Round 19 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 19 of the League One Womens competition is another fantastic set of fixtures where teams will jostle for their positions in the ladder.
This week includes some derbies, some heavyweight clashes and important fixtures across Sunday.
Let’s get onto the Preview!
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs UNSW FC, Sunday 26 June, 3pm, Popondetta Park
Mt Druitt Town Rangers face a finals chasing UNSW FC in a vital clash at Popondetta Park on Sunday afternoon.
The two sides come into the game off contrasting games last week. UNSW FC knocked off Gladesville Ravens in a tense 1-0 success. Mt Druitt Town Rangers were competitive in their 3-0 loss to Marconi Stallions at home.
The Town Rangers put in a spirited effort last week and did find the back of the net through Veronica Dimo. Coach Neil Ross has his side well drilled despite their injuries and hopefully can turn that into a few results soon.
UNSW FC head into this clash in high flying form after their win against Gladesville Ravens thanks to another superb strike from Marcella Santos. The students will hope for a similar return to their last game against the Town Rangers where they triumphed 6-0.
Camden Tigers vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 26 June, 3pm, Ron Dine Stadium
Camden Tigers welcome SD Raiders to their den when the two south-west sides face off at Ron Dine Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides come into this game off losses last weekend. SD Raiders FC were beaten 6-1 by a rampant Hills United FC at Ernie Smith Reserve. Camden Tigers were beaten 6-0 in their game against St George FC in a first half blitz.
SD Raiders FC will be looking for a response after being beaten at fortress Ernie Smith and do the season sweep of Camden Tigers in the process. Rojin Polat returned to the scoresheet with a second half goal and look to add to her tally again on Sunday.
Sutherland Shire FA vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 26 June, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
An important clash between Sutherland Shire FA and Central Coast Mariners takes place at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts come into this game off a 1-1 draw against an in-form Blacktown City FC side while Central Coast Mariners featured in the Match of the Round in their 2-2 draw against Northbridge Bulls FC in a dramatic game.
The young Sutherland Shire FA side has been building their way into the 2022 season and they sit well positioned in ninth spot after their slow start. They do have young striker Violet Keelan who has lit up the league and look for goals in back-to-back games.
Central Coast Mariners showed in their first half performance they can match it with any side and having the experience of Kaitlin Murphy and Sophie Nenadovic should help them in their chase for three important points this weekend.
Nepean FC vs Inter Lions, Sunday 26 June, 3pm, Cook Park
A resurgent Nepean FC welcome Inter Lions to Cook Park for an important clash for the two sides on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides head into this game quite confident of taking more points after their work last weekend. Nepean FC drew 1-1 with South Coast Flame FC while Inter Lions took three points in their double header against South East Phoenix FC.
Nepean FC have struck the right formula in recent weeks under Ben Gough and look to build on that against Inter Lions. They picked up their first points this season in the previous clash and hope that turns into three this weekend.
Inter Lions will also be confident when they head west and can enhance their lead over their opponents with three points on Sunday. They have in-form striker Jess Wootton who gives them a big chance to secure the points and continue the rebuild.
Marconi Stallions vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 26 June, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
There is a mouthwatering clash between Marconi Stallions and Gladesville Ravens to play out at Marconi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Two heavyweight sides come into this game off good recent form. Marconi Stallions triumphed 3-1 against Mt Druitt Town Rangers in the west. Gladesville Ravens had their wings clipped for the first time in ages in their 1-0 loss to UNSW FC.
Marconi Stallions sit just outside the top four and a win can bring them closer to that especially with third and fourth taking each other on. The Stallions will also want some revenge for their 2-1 loss against Gladesville in Round 4.
The Ravens will want to get back to their soaring ways after their long win streak was snapped by UNSW FC and get a new streak going. Striker Gemma Woolley will want to atone for her penalty miss and finding the back of the net this week will do that.
St George FC vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 26 June, 3pm, Fraser Park
Third place St George FC faces off against fourth place Northbridge Bulls FC in an important clash at Fraser Park on Sunday afternoon.
This mouthwatering clash is further enhanced by positive results by both teams last week. St George FC were ruthless in their 6-0 win against Camden Tigers. Northbridge Bulls FC produced a stunning comeback in their 2-2 draw against Central Coast Mariners.
St George FC are scoring at will in recent weeks which has fueled their rise to third spot. The Saints hold a three-point advantage on this week’s opponents and if they can keep their streak going it will start off this tough run-in perfect style.
The Bulls showed off their fighting spirit in their comeback against the Mariners. The combination between Caitlin Campbell and striker Tamires Souza has been a highlight and could be the difference in this top four clash.
South East Phoenix FC vs South Coast Flame FC, Sunday 26 June, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
The two South Coast sides do battle when South East Phoenix FC takes on South Coast Flame FC at South Nowra Football Complex on Sunday afternoon.
It was a busy weekend for South East Phoenix FC after their pair of games against Inter Lions which saw them win 3-1 on Saturday afternoon. South Coast Flame FC played out a 1-1 draw against Nepean FC on Saturday afternoon.
South East Phoenix FC showed in their two games against Inter that the regional side aren’t a pushover against anyone. Madison Cater kept up her goal scoring adventures with goals in both contests and look to add further on the weekend.
For South Coast Flame FC, they will want to reverse the trend of the first meeting between the two where they lost 5-2 at home. The Flame do have plenty of goalscoring weapons including Rachelle Wang and Jessica Cruickshank to help them turn the tide.
Hills United FC vs Blacktown City FC, Sunday 26 June, 3:45pm, Bella Vista Public School
We finish off the weekend with a Western Sydney derby between Hills United FC and Blacktown City FC at Bella Vista Public School.
Hills United FC regained that winning feeling after their comprehensive 6-1 success against SD Raiders FC after their lean fortnight. Blacktown City FC made it 10 points in the last few weeks after their 1-1 draw against Sutherland Shire FA.
The hosts will be delighted to take back top spot in the League One Womens ladder after Gladesville Ravens slipped up last weekend. Coach Alan Tasses will hope his side will be able to repeat that dose against their local rivals this weekend.
Blacktown City FC come into this game in better form than their first clash which ended in a 3-0 loss to the home side. They have become a resolute side at the back with the work of Lexy Thorpe and Bronte Tilsed which will make it tougher for Hills United FC.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
