Round 24 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 24 is another big weekend ahead for the Football NSW League One Women’s competition as the finishing line starts to come into view. The eight fixtures set down for Sunday will feature action and excitement which should help to see the ladder shake out.
Let’s get onto the preview!
St George FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 31 July, 3pm, Fraser Park
Fresh from their big win, St George FC host eighth place Central Coast Mariners at Fraser Park on Sunday afternoon.
St George FC head into this week after their huge 1-0 win against Premiership chasing Hills United FC at Fraser Park last week. Central Coast Mariners were one of two clashes that were washed out and rescheduled for this week.
It is a busy week for the yellow-and-navy. They will play their catch-up game against leaders Gladesville Ravens on Wednesday night before this challenge. It will be a big test for new coach Peter Edwards to pick up six points.
For the Saints, it is about building on the result from last week. Coach Mark Cupitt will hope to have some of his squad back after being depleted last week and further consolidate their spot in the top four headed towards the end of the season.
Nepean FC vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 31 July, 3pm, Cook Park
Refreshed from a week off, Gladesville Ravens fly across town to face off against Nepean FC at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon.
While Gladesville Ravens were absent from the pitch due to their game against Central Coast Mariners being washed out, they did have good news in their closest challengers Hills United FC losing their game against St George FC.
Nepean FC were beaten 3-1 by Sutherland Shire FA in their game late on Sunday night in a game where they ended up with 9 players at the end. They have shown before in their draw against Hills United FC, Nepean FC can rise to the occasion when needed.
Gladesville Ravens have a clear three-point advantage over second place now after recent results and with their catch-up game on Wednesday can cruise closer to the Premiership. Coach Andrew Galbraith will have his side ready for the challenge and not lose sight of the prize.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs Inter Lions, Sunday 31 July, 3pm, Popondetta Park
Mt Druitt Town Rangers welcome Inter Lions to Popondetta Park for an interesting game between them on Sunday afternoon.
The Town Rangers were defeated heavily on the South Coast, being burnt 7-0 against South Coast Flame FC on Saturday afternoon. Inter Lions added another point to their tally in their 1-1 draw against Blacktown City FC.
Inter Lions have started to find their rhythm since the midway point of the League One Womens season which is a big credit to coach Adrian Contarino and his staff. The Lions will eye off another three points against bottom place.
For Mt Druitt Town Rangers, the last seven weeks of the season is about them getting off their duck egg for wins in their debut League One Womens season. Coach Neil Ross was disappointed with the sides effort on the coast and will have them prepared for this week.
Camden Tigers vs UNSW FC, Sunday 31 July, 3pm, Ron Dine Stadium
Camden Tigers keen to build on their recent success welcome fifth place UNSW FC to Ron Dine Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers head into this game full of confidence after their back-to-back wins which included their 2-0 win against South East Phoenix FC in Nowra. The students were beaten 4-0 in the Match of the Round against Northbridge Bulls FC.
UNSW FC will be aiming to start another long streak headed into the final weeks of the League One Womens season after it was snapped against Northbridge Bulls FC. Striker Marcella Santos and Amanda Levaskevich will be key to them taking three points on Sunday.
Camden Tigers have won back-to-back games and won’t be a pushover for UNSW FC especially playing at their own home ground. Kristy Rohrer is the Tigers lead scorer and be the main danger for the Uni defence to watch out for.
Blacktown City FC vs South Coast Flame FC, Sunday 31 July, 3pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
Eager Blacktown City FC welcome South Coast Flame FC to Blacktown City Sports Centre for an intriguing clash on Sunday afternoon.
South Coast Flame FC make the trip to the west in good spirits after their 7-0 win against Mt Druitt Town Rangers on Saturday afternoon. Blacktown City FC took a point in their 1-1 draw against Inter Lions at Majors Bay Reserve.
Blacktown City FC were another side which were depleted last weekend which made the point earned against Inter Lions impressive. The hosts have been competitive all season and look to ride towards the end of the season with a few more wins in the bank.
The Flame head into this game off a two-game unbeaten run and complete the season sweep against Blacktown City FC. Jessica Cruickshank is in good form with her brace and South Coast Flame FC have also shared the goals around lately.
Sutherland Shire FA vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 31 July, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Surging Sutherland Shire FA take their home game on the road against Marconi Stallions on Sunday afternoon.
Recently Sutherland Shire FA have been in a purple patch of form which includes their 3-1 success against Nepean FC on Sunday night in Penrith. Marconi Stallions had another wash out in regard to their game against SD Raiders FC.
Marconi Stallions will be frustrated on the stop-start nature of their season. The Stallions now have three games to catch-up on which will make for a packed schedule. Coach Dino Severin will have to manage his squad well to get them close to the finals from seventh spot.
Sutherland Shire FA won’t be an easy side to knock over though. Coach Jon Long has the side playing well and they have built well from their slow start to the season. Striker Violet Keelan will be the danger to the Stallions defence with her recent goal scoring.
South East Phoenix FC vs Hills United FC, Sunday 31 July, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
Hills United FC make the trip down to Nowra to face South East Phoenix FC at South Nowra Football Complex on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides take the field on Sunday ready to make amends after their losses last weekend. South East Phoenix FC were left to rue a slow start in their 2-0 loss to Camden Tigers. Hills United FC were beaten 1-0 by a defiant St George FC.
The visitors still have their game in hand but their grasp on the Premiership has loosened significantly after their third loss of the season. Coach Alan Tasses would’ve worn out the nets with shooting practice this week and Hills United FC will have a big response ready.
For South East Phoenix FC, the regional side will want to build on the encouraging last half hour of their game last weekend. If they can find the back of the net through Madison Cater or Jorgi Webb they can set up a result on Sunday.
SD Raiders FC vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 31 July, 4:10pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
Rounding off the weekend is a vital clash between finals chasing SD Raiders FC and in-form Northbridge Bulls FC at Ernie Smith Reserve.
These two sides head into this game off contrasting form lines. Northbridge Bulls FC have charged into the top four with five games unbeaten after their 4-0 win over UNSW FC. SD Raiders FC were washed out against Marconi Stallions and have three games in hand.
Northbridge Bulls FC have regained their mojo and back on track to possibly defend their Championship at the end of the season. One of the best stories in the squad has been Cate Gyzen who has been with the club since her youth with an extended run in the starting side and included scoring a goal last weekend.
Regarding SD Raiders FC, it is almost now or never for them to start their charge towards the League One Womens finals. Having Natasha Pentecost between the sticks will help them in trying to repel the Bulls attack and snatch one themselves.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
