Round 20 Preview – League One Women’s
Heading into Round 20 of the Football NSW League One Women’s competition, we are set up for a massive final stretch of the competition with teams fighting for the title and top four spots.
There are seven games to enjoy across the weekend including our Match of the Round between St George FC and South Coast Flame FC. Let’s get onto the preview.
Match of the Round: St George FC vs South Coast Flame FC, Saturday 22 July, 7:30pm, Ilinden Sports Centre
St George FC face off against South Coast Flame FC in the Match of the Round at Ilinden Sports Centre on Saturday night.
The Saints had a comfortable 6-0 win in their travels down to play against South East Phoenix FC last weekend.
That makes it back-to-back wins for St George FC who are firming to play finals football this season after a few years away from it.
St George FC have found their rhythm and that is embodied in striker Jordan Baker. She has 10 goals thus far this season and will be keen for more.
South Coast Flame FC enjoyed a weekend off after their game against Marconi Stallions was postponed last weekend.
This game is vital for the Flame if they want to continue their chase for the top four headed into the final six weeks of the season.
They will need to hold firm in defence against the Saints, led by custodian Caitlin Russell who has been a key figure for them in 2023.
The Match of the Round will be streamed live on NPL.TV on Saturday night with Eric Subijano behind the microphone for the game.
Nepean FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Sunday 23 July, 3pm, Cook Park
Surging Nepean FC host sixth place Mt Druitt Town Rangers in their game at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon.
Nepean FC prevailed in a see-sawing contest over Inter Lions in their game at Majors Bay Reserve last weekend.
It was a welcome return to the scoresheet for Ella Joyce with her double in the win and her combination with Maria Serrant will be key to three points.
The hosts have been solid at the back in recent weeks and their defence is well marshalled by Tiana-Louise Barton.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers played their part in an exciting 2-2 draw against UNSW FC at Popondetta Park last weekend.
The Town Rangers won the first meeting between these two 4-0 and will be keen to repeat that dose on the weekend.
They will look towards Rita Boateng and Holly Pender to find the back of the net and grab a vital three points on Sunday.
Sutherland Shire FA vs Inter Lions, Sunday 23 July, 3pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Sutherland Shire FA face off against Inter Lions in their game down at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts were held to a 2-2 draw in their game against Camden Tigers in south-west Sydney last weekend.
It was another weekend on the scoresheet for Valentina Alvarez who has filled in well for their injured attackers and will be keen to find the back of the net again.
This is a big game for Sutherland Shire FA in their quest for finals football as they are rapidly losing touch with the chasing pack.
Inter Lions were gallant in their 3-2 loss to Nepean FC in an exciting game played at Majors Bay Reserve last weekend.
Riley Dennis scored her 16th goal of the League One Women’s season and will look to keep pace with top scorer Chloe Smith with more goals on the weekend.
The Lions have been competitive in their recent games and will hope those performances turn into three points against Sutherland Shire FA.
SD Raiders FC vs Camden Tigers, Sunday 23 July, 3:15pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
In form SD Raiders FC welcome south-west rivals Camden Tigers to Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
SD Raiders FC come into this game with a three-game win streak after they beat Blacktown City FC at home.
They have bounced back well after their mid-season slump and remain within striking distance of the top four headed into Round 20.
The hosts will look to the combination between goal scorer Abuk Nyor and Isabella Sultan to complete the season sweep against their local rivals.
Camden Tigers showed off their fighting spirit in their 2-2 draw against Sutherland Shire FA at Ron Dine Reserve last weekend.
The Tigers goals came from their two top scorers Kristy Rohrer and Ashlee Taff and the experienced duo will be keen to replicate their form in this game.
South East Phoenix FC vs Blacktown City FC, Sunday 23 July, 3:15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
South East Phoenix FC welcome Blacktown City FC to South Nowra Football Complex for their game on Sunday afternoon.
The Phoenix side were down on troops in their 6-0 loss to St George FC at South Nowra Football Complex last weekend.
They will have their full squad back for this match and will be keen to get back in the winner’s circle on their home turf.
Blacktown City FC battled hard but fell to a close loss against SD Raiders FC in their game at Landen Stadium last weekend.
The visitors have played in four consecutive 1-0 games in the last month and will be keen to take three points back up the highway.
Blacktown City FC will look to their striking partnership in Jenny Hughes and Alyse-May McCutcheon to find the back of the net in Nowra.
Hills United FC vs Marconi Stallions, Sunday 23 July, 3:45pm, Bella Vista Public School
Hills United FC take on Marconi Stallions in their game down at Bella Vista Public School on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts will be disappointed in their 3-0 loss to Central Coast Mariners in the Match of the Round last weekend.
They had the league’s tightest defence before their loss and will be keen to get back to their clean sheet ways on Sunday afternoon.
Up top, they will lean on Imogen Lane to find the back of the net and add to her eight goals for the League One Women’s season.
Marconi Stallions will be refreshed after their home game against South Coast Flame FC was postponed last weekend.
The Stallions have had a tough fortnight with two losses but could spring an upset against Hills United FC to get their season back on track.
One positive of Marconi Stallions season has been their promotion of youth which will keep them in good stead in future seasons.
UNSW FC vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 23 July, 5pm, The Village Green
Rounding off the weekend is a top of the table clash between UNSW FC and Central Coast Mariners at Village Green.
UNSW FC played out a pulsating score draw against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park last weekend.
The result dented their title hopes but it did feature a maiden goal from mid-season signing Princess Ibini from the penalty spot.
They won’t want to drop many more points in their chase and speed up their pursuit with three points against the league leaders.
Central Coast Mariners were clinical in their 3-0 win over Hills United FC in last weekend’s Match of the Round.
Annalise Rasmussen has cemented her reputation as a long-range specialist with another strike in their win and will need to kept quiet on the weekend.
The Mariners have added another bow to their attacking arsenal with Iona Snape returning and scoring the third goal in their result.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
