Round 18 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 18 in the Football NSW League One Women’s competition might be a crucial weekend in the destination of silverware for the season.
There are six games to examine for Sunday including the Match of the Round which sees leaders Hills United FC travel to face their nearest challenger SD Raiders FC.
Let’s get onto the preview.
Match of the Round: SD Raiders FC vs Hills United FC, Sunday 29 June, 3pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
SD Raiders FC hosts Hills United FC in their game down at Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts were beaten 1-0 in their clash against South Coast Flame FC down at Sir Ian McLennan Oval.
They will lean on Tennealle Hay and Sarah Mandile up front to find the back of the net and maintain fortress Ernie Smith.
SD Raiders FC are one of two sides to take points off the leaders and need a big result to keep themselves in the title race.
Hills United FC had a comfortable 3-0 win against Camden Tigers FC at Valentine Sports Park last weekend.
The visitors have the best defence in League One Women’s conceding only five goals all season which makes any game a difficult prospect.
Helping to marshal the defence is Brooke Hastie who have been ever-present for Hills United FC since their entry to the league.
This game is first taking on second in a mouth-watering contest which might have a big impact on who takes out the Premiership.
It will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel with Matt “Duckman” Austin behind the microphone.
Sutherland Strikers FC vs Marconi Stallions FC, Sunday 29 June, 4:30pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Sutherland Strikers FC face off against Marconi Stallions FC at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon.
The Strikers were 1-0 winners against finals chasing Central Coast Mariners FC on the coast last weekend.
Potent goal scorer Lucy Johnson fired home the winner and she will be dangerous up front for the Strikers on Sunday.
The Strikers showed last week they can take a big scalp so they won’t be a push over on their home turf.
Marconi Stallions FC moved into second after their 3-0 win against Blacktown City FC at Marconi Stadium #2.
It was another clean sheet for keeper Isabella Sollecito in goal for the Stallions which takes her to eight for the season.
The Stallions sit in second position and if they keep their momentum can mark their return to the League One Women’s finals series.
Camden Tigers FC vs St George FC, Sunday 29 June, 5pm, Ron Dine Reserve
Camden Tigers FC welcome St George FC down to Ron Dine Reserve for their game on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers were beaten 3-0 in their game against league leaders Hills United FC in their travels to Valentine Sports Park.
Despite the loss, Camden have shown grit this season including a 3-3 draw in their previous meeting against St George FC.
If they want to replicate that result they will need a strong game from Ellie-Leigh Lontis and Maja Prostran.
St George FC are refreshed for their late season charge after having the bye during Round 17 of the League One Women’s season.
Jordan Baker continues to lead the Golden Boot race with 18 goals and she will be looking to add to it on Sunday.
The Saints sit in sixth spot currently and need another late season surge to get themselves back into the finals.
Central Coast Mariners FC vs Bankstown City Lions FC, Sunday 29 June, 5pm, Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners FC take on Bankstown City Lions FC down at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Mariners lost 1-0 to Sutherland Strikers FC in their home game played at Pluim Park last weekend.
Annalise Brewster is part of the hard working side at the Mariners and she will be key to them finding the back of the net at home.
The last fortnight has been tough for the yellow-and-navy but three points would go a long way to getting them back into the top four.
Bankstown City Lions FC won 3-0 against Nepean FC in their travels to Cook Park last Sunday evening.
Kahita Bedano powered the win with her brace and has moved up the park to help them find the back of the net.
The Lions have a young squad at their disposal in 2025 and Jemma Hall has been a consistent presence and appeared in all 17 games.
Blacktown City FC vs Nepean FC, Sunday 29 June, 5pm, Landen Stadium
Blacktown City FC do battle with Nepean FC in their game at Landen Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts were beaten 3-0 in their travels to Marconi Stadium to face Marconi Stallions FC last weekend.
The last month has been solid for Blacktown City FC and now they look to earn three points at home for the first time this season.
Both Nyssa Castillo and Jasmine Stretton have shown they can score goals and that will be needed on Sunday.
Nepean FC lost 3-0 in their clash against Bankstown City Lions FC on their home turf of Cook Park.
The visitors will look to Paris Staal and Caitlin Abbass to help them even the series ledger against a fellow West Sydney side.
2025 has been a tough campaign for the young Nepean FC side but they will look to finish the season on a high.
Inter Lions FC vs South Coast Flame FC, Sunday 29 June, 5pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Inter Lions FC face off against South Coast Flame FC at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The Lions featured in the Match of the Round last weekend beating Blacktown Spartans FC 4-0 in Rooty Hill.
Hannah Chark took the headlines in the win with her hat-trick and underlined her goal scoring prowess.
Midfielder Ella Martins shined in the result and her work in the middle of the park is vital to Inter Lions FC taking three points.
The Flame moved into the top four after their 1-0 win against SD Raiders FC at Sir Ian McLennan Oval.
Custodian Ciara Wade has been strong between the sticks for the Flame and she will be ready for back-to-back clean sheets.
Up front, Abbey Crapp is the Flame’s top scorer with eight goals and look to improve her tally on Sunday night.
Blacktown Spartans FC have the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
