Round 30 Preview – League One Women’s
We have made it everyone!
It has been a long year for the Football NSW League One Womens competition filled with washouts, drama, plenty of goals and fabulous football.
There are eight more games to go through before we enter the finals so let’s get onto the preview.
South Coast Flame FC vs Inter Lions, Saturday 10 September, 3:15pm, Sir Ian McLennan Park
Kicking off the round, South Coast Flame FC host Inter Lions at Sir Ian McLennan Park on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides will want to get back in the winner’s circle for one final time in 2022. South Coast Flame FC were held to a 2-2 draw against SD Raiders FC. Inter Lions were beaten 5-0 by Hills United FC at Majors Bay Reserve.
South Coast Flame FC have enjoyed a solid debut campaign in League One Womens and look to finish off on a high. Jessica Cruickshank and Caley Tallon-Henniker have taken the headlines for the Flame but there have been good performances from Rachelle Wang and Lulu Lozano across the year.
It hasn’t been a year to remember for Inter Lions. Coach Adrian Contarino will be glad to rest up and plan for next year after Sunday afternoon but the Lions will be keen to put in a big final performance down on the coast.
Central Coast Mariners vs UNSW FC, Sunday 11 September, 3pm, Mingara Recreation Club
Central Coast Mariners welcome UNSW FC to Mingara Recreation Club for their final hit-out of 2022 on Sunday afternoon.
The yellow-and-navy faced a late season washout of their fixture against Blacktown City FC due to be played at Mingara Recreation Club. UNSW FC were in fine fettle again as they beat Nepean FC 2-0 at Valentine Sports Park.
UNSW FC have been a consistent force in the League One Womens competition this year and coach Guillermo Rubio will be proud of his team. Eve Hess scored a double last week and will be ready to warm up for the finals in style.
The Mariners might not be playing finals football but they have plenty to be proud of for their work in the 2022 season. Coach Pete Edwards will want to finish off their season with a win at home and one final scalp for the year.
Camden Tigers vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 11 September, 3pm, Ron Dine Stadium
Two debutants finish off their season when Camden Tigers face off against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Ron Dine Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
These two sides come off losses last weekend. Camden Tigers were beaten 4-0 by a rampant Gladesville Ravens at home. Mt Druitt Town Rangers lost the first of their double header against South East Phoenix FC 2-0 but were washed out in the second.
The Tigers started off their debut season in fine fashion but have struggled through the last few weeks of the campaign. One bright spot has been the development of their young players in their first year alongside Ashlee Taff and Kristy Rohrer.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers might only have six points for the season but they will feel positive about how they have developed across the League One Womens season. Coach Neil Ross has the building blocks of a side ready to spring up the ladder in the next few years.
Marconi Stallions vs Blacktown City FC, Sunday 11 September, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Two sides looking to round off the year with a win clash when Marconi Stallions host Blacktown City FC at Marconi Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
These two teams look to finish 2022 with three points and sign off with a flourish. Marconi Stallions were beaten 1-0 by Northbridge Bulls FC at home. Blacktown City FC had their game against Central Coast Mariners washed out.
Blacktown City FC had a rough start to life in the League One Womens but this second half of the year has been full of positives for David O’Keefe’s side. Nicola Ciocca has emerged as a goal scorer with Alyse-May McCutcheon also firing.
For Marconi Stallions, they are probably one of the sides most affected by the washouts which dogged the League One Womens season. Coach Dino Severin’s side on their day can be unplayable and might show that again on Sunday at home.
Nepean FC vs Hills United FC, Sunday 11 September, 3pm, Cook Park
It is a return to Cook Park for much of Hills United FC as they take on Nepean FC in an interesting game on Sunday afternoon.
Nepean FC were beaten 2-0 by finals bound UNSW FC away at Valentine Sports Park in their penultimate game of the League One Womens season. Hills United FC won 5-0 against Inter Lions in their travels away from home.
It will be a big afternoon for Hills United FC. Much of their squad and coaching staff were at Nepean FC before they headed over. The visitors will want to be ready for finals football and avenge their draw against this opponent on Sunday.
For Nepean FC, they will be buoyed by the aforementioned draw in Round 15 and want to finish off a tough 2022 season on a high. Coach Ben Gough has battled with his depth all season but they are set up for one final show.
St George FC vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 11 September, 3pm, Fraser Park
St George FC and SD Raiders FC look to finish their campaign in fine form when they clash at Fraser Park on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides head into this game wanting to take three points. St George FC featured in the Match of the Round losing 2-1 to Sutherland Shire FA. SD Raiders FC produced a stunning comeback in their 2-2 draw against South Coast Flame FC.
The Saints will want to finish a disappointing campaign with a win at their home ground. Jordan Baker has led the side from the front this season but Stevie Donougher and Maddison Farmer both were able deputies across the season.
SD Raiders FC were hanging around the top four spots for a majority of the League One Womens season before their late season fade. They are a side who won’t take any game lightly so we’re set up for a pulsating game for these two to see out 2022.
Gladesville Ravens vs South East Phoenix FC, Sunday 11 September, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
Premiers Gladesville Ravens head down to Nowra for to take on South East Phoenix FC in their warm up for finals football at South Nowra Football Complex.
Gladesville Ravens confirmed their Premiership in style when they triumphed 4-0 against Camden Tigers at Ron Dine Stadium on Sunday. South East Phoenix FC won 2-0 on Saturday but had their Sunday clash against Mt Druitt Town Rangers washed out.
South East Phoenix FC have had a solid season and take a four-game unbeaten run into this clash against the Premiers. Madison Cater, Amanda Carney and Jorgi Webb have starred at points for the young side this year.
For the Ravens, they have been the class of the League One Womens competition. They have been led well by the dynamic duo up front Gemma Woolley and Jess Wootton which will make them a tough prospect in the final four.
Northbridge Bulls FC vs Sutherland Shire FA, Sunday 11 September, 3:40pm, Northbridge Oval
Rounding off the weekend is finals bound Northbridge Bulls FC hosting in form Sutherland Shire FA at Northbridge Oval.
These two sides have been the form sides of the League One Womens competition. Northbridge Bulls FC were 1-0 winners against Marconi Stallions. Sutherland Shire FA beat local rivals St George FC 2-1 in the Match of the Round.
Tamires Souza has been a goal scoring machine for Northbridge Bulls FC with 41 goals throughout the campaign and should be awarded the Golden Boot. She will want to confirm that in style with some more goals on Sunday.
Sutherland Shire FA are finishing the season like a runaway train. They have won their last 10 games and could leapfrog St George FC into fifth. Violet Keelan has been a breakthrough star this season leading the line for the shire side.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
