Round 20 Preview – League One Women’s

Round 20 features some exciting contests in the Football NSW League One Womens competition as the race for the finals starts to turn into the final stretch. The middle of the pack is logjammed, so we’re set up for an exciting finish to the year. Let’s get onto the preview!

Match of the Round: Sutherland Shire FA vs SD Raiders, Sunday 3 July, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre

Sutherland Shire FA welcome SD Raiders FC down to Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon for an important clash for both sides.

These two sides head into the game off wins last week which has them ready for action. Sutherland Shire FA won 2-1 against Central Coast Mariners while SD Raiders FC edged out Camden Tigers 1-0 in their game.

The hosts are back home where they are much stronger and will be a tough out this weekend in the Match of the Round. Sutherland Shire FA have young star Violet Keelan and Alina Stojcevski have found the back of the net in recent weeks and will be tough to hold out.

SD Raiders have fallen out of the top four on goal difference despite their gritty win last weekend but still have their fate in their own hands. Having striker Sarah Mandile and Rojin Polat will make them a tough team to beat.

South Coast Flame FC vs Hills United FC, Saturday 2 July, 7:15pm, Sir Ian McLennan Park

Kicking the round off on Saturday night is a battle between leaders Hills United FC and South Coast Flame FC at Sir Ian McLennan Park.

Both sides come into the game off positive results last weekend. Hills United FC won 1-0 against local rivals Blacktown City FC while South Coast Flame FC won an eight goal thriller against South East Phoenix FC 5-3.

The Flame head into the game burning bright after their local derby win and it was a showcase for striker Jessica Cruickshank. She scored a hat-trick and will be key if the Flame are able to burn through the league’s best defence.

Hills United FC got back some of their mojo in the last fortnight with back-to-back wins after their lean run which cut their lead down to goal difference. Their defence will be tough to break down and Sarah Easthope is a warrior between the sticks which makes it a daunting task.

Northbridge Bulls FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 3 July, 3pm, Northbridge Oval

Finals chasing Northbridge Bulls FC take on Mt Druitt Town Rangers back at Northbridge Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulls head back home after being held to a 1-1 draw against top four St George FC in a crucial clash for both teams. Mt Druitt Town Rangers were blown away 6-0 by UNSW FC in their game at Popondetta Park.

Northbridge Bulls FC face a fight to have the chance to defend their Championship from while sitting two points outside the finals spots. They do have the leading scorer in the league Tamires Souza who might add more to her tally on Sunday.

For Mt Druitt Town Rangers, the side have had a tough run in recent weeks but have a squad that will build on their experience in their first League One Womens season and will be a tougher side in the next few years.

Inter Lions vs St George FC, Sunday 3 July, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve

Resurgent Inter Lions host third place St George FC in an exciting contest at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.

The Lions are riding high after their 2-0 win against Nepean FC last weekend at Cook Park which gave them some room in 12th spot. St George FC opened the scoring but couldn’t hold onto the three points in their 1-1 draw against Northbridge Bulls FC.

St George FC are riding a high of results and look to cement their position in the top four with another solid performance this weekend. Stevie Donougher has been solid contributer to the side this season and her combination with Jordan Baker is important for the Saints.

Inter Lions won’t be a pushover in any regards on Sunday afternoon. The side have secured back-to-back wins and have shown they can compete against the top teams. Coach Adrian Contarino has done a good job with the side and might pick up some results in the next few weeks.

Blacktown City FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 3 July, 3pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre

Youthful Blacktown City FC face off against equal top Gladesville Ravens at Blacktown City Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.

Blacktown City FC held out a strong Hills United FC for long periods in their 1-0 defeat last weekend at Bella Vista Public School, Gladesville Ravens continue their chase for the top of the League One Womens ladder after their 4-1 win over Marconi Stallions.

The Ravens flexed their ability in front of goal in the second half against the Stallions which included a goal of the season contender from Georgia Vlangos. Elizabeth Gilbane and Lara Brewis have been unsung heroes for the Ravens in their wonderful season thus far and look to put in another shift this weekend.

In the second half of the season, Blacktown City FC have looked to build on their recent good form and turn around some of their results against the top sides in League One Womens. Their defence has also been stellar in recent weeks and will need a big performance against the Ravens again.

Nepean FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 3 July, 3pm, Cook Park

Nepean FC welcome the seventh place Marconi Stallions for an intriguing clash at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon.

A rebuilding Nepean FC suffered a roadblock in that process after their 2-0 loss to Inter Lions in their clash last weekend. Marconi Stallions were neck and neck for 45 minutes but fell 4-1 to Gladesville Ravens in the Match of the Round.

Headed into the weekend, Marconi Stallions hope they can have a stable line-up against a resurgent Nepean FC side. They always have a chance with the talents of Tania Baban and Ceyda Cambaz up top to find the back of the net.

Nepean FC are rebuilding under the leadership of Ben Gough and this might be the biggest test for the side under the new management. They have kept it close in recent games and if that pattern holds could get something from the game.

Central Coast Mariners vs Camden Tigers, Sunday 3 July, 3pm, Pluim Park

Looking to bounce back Central Coast Mariners face Camden Tigers at Pluim Park for an important game on Sunday afternoon.

The yellow-and-navy will be looking to get back in the winner’s column after their 2-1 loss to a young Sutherland Shire FA side at in the shire. Camden Tigers put up a good fight but fell 1-0 to SD Raiders FC in their clash.

Central Coast remain five points outside the finals positions and need to start putting together a run of results to move themselves in the race. Having the talents of Chloe Smith and Kaitlin Murphy gives them the edge in this contest.

The Tigers hope they can bottle the performance they put in against SD Raiders FC and apply that to the rest of their fixtures this season. If they do, Camden can surprise their opponents and get some valuable points.

UNSW FC vs South East Phoenix FC, Sunday 3 July, 7:30pm, Hensley Athletic Field

Our night cap is the red-hot UNSW FC taking on South East Phoenix FC on Sunday night down at Hensley Athletic Field.

The students head into the game in sparkling form after they demolished Mt Druitt Town Rangers 6-0 in Sydney’s west on last weekend. South East Phoenix FC showed their grit in their 5-3 loss against rivals South Coast Flame FC.

UNSW FC have settled into the top four due to their recent form and will be ready to fire home more goals back at home. Marcella Santos and Eve Hess are in form too and help UNSW FC’s position in the top four.

For South East Phoenix FC, they have shown they can score goals when it is required in games and Madison Cater is their top scorer and hungry for more. If they can put together a full effort they can hang tough against the students.

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)