Round 20 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 20 in the Football NSW League One Women’s competition is a mouth-watering buffet of action ahead of us this weekend.
There are some vital clashes scattered between the six games laid before us which could have big ramifications for the top four.
The Match of the Round sees Sutherland Strikers FC hosting third place SD Raiders FC.
Let’s get onto the preview.
Match of the Round: Sutherland Strikers FC vs SD Raiders FC, Sunday 13 July, 4:30pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Sutherland Strikers FC welcome SD Raiders FC down to Harrie Denning Centre for their game on Sunday afternoon.
The Strikers had their game against Blacktown Spartans FC abandoned in the first half due to lightning and the rest of the game will be replayed next Wednesday night.
A-Leagues star Kirsty Fenton has provided some impact for the Strikers since joining and look to help them cause an upset.
Custodian Chantelle Symes is another person who has brought experience to a youthful side and will be busy against the SD Raiders FC attack.
SD Raiders FC were beaten 1-0 in their fixture against Bankstown City Lions FC which was finished on Tuesday evening.
Sharina Harris and Amanda Radmilo have done solid work for SD Raiders FC this season and are two unheralded stars in the side.
Up front, Abigail Boag showed how dangerous she can be with space with a goal against Hills United FC and will be ready for a big showing on Sunday.
This game will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel with Matt ‘Duckman’ Austin waddling into the booth to call the contest.
South Coast Flame FC vs Nepean FC, Saturday 12 July, 5:15pm, Sir Ian McLennan Oval
South Coast Flame FC kick off the weekend against Nepean FC at Sir Ian McLennan Oval on Saturday evening.
The Flame were involved in the Match of the Round last weekend beating Camden Tigers FC 1-0 at home.
Goal scorer Abbey Crapp headlined with the win with both her strike and her work up front hassling the Tigers defence.
Midfield metronome Abigail Jordan controlled the park for the hosts and showed off her range in passing as well.
Nepean FC had their game against Marconi Stallions FC at Cook Park washed out in the truncated Round 19.
The visitors will look towards Tahlia Mitchell and Sophie Williams to push them forward in this contest.
They were beaten 6-0 in the previous game back in Round 7 so Nepean FC hope to put in a stronger performance down in the Illawarra.
Blacktown City FC vs Blacktown Spartans FC, Sunday 13 July, 5pm, Landen Stadium
Blacktown City FC take on Blacktown Spartans FC in the derby at Landen Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts were beaten 7-1 by a marching St George FC side down at Barton Park in one of a few games which got played in Round 19.
Layla Hamdan celebrated her first start of the campaign with a goal to bring it back to 2-1 and she will be keen to repeat the dose on Sunday.
Blacktown City FC suffered a defeat in the first derby contest of the season and hope to even the ledger on their home turf.
Blacktown Spartans FC had their game against Sutherland Strikers FC abandoned due to lightning last weekend.
Defender Lili Rosandic has showed across the season her prowess from a dead ball and if the Spartans get any free-kicks she will step up.
Looking forward, Danielle Keller does have a knack for goals and she will be ready to find the back of the net on derby day.
Inter Lions FC vs Camden Tigers FC, Sunday 13 July, 5pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Inter Lions FC hosts Camden Tigers FC in their contest at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The Lions were gallant in their 2-0 defeat to fifth place Central Coast Mariners FC at Pluim Park last weekend.
That game must’ve felt like déjà vu for coach John Di Biase as his side battled hard but were beaten so home comforts might help them gain a point.
Custodian Ashley Mcintyre was the standout for the Lions last week and she has been in a purple patch of form recently.
Camden Tigers FC were beaten 1-0 in a tight contest against South Coast Flame FC in the Match of the Round last Saturday.
The combination between Maya Miller and Maja Prostran was a bright spark for the Tigers in the defeat.
Defender Charlotte O’Flynn also put in a solid shift at the back and held the Flame attack to bay for large parts of the game.
Marconi Stallions FC vs Hills United FC, Sunday 13 July, 5pm, Marconi Stadium #2
Marconi Stallions FC face off against Hills United FC at Marconi Stadium #2 on Sunday afternoon.
The Stallions had their game against Nepean FC washed out during the wild weather which hit Sydney last weekend.
Tsoler Nazarian has been a revelation for the Stallions since starting and will be the key danger for the hosts.
Alongside her, it will be a big game for Daniela Brekic and Lebanese international Asiyah Zrekia in defence.
The Stallions have been a bogey side for Hills United FC in recent times and look to throw a spanner in the title chase.
Hills United FC had a chance to regroup with the bye in Round 19 after their top of the table clash against SD Raiders FC.
Striker Isabella Sciberras scored a brace in the loss including a header and she will aim to add to her 15 goals for the season.
Monique Holder has been a consistent and calming presence for Hills United FC since she joined the side and will push them forward on Sunday.
Central Coast Mariners FC vs St George FC, Sunday 13 July, 5pm, Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners FC host St George FC in their important game at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Mariners come into this game off a 2-0 win against a dogged Inter Lions FC outfit at Pluim Park last Sunday evening.
While she didn’t get on the scoresheet, Claire Denning provided two key assists and will be key for the Mariners again on Sunday.
One of the main threats for the Mariners is top scorer Peyton Scollay who leads the line and will be a handful for the Saints defence.
St George FC were 7-1 winners against Blacktown City FC in their game at Barton Park last weekend.
Sharpshooter Jordan Baker was on target with a hat-trick in the huge result and took her tally to 21 goals for the season.
The Saints would welcome the return to form as they set up to hopefully march to a finals spot and a third straight Grand Final appearance.
This is a big game for both sides who set fifth and sixth on the ladder and three points could move them into the top four.
Bankstown City Lions FC have the bye
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
