Round 1 Preview – League One Women’s
The Football NSW League One Women’s competition returns with a bang in 2024 with 14 teams ready to rip and tear into the new campaign.
There are seven games to enjoy across the weekend headlined by Mt Druitt Town Rangers taking on St George FC in the Match of the Round.
Let’s get to the preview.
Match of the Round: Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs St George FC, Sunday 3 March, 3pm, Popondetta Park
Our first Match of the Round sees Mt Druitt Town Rangers host St George FC at Popondetta Park on Sunday afternoon.
It is a marquee match up which sees big spenders Mt Druitt Town Rangers host last year’s Champions St George FC.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers have been the biggest movers in the off-season as they aim to be involved in the title race.
Leena Khamis and Rosie Galea will make their debut for the Town Rangers and have a big influence on the game.
Ben Gough is in the dugout for the hosts and has the side ready to take three points in his first game in charge.
St George FC finished the 2023 season marching towards the Grand Final and hope they can repeat the dose in 2024.
The Saints have maintained the core of the side which led them to glory including sharpshooter Jordan Baker.
They have added Angelina Manos from Bulls FC and attacker Janan Codmani to push them forward in this game.
This game will be broadcast live on the Football NSW Youtube with Mel Muscat on debut behind the microphone at Popondetta Park.
South Coast Flame FC vs Inter Lions, Saturday 2 March, 3pm, Sir Ian McLennan Park
Kicking off the season is South Coast Flame FC hosting Inter Lions at Sir Ian McLennan Park on Saturday afternoon.
South Coast Flame FC made Sir Ian McLennan Park a fortress in 2023 and will aim for a similar reputation in 2024.
They have plenty of talent in the squad including winger Ashley Kotevski and Abi Jordan to push them forward.
Coach Daniel Naumovski hopes that they can get a blazing start to their season with three points.
Inter Lions head into the new season with some renewed optimism as the club looks to get back to winning ways.
The Lions do have a calming presence in Bernhard Voloder in the dugout to help the side move up the League One Women’s ladder.
Isabel McBride and Alicia Lee both will be charged to help the Lions get on the scoreboard more often in 2024.
Marconi Stallions vs Central Coast Mariners, Sunday 3 March, 3pm, Marconi Stadium
Marconi Stallions welcome Central Coast Mariners to Marconi Stadium for their game on Sunday afternoon.
The Stallions have started a revamp of their team which has started with a new head coach in former A-League player Michael Beauchamp.
He will want to have the side firing from the opening whistle and get the Stallions back involved in the title conversation.
Central Coast Mariners had a rough end to last season and look to leave those worries in 2023 and achieve their goals.
The yellow-and-navy have the steady hand of Dan Barrett taking the coaching duties again as they look to start off with three points.
SD Raiders FC vs Camden Tigers, Sunday 3 March, 3:30pm, Cirillo Reserve
SD Raiders FC take on Camden Tigers in their game down at Cirillo Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts are usually a strong team on their home turf and hope to use that as a springboard to break back into the top four.
Natasha Pentecost has been one of the best keepers in League One Womens and once again will be key to SD Raiders FC’s success.
SD Raiders FC will look to Tahlia Voskanian and Elin Rosenberg Cemazar in the midfield to provide a solid foundation for the squad.
Camden Tigers maintain the majority of the team from last season and they aim to launch themselves up the ladder.
They have brought over Ellie-Leigh Lontis from SD Raiders FC to link with their strikers and find the back of the net.
The Tigers have won their first game in both seasons thus far and aim to make it three season opener wins in a row on Sunday.
Hills United FC vs South East Phoenix FC, Sunday 3 March, 3:45pm, Bella Vista Public School
Hills United FC welcome South East Phoenix FC to Bella Vista Public School on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts hope that the third time is a charm in regards to getting the club’s first piece of silverware in the 2024 season.
Coach Alan Tasses has reshaped his squad after last year’s Grand Final defeat and remains confident in their success.
Leading the charge for Hills United FC is returning defender Desiree Galea who will further strengthen their defence.
Up front, Isabella Sciberras will link up with Alix Attard to lead the Hills United FC attack to find the back of the net more often in 2024.
South East Phoenix FC had an up and down campaign last season but hope to start off strong this season.
They enter a rebuilding year but hopefully another season where they can continue their development pipeline.
Blacktown City FC vs Nepean FC, Sunday 3 March, 4pm, Landen Stadium
Blacktown City FC host local rivals Nepean FC down at Landen Stadium for their game on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts kick off their third year in League One Women’s with a renewed vigour after solid pre-season which included a trip to Japan.
They have kept most of the side from last season including Alyse-May McCutcheon who provided some key moments in 2023.
Blacktown City FC will have Michael Hawthorne take the coaching reins and hopefully guide them to a top half finish.
It has been all out, all change for Nepean FC in 2024 with only a few faces remaining from their team that finished last season.
Joseph Ellul has a big job ahead in a rebuilding year but three points against a rival is always welcome.
Kelsea Nash and Paris Staal will be names to watch out for Nepean FC as the young squad get ready for a local derby.
Bankstown City Lions FC vs Sutherland Strikers FC, Sunday 3 March, 5:30pm, Jensen Park
Rounding off the weekend is Bankstown City Lions FC facing off against Sutherland Strikers FC at Jensen Park on Sunday afternoon.
Bankstown City Lions FC kick off their campaign to get back to the top with a home game at what they hope will be fortress Jensen Park.
It is a new face in the dugout with Ante Covic taking over during pre-season but he does have a settled squad to choose from.
The Lions will look to Jess Frampton and Liana Gullo to lead from the front and start the season off with three points.
Sutherland Strikers FC boast a new name and new squad ready to fire from the opening whistle on Sunday afternoon.
The new look team are keen to make a mark quickly and taking something from the Lions is one way to do so.
Georgie Lewis will lead the line for the Strikers and will want to find the back of the net in her appearance.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
