Round 13 Preview – League One Women’s
Round 13 in the Football NSW League One Women’s competition will see teams hit the halfway mark of the season.
There are seven games to enjoy across Sunday including some mouth watering contests highlighted by the Match of the Round between Bankstown City Lions FC and St George FC.
Let’s get onto the preview.
Match of the Round: Bankstown City Lions FC vs St George FC, Sunday 26 May, 6pm, Jensen Park
Bankstown City Lions FC host St George FC in the Match of the Round at Jensen Park on Sunday night.
The Lions suffered a late 1-0 defeat to fellow top four hopefuls SD Raiders FC at Ernie Smith Reserve last weekend.
It is another big game for the fifth place Lions as we reach the halfway mark and the relegated side remain outside the top four.
Coach Ante Covic will have the side ready for a big performance to bounce back from last week and roar back into title calculations.
St George FC battled hard to a 0-0 draw against Blacktown City FC at Ilinden Sports Centre last Sunday afternoon.
Off-season signing Tara Palmer has been ever present for St George FC this season helping to propel them to towards finals football.
Defender Nicole Besz is another that has been rock solid for the Saints who have one of the tougher defences in the competition.
This game will be streamed live on the Football NSW YouTube under the live tab with ‘The Professor’ Mel Muscat behind the microphone.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC vs South East Phoenix FC, Sunday 26 May, 3pm, Popondetta Park
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC take on South East Phoenix FC down at Popondetta Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Town Rangers kept on their merry way with a 3-1 win over South Coast Flame FC in last week’s Match of the Round.
Former A Leagues star Emily Kos made her debut for the Town Rangers in the win and will be ready to go for their finals charge.
Caitlin Campbell has fit in seamlessly since her signing and contributed the second goal in their fifth straight win.
South East Phoenix FC battled hard in their 2-1 defeat against Sutherland Strikers FC at Harrie Denning Centre.
Lena Hennequin was the goal scorer for the Phoenix which takes her tally to three goals for the season.
Coach Aaron Fuz has been impressed with the improvement of his side over the first half of the season and hopes it will continue past halfway.
Central Coast Mariners FC vs Inter Lions FC, Sunday 26 May, 3pm, Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners welcome Inter Lions FC to Pluim Park for their game on Sunday afternoon.
The Mariners shook off the rust with their close 1-0 win against Nepean FC at Cook Park last weekend.
It is a busy period for Central Coast who have their catch up game against a resurgent Sutherland Strikers on Thursday night.
Teagan Douglas made a winning debut with the yellow-and-navy, scoring the only goal and she will be keen to repeat the dose on Sunday.
Inter Lions FC were beaten 3-0 by Marconi Stallions in their game at Marconi Stadium last weekend.
The Lions have endured a tough first half of the season but they can play spoiler for teams chasing the top four.
SD Raiders FC vs Nepean FC, Sunday 26 May, 3:30pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
SD Raiders FC face off against Nepean FC in their game at Ernie Smith Reserve on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts left it late to earn three points in their 1-0 win against Bankstown City Lions FC at home last weekend.
Miriam Zumaya popped up with the game winner and she has provided some important goals for SD Raiders FC this season.
SD Raiders FC are poised well for a return to finals football at the halfway mark but coach Bojan Radmilo will have them ready to go.
Nepean FC were gallant in their 1-0 defeat to Central Coast Mariners at Cook Park last Sunday afternoon.
They might have lost but Nepean FC will take plenty of heart from their performance and replicate it on Sunday.
Coach Joseph Ellul will hope the side can improve their finishing in this contest and possibly cause an upset.
Sutherland Strikers FC vs Marconi Stallions FC, Sunday 26 May, 3:30pm, Harrie Denning Centre
Sutherland Strikers FC host in form Marconi Stallions at Harrie Denning Centre on Sunday afternoon.
The Strikers made it back-to-back wins with their 2-1 success against South East Phoenix FC at Harrie Denning Centre.
Gemma Woolley is no stranger to League One Women’s and settled in well with a goal on her first appearance for the Strikers.
They have turned the corner after their slow start and with some key signings coming in look set for a huge second half of the season.
Marconi Stallions also recorded back-to-back wins in their 3-0 result over Inter Lions FC on home turf.
Tania Baban scored twice in their success and she continues to lead the way for the Stallions in finding the back of the net.
The Stallions have built some momentum with their results in the last month and hope to continue their stampede up the ladder.
Hills United FC vs South Coast Flame FC, Sunday 26 May, 3:45pm, Bella Vista Public School
Leaders Hills United FC take on South Coast Flame FC at Bella Vista Public School on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts galloped back into form with a 5-0 win over Camden Tigers at Ron Dine Reserve last weekend.
Underpinning Hills United FC’s success is their defence led by custodian Sarah Easthope who collected her eighth clean sheet of the season in the win.
Up front, they found their rhythm again with five goals and coach Alan Tasses will hope they repeat the dose on Sunday.
South Coast Flame FC featured in the Match of the Round, losing 3-1 to Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC at home.
Ashley Kotevski provided the assist for their lone goal and is a vital cog in South Coast Flame FC success this season.
At the back, defender Mikayla De Jong had some crucial tackles to deny the Town Rangers and will put in another shift on Sunday.
Blacktown City FC vs Camden Tigers FC, Sunday 26 May, 4pm, Landen Stadium
Rounding off the weekend is Blacktown City FC facing Camden Tigers at Landen Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Blacktown City FC got a well earned point in their 0-0 stalemate against St George FC at Ilinden Sports Centre last weekend.
Amy Harkin was dependable between the sticks for Blacktown City FC and will be keen for another clean sheet in this game.
The hosts have the firepower including Cassidy Chidgey and Claire Szymoniczek to get three points on Sunday.
Camden Tigers will be keen to bounce back after their 5-0 loss to league leaders Hills United FC at home.
Despite the loss, it was a proud moment for youngster Kate Ayling who made her First Grade debut after some strong performances in the 20s.
The Tigers also have their Sapphire Cup trip to Shellharbour JFC on Wednesday night which might stretch the squad in a busy week.
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
