Welcome to the Friday Forecast ahead of Round 17 of the MyState Bank Women’s Super League season. A fixturing quirk means we saw these fixtures very recently, just two weeks ago back in Round 15, so we should have plenty of idea of what to expect for these clashes as we enter the final month of the WSL campaign.
Second Spot Up For Grabs As United Hosts Strikers
The battle for second place could well be determined this weekend as Launceston United take on the Devonport Strikers at Birch Avenue on Saturday.
The Strikers will start the day four points ahead of United, but having played an extra match. So if United can win this one at home and close the gap back to a point, that game in hand could well see them moving past the Strikers before the end of the season. If Devonport wins, then with so few games remaining they would be almost assured of second place. A draw also plays into the Striker's hands, giving them the advantage though leaving the door ajar for United should they slip up in the final few weeks.
In the match a fortnight ago it was Devonport who largely dominated, though much of that can possibly be put down to the numerical advantage they enjoyed following Nichola Clark’s red card midway through the first half. Jazlin Venn produced an absolute goalkeeping masterclass to earn her side a point and keep them in the hunt for that second-place finish despite being on the back foot for much of the afternoon.
The Strikers do seem to have United’s number this year though, they also outplayed them in the two prior WSL clashes, winning 3-0 and 5-0 the only other time they’ve had to travel here to Birch Avenue. So it’s going to take another Venn masterclass, or a much improved showing from the outfielders if they are to change that this time around.
Outside of that game against United, Devonport has been scoring freely, scoring 20 goals in their other 3 fixtures over the past month. They certainly have the edge in terms of form and have looked the stronger side in the second half of the season. United will need to buck recent trends if they are to work back into second place.
South Hobart Chasing Undefeated Season
Elsewhere on Saturday, South Hobart will welcome the Clarence Zebras to Darcy Street for the final meeting between the pair this year.
Having secured the league title last weekend, South Hobart’s will now look to tick off the next objective which is an undefeated season. That’s a feat that two other sides have achieved in the Super League’s history, Ulverstone in 2018 and the Hobart Zebras in 2017. South will be eager to wrap things up in style and write their names in the history books alongside those other 2 juggernauts. The title is secured, but don't expect them to take their foot off the accelerator.
They took care of the Zebras 4-0 a fortnight ago, with Josi Mamic scoring all four of the goals, an effort she then backed up against the Lions last week to make it 8 goals in 2 games for the in-form striker. With earlier season victories of 3-0 and 6-0 to go with that, South are clear favourites for this one and will look to extend their incredible clean sheet streak which currently stands at 9 matches.
The Zebras remain locked in a battle with the Lions for a fourth-place finish, and anything they take from the sides above them is largely a bonus. They’ve been outmatched in clashes against South this year, but perhaps with South having already wrapped things up they might be a little more vulnerable this time around. It would take quite the turnaround from the prior meetings though, but it should at least be another good learning experience for the young side.
Pirates Eyeing Repeat Triumph
The Final game of the Round won’t take place till Tuesday night, where Taroona will look to repeat their efforts from a fortnight earlier as they meet the Kingborough Lions, this time at Kelvedon Park.
Taroona came up just short against Launceston United last week, losing 3-2 but again putting in an improved display that should give them plenty of cause for optimism heading into this one against a Lions outfit that has now dropped their past four games on the bounce.
Jessie Williams again shone, scoring another ludicrous goal in a brace and the Lions are well aware of the threat she poses after their clash two weeks ago. Shutting her down is no easy task, but she was the difference on that night and could well be so once again here. It's been 2 best on ground performances from her in 2 games since her return.
That match ended 4-3 to Taroona thanks to Dunbabin's late winner and it was one of the games of the season. Given not too much has changed in a fortnight, there is every chance we get another classic on Tuesday night. Both sides created enough chances to win it and played the match in a really positive attacking manner. Neither defence has inspired a host of confidence this season, but both teams have some weapons to do damage at the other end.
This match switches venues to Kelvedon Park which is generally a lower-scoring venue at this time of year, but the two sides seem quite evenly matched and this should be another tight clash. The motivations for both sides are clear, with the Lions looking to hunt down the Zebras who sit three points ahead of them in fourth place, and Taroona having now had a taste of victory, looking to string some late-season results together having ridden out such a brutal start to the season.
Round 17
Saturday 19 August
South Hobart v Clarence Zebras, 2:00pm, Darcy Street
Launceston United v Devonport Strikers, 2:15pm, Birch Avenue
Tuesday 22 August
Taroona FC v Kingborough Lions, 6:30pm, Kelvedon Park