Women’s State League Finals Series Round Two Preview

In the second week of the finals, Bankstown City play Sydney Olympic at Jensen Park on Saturday, while on Sunday Western NSW Mariners enter the series after their week off, facing UNSW Lions.

Minor Semi-Final

Bankstown City v Sydney Olympic. Jensen Park, Saturday 3.30pm.

After their five goal drubbing at the hands of UNSW four weeks ago, Bankstown have returned to form, thrashing My Druitt Town Rangers in the last round of the regular season and defeating Southern Districts twice, putting five goals past them last week in the elimination final. Most importantly, the fluency of Bankstown’s play has returned, and when they’re on form, they play the most attractive football in the WSL.

However, while they have played some terrific football, Bankstown haven’t been as consistent as Western NSW or UNSW or as tough as Sydney Olympic. This week they will start as favourites at their home ground Jensen Park, but will need to be wary of the counter-attacking threat posed by Olympic. The visitors toughed it out against UNSW last week, and have a nervous wait on the fitness of Lisa Mitchell, Zahrah Shaddad and Sophie Scott. Olympic coach George Beltsos will be looking to the ever-reliable Kylie Manias and Kate Mitrevski for leadership.

Major Semi-Final

Western NSW Mariners v UNSW Lions. Jensen Park, Sunday 3.30pm.

With several regular starters making an appearance in the reserve grade final last week, Western NSW Mariners won’t be as well-rested as it would seem. This match will surely test both sides, who have shared the spoils in their two previous meetings, with one win apiece. The Mariners also will be without their home ground advantage, which they have used to good effect this season.

UNSW have the runs on the board when it comes to finals series, and their recent form has been nothing short of astounding. With Deirdre Barham and Xanthe Dumbrell forming one of the classiest central defensive pairings in the competition and a vibrant front three of Gabrielle Marzano, Ayse Adalis and Monica Kavanagh, there are few obvious weaknesses in such a well balanced squad. If they can score first, expect them to finish strongly and book their spot in the grand final.

-By Joe Gorman