Arrive Alive Women?s Super League Round 7 Preview

Mums make a lot of sacrifices to ensure that their kids get the best from their chosen sport and I?m sure that all the girls who are in action this Sunday would like to join with me is simply saying to their Mums, THANK YOU!
Second placed Blacktown Spartans have the bye this weekend.
The mega match in Round 7 of the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League is certainly the APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Gladesville Ravens clash at Lambert Park.
APIA sit in fourth place on the competition ladder. They are yet to taste defeat in 2010 but haven?t necessarily been seen at their best. Once again they have a very talented roster; highlighted by the flashing feet of Natalie Spirovski and the experienced goal scorer Alicia Cavanagh. Spirovski has resumed the role of midfield general which she filled so well in the championship run of Inter Lions last season. Cavanagh?s return to fitness was shown by her brace against Northern Tigers last weekend.
The Ravens turned in a spirited performance last Sunday in downing Central Coast Lightning. Gladesville came out in a very enthusiastic groove and mounted sustained pressure which threw the usually free flowing Lightning side right off their game. Ashley Hulme dominated midfield but was ably supported by Nicole Ridley, Alyssa Hardie, and Naj Eid. The Ravens girls have grown in confidence as their unbeaten start to the season has progressed. They believe that they can go all the way in 2010. Sunday?s match will be another test of their title credentials.
The Ravens had a number of injury worries after last week?s match but are hopeful of being at full strength for this important game. I warmed to their courage last week. I?ll plump for them to stay unbeaten by getting past APIA here.
At David Phillips Field the Eastern UNSW Lions take on Springwood United FC.
The Lions continue to impress but have been unable to break their duck in the Arrive Alive Women?s Super League. Last weekend they went down narrowly to Lady Hawks but they have turned in some impressive performances against some of the better sides in the competition.  They would undoubtedly be approaching this game with some degree of confidence but can they discover that winning mindset?
Springwood United FC are coming into this match off the bye. Hopefully the week at home has given the debutants the chance to regroup.  Springwood have come up with a couple of very competitive performances but have failed to grab any points so far.  Coming up against the side just one place above them on the table must give the Springwood girls reason for optimism this weekend. Can they come up with a five star effort and grab their first win in the big time?
I?ve liked what I?ve seen of Eastern UNSW Lions but you can be sure that Springwood will be fired up for this one. I think that The Lions will get home narrowly.
At Pluim Park Central Coast Lightning will play host to the visiting Lady Hawks.
Central Coast were very disappointing last week against Gladesville Ravens. The Lightning seemed to be put off their game very early and, despite hitting the cross bar and posts on three occasions, were beaten by a better side on the day. They are a much better side than that. The girls are capable of playing some classy football and they will be keen to strike back on Sunday. There are plenty of other Arrive Alive Women?s Super League teams who think that Lightning will be the team to beat for the 2010 title.
The Lady Hawks have successive wins over Springwood United FC and Eastern UNSW Lions coming into this game.  They started the season slowly but suddenly find themselves in third place on the competition table. This weekend will certainly see them stepping up in class but that winning feeling can be infectious.  Lady Hawks will be keen to make it a hat trick of success with an upset win in this one.
I can?t see Central Coast Lightning turning in two mediocre performances in a row. Lady Hawks may be meeting the Central Coast girls at the worst time as the locals seek to make amends for their loss to Ravens. I think that Central Coast Lightning will be too good.
St George FC meet Northern Tigers at St George Stadium.
St George Coach Craig Fletcher, who is a franchisee with Aussie Framers Direct, has organised a number of fundraising activities for the day in support of Mother?s Day Classic which assists in raising funds for breast cancer research. Both St George and The Tigers will be donating will be donating $25.00 per goal scored in any grade, having officials walk the ground with a ?collection bucket? and providing a banana and water bottle option for players who may wish to support the cause with a gold coin donation. Craig is to be congratulated on his initiative, as are Northern Tigers for their support of the day.
Aussie Farmers Direct is a major sponsor nationwide of the Mother?s Day Classic. I?m sure that football fans would be appreciative of their support of the fundraising efforts at St George Stadium on Sunday.
The game itself is an important one for both teams. Though the two sides have had their moments in 2010 they?ve generally battled to compete. St George have lost three in a row; Northern Tigers run of two successive wins was halted by a dominant APIA Leichhardt Tigers side last Sunday.
St George FC may have some extra motivation this week with the pending departure interstate of their inspirational Captain, Natalie Di Francesco and the events of the day. Whether these things can jolt the locals from their current slump is anyone?s guess.
Northern Tigers bunch of youngsters will be out to possibly jump back into the top four with a win. Despite their moderate record the Tigers girls are confident they can surprise people this season by having a successful season. If that?s the case this is the sort of game they need to win.
This looks like a close one but I think that the Northern Tigers may be able to take the points.
I trust that everyone will enjoy their Mother?s Day football fix. The Arrive Alive Women?s Super League is a very competitive competition in 2010 and you can be sure that all of this weekend?s matches will be hard fought affairs.
See you at the ground this Sunday. Happy Mother?s Day!
-By Ross Anderson