South Hobart v Ulverstone
Date: Saturday 15 August
Venue: Darcy Street
Kick Off: 2:00 PM
2020 Record:
Ulverstone (0-2-2)
South Hobart (2-0-2)
Top Scorers
SH: (4) Niki Moutsasous
Ulv: (1) Eli Cropp, Mikihala George, Amy Bissett, Lucy Reimer
Recent Head to Head Record
2019: Round 20: Ulverstone 6 - 2 South Hobart
2019: Round 15: South Hobart 3 - 6 Ulverstone
2019: Round 6: South Hobart 1 - 4 Ulverstone
Match Primer
History suggests there are usually plenty of goals in this fixture and prior results would pit Ulverstone as favourites but is it time to buck these trends? Ulverstone have yet to discover either its goal scoring boots or winning ways this season whilst at the other side of the State, South Hobart are suddenly flying high, pocketing two comfortable wins and scoring 11 goals across those matches. Last weekend Ulverstone showed they are adaptable but for the most part, they have found success via quick counter attacks. South Hobart’s forwards have shown themselves capable of capitalising on any mistake by opponent defenders. Both teams will need to be defensively tight to avoid leaking goals but you should still expect an end to end affair. Purely on form South Hobart will go in as favourites, but Ulverstone will be desperate to put a win on the board and they showed great signs last week. A win for either team would be a statement. South would be making a statement as a youthful team with potential transitioning into a contender. For Ulverstone it would mean they’ve ridden out a bumpy start and are on board with the new system put in place by their new coach Saul Canales.
University v Kingborough Lions
Date: Sunday 16 August
Venue: Olinda Grove
Kick Off: 2:15 PM
2020 Record:
Kingborough Lions (1-0-3)
University (0-1-3)
Top Scorers
Uni: (2) Sophie Young
KL: (2) Laura Davis, Christabelle Moore
Recent Head to Head Record
2019 Women’s Statewide Cup Quarterfinal: University 0 - 5 Kingborough Lions
2018: Round 20: University 2 - 0 Kingborough Lions
2018: Round 13: Kingborough 2 - 0 University
Match Primer
Both clubs will be circling this match down as an opportunity to resurrect early season hopes of staying well away from a wooden spoon race. A dip in form has been crushing, with South Hobart wrestling control of the middle of the table clashes with ease to the detriment of both Kingborough and then University. Knocking the wind well and truly out of the sails of both, despite each sitting with points on the board. Neither defence can boast about an impenetrable backline. Lapses in defence have been costly for the Lions, with early goals providing hefty blows too often already this season, first against the Warriors then Clarence followed by South. While University have had a baptism of fire in their WSL return conceding 20 goals in four matches. With the assistance of leaky defences, there is a strong forecast for goals. Both sides have centre forwards who know their way to the back of the net. The question will be whose midfield can feed their forwards the opportunities to win?
Clarence Zebras v Olympia Warriors
Date: Sunday 16 August
Venue: Wentworth Park
Kick Off: 2:30 PM
2020 Record:
Olympia (4-0-0)
Clarence Zebras (3-1-0)
Top Scorers
CZ: (6) Zoe Nichols
Oly: (5) Bonnie Davies, Olivia Bomford
Recent Head to Head Record
2020: Summer Cup Final: Clarence Zebras 4 - 1 Olympia Warriors
Match Primer
The wait for this encounter has been long and arduous after the Summer Cup final promised another season of combat between these two talent laden clubs. An enforced break provided reinforcements for Olympia, consolidation at Clarence and now finally in the fifth round of the season, the two foes will clash against one another. The Eastern Shore derby is certain to hit all the notes this time around. Since March, Clarence has stuck with a similar 433 structure. Last weekend their predictability was uncovered, where the side couldn’t manage to score from open play. Head coach Chris Hey has traditionally thrown in a surprise element to his sides against the Warriors. This time, the decision to shake things up will come out of necessity rather than luxury. Olympia on the other hand have moved to a two striker system, and have found success with it as the goals have been flowing. The question remains whether they are brave enough to commit to this new system against Clarence. Otherwise a move to what’s tried and tested could see a less lopsided system, in reverting to something more structurally sound. Both teams have the potential to grab this match by the scruff of the neck and make a statement. Whoever brings the unexpected and is capable of executing it will reap the reward of sitting top of the table. These are the two title favourites and each of their matches will be pivotal in the title race, who will take the points in Round 1 of this heavyweight bout?