Semi Finals Preview – League One Women’s

The Football NSW League One Women’s competition heads into the semi-final stage where four sides enter to try and earn themselves a spot in the Grand Final.

We have two engrossing contests which will play out across the weekend at Valentine Sports Park. The Match of the Round sees SD Raiders FC taking on Central Coast Mariners FC.

Let’s get onto the preview!

Semi Final #1: SD Raiders FC vs Central Coast Mariners FC, Saturday, 5:45pm, Valentine Sports Park #3

SD Raiders FC take on Central Coast Mariners FC in the first semi-final at Valentine Sports Park #3 on Saturday night.

Finishing in second spot, SD Raiders FC had a fantastic season ending with 16 wins, fives draws and only three losses this season.

Taiana Almeida is the spark for SD Raiders FC. She has tallied 14 goals this campaign and will lead the line well.

Their other weapon up front is Abigail Boag. The attacker has shown throughout the season she can create goals from anywhere which has contributed to her 12 for the season.

Both Jessica Neville and Layne Knight make up the grit of the SD Raiders FC side which only conceded 16 goals throughout the 26-week season.

Natasha Pentecost has been a mainstay at SD Raiders FC and the glove woman has shown she is ready for big moments.

Someone who has given them impact this season is Erin Phelan and if they need a goal she might be the person they turn to.

SD Raiders FC fell at the semi-final hurdle last season in a shootout and coach Bojan Radmilo will be keen to rectify that on Saturday night.

Central Coast Mariners FC stormed home to finish third and elevated themselves to 14 wins, fives draws and four losses.

The Mariners ended the regular season with back-to-back wins and they are riding a huge wave into this crucial clash.

Peyton Scollay is the main weapon for Central Coast Mariners FC and she will look to add to her 16 goals for the season.

Flying down the wing, Claire Denning has shown her deft work in providing dangerous balls into the box for the Mariners to attack.

The midfield battle will be crucial in this contest. Annalise Brewster will have a big hand in ensuring the Mariners get on the front foot.

Keeper Kyara O’Brien has done well taking the gloves for the yellow-and-navy this season and might be called upon on Sunday.

The imposing figure of Jessica Garrett has been utilised well by the Mariners at set pieces and she could prove the difference.

Greg Hartge has enjoyed a solid first season leading the Mariners academy and hopes they can earn a Grand Final berth on Saturday.

This game will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel and due to top billing it will have Matt ‘Duckman’ Austin behind the microphone.

Previous Meetings:

Round 1: SD Raiders FC 2 defeated by Central Coast Mariners FC 3

Round 14: Central Coast Mariners FC 1 defeated SD Raiders FC 0

Semi Final #2: Hills United FC vs Marconi Stallions FC, Sunday 30 August, 5:45pm, Valentine Sports Park #2

Hills United FC face off against Marconi Stallions FC in the second semi-final at Valentine Sports Park #2 on Sunday evening.

The Premiers swept everyone before them this season, earning their first title in history with an imposing 20 wins, two draws and only two losses.

Hills United FC built their success on a tight defence only conceding 12 goals all season despite injuries late in the season.

Defenders Amie Mastop and Helen Berridge have done well as has custodian Nicola Simmons taking over the big gloves of Sarah Easthope this season.

Up front, Gemma Woolley and Jess Wootton have combined for 32 goals this season and will hope to find the back of the net again.

Their other attacking options high in the charts, Elin Rosenberg Cemazar has enjoyed a stellar first season at Hills United FC and alongside Monique Holder they can score from anywhere.

If Hills United FC get set pieces, Bella Donaldson can weave some magic to break open a tight semi-final contest.

Coach Alan Tasses has collected the first silverware for Hills United FC and his side will be hungry to add to that trophy case in the next fortnight.

Marconi Stallions FC finished fourth but had to watch on the last day as Hills United FC beat their finals rivals, St George FC 2-0.

It has been a solid campaign for Marconi Stallions FC who picked up 14 wins, five draws and five losses to earn a finals opportunity.

Grabbing the headlines for the Stallions is striker Tsoler Nazarian. She scored 10 goals to lead them this season and will be spearhead for them.

Alongside her, Erinn Cleghorn and Pene Bonovas have chipped in with important goals for the Stallions.

Coach Michael Beauchamp has brought steel to the Stallions side which is embodied in leader Daniela Brekic and Helena Daniele.

Between the sticks, Isabella Sollecito has been a safe pair of hands. She has 10 clean sheets this season and she might need to produce some highlight saves against the Premiers.

Another pair that might spark the Stallions side are Hannah Tomelic and Sarah Urquhart who bring plenty of experience to the side.

Previous Meetings:

Round 7: Hills United FC 1 defeated Marconi Stallions FC 0

Round 20: Marconi Stallions FC 0 defeated by Hills United FC 5

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)