Round 29 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 29 is everyone’s favourite round as it is the penultimate weekend of the Football NSW League One Womens competition. Our top four is settled but there is still pride and points to play for in the last fortnight. Let’s get onto the preview!
South Coast Flame FC vs SD Raiders FC, Saturday 3rd September, 6:30pm, Sir Ian McLennan Park
We kick off the round on Saturday night when South Coast Flame FC host SD Raiders FC at Sir Ian McLennan Park.
Both sides come into this game off last start losses. South Coast Flame FC were gallant in their 4-0 loss to Gladesville Ravens at Christie Park. SD Raiders FC lost 2-0 in the late kick-off against UNSW FC at Hensley Athletic Field.
South Coast Flame FC might’ve lost but they put in a good shift against top side Gladesville Ravens last weekend. Jessica Cruickshank and Caley Tallon-Henniker were in solid form and look to replicate that in a win on Saturday.
Regarding SD Raiders FC, it is about finishing the season on a high. They were around the finals spots for much of the League One Womens season but fell by the wayside late. Trudy Camelleri returned to the scoresheet and if she and Rojin Polat are on form SD Raiders FC will be hard to beat.
Central Coast Mariners vs Blacktown City FC, Sunday 4th September, 3pm, Pluim Park
Blacktown City FC take the trip up the coast to face off against Central Coast Mariners on Sunday afternoon at Pluim Park.
The visitors continued their fine form in the second half of the season with a 1-0 win against Camden Tigers which was a below average performance for their standards. Central Coast Mariners lost 3-0 in their trip to Nowra against South East Phoenix FC.
Central Coast Mariners suffered a big loss last weekend but the yellow-and-navy are always ready to dust themselves off and try to get three points. Coach Pete Edwards will have the side ready for the tough challenge of Blacktown City FC.
For Blacktown City FC it is about being clinical in front of goal. They created enough chances to put up a score against Camden Tigers but lacked execution. Yasmin Aloisoi and Hannah Krause were solid performers last week and look to replicate this on the coast.
Camden Tigers vs Gladesville Ravens, Sunday 4th September, 3pm, Ron Dine Stadium
Gladesville Ravens after their celebrations last week, head to Ron Dine Stadium to face Camden Tigers on Sunday afternoon.
The Ravens have to turn their attention back to the Premiership after their 4-0 win against South Coast Flame FC moved them closer to promotion. Camden Tigers lost 1-0 to Blacktown City FC in the Match of the Round.
Camden Tigers have had an up-and-down first season in the League One Womens competition but look to finish off with a positive result. Kristy Rohrer is a big figure in midfield for the side and will be trying to unlock the Ravens defence.
For Gladesville Ravens, it is back to business after their celebrations last week. They still have their eyes on the Premiership and need to probably win their last three fixtures to see off Hills United FC. Jess Wootton is in fine form after her hat-trick last week.
Marconi Stallions vs Northbridge Bulls FC, Sunday 4th September, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Fresh from their midweek work, Marconi Stallions welcome finals bound Northbridge Bulls FC at Marconi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Bulls look to finish their season a high before they head into the finals gauntlet after their huge 10-0 win against Inter Lions. Marconi Stallions were beaten 2-0 by UNSW FC but made up for it with a close win against Nepean FC on Tuesday night.
Marconi will be buoyed by their mid-week win and a goal from striker Tania Baban as they aim to snap the Bulls recent streak. Coach Dino Severin will be happy they have caught up on their fixtures and can look forward to their last two games.
Northbridge Bulls FC flicked the switch in mid-season and became the side we expected from the outset this League One Womens season. Their front four is devastating and will be a tough out for any team in the division.
Inter Lions vs Hills United FC, Sunday 4th September, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Looking to bounce back, Hills United FC head out Majors Bay Reserve to face Inter Lions on Sunday afternoon.
These two teams go into this contest off last start losses and looking to get back in the winner’s circle this weekend. Inter Lions after their 10-0 loss to Northbridge Bulls FC while Hills United FC lost 2-1 to Sutherland Shire FA.
Inter Lions have endured a tough campaign and are looking towards the end of the season with some delight in a fortnight. Facing up against Hills United FC will be tough but Inter have shown they can compete at least for 45 minutes against anyone.
Hills United FC were rocked by firstly their loss last week and losing one of the keys to their stubborn defence in goalkeeper Sarah Easthope. Coach Alan Tasses will have to figure out something as they look towards the finals in the next few weeks.
UNSW FC vs Nepean FC, Sunday 4th September, 3pm, Valentine Sports Park #3
The students look to continue their impressive form when they face Nepean FC at Valentine Sports Park #3 on Sunday afternoon.
UNSW FC moved a step closer to finals football after their 2-0 win against SD Raiders FC in the last game of Round 27. Nepean FC were beaten by 3-0 by SD Raiders FC last weekend then lost 1-0 in their midweek catch up vs Marconi Stallions.
The recent good form for UNSW FC means they will be featuring in the League One Womens finals for the 2022 season. They have so many potent weapons in their attack shown by Sonja Murphy at the double last week and will be hard to stop again.
Nepean FC have almost caught up with their fixtures after their mid-week loss to Marconi Stallions in what has been a tough season. Facing off against UNSW FC is another tough task before they finish with a home game against Hills United FC.
South East Phoenix FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 4th September, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
South East Phoneix FC complete their double header against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at South Nowra Football Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The Phoenix head into this game in some good form. They won back-to-back games after their 3-0 win against Central Coast Mariners at home last weekend. Mt Druitt Town Rangers hung tough but lost 1-0 against St George FC.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers will face South East Phoenix FC twice this weekend on Saturday and Sunday which will hopefully allow them to take some points back up the highway. Coach Neil Ross has managed his squad well and they are set up for future success.
South East Phoenix FC showed they can succeed without their two big guns in Madison Cater and Amanda Carney last weekend. Jorgi Webb stepped up in their absences and the hosts will be looking for three straight wins.
Sutherland Shire FA vs St George FC, Sunday 4th September, 7pm, Kareela Oval #3
Rounding off the weekend is a local derby between Sutherland Shire FA and St George FC at Kareela Oval #3 on Sunday night.
Both teams head into this one in good form. Sutherland Shire FA produced a comeback in their 2-1 win against Hills United FC last weekend. St George FC won a close one 1-0 against Mt Druitt Town Rangers in Sydney’s west.
Sutherland Shire FA are one of the form teams in League One Womens and head into this derby full of from to reverse the trend against St George FC. Violet Keelan warmed up in style with a brace and will be keen for more next week.
For St George FC, they will want to finish the season on a high now they can’t make the finals series in League One Womens. Stevie Donougher has been in solid form and her work alongside Maddison Farmer and Jordan Baker will be key on Sunday.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
