League One Women’s Semi-Finals Preview
The time has come as semi-final football fever has hit the League One Women’s competition after a solid season.
Let’s check out the two match ups taking place this Sunday afternoon.
SD Raiders FC vs St George FC
Sunday 1st September, Ernie Smith Reserve No 2, 3:45pm
Our first semi-final has Premiers SD Raiders FC hosting reigning Champions St George FC.
SD Raiders FC won 3-0 against Nepean FC in the Match of the Round last weekend to warm up for the semi-finals.
The young side pipped Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC to the Premiership and have been a consistent force all season.
They have a plethora of attacking options up fronts with Taiana Almeida and Abigail Boag leading the way while Isabella Sultan is capable of magic from a set piece.
Jessica Neville has been the fulcrum for the SD Raiders FC this season and her cool head will be needed in sudden death football.
SD Raiders FC have only suffered two losses all season which underlines how hard they will be to defeat in the finals.
St George FC were beaten 1-0 against fellow contenders Bankstown City Lions FC after conceding late.
The Saints will be looking to defend their title from last season and take a run of five wins out of their last six into this contest.
Nicole Besz leads the side from the defence and alongside Joanna Minas will be key to stopping the SD Raiders FC attack.
Up front, St George FC have shared the goals around. Janan Codmani is in a purple patch of form while Kyla Vanderlaan and Jordan Baker can pop up with big goals.
St George FC handed SD Raiders FC one of their two losses this season back in Round 18 with a 4-1 success and should be confident headed into this game.
Catch Eric Subijano who will be calling the match live on Football NSW’s official YouTube channel.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC vs Bankstown City Lions FC
Sunday 1st September, Popondetta Park No 2, 3:45pm
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC host Bankstown City Lions FC in our second semi-final on Sunday.
The Town Rangers warmed up for this fixture with a 6-0 win against South East Phoenix FC down in Nowra on Sunday.
While they didn’t get the title, Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC finished top of the Club Championship and are eligible for promotion to the NPLNSW Women’s competition.
The headline act for the Town Rangers is striker Leena Khamis who has 27 goals this season and is a threat inside the box.
Alongside Khamis, wizard Rosaria Galea and livewire Rita Boateng will give defences plenty of hassle in the next fortnight.
At the back, Emily Kos has been a revelation since she return in mid-season and custodian Renee Krstanovska is a rock between the sticks for the Town Rangers.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers won both games against Bankstown City Lions FC this season and look to make it a hat-trick.
The visitors left it late to secure a 1-0 win against St George FC in a game which determined who finished third on the League One Women’s ladder.
Bankstown City Lions FC had a rollercoaster season but found form late in the season to cement themselves in the finals.
Striker Aya Seino has been the story of the season, scoring 43 goals to earn the Golden Boot and power the Lions.
The Lions side around her is a mix of youth and experience with Chiara Cencigh and Maya Miller both stepping up to the mark.
Custodian Keeley Segavcic has given Bankstown City Lions FC further solidity in net against these potent attacks.
Catch Mel Muscat who will be calling the match live on Football NSW’s official YouTube channel.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
