Round 18 Preview – League One Women’s

Round 18 in the Football NSW League One Women’s competition is a Super Sunday delight as teams surge towards the finish line for the season.

There are six games to enjoy across the weekend, including the Match of the Round which sees Blacktown City FC host fourth-placed South Coast Flame FC.

Let’s get onto the preview!

Match of the Round: Blacktown City FC vs South Coast Flame FC

Sunday 28 June, 5pm, Landen Stadium

Blacktown City FC host South Coast Flame FC at Landen Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts were leading before eventually falling 2-1 to local rivals Blacktown Spartans FC at Blacktown Football Park last weekend.

Blacktown City FC have been fast starters in recent weeks, with Ana-Liese Lobos providing the opener, something the Flame will need to be wary of.

They have shown they can test top sides and will not make it easy for the visitors on Sunday.

South Coast Flame FC produced a stirring display to earn a 3-3 draw against SD Raiders FC last Saturday.

Sariah Wilson kick-started the comeback with her goal and has been a valuable asset for Daniel Naumovski to bring off the bench.

It was also a big moment for another substitute, Olivia Cornall, with the former NPLWA player scoring her maiden goal in stoppage time to equalise, something she will look to build on going forward.

This game will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel with Sean Maher on commentary.

SD Raiders FC vs St George FC

Sunday 28 June, 3pm, Ernie Smith Reserve

SD Raiders FC face St George FC at Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts come into this game off a 3-3 draw against South Coast Flame FC in their trip to Kembla Grange.

Taiana Almeida again impressed with a brace, helping SD Raiders FC to the front, and she has moved back into the lead in the Golden Boot race with 17 goals.

At the back, Elana Topalidis has been strong for SD Raiders FC and will likely have a big job against the Saints’ attack this weekend.

St George FC are marching forward after a 2-0 win against Camden Tigers FC at Barton Park last weekend.

Goalkeeper Millicent Markou made her first-grade debut and kept a clean sheet, making it a memorable day for the young shot-stopper.

The Saints are in strong form and will be keen to avenge their heavy loss to SD Raiders FC back in Round 5.

Bankstown City Lions FC vs Camden Tigers FC

Sunday 28 June, 4:30pm, Jensen Park

Bankstown City Lions FC face Camden Tigers FC at Jensen Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Lions went down 4-2 to fellow pride members Inter Lions FC at Majors Bay Reserve last weekend.

Defender Samantha Payne scored a rare goal in the defeat and remains crucial to the Lions’ defensive structure.

They will look to top scorer Karen Bennett to lead them in attack and find the back of the net.

Camden Tigers FC were beaten 2-0 by the in-form St George FC at Barton Park.

The Tigers will look to young talents Naomi Hart and Jiselle Petrovski to help drive them forward as they aim to climb the League One Women’s ladder.

This fixture ended in a stalemate back in Round 5, so the Tigers will be eager to return home with three points.

Central Coast Mariners FC vs Marconi Stallions FC

Sunday 28 June, 5pm, Pluim Park

Central Coast Mariners FC take on Marconi Stallions FC at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.

The Mariners were beaten 3-0 by local rivals Newcastle Jets FC at Pluim Park last weekend.

Kyara O’Brien has made a strong impact since rejoining the side and may be called upon for key saves again on Sunday.

Up front, Ava Moller and Isabella Beresford will look to trouble the leaders and find the back of the net.

Marconi Stallions FC won 2-1 against Nepean FC in the Match of the Round last weekend.

It was a deserved result for Marie Herrera, who scored both goals and has been a vital part of the Stallions midfield this season.

Coach Michael Beauchamp praised his side’s resilience, with Erinn Cleghorn and Elana Lekov both playing key roles.

Nepean FC vs Blacktown Spartans FC

Sunday 28 June, 5pm, Jamison Park Field #1

Nepean FC host Blacktown Spartans FC at Jamison Park Field #1 on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts battled hard in a 2-1 defeat to Marconi Stallions FC in last week’s Match of the Round.

Captain Tiana-Louise Barton was again influential at both ends, making key clearances and scoring from a corner.

Eden Smith also impressed with her width and work rate.

Blacktown Spartans FC claimed bragging rights with a 2-1 win over Blacktown City FC last weekend.

Isobel Grech scored the winner with a stunning strike and continues to be an important attacking threat this season.

Alongside her, Milenna Visser and Kitwarla Mkali will look to cause problems for the Nepean defence as they chase a top-four finish.

Newcastle Jets FC vs Sutherland Strikers FC

Sunday 28 June, 5pm, Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

Newcastle Jets FC face Sutherland Strikers FC at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility on Sunday afternoon.

The Jets returned to form with a 3-0 win over Central Coast Mariners FC in the F3 derby last weekend.

Abi Paterson scored twice and continues to be a major attacking influence for the Jets.

Coach Greg Hartge will be pleased to see his side arrest their slide and will now aim to build further momentum.

Sutherland Strikers FC head up the highway refreshed after a bye in Round 17.

Their last outing was a 3-1 win over Bankstown City Lions FC, keeping them on the edge of the top four.

Both Paola Andrea Giraldo Uribe and Matilda McParland scored in that match and will be eager to continue their strong form.

Inter Lions FC have the bye.

By Justin Davies