Round 21 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 21 in the League One Womens competition will feature hopefully all eight games being played in the increasingly tight run to the end of the season.
Sunday features a top four clash alongside some mouthwatering ties.
Let’s get onto the preview!
Marconi Stallions vs Camden Tigers, Sunday 10 July, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Marconi Stallions welcome Camden Tigers to historic Marconi Stadium for a valuable three points on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides were amongst the cohort in League One Womens which were washed out due to the recent heavy rain in Sydney. Their previous clash back in May was a 7-1 win for Marconi Stallions out in Camden.
The Stallions sit five points outside the finals positions with time quickly running out for them to make a run at it. There is enough talent in their ranks to do so and coach Dino Severin will hope to start their run against the Tigers.
Camden Tigers hope to play spoiler for the rest of the season and end their debut campaign in League One Womens on a high. The side have improved in recent weeks but will want to turn those good performances into points.
Sutherland Shire FA vs South Coast Flame FC, Sunday 10 July, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Another battle between two sides close together as Sutherland Shire FA take on South Coast Flame FC at Harrie Denning Centre.
When these two sides met back in Round 6, South Coast Flame FC ran out 2-1 winners against Sutherland Shire FA down in Kembla Grange. Both teams will be fresh after their fixtures were washed out against SD Raiders FC and Hills United FC respectively.
These two sides sit right next to each other in the League One Womens ladder which adds some further spice to the contest on Sunday afternoon. Sutherland Shire FA will want to avenge their loss back in Round 6, 2-1 to the Flame.
Both Sutherland Shire FA and South Coast Flame FC have talented young strikers in their line-up who have lit up the competition this season. 15-year-old Violet Keelan has led the line well for Sutherland Shire FA while Jessica Cruickshank has been a solid performer for the visitors.
Nepean FC vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 10 July, 3pm, Cook Park
Nepean FC take on a free scoring Northbridge Bulls FC team on Sunday afternoon at Cook Park in an interesting clash.
The Bulls were back to their goal plundering ways in their 5-0 win against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at a windy Northbridge Oval last weekend. Nepean FC are looking to improve after their lost this previous fixture 4-0.
Nepean FC sit in 13th position headed into the weekend and have already shown this season they can spring an upset against the top sides. Coach Ben Gough has been working with the side and the improvement has been solid but they’ll need another step against the Champions.
Northbridge Bulls FC have recovered from their slight slump mid-season and take a nice win streak into their trip to the west on Sunday. They also have striker Tamires Souza who regularly features on the scoresheet in a good one-two punch with former Golden Boot Evelyn Chronis and will be dangerous to any defence.
Inter Lions vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 10 July, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Two sides champing for the points clash when Inter Lions host Central Coast Mariners at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
Inter Lions featured in last weekend’s Match of the Round where they were beaten 5-0 by a second half blitz from St George FC. Central Coast Mariners had their home fixture washed out against Camden Tigers last Sunday afternoon.
For 45 minutes, Inter Lions were holding their own against St George FC but lacked a clinical edge in front of goal. If the Lions can turn their work into goals, it might help them get a morale boosting win against the Mariners.
Central Coast Mariners will be just aiming to pick up three points after only taking four points in their last four games and slowly drifted away from the finals chase. They have enough experience in Kaitlin Murphy and Sophie Nenadovic to help them towards the win on Sunday.
St George FC vs UNSW FC, Sunday 10 July, 3pm, Fraser Park
Third takes on fourth in an important fixture when St George FC and UNSW FC face off at Fraser Park on Sunday afternoon.
This mouthwatering clash comes off both teams getting positive results last weekend. St George FC found their stride in the second half to defeat Inter Lions 5-0. UNSW FC were winners against South East Phoenix FC 4-0 in the night game.
St George FC head into the game in a purple patch after their long win streak and a win on Sunday will give them breathing space on the chasing pack. Jordan Baker is in supreme form with a four-goal haul and continues her neck and neck battle for Golden Boot with Tamires Souza.
They face up against a UNSW FC ready to surge towards the finals. The students also take a long streak into this contest and some strikers on fire. Marcella Santos will be a thorn in the St George FC defence on Sunday afternoon.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs Hills United FC, Sunday 10 July, 3:10pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
Mt Druitt Town Rangers take their chance against Hills United FC at Blacktown City Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
The Town Rangers headed east to face Northbridge Bulls FC and lost 5-0 in their game on Sunday afternoon. Hills United FC were one of the sides that got washed out against South Coast Flame FC and ceded top spot.
Hills United FC have been sailing almost unfettered through the League One Womens season and might enjoy the weekend off to freshen up for the road home. Sunday can be their opportunity to go back on top and continue their strong debut campaign.
The hosts have had the opposite time in their debut campaign. The Town Rangers have been ravaged by injuries and results but have been competitive. Their goal will be to get a win before the end of the League One Womens season.
South East Phoenix FC vs Blacktown City FC, Sunday 10 July, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
Blacktown City FC take the trip down to Nowra to face South East Phoenix FC on Sunday afternoon at South Nowra Football Complex.
Both these sides fulfilled their games last weekend but were on the losing end of the ledger. South East Phoenix FC made the trip to Hensley Athletic Field, losing 4-0 to UNSW FC while Blacktown City FC lost 1-0 to Gladesville Ravens.
South East Phoenix FC will head into this contest aiming to complete the season sweep against Blacktown City FC after their 1-0 win in Round 6. Top scorer Madison Cater will be primed to find the back of the net again.
It has been a tough stretch in back-to-back weeks for Blacktown City FC facing the top two sides and losing both times 1-0. They travel down to Nowra with a rock solid defence and aiming to find some goals to add to their tally for the season.
Gladesville Ravens vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 10 July, 6pm, Christie Park
Finishing off the round is an important clash for the finals between Gladesville Ravens and SD Raiders FC on Sunday night at Christie Park.
Gladesville Ravens were able to get on the pitch and won 1-0 against a dogged Blacktown City FC side to rise to the top of the League One Womens competition. SD Raiders FC were scheduled to face Sutherland Shire FA in the Match of the Round but it was washed out.
The Ravens have been flying high this season and made it back-to-back wins against Blacktown City FC and added further strike power in Jess Wootton. Adding to the firepower provided by Lara Brewis and Gemma Woolley make the Ravens a tough prospect.
Back when these two met for Round 6, it was a rare time that SD Raiders FC were beaten at home by a side in their close 2-1 loss. SD Raiders FC will head to Christie Park looking to avenge that and make back into the top four.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
