Round 28 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 28 is another important week in the League One Womens competition with eight exciting games as the end of the season draws ever closer.
So, enjoy the football across Sunday and let’s get onto the preview!
Nepean FC vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 28 August, 3pm, Cook Park
Nepean FC finish off another busy week with a contest against SD Raiders FC at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts did have a midweek game against Northbridge Bulls FC which followed up their 8-1 loss to South East Phoenix FC at home. SD Raiders FC battled hard but lost 3-1 to UNSW FC in the late game last weekend.
For the hosts, they are looking to finish the season on a high after a tough campaign which has exhausted their squad. Jamaica Marshall has shown her abilities to find the back of the net with a goal last weekend.
SD Raiders FC have a busy week, they face local rivals Marconi Stallions midweek then back up with a trip out west. Miakala Tucker scored last week and between her and Rojin Polat, the visitors are a tough prospect to defeat.
Blacktown City FC vs Camden Tigers, Sunday 28 August, 3pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
Two debutants in Blacktown City FC and Camden Tigers clash at Blacktown City Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
Coming into this game, both teams will be looking to bounce back and take three points. Blacktown City FC fought back to 2-2 before losing 4-2 to St George FC. Camden Tigers were beaten 7-0 by Hills United FC at home.
Blacktown City FC will be positive despite their loss, they took it close to one of the League One Womens heavyweights and almost took the points. Coach David O’Keefe has built the squad well from defence and if they find a striker can make big moves.
The Camden Tigers will relish a chance to be back on the pitch after a performance which isn’t up to their usual standard against Hills United FC. They will look to finish their debut season with a few more wins before they sign off.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs St George FC, Sunday 28 August, 3pm, Popondetta Park
An important game for St George FC when they travel out to Popondetta Park to take on Mt Druitt Town Rangers on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides come into this on contrasting form. St George FC won a wild encounter 4-2 against Blacktown City FC in the west. Mt Druitt Town Rangers were beaten 5-0 by Gladesville Ravens in the first game of their homestand.
The Mt Druitt Town Rangers have been through the wringer in 2022 but still have built some good blocks for their future in the competition. Angel Lynch has been one of their best performers and will want to shine again on Sunday.
St George FC will need a huge turnaround if they want to play finals football with only three weeks left in the season. Their attack has clicked in recent weeks with Maddison Farmer, Stevie Donougher and Jordan Baker all firing.
South East Phoenix FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 28 August, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
The League One Womens distance derby is Sunday afternoon when Central Coast Mariners take on South East Phoenix FC down at South Nowra Football Complex.
South East Phoenix FC won in convincing fashion 8-1 against Nepean FC in their fourth win of the 2022 League One Womens season. Central Coast Mariners showed their grit in a 2-2 draw against Marconi Stallions at Pluim Park.
Central Coast Mariners will be ready turn the draws of the last fortnight into three points on their visit to Nowra. Chloe Smith returned to the scoresheet last week and hungry for more alongside captain Kaitlin Murphy has led the way for the yellow-and-navy.
The Phoenix side will be keen to repeat the dose after their huge win last weekend. Madison Cater and Bronte Trew are both in goal scoring form and need to shut down for the Mariners defence to prosper on Sunday afternoon.
Northbridge Bulls FC vs Inter Lions, Sunday 28 August, 3:40pm, Northbridge Oval
Top four Northbridge Bulls FC welcome weary Inter Lions to Northbridge Oval for their contest on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulls were on parade in the south coast and took home a 1-0 win against South Coast Flame FC to maintain their top four spot. Inter Lions were on the wrong end of a 4-0 loss against Sutherland Shire FA in the Match of the Round.
Northbridge Bulls FC kept the wings ticking over with their close win on the south coast. Tamires Souza has been one of the signings of the year. Her work alongside Evelyn Chronis and Cate Gyzen has been key to the Bulls success.
Inter Lions are weary and looking towards the end of their campaign. The Lions have shown they can put up a competitive showing against teams for much of the contest. Hopefully they will also pick up a few more points before the seasons end.
Hills United FC vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 28 August, 3:45pm, Bella Vista Public School
Second place Hills United FC face off against in-form Sutherland Shire FA at Bella Vista Public School on Sunday afternoon.
Hills United FC bounced back in impressive style with their 7-0 win against Camden Tigers out in the south-west of the city. Sutherland Shire FA featured in the Match of the Round and won 4-0 against Inter Lions.
The hosts know their equation is simple for the next few weeks – win. Annie Halls and Alix Roberts have formed a solid combination for Hills United FC in attack as they look to fine tune things before we get into the finals.
They run into one of the form teams of the League One Womens competition in Sutherland Shire FA. The young side have shown since the midseason point, they aren’t a pushover and will push the top two team all the way on the weekend.
Gladesville Ravens vs South Coast Flame FC, Sunday 28 August, 6pm, Christie Park
Leaders Gladesville Ravens look to take a further step to the Premiership against South Coast Flame FC at Christie Park on Sunday night.
Gladesville Ravens continue to soar at a cruising altitude towards the finals after their 5-0 win against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park. South Coast Flame FC kicked off the round in a 1-0 loss to Northbridge Bulls FC last Saturday.
The Ravens are close to another piece of silver ware but coach Andrew Galbraith will have the squad focused on taking on a tough Flame side. Jess Wootton has thrived since her mid-season switch and will be keen for more goals on the weekend.
Besides Hills United FC, South Coast Flame FC have taken to this competition like a duck to water and won’t be an easy side to knock over. Jessica Cruickshank has scored for fun this season and will lead the side up front again.
UNSW FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 28 August, 7:30pm, Hensley Athletic Field
We finish off the round with UNSW FC hosting Marconi Stallions in an interesting clash at Hensley Athletic Field on Sunday night.
The students have been on a roll and kept up their winning ways after their 3-1 success against SD Raiders FC in Round 27’s night cap. Marconi Stallions were pegged back twice in their 2-2 draw against Central Coast Mariners.
UNSW FC have timed their run to perfection. The students are unbeaten in over a month and look ready for their assault on the finals campaign. Eve Hess has been a star for them in recent weeks and may find the back of the net again.
For Marconi Stallions, they are trying to finish the season as high up on the League One Womens ladder they can. Ceyda Cambaz has been a solid performer for them over the last few years and will be key alongside Tania Baban if they want to take three points.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
