Round 22 Preview – League One Women’s
This week’s features eight fantastic clashes to hopefully play out without any weather interruptions as the League One Womens competitions continues to roar towards its end as Round 22 comes to town.
Let’s get onto the preview!
Central Coast Mariners vs South Coast Flame FC, Sunday 17 July, 3pm, Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners look to rebound when they host South Coast Flame FC at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides were both on the field last weekend and unfortunately came off losers after 90 minutes. Central Coast Mariners lost 2-1 to Inter Lions while South Coast Flame FC lost 2-0 to Sutherland Shire FA.
The yellow-and-navy remain eight points outside the top four and will need to get a move on if they want to achieve that. Captain Kaitlin Murphy has led the side from the front and want to continue her scoring form recently.
South Coast Flame FC sit in tenth spot and are looking to continue their solid debut campaign with another big scalp against the Mariners. Jessica Cruickshank is key to their success and if she finds the back of the net, they will be close to the points.
Camden Tigers vs Nepean FC, Sunday 17 July, 3pm, Ron Dine Stadium
Two sides looking to get in the winner’s circle clash on Sunday afternoon when Camden Tigers and Nepean FC take the field at Ron Dine Stadium.
Both teams were unable to take the field last weekend due to the deluge of rain which hit Sydney at the end of the week. Camden Tigers were due to face Marconi Stallions while Nepean FC had a contest against Northbridge Bulls FC called off.
These two sides played out a 0-0 draw in their previous meeting in Round 7 so both will be keen to pick up an important three points on Sunday. Nepean FC sit in thirteenth spot while Camden Tigers are in fifteenth and looking to catch South East Phoenix FC.
Camden Tigers have shown glimpses of their potential in parts of the League One Womens competition and will look at this fixture as one they can take points from. Nepean FC under Ben Gough have improved and might snag another result.
Blacktown City FC vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 17 July, 3pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
Blacktown City FC welcome finals chasing Northbridge Bulls FC to Blacktown City Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides were washed out in their contests last weekend which has them fresh for their battle this weekend. Blacktown City FC were due to make the long trip to Nowra to face South East Phoenix FC while Northbridge Bulls FC were meant to plat Nepean FC.
Northbridge Bulls FC are one of the more prolific attacks in the League One Womens competition and they will need all their firepower to jump into the top four. Tamires Souza will look to add to her imposing goal total on Sunday.
Blacktown City FC have shown in recent weeks their defensive resolve with a pair of 1-0 losses to Gladesville Ravens and Hills United FC. Their defence will be tested by the Bulls and if they stand firm again we could have a big result.
Sutherland Shire FA vs South East Phoenix FC, Sunday 17 July, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Fresh from their win, Sutherland Shire FA take on a youthful South East Phoenix FC side down at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon.
Sutherland Shire FA rounded off the truncated Round 21 with their comfortable 2-0 success against South Coast Flame FC. South East Phoenix FC had their contest against Blacktown City FC in Nowra washed out.
One of the best things that has emerged in this season for Sutherland Shire FA has been young striker Violet Keelan who has led the attack with aplomb. She has eight goals this season will be searching for more against the Phoenix.
South East Phoenix FC were narrow losers in their earlier encounter 3-2 against Sutherland Shire FA and hope to turn the result around. They have top scorer Madison Cater who will aim to add to her tally of 13 goals already this season.
Hills United FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 17 July, 3:45pm, Bella Vista Public School
Second place Hills United FC take on a determined Marconi Stallions side in an interesting clash at Bella Vista Public School on Sunday afternoon.
Premiership chasing Hills United FC further enhanced their credentials in their smashing 6-0 success against Mt Druitt Town Rangers in at Blacktown City Sports Centre. Marconi Stallions were washed out against Camden Tigers.
Hills United FC flexed their muscles against Mt Druitt and showed they will be there at the pointy end of the competition. Coach Alan Tasses hopes they can build on that result and keep on the heels of Gladesville Ravens with their game in hand.
The Stallions will just be happy to be back on the pitch after back-to-back weeks where they have been washed out. Marconi face an uphill battle for a finals appearance but can put together a performance. Natasha Aitken scored a worldie goal against Hills United FC last time out and might be keen for a repeat performance.
SD Raiders FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 17 July, 4:10pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
Back at Ernie Smith Reserve, SD Raiders FC take on Mt Druitt Town Rangers in an important clash on Sunday afternoon.
SD Raiders FC fell to a 2-0 loss in last week’s Match of the Round against Gladesville Ravens in some terrible conditions at Christie Park. Mt Druitt Town Rangers were blown away by Hills United FC in the first half in their 6-0 loss.
The hosts have fallen into a pattern of win-loss-win-loss in recent weeks and if SD Raiders FC are to make their charge at the finals it starts this week. The combination of Sarah Mandile and Rojin Polat will be key to their success.
For Mt Druitt Town Rangers, the last eight weeks is about getting themselves that breakthrough win of their maiden League One Womens campaign. Coach Neill Ross remains upbeat about the team’s future headed into 2023.
Gladesville Ravens vs St George FC, Sunday 17 July, 6pm, Christie Park
Another mouthwatering contest plays out Sunday night when Gladesville Ravens host St George FC at Christie Park.
League leaders Gladesville Ravens held their three-point advantage over Hills United FC with their 2-0 win against SD Raiders FC in the Match of the Round. St George FC had their top four clash against UNSW FC washed out.
This game is set up as a cracker. Gladesville Ravens are flying and added the goal poaching ability of Jess Wootton in recent weeks to aid their cause. Added to their strikers already which adds to their ability to take out this year’s crown.
St George FC are in supreme form in their own right. The Saints have held third with 41 points and their tandem of Jordan Baker and Maddison Farmer frighten a lot of defences. If they can clip the Ravens wings it will help their cause a lot.
UNSW FC vs Inter Lions, Sunday 17 July, 7:30pm, Hensley Athletic Field
Finishing off the weekend is an intriguing clash between UNSW FC and Inter Lions at Hensley Athletic Field on Sunday night.
Inter Lions come into this game off a positive result after their 2-1 win against Central Coast Mariners in the handful of games that played in Round 21. UNSW FC had their top four clash against St George FC washed out at Fraser Park.
The students still hold onto their place in the top four and will look to extend their advantage against a resurgent opponent Sunday night. Coach Guillermo Rubio has the side humming along and UNSW FC are primed for a deep run this season.
It has been an uptick in form for Inter Lions in the last month. The side have three wins in their last five games and are ready to play spoiler. Chloe O’Brien scored last weekend and will hope to make it back-to-back against the students.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
