South Hobart Ulverstone
Date: Sunday 13 September
Venue: Darcy Street
Kick Off: 2:00 PM
2020 Record:
South Hobart (2-1-4)
Ulverstone (2-3-2)
Top Scorers
Sth: (4) Phoebe Djakic, Niki Moutsatsos
Ulv: (3) Eli Cropp
Recent Head to Head Record
2020: Round 5: South Hobart 1 - 1 Ulverstone
2019: Round 20: Ulverstone 6 - 2 South Hobart
2019: Round 15: South Hobart 3 - 6 Ulverstone
Match Primer
Two clubs vying for third place. Ulverstone bring the weight of experience of a third place finish last season, while this is new territory for South Hobart. The home side are coming off back to back league losses against the WSL’s top two but they did return to winning ways in the Statewide Cup last weekend. In contrasting fortunes, Ulverstone have the confidence of two league wins on a trot, not dropping points since their last outing at Darcy Street back in round 5. The added benefit of an extra bit of rest from a short run in the Cup shouldn’t be underestimated at this point in the season either. A flag of change has perhaps risen at South, with Misty Olsen handed the captaincy against University last weekend. If that’s so, expect the strongest team to hit the field, and one that will be hungry to put it past a side who held them to a draw last time out. Meanwhile Ulverstone have had time to get over any lumps and bruises. Goals may not be flowing as freely as previous seasons, Ulverstone are looking comfortable with their established system and will be confident of keeping things tight in the back. Last time it went down to the wire, Ulverstone fought back into the match in the second half after a dominant first by South. There’s every chance it’ll be a repeat here on Sunday.
University v Kingborough Lions
Date: Sunday 13 September
Venue: Olinda Grove
Kick Off: 2:00 PM
2020 Record:
University (0-1-5)
Kingborough Lions (1-0-5)
Top Scorers
Uni: (2) Sophie Young
KL: (2) Laura Davis, Kate Bonertz-Benn
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
You should already be able to feel the desperation from both clubs to win this match. While eyes may be drawn to the top of the table clash, plenty of intrigue lays at the bottom of the competition. This is the first encounter for the pair, with round 5 called off due to rain, so both come in with a clean slate. With neither side truly finding their stride this season, this match has the opportunity to turn fortunes around… or at least keep them a step above last place. Last weekend in the Statewide Cup saw differing fortunes. The Lions found goals, with a run out against Northern Championship side Riverside. Goals could be a game changer for the Lions, with it being a stingy season so far in that department. While the Bees had the tougher task against WSL counterparts South Hobart, suffering a 3-1 defeat. There can be benefits to playing against high levels consistently, but there’s little doubt the Cup has been more beneficial to Kingborough’s confidence than for University. In previewing the round that barely was in Round 5, the issue of leaky defences strongly forecasting goals was raised. Despite returning defensive personnel, the forecast is still high. And again, the question that needs to be answered, can the midfield live up to its task to feed their forwards opportunities to win? Or is it going to be bogged down in clumsy passes and niggly challenges.
Clarence Zebras v Olympia Warriors
Date: Sunday 13 September
Venue: Wentworth Park
Kick Off: 2:30 PM
2020 Record:
Olympia (6-0-1)
Clarence Zebras (6-1-0)
Top Scorers
CZ: (10) Zoe Nichols
Oly: (9) Bonnie Davies
Recent Head to Head Record
2020: Round 5: Clarence Zebras 1 - 0 Olympia Warriors
2020: Summer Cup Final: Clarence Zebras 4 - 1 Olympia Warriors
Match Primer
If you feel a sense of deja vu, that’s ok. The mid-week re-match means this is a quick turn around since the last time Clarence Zebras hosted Olympia. The question on everyone’s lips, will it simply be an instant replay? Will CZ score on the counter then settle into a deep block with Olympia unable to crack the tough defence? One thing Chris Hey’s sides have shown throughout the years is adaptability and unpredictability. To expect Clarence Zebras to come out and play in the same way would be underestimating the side. Of course there’s the argument of whether to break something that isn’t broken, but definitely expect tinkering and possibly a complete change in game plan. The challenge now is for Olympia to come up with a new strategy. Last time out they were read like a book, their inability to create different avenues to goal was telling and kept them scoreless. It’s up to the Warriors to change the rules and spring a surprise this time. A lot can happen in football over 11 days. The ‘underdogs’ are now the favourites, with the tags switching following the 1-0 Clarence Zebras win. Both clubs have individuals who can turn a match on its head. Both have the discipline to play as a unit when called upon. It’s a match that could fall many different ways, but will no doubt be a tasty encounter to signal who will carry the title favourite tag moving forward.