South Melbourne FC’s Senior Women’s team maintains its dominant position at the top of the State League One (NW) ladder and has the opportunity to claim the Championship this weekend.
Whilst the squad attends tonight’s Club Trivia Night at Albert Park, there is a match on at BT Connor Reserve that could be very important for the girls. An upset win by Preston Lions over South Yarra will give South the Championship without the need to kick a football in anger.
The team isn’t relying on other results however, with the focus firmly on Sunday’s away fixture at Princes Park against Melbourne University. South have lost just two league matches all year and one of them was when Melbourne Uni triumphed 0-2 at Lakeside Stadium back in early June. Sunday provides an opportunity to avenge that loss and claim the title at the same time.
Whilst one win from its last two matches will secure the title, two draws will also suffice. Going into these matches as favourites, this is no time for our women to rest easy as they face the only two teams – Melbourne Uni and Eltham Redbacks – that have defeated them in the league in 2016.
Melbourne University were the primary challenger for the title but they stumbled in the last two weeks, with a surprise loss to Bundoora United and then a 2-2 draw with Lara United last week. These results put them out of contention but they remain very tough opposition.
Our squad had the benefit of a week off last weekend and arguably will be the strongest it has been all year.
Captain Alex Cheal spoke to smfc.com.au about the squad and the preparation going into this Sunday’s fixture. “I think the week off could have been good timing for us. At this late stage in the season, we’re starting to suffer from niggling injuries and sicknesses etc. The break has given us a good chance to recuperate and get our minds and bodies focused on what is to come. We now have our best team on the field this weekend and we have a chance to go in with fresh legs.”
Caitlin Greiser was taken to hospital in the last fixture following a head clash. This saw goalkeeper Hailey Drain give up the gloves and turn into a makeshift outfield player. There is little chance of Drain catching Greiser for the Golden Boot in 2016 but that didn’t stop her curling an effort into the net to get herself on the scoresheet.
Cheal made it clear that a repeat goal-scoring performance is unlikely this week as the gloves will be back on. “Hailey was great last week but back in goals as we have our strength back on the field! We have a full team in this weekend. Caitlin has been cleared (of injury) and those other players suffering injuries in the last game have been able to get themselves fit for the weekend. It couldn’t be a better time for us really. There’s no excuses this weekend.”
The Women’s teams take on Melbourne University at Princes Park on Sunday afternoon. The reserves kick off at 1pm and the Seniors kick off at 3pm.