Round 26 Preview – League One Women’s
This is it! Round 26 is the final weekend of the Football NSW League One Women’s regular season and promises to be another action-packed affair.
There are seven games to run the rule over for the final time this season with the title still up for grabs.
The Match of the Round sees Nepean FC host leaders SD Raiders FC. Let’s get onto the preview.
Match of the Round: Nepean FC vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 25 August, 3pm, Cook Park
Nepean FC face off against SD Raiders FC in their game down at Cook Park on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts battled to a 2-2 draw against Central Coast Mariners FC up at Pluim Park last weekend.
Nepean FC put in a resolute defensive performance, kept their shape well and will look to repeat the dose on Sunday.
Gemma Morgan found the back of the net in the score draw and has been a leading light for Nepean FC this season.
SD Raiders FC left it late again to win 1-0 against Bankstown City Lions FC in the Match of the Round last Sunday.
It is in SD Raiders FC hands to take out the League One Women’s Premiership and three points would see them lift the trophy.
Abigail Boag brought energy to the SD Raiders FC attack last weekend and she will be a handful again on Sunday.
This game will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel on Sunday afternoon.
South Coast Flame FC vs Hills United FC, Saturday 24 August, 3pm, Sir Ian McLennan Park
South Coast Flame FC kick off the weekend against Hills United FC at Sir Ian McLennan Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Flame were extinguished in a 5-0 loss against a rampant Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC side at Popondetta Park.
It has been an up and down season for South Coast Flame FC and they want to sign off with three points.
Both Emily Kostovski and Sariah Wilson have had positive campaigns for South Coast Flame FC and will provide energy again.
Hills United FC won 1-0 against a dogged Camden Tigers FC side at Bella Vista Public School last weekend.
This will be the first season since their inception that Hills United FC won’t feature in finals football so they will want to go out with a bang.
Up front, Kaylie Shannon has had a prolific season with 24 goals and the sharpshooter will be keen for further success on Saturday.
Marconi Stallions FC vs Sutherland Strikers FC, Sunday 25 August, 3pm, Marconi Stadium #2
Marconi Stallion FC welcome Sutherland Strikers FC to Marconi Stadium #2 on Sunday afternoon.
The Stallions made it back-to-back wins after a 2-0 success against Inter Lions FC at Majors Bay Reserve.
Coach Michael Beauchamp will be pleased with the improvement the squad has made throughout the League One Women’s season after a rough start.
Charmaine Marquinez scored the winner in their latest win and she will patrol the midfield again for the Stallions on Sunday.
Sutherland Strikers FC had a comeback 2-1 win against South East Phoenix FC down in Nowra last weekend.
Mid-season signing Lucy Johnson added another goal in the win and her work up front has been crucial to their success.
The Strikers have had a happier second half of the season and look to go out on a high in the south west.
Inter Lions FC vs Central Coast Mariners FC, Sunday 25 August, 3pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Inter Lions FC face off against Central Coast Mariners FC at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The Lions suffered a 2-0 defeat to Marconi Stallions FC on their home turf last Sunday afternoon.
Isabel McBride and Melina Visser will provide impact for Inter Lions FC off the bench if they need to chase a result.
Inter Lions FC have had a tough season and they will look to get one last chance to sing the team song on Sunday.
Central Coast Mariners FC snatched a point late in a 2-2 draw against Nepean FC at Pluim Park last weekend.
The Mariners were in finals contention for a long stretch of the season before a condensed schedule due to wet weather curtailed their chances.
Coach Dan Barrett has featured a lot of young talent this season which will hold them in good stead for the next few seasons.
Camden Tigers FC vs Blacktown City FC, Sunday 25 August, 3pm, Ron Dine Reserve
Camden Tigers FC take on Blacktown City FC in their game down at Ron Dine Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers put in a valiant effort in their 1-0 defeat to Hills United FC at Bella Vista Public School last weekend.
They will look to the combination of Samantha Cefai and Tia Berg to push them forward in this game.
Camden were hit by six by Blacktown City FC back in Round 13 and they will aim for an improved performance at home.
Blacktown City FC had late heartbreak again in their 1-0 loss to St George FC at Landen Stadium last weekend.
Looking at just performances, Blacktown City FC have been solid this season but they haven’t been able to turn those into results.
Eloise Hansen and Amelia Savetta have contributed 11 goals for Blacktown City FC this season and will hope to finish with a flurry.
St George FC vs Bankstown City Lions FC, Sunday 25 August, 3pm, Barton Park
St George FC host Bankstown City Lions FC in their game down at Barton Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints confirmed their finals spot in a 1-0 win against Blacktown City FC at Landen Stadium last weekend.
Jordan Baker was the match winner in the game and she has a knack for scoring important goals for St George FC.
This game is a shootout for third spot and a possible clash against Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC next weekend.
Bankstown City Lions FC fell to a late 1-0 defeat to leaders SD Raiders FC in last week’s Match of the Round.
The Lions will take plenty of pride despite the defeat as the side have shown they can match it against their fellow contenders.
Custodian Keeley Segavcic might play a vital part for Bankstown City Lions FC in this game and the upcoming finals to earn success.
South East Phoenix FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC, Sunday 25 August, 3;15pm, South Nowra Football Complex
South East Phoenix FC face off against Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC at South Nowra Football Complex on Sunday afternoon.
The Phoenix fell to a late 2-1 defeat against Sutherland Strikers FC on their home turf last weekend.
Beth Tomlinson was their goal scorer in the defeat and she will be keen to add to her tally against a contending team.
South East Phoenix FC will want to put in a strong performance for their final game at South Nowra Football Complex for the season.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC put in another superb performance in a 5-0 win against South Coast Flame FC.
The Town Rangers are close to achieving the goals they set after readmission and a maiden finals appearance.
Captain Leena Khamis has 27 goals thus far for the 2024 campaign and she will keen to find the back of the net in Nowra.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
