have one of the best keepers in the league Natasha Pentecost which keeps them in games.
Since his has taken over, Inter Lions coach Adrian Contarino has started the building blocks on fixing up the side and three points will help that process. They will need another superb performance from Jess Wootton to help them win back-to-back for the first time in 2022.
UNSW FC vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 12 June, 7:30pm, Hensley Athletic Field
Finishing off the weekend is UNSW FC taking on Sutherland Shire FA at Hensley Athletic Field on Sunday night.
The Students found out Saturdays were for winning with their 2-0 success against South Coast Flame FC last weekend. Sutherland Shire FA were involved in the Match of the Round and lost 1-0 to Gladesville Ravens.
UNSW FC take a four-game unbeaten run into this game. Amanda Levaskevich fired home a brace which gives the students another bow to their attack alongside Marcella Santos and Hannah Charak to get them three points.
Sutherland Shire FA have shown they won’t be a side that will be brushed aside easily by any team in the League One Womens competition. The young side are led well by captain Genevieve Nisbet and might test UNSW FC.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
