Womens State League Round 21 Preview
This year has been as competitive as ever and crowds around Sydney this weekend will be entertained for the last time in 2014.
Parramatta Lady Hawks vs. APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Melita Stadium, Sunday 1pm
The two teams on the bottom of the table will face each other in the last round of the competition. For these two sides, it is fair to say that this season has been a forgettable one, though pride is at stake here. What’s up for grabs is bragging rights and for some that’s what’s important.
The usual suspects for APIA will be available this weekend with leading goal scorer Lucy Gilfedder ready to add to her tally of seven goals. Star midfielder Koo Barbi will also hope to cause a stir while keeping up her good form this season.
Up at Melita the Lady Hawks will be licking their wounds after a season full of deficiencies, though they make up for it in spirit. The Parramatta faithful will be hoping for one last spirited performance to end the season well and at Melita they are always a chance.
Nepean FC vs. Southern Districts Emeralds – Cook Park, Sunday 3pm
Cook Park will see the competition’s best side against the side in fifth place, well at least that’s what it says on the table. The Emeralds are a team that most look at with nervous tension as they can beat anyone on their day. With very slim hopes of making the finals they will be on their toes and will give the reds a good performance to keep their finals hopes alive.
Meanwhile Nepean has a minor premiership to win and will be looking to seal that this weekend. After enjoying a year full of consistent performances the girls from the west will be looking at their opposition as a great test prior the finals. Striker Stephanie Lagudi has enjoyed a great season with 19 goals and will be looking to capture some form before the finals.
Bankstown City FC vs. St George FC – Jensen Park, Sunday 3pm
This week’s match of the round will be between 2nd vs. 4th. The Saints are in a healthy position to go through to the finals but are in still in slight danger, but one point from the next three games will avoid that conclusion. The competition’s top goal scorers have proven time and time again that they deserve to be there with their great approach of attacking football. Their ‘big three’ of Toumbelekis, Koinis and Wang who have scored 70 goals between them will be on the spotlight this week.
Meanwhile Bankstown City who sit second is still a great chance to win the minor premiership. Last week’s victory which saw them net eight goals against APIA will buoy their spirits on the road to the finals.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs. Gladesville Ravens – Popondetta Park, Sunday 3pm
Last time these two sides faced each other Gladesville caused the upset of the round by earning a draw against the then first-placed Mt Druitt. The Town Rangers were flying high at first place with a decent lead but their momentum was halted by the ever dangerous Ravens.
Following that result Mt Druitt recorded just two games from the following four. With just one week before the finals the management staff in Mt Druitt will be hoping for a strong display here. They will be hoping Stefanie Trovato and Brooke Conroy who have a combined goal tally of 35 will be firing.
-By Chris Doroudgar
