Womens State League Round 9 Review

Round Nine of the Womens State League saw Town Rangers play out a hard fought win away whilst St George FC’s Rachelle Wang scored a brace to move her team into second. Meanwhile on a wet Sunday afternoon Southern Districts spectacularly returned to the winning circle in an entertaining game with the Lady Hawks. 

St George FC 2 – 0 Gladesville Ravens
An early double from St George striker Rachelle Wang was enough to seal a hard fought victory against Gladesville Ravens on a cold Sunday afternoon at St George Soccer Stadium.
The Ravens were in need of a win after suffering some average results over the past few rounds. The game began with the Ravens desperate to take an early lead. Their midfield dominated exchanges in the first few minutes culminating to two shots off target.
As the game wore on, the Saints midfield took advantage of an interception and picked out Rachelle Wang through the middle of both Ravens centre backs. The intricate ball sliced through to an oncoming Wang who used her explosive speed as well as strength to get past both defenders. As she dribbled the ball towards goal Ravens’ keeper Lauren Scarummuzza rushed towards the striker but Wang was composed and placed the ball past her to open the scoring.
Her finesse and composure in a one-on-one situation was commendable especially having two defenders bearing down on her, magnificent goal. Gladesville were shocked with the way they conceded that goal. Having dominated much of the early possession they knew that a response was imminent.
Gladesville’s Natalie Cessarone was simply magnificent as she demonstrated great maturity upfront on her own. She knew when to dribble, hold play or pass, but she lacked the support and more importantly lacked the finish. Cessarone was dangerous as her dribbling made the Saints back four very nervous. But as they have done so all year, they kept it together with clear communication.
After an electric start from both sides, the second goal came in the ninth minute. Midfielder Lauren Gardner picked out a speeding Melissa Toumbelekis on the wing who was able to cut in and unleash a shot full of venom. As defenders gazed, Ravens keeper Scarummuzza made a finger tip save but unfortunately the ball fell into the feet of Wang for an easy tap in.
Her brace was met with a joyous response from the crowd and her teammates as St George now felt that they were on the driver’s seat early on. Though, the cliché of 2-0 being the worst lead in football rang true as St George looked nervous for the rest of the half.
The second half began again in frantic pace. The Ravens clearly the team who dominated possession were trying everything to get on the score board and as the game wore on it seemed to be a day where it just would not happen for them.
Lauren Scarrumuzza was immense in the box. As St George won the ball, Toumbelekis, Gardner and Wang peppered the goal with intricate crosses and shots but Scarummuza stood tall and claimed every single ball that came her way after that goal in the ninth minute.
With twenty minutes to go, Gladesville’s Hannah Kimber picked out an oncoming Natalie Cessarone on her own. She was able to beat two defenders but her shot was saved on the line by the St George keeper.
The game ended at 2-0 to St George. It’s a tough loss for Gladesville who couldn’t be blamed for thinking they deserve the win after their dominance in possession. Football, however, is about what you do with that possession.

APIA Leichhardt Tigers 1 – 3 Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC
Another week, another win for the Town Rangers. Playing a somewhat revitalised Tigers outfit, the Town Rangers were made to earn their win. APIA’s performance was great as they look to keep improving week by week until they claim that elusive first win of the season.

Southern Districts Emeralds 6 – 0 Parramatta Lady Hawks
This day was about one girl, Vanessa Ciabatti who put in an amazing performance for the Emeralds scoring five goals against a hapless Parramatta. Natasha Portelli also got on the scoresheet as the girls from Southern Districts look to have gained their confidence back.

Nepean FC vs. Bankstown City FC
More to follow…

– Chris Doroudgar