Round 9 Preview – League One Women’s
The Football NSW League One Womens competition has started to heat up headed into Round 9 with the addition of the Sapphire Cup bringing some further action.
We have seven fabulous games to enjoy on Sunday headlined by the Match of the Round between South East Phoenix FC and Hills United FC.
Let’s get onto the preview.
Match of the Round: South East Phoenix FC vs Hills United FC, Sunday 7 May, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
South East Phoenix FC host Hills United FC in the Match of the Round at South Nowra Football Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts face another tough challenge in Hills United FC after they were thumped by their local rivals last weekend.
One bright spot for South East Phoenix FC was the goal from Amanda Carney who has a good ability to find the back of the net in games.
Hills United FC rebounded from their scoreless draw with a thumping of Camden Tigers in last week’s Match of the Round.
The maestro of the performance was Isabella Sciberras who scored twice and has been Hills United FC’s standout player thus far this season.
It wasn’t just the score line which pleased their coach Alan Tasses but the way they constructed the goals and he hopes for a similar performance in Nowra.
If you can’t make the game, join the dulcet tones of Eric Subijano behind the mic for NPL.TV for what promises to be an entertaining clash.
Nepean FC vs St George FC, Sunday 7 May, 3pm, Cook Park
Nepean FC welcome St George FC to Cook Park for an intriguing game on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts head into this one off an encouraging draw against the high-flying Sutherland Shire FA side away from home.
Nepean FC have shown they can get a result against the top sides so they will keen for another scalp when they take on St George FC.
St George FC pulled off a big result in their win over SD Raiders FC at Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
It was custodian Alexandra Hinson’s second clean sheet of the season and she will be looking for her third against Nepean FC.
Up front, St George FC hopes their goal scoring form continues with the twin talents of Jordan Baker and Kyla Vanderlaan.
Sutherland Shire FA vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 7 May, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Sutherland Shire FA face off against a solid Marconi Stallions side at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon.
It was back to the drawing board literally for Sutherland Shire FA after their scoreless draw against Nepean FC at home.
The hosts know they have the firepower to match any League One Womens side and will need all of it to break through Marconi’s defence.
Sutherland Shire FA have built their recent run on their consistency and that takes form in captain Genevieve Nisbet who is always in the right place.
Marconi Stallions secured back-to-back draws after their late equaliser against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Wanderers Football Park.
The Stallions have built their success in 2023 on their backline and hope to find the goals soon to complement their work.
It has been a solid start for Yoshimi Miki between the sticks for Marconi and she might need to produce some key saves to get the visitors a point on Sunday.
Inter Lions vs South Coast Flame FC, Sunday 7 May, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Back at home, Inter Lions take on a surging South Coast Flame FC at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
Inter Lions battled hard but fell away against a rampant UNSW FC side down at The Village Green last weekend.
The Lions will hope they can avoid more speed bumps as Jonathan Webb calls them and continue their development.
South Coast Flame FC were ruthless in their huge win over South East Phoenix FC down in Nowra on Sunday afternoon.
Since a loss on the opening weekend, South Coast Flame FC have been one of the form teams and haven’t tasted defeat again.
One aspect of their form has been the sharing of their goals. They had five different goal scorers last week and will look to fill the net again this week.
Camden Tigers vs UNSW FC, Sunday 7 May, 3pm, Ron Dine Reserve
Camden Tigers welcome leaders UNSW FC to Ron Dine Reserve for their game on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers lost their sixth game of the season in their loss to Hills United FC but hopefully home comforts might bring more joy.
They do get the distraction of a cup contest against Mt Druitt Town Rangers on Wednesday night to boost their fortunes.
Troy Witton has been frustrated with the results in the last few weeks but there has been good patches which hopefully can start the turn around.
UNSW FC remain the only undefeated side in League One Womens after their win over Inter Lions at The Village Green.
It was a memorable afternoon for Hayley Marshall who scored her first two goals for UNSW FC and hopes to add further to the tally on Sunday.
For UNSW FC, it has been the road which has seen them drop points so they will want to all three points back down the M5 on Sunday.
SD Raiders FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 7 May, 3:15pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
Fifth place SD Raiders FC host second place Central Coast Mariners at Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
SD Raiders FC suffered their first loss against a stoic St George FC side and head home aiming to get back in the winner’s circle.
They will be buoyed by their success midweek in the Sapphire Cup with a dramatic 3-2 win over Oran Park Rangers FC on Tuesday night.
For a young side, the influence of experienced campaigner Sarah Mandile is a big plus for them headed into another tough contest.
Central Coast Mariners shook off their first loss with a comfortable win over Blacktown City FC at Pluim Park last Sunday afternoon.
Coming into a busy period with the cup competition starting, Dan Barrett will rotate the squad to keep their momentum going.
It has been a solid return for Annalise Rasmussen who came off the bench to score and she hopes it might be enough for a starting berth this week.
Blacktown City FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 7 May, 4pm, Landen Stadium
Rounding off the weekend is Blacktown City FC facing off against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Landen Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Blacktown City FC put together a solid effort in their loss to one of the top sides in Central Coast Mariners last weekend.
Cameron Janssen has been a highlight performer for Blacktown City FC and her combination with Jenny Hughes is one to watch out for.
Behind her, the midfield has been strong for Blacktown City FC including Emma Ingerson and look to repeat that dose on Sunday.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers were involved in a close score draw against Marconi Stallions at Popondetta Park last weekend.
The return of Hitomi Maeta has made a big difference for the side with her work in the midfield will be key to three points in this game.
Coach Neil Ross has a tough juggling act this week with the midweek Sapphire Cup action stretching his already thin squad for both games.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
