Kingborough Lions v Ulverstone
Date: Saturday 26 September
Venue: Lightwood Park
Kick Off: 2:30 PM
2020 Record:
Kingborough Lions (2-0-6)
Ulverstone (3-3-3)
Top Scorers
KL: (6) Laura Davis
Ulv: (4) Eli Cropp
Recent Head to Head Record
2020: Round 6: Ulverstone 1 - 0 Kingborough Lions
2020: Round 1: Ulverstone 1 - 3 Kingborough Lions
2019: Round 18: Kingborough Lions 3 - 4 Ulverstone
Match Primer
The results have swung both ways with this match-up and despite South Hobart sitting between Kingborough and Ulverstone on the ladder, it’s inevitable this will be tight again. Ulverstone kicked off a streak of hot form with a round 6 win against Kingborough, which came to an end last weekend against Clarence Zebras. For Kingborough it’s been more of a rollercoaster, with some highs but not enough to hit the board when it counts. An opportunity for goals is ripe following both teams having defensive struggles last weekend. Previously the Lions have looked to get in behind the Reds defence. While Kingborough didn’t opt for that route last weekend, pulling it back out of the bag could be timely following Ulverstone being exposed that way in round 9. On the flip side, with Ulverstone’s often three pronged attack, sticking someone at the back post during a scramble in the box, and the Lion’s weakness at clearing from the scrap, could be picked apart once again. Bragging rights are on the line, with the overall winner of the trio of head to heads up for grabs. A win for Kingborough would create congestion in the middle of the WSL table, while Ulverstone are clinging to third place and won’t want to risk dropping points.
University v Clarence Zebras
Date: Sunday 27 September
Venue: Olinda Grove
Kick Off: 2:15 PM
2020 Record:
University (0-1-7)
Clarence Zebras (7-1-1)
Top Scorers
CZ: (11) Zoe Nichols
Uni: (3) Sophie Young
Recent Head to Head Record
2020: Round 6: University 2 - 10 Clarence Zebras
2020: Round 1: Clarence Zebras 8 - 0 University
Match Primer
An eight goal difference, all one way from the two previous encounters between the side tells a story of one clear winner. Clarence Zebras have clearly found joy in bagging goals against University this season. Coming off a 6 goal haul last weekend, the eastern shore team are poised for a repeat performance. While University were unable to capitalise on a numerical advantage against the league's table toppers last weekend, succumbing 6-1 to a ten-player Warriors side. For the match to not be a matter of rinse and repeat, the Bees will need to shut up shop. It could look like ugly football, but stopping the Zebras winning by 8 goals again is a must. The bus needs to return to Olinda Grove, all hands on deck and perhaps the sacrifice of a few forwards to just be in the contest. Clarence Zebras don’t have this wrapped up yet, a tweak in attack last weekend paid dividends, but they’ve not been scoring freely in recent rounds. Add on the incentive of making a statement, and Clarence will want to put their best foot forward and score at least 8 again. In matches with such a likely clear winner, the hope is for a contest. If University grinds out points out of this it’s a massive confidence booster to see out the season. While anything but goals will see Clarence Zebras kicking themselves at a missed shot of improving their goal difference in the battle for top place on the WSL ladder.
Olympia Warriors v South Hobart
Date: Sunday 27 September
Venue: Warrior Park
Kick Off: 2:15 PM
2020 Record:
Olympia (8-0-1)
South Hobart (3-1-5)
Top Scorers
Oly: (12) Bonnie Davies
Sth: (4) Phoebe Djakic, Niki Moutsatsos, Eliane Fader
Recent Head to Head Record
2020: Round 6: South Hobart 0 - 3 Olympia Warriors
2020: Round 1: Olympia Warriors 1 - 0 South Hobart
2020 Summer Cup: Round 3: Olympia Warriors 4 - 2 South Hobart
Match Primer
Sweep aside how a 3-0 result looks from last time out, the reality is the matches between these two usually go down to the wire. A patch of intensity led by Bonnie Davies last time out was the difference at Darcy Street. Olympia will be hoping for a more dominant performance, but South have shown the propensity to shut teams out around the box.
The struggle was real for Olympia in the opening round against South with the small pitch at Warrior park serving a stark disadvantage to the hosts. Despite the ball moving quickly, South’s ability to have players behind the ball saw Olympia’s forwards hitting a wall of traffic. On the flip side, the shorter pitch and fast moving ball could see a rejuvenated Red’s front line set on the high press. If South are looking to produce a counter attacking game, forcing turnovers high up the pitch, the Warrior’s defenders must be feeling nervous at the idea of playing out from the back as usual. No doubt Olympia has the ability to continue its mission to remain on top of the ladder with a routine win. However, South has the arsenal at its disposal to force the Warriors to produce their best, and potentially cause an upset. It’s a matter of whether South Hobart can play their cards right and shut down the moment Olympia put the gas on in the search for goals.