Round 17 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 17 in the Football NSW League One Women’s competition offers up some fantastic clashes to enjoy across the weekend, including a pair of derby contests.
There are six games to run the rule over for the upcoming round, including the Match of the Round between Marconi Stallions FC and Nepean FC.
Let’s get onto the preview!
Match of the Round: Marconi Stallions FC vs Nepean FC
Sunday 21 June, 5pm, Marconi Stadium #2
Leaders Marconi Stallions FC take on Nepean FC in the Match of the Round at Marconi Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Stallions come off a dramatic 2-1 win against SD Raiders FC, which put them top of the League One Women’s ladder.
A hallmark of their win was the work of captain Daniela Brekic, who was first to every ball that came her way last Sunday and will look to do the same back at home.
Up front, while she wasn’t rewarded with a goal, Pene Bonovas played a key role holding up the ball and linking with her fellow attackers.
Nepean FC played out a 1-1 draw against fellow contenders Newcastle Jets FC at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.
Paris Staal was back on the scoresheet for Nepean FC in the result, and she will be keen to find the back of the net again.
Alongside her, Kellie Wilding has been ever-present for Nepean FC this season and will put in a big shift as they chase a top-four spot.
This game will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel.
South Coast Flame FC vs SD Raiders FC
Saturday 20 June, 5pm, Sir Ian McLennan Oval
South Coast Flame FC host SD Raiders FC at Sir Ian McLennan Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Flame head into this game after a 3-0 win against Inter Lions FC at Majors Bay Reserve last weekend.
Winger Emily Kostovski continued her strong scoring form with the third goal and will give the SD Raiders FC defence a headache down the flanks.
Alex Malizis showed off her free-kick ability with a pair of stunning strikes, and if the Flame earn set pieces, she will be ready to strike.
SD Raiders FC fell to a late 2-1 loss against local rivals Marconi Stallions FC in last week’s Match of the Round.
Aoife Horgan scored their only goal in the defeat, and the Irish representative was involved in SD Raiders FC’s best work on Sunday.
A positive moment for SD Raiders FC was the return from injury of Sharina Harris at half-time, which will be important heading into the final part of the season.
St George FC vs Camden Tigers FC
Sunday 21 June, 4:30pm, Barton Park
St George FC welcome Camden Tigers FC to Barton Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints kept up their march towards the top four with a 4-1 win against Blacktown City FC last weekend.
Caitlin Webster starred in the win with a hat-trick and gives St George FC more strings to their attacking bow.
Coach Mark Greenfield will be relieved his side has started to find form and will hope they continue finding the back of the net.
Camden Tigers FC lost 2-0 to Blacktown Spartans FC at Ron Dine Reserve last weekend.
Sidney Mikes has burst into the starting line-up for the Tigers in recent weeks and will aim to continue her solid performances.
The Saints’ attack has been in full flow recently, so Tigers keeper Samantha Fulwood may need to produce some big saves.
Blacktown Spartans FC vs Blacktown City FC
Sunday 21 June, 5pm, Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans FC take on Blacktown City FC in a local derby at Blacktown Football Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Spartans won 2-0 against Camden Tigers FC last weekend.
Striker Gemma Woolley moved equal top of the League One Women’s Golden Boot standings after her brace, which included a wicked free-kick.
Custodian Alexis Tan is a calming presence between the sticks for the Spartans and has made several impressive saves this season.
Blacktown City FC lost 4-1 to St George FC at Landen Stadium last Sunday.
While it was a defeat, Paris Kambouris opened the scoring with a stunner, which will give her confidence going forward.
Ava Luburic made her starting debut for Blacktown City FC last weekend after several appearances from the bench, a big moment for the youngster.
Central Coast Mariners FC vs Newcastle Jets FC
Sunday 21 June, 5pm, Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners FC face Newcastle Jets FC in the F3 Derby at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Mariners freshened up for this derby after having the bye in Round 16.
Zoe Daly scored in their last game, a 4-2 loss to St George FC, and will be keen to add to her tally against their rivals.
Central Coast were beaten 7-0 in the previous clash back in Round 4 and will be looking for revenge on home soil.
Newcastle Jets FC were held to a 1-1 draw against Nepean FC last weekend.
Mackenzie Preston-Poole scored a stunner to give the Jets the lead and will hope to continue her form against their local rivals.
Three points for the Jets would help them gain breathing room from the chasing pack for fourth place on the ladder.
Inter Lions FC vs Bankstown City Lions FC
Sunday 21 June, 5pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Inter Lions FC take on Bankstown City Lions FC at Majors Bay Reserve on Sunday evening.
The Lions were beaten 3-0 by South Coast Flame FC last weekend, also at Majors Bay Reserve.
Amelia Suma made her third appearance off the bench and will be ready to provide impact late in games.
Moving up front, Kiara Coscia has the ability to break open the game, and if she finds the net, it could lead to three points.
Bankstown City Lions FC lost 3-1 to Sutherland Strikers FC on their travels to Harrie Dening Centre last weekend.
Krystallia Kallidakis gave them the lead with a well-taken finish and has led the line well in recent weeks.
At the back, Ashley Limnios has been solid since joining in the off-season and will marshal the defence again.
Sutherland Strikers FC have the bye.
By Justin Davies
