Round 27 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 27 in the League One Womens signals the final lap of the season and teams must avoid a banana peel in their chase for the top four.
There are eight fantastic games to talk about so let’s get onto the preview!
South Coast Flame FC vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Saturday 20 August, 3:15pm, Sir Ian McLennan Park
We start the weekend with a fascinating fixture between South Coast Flame FC and Northbridge Bulls FC at Sir Ian McLennan Park on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides are in good form recently and head into the game off good wins. South Coast Flame FC triumphed 2-0 against Marconi Stallions while Northbridge Bulls FC beat Camden Tigers 3-0 down at Northbridge Oval.
The Flame have been white hot in the last month and shouldn’t be underestimated especially on their own turf. Last time at home they beat St George FC and with Jessica Cruickshank, Rachelle Wang and Alexis Malizis on form they are ready for action.
Northbridge Bulls FC are a happy and cohesive squad which has shown in the uptick in their results after their inconsistent start. Cate Gyzen who has come through the ranks at the club has fit into their attack seamlessly and gives them more options to operate.
Nepean FC vs South East Phoenix FC, Sunday 21 August, 3pm, Cook Park
Nepean FC take on South East Phoenix FC in an interesting contest down at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon.
Two sides looking to pick up some wins in the last month of the season and keen to erase their losses from last week. Nepean FC their 4-0 loss to UNSW FC while South East Phoenix FC scored first before losing 6-1 to St George FC.
It is a busy week for Nepean FC with their Round 26 game against Blacktown City FC moved to Thursday night followed by their home game on Sunday. Coach Ben Gough will have to use his squad wisely and try to add to their three wins in 2022.
South East Phoenix FC have shown they can put in good performances across the 2022 League One Womens season and will travel up keen to add another. Madison Cater and Bronte Trew will be key for them on Sunday.
Inter Lions vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 21 August, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve
In form Sutherland Shire FA make the trip across town to face off against Inter Lions at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
These two will take to the pitch in contrasting form on Sunday afternoon. Sutherland Shire FA won 3-0 against Mt Druitt Town Rangers. Inter Lions were defeated 5-0 by ladder leaders Gladesville Ravens on Sunday night.
Inter Lions will relish being back on home soil this weekend and aim to snap Sutherland Shire FA’s long winning run. The Lions have shown improvement in recent weeks and can consolidate 11th spot on the ladder with three points.
Sutherland Shire FA might end up being the best side outside the top four at the end of the League One Womens season. Their run has them close to the top six and recent goals from Janan Codmani might help them rise higher.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 21 August, 3pm, Popondetta Park
Sixteenth place Mt Druitt Town Rangers take on highflyers Gladesville Ravens at Popondetta Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Town Rangers were unable to build on their maiden win after their 3-0 loss to Sutherland Shire FA away in the shire on Sunday. Gladesville Ravens strengthened their grip on top spot after their 5-0 win against Inter Lions.
If it wasn’t for bad luck, Mt Druitt Town Rangers wouldn’t have any luck at all this season. Coach Neill Ross has done a commendable job despite all this, and they will be much better for this in the next few League One Womens campaigns.
More silverware beckons for Gladesville Ravens if they pick up 12 points in the next month and their win against the Lions gave them a crucial F/A boost. Gemma Woolley is in fine form and her strike partner Jess Wootton make for a scary sight for defences.
Camden Tigers vs Hills United FC, Sunday 21 August, 3pm, Ron Dine Stadium
The Camden Tigers aim to play spoiler when they face Hills United FC at Ron Dine Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Two sides looking to get back into the winner’s circle do battle on Sunday afternoon. Hills United FC need to win the remainder of their games after their 1-0 loss to UNSW FC cruelled their Premiership hopes while Camden Tigers lost 3-0 to Northbridge Bulls FC.
Camden Tigers are here to play spoiler for the last month of the League One Womens season. The Tigers have shown their ability to hang in games in 2022 and strong performances from Merryn Clarke and Ashlee Taff will need strong performances.
Hills United FC also have a simple mission to try and pick up some big wins in the next month, putting pressure on Gladesville Ravens in the chase for the Premiership. Isabella Sciberras and Alix Roberts have been key for Hills United FC this season and might star on Sunday.
Blacktown City FC vs St George FC, Sunday 21 August, 3pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
Looking to keep their finals hopes alive, St George travel to face Blacktown City FC at Blacktown City Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
It was a rare weekend off for Blacktown City FC not due to weather after their game against Nepean FC was moved to Thursday night due to availability. St George FC flexed their scoring muscle in a 6-1 win against South East Phoenix FC.
Blacktown City FC second has been about improving and they will want to avenge their 6-0 loss to the Saints in the reverse fixture. One feature of their improvement has been the defence which is heralded by Bronte Tilsed alongside the rest of the backline.
The equation is simple for St George FC – wins. They have a massive midweek game against UNSW FC which is key for their hopes then back up for this. Jasmine Maguire has popped up with important goals for St George FC and might do so again this weekend.
Central Coast Mariners vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 21 August, 3pm, Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners welcome the busy Marconi Stallions to Pluim Park for a vital clash on Sunday afternoon.
The Mariners will be keen to get back to making Pluim Park a hard place to pick up points after their 1-1 draw against SD Raiders FC last Sunday. Marconi Stallions lost 2-0 to South Coast Flame FC in their game at Marconi stadium.
The yellow-and-navy showed in their draw last week, they were very adaptable as they found space behind the SD Raiders FC attack. They will need similar this week to get the win and avoid a season sweep against the Stallions.
Marconi Stallions have such a busy finish to the League One Womens season so they will be looking to end the campaign with a few big wins. Having a thin squad they will rely on their experienced players including Ceyda Cambaz to pick up three points.
UNSW FC vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 21 August, 7:30pm, Hensley Athletic Field
Finishing off the weekend is UNSW FC taking on SD Raiders FC in an important clash at Hensley Athletic Field on Sunday night.
The students will be buzzing after their huge 1-0 win against Hills United FC in the Match of the Round alongside their midweek success. SD Raiders FC took a point home from Pluim Park in their 1-1 draw against Central Coast Mariners.
UNSW FC have a five-point break on the chasing pack for the final spot in the League One Womens finals and have another big week. They face fifth place St George FC midweek then host SD Raiders FC and if it is a six-point week they might seal that spot.
For SD Raiders FC, it is another big week for their finals chances taking on the team they will need to jump to get into the mix. Having custodian Natasha Pentecost always give them a big chance especially against a potent UNSW FC attack.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
