Photos: Solstice Digital
Previews by Dan Thurley
Kingborough Lions vs Devonport Strikers
Date: Saturday July 31
Venue: Clennett’s Lightwood Park
Kick-off: 12:00 PM
2021 Record Kingborough Lions: 4-3-5 (fifth in WSL) Devonport Strikers: 6-0-5 (fourth in WSL)
Top Scorers Devonport Strikers: Jazmin White (11) Kingborough Lions: Laura Davis (11)
Preview:
Although the Clarence Zebras, Olympia Warriors and Launceston United all have the week off, the likelihood of the Devonport Strikers breaking into the top three this round is very slim due to an inferior goal difference. For the Kingborough Lions however, a win would see them overtake the Strikers and reclaim fourth place. That being said, a result this week on the back of a victory over the Olympia Warriors in their last game would go a long way in helping the Strikers build the momentum needed to break into the top three in weeks to come. They have a whopping three games in hand over the third-placed Launceston United and after this round, it may only be goal difference that separates the two. The worrying streak of the Kingborough Lions failing to keep clean sheets has extended to six games, and with 11 goals in as many appearances, Jazmin White is eyeing off her chance to keep that run going. Danielle Mitchell put in a captain’s performance by scoring two goals in a valuable win over the Warriors last week and she’ll be looking to take the pressure off White by getting on the scoresheet once again. The Kingborough Lions boast a substantial goal threat themselves in Laura Davis with 11 goals in 12 games, as well as Danielle Kannegiesser and Kate Bonertz-Benn who are each averaging close to a goal every two games. The biggest concern for the Lions is at the other end of the field where despite scoring two goals in each of their last four games, they only claimed a single win in a 2-1 defeat of Taroona. There is no doubt this will be a shootout with White and Davis spearheading the attack at either end, and this contest will come down to whichever defence stands the strongest on the day.Key Player: Danielle Mitchell, Devonport Strikers
Jazmin White is always the obvious goal threat when facing the Devonport Strikers, but Danielle Mitchell stood up and carried her side to an important win last week when White was contained by the Warriors. If the Lions consider the same tactic, then Mitchell may be called upon yet again.South Hobart vs Taroona FC
Date: Sunday August 1
Venue: Darcy Street
Kick-off: 2:15 PM
2021 Record South Hobart: 3-1-8 (sixth in WSL) Taroona FC: 1-2-9 (seventh in WSL)
Top Scorers South Hobart: Pishon Choi (4) Taroona FC: Eli Cropp, Emma Carbon (3)
Preview:
Taroona will be hoping they can finally turn a run of good performances into three points against the sixth placed South Hobart, who are coming off a bye in round 15. A 9-0 loss to the Olympia Warriors in round eight flipped a switch within the Taroona squad. Every game since, they have looked more and more likely to claim their second win of the year culminating in a narrow 1-0 loss to Launceston United last week. After such improvements, Taroona will be pleased to see this week’s opponent is the same team they defeated 3-1 in round seven to claim their first WSL victory since the club’s return to the league this year. Eli Cropp was on the scoresheet against South Hobart that day, but she will need some help this week if Taroona are to claim win number two and Emma Carbon may be the one to provide it. Her return to the team coincides with Taroona’s turnaround and she has claimed three goals in six games. South Hobart are not able to move up the table with a win this week, but they have a chance to close the gap to fifth and put some more daylight between themselves and Taroona. They would be disappointed with the round seven loss to Taroona and will look to take revenge at Darcy Street where they play their best football: They are conceding an average of 2.3 goals per game on the road, compared to 1.8 at home. Against a Taroona side who struggle to find the net, South Hobart will be hunting for a clean sheet ahead of next week’s daunting clash with the Clarence Zebras.Key Player: Eleni Moutsatsos, South Hobart
Taroona will be fired up for a result in this game, but the longer they go without a goal, the more it will play into the hands of South Hobart. The leadership and defensive ability of Eleni Moutsatsos will play a big role in keeping Cropp and Carbon at bay.