Round 22 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 22 in the Football NSW League One Women’s competition begins the final lap of the regular season, with several important contests set to shape the finals race.
There are six games to preview across Saturday and Sunday, headlined by the Match of the Round between Blacktown Spartans FC and Newcastle Jets FC.
Let’s get onto the preview!
Match of the Round: Blacktown Spartans FC vs Newcastle Jets FC
Sunday 26 July, 5pm, Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans FC host Newcastle Jets FC in a crucial clash at Blacktown Football Park on Sunday evening.
The Spartans enter this fixture refreshed after having the bye in Round 21 of the League One Women’s competition.
Rita Boateng opened the scoring in their previous victory, helping the Spartans consolidate their finals position, and she will be looking to find the back of the net again.
In midfield, Alannah Putica has been pulling the strings for Blacktown and could prove key in unlocking the Jets defence.
Newcastle Jets FC suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to South Coast Flame FC at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility last weekend.
The Jets will be looking towards Isabella Walshe and Aaliyah Kilroy in attack as they look to break down a stubborn Spartans defence.
It is a crucial fixture for Newcastle, who currently sit outside the finals places, with three points potentially putting them right back into the race.
This match will be streamed LIVE on the Football NSW YouTube channel, with Marc De Paoli behind the microphone.
South Coast Flame FC vs Central Coast Mariners FC
Saturday 25 July, 3pm, Sir Ian McLennan Oval
South Coast Flame FC face Central Coast Mariners FC at Sir Ian McLennan Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Flame took another major step towards finals football last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle Jets FC in the Hunter.
Lara Dipple has been a versatile and reliable member of the Flame squad, filling multiple roles across the park and providing stability for the side.
In attack, Emily Kostovski has scored in two of the Flame’s last three matches and will be looking to continue her strong run in front of goal.
Central Coast Mariners FC suffered a 2-1 defeat to Camden Tigers FC at Pluim Park last Sunday afternoon.
Peyton Scollay scored for the Mariners and continues to lead the line strongly for the academy side this season.
It has been a challenging week for Central Coast, who suffered defeats against both Marconi Stallions FC and Camden Tigers FC, and they will travel to Kembla Grange searching for a response.
SD Raiders FC vs Inter Lions FC
Sunday 26 July, 3pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
SD Raiders FC take on Inter Lions FC at Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The league leaders secured a tense 1-0 victory over Bankstown City Lions FC at Jensen Park last weekend.
It was a return to the starting XI for Madeliene Malone, who brings additional quality to the SD Raiders squad as they close in on silverware.
Golden Boot leader Taiana Almeida added another goal to her impressive tally with the match winner and will be eager to continue finding the back of the net on Sunday.
Inter Lions FC produced a stirring comeback in their 2-2 draw against Nepean FC at Jamison Park last Sunday night.
Jenny Hughes continues to provide a strong impact from the bench for Inter Lions and helped spark the comeback with her goal.
At the back, Belinda Anderson-Sharp remains a long-standing leader within the Lions squad and continues to set the standard for the team.
St George FC vs Sutherland Strikers FC
Sunday 26 July, 4:30pm, Barton Park
St George FC welcome Sutherland Strikers FC to Barton Park for their derby clash on Sunday afternoon.
The Saints twice held the lead before being forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Marconi Stallions FC in last weekend’s Match of the Round.
Winger Abbey-Rose Cryer put St George ahead and remains a constant attacking threat down the flanks heading into this fixture.
Defender Charlotte Young was a commanding presence for the Saints and will be looking to help contain the Strikers attack.
Sutherland Strikers FC recorded a 3-1 victory over Blacktown City FC at Harrie Dening Centre last weekend.
Eleonora Daga was among the goals in the victory, highlighting the attacking options available to coach Guillermo Rubio.
The Strikers have built an impressive unbeaten run and will need to continue that momentum if they are to mount a late charge towards the finals.
Camden Tigers FC vs Nepean FC
Sunday 26 July, 5pm, Ron Dine Reserve
Camden Tigers FC host Nepean FC at Ron Dine Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers secured a 2-1 victory over Central Coast Mariners FC in their trip to the Central Coast last weekend.
Jiselle Petrovski scored her second goal of the season and will be hoping to use that performance as a springboard for more goals during the run home.
Camden will be without goalscorer Ellie Lontis, who received a red card late in the victory after scoring the match winner.
Nepean FC were held to a 2-2 draw by a resurgent Inter Lions FC side at home last Sunday.
Set pieces remain an important part of Nepean’s attacking approach, with Tiana-Louise Barton a key target from corners and free-kicks.
Former Blacktown City FC player Jessica Anand made her first start for the club in the draw and will be hoping to earn another starting opportunity on Sunday.
Marconi Stallions FC vs Bankstown City Lions FC
Sunday 26 July, 5pm, Marconi Stadium #2
Marconi Stallions FC take on Bankstown City Lions FC at Marconi Stadium #2 on Sunday evening.
The Stallions showed plenty of resilience in their 2-2 draw against St George FC in last weekend’s Match of the Round, fighting back twice to claim a point.
Ilana Kola made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring her second goal of the season and giving coach Michael Beauchamp another attacking option.
It was an important week for Marconi, who strengthened their position inside the top four by collecting four points from their two matches.
Bankstown City Lions FC were narrowly defeated 1-0 by SD Raiders FC at Jensen Park last weekend.
Despite the result, the Lions can take confidence from their defensive performance, which has been strengthened by the work of Samantha Payne.
Natalie Moujalli has started the past month and continues to provide energy and quality to the Bankstown side as they prepare for another challenging contest.
Blacktown City FC have the bye.
By Justin Davies
