jets_w12prevA big second half, ending in a 3 – 0 win over Canberra United, ensures that the ladies in sky blue would have to go down by a hefty margin, that being double figures, not to take out the minor premiership for the second season running.

Like last season, Sydney have been one of the standout teams this season.  The reasons are simple; a solid defence which initiates attacks, a hard-working and creative midfield and an attack that finishes of chances clinically.

All that has lead to the best attack in the League (27 goals) and the second best defence (8 conceded).  It’s not hard to see why they are favourites for the title heading into the finals series.

For the Newcastle Jets, last weeks 0 – 0 draw with the Brisbane Roar put them out of the finals race.  However, Wayne O’Sullivan’s team will be looking to finish an encouraging season on a positive note and maybe be the only side to defeat Sydney FC twice.

After a dismal Season Two, O’Sullivan would be pleased with the strides his side made in 2010/11.  Not only were they more than competitive, the Jets’ ladies were able to pull of some big results and develop some promising young players.  The pick of the bunch has to be their young and statuesque striker Tara Andrews with the 16 year old set to net a swag of awards at the W-League Awards.

It was Andrews who proved the difference the last time these two sides met.  With 1 – 0 lead Sydney were coasting before two late goals from the striker saw the Jets nab a 2-1 victory back in Week 4.  Considering that history, it set the scene for an unpredictable encounter.

Saturday, 29 January 2011

Wanderers Oval, Newcastle

Local kick-off: 3.00pm

Referee: Peta McCallum

Assistant referees: Catherine Nash and Penny Nash

Fourth official: Tanya De Boer

Newcastle Jets: 1. Allison LIPSHER (gk), 2. Hannah BREWER, 3. Hayley CRAWFORD, 4. Niki CROSS,  5. Gema SIMON, 7. Tara ANDREWS, 8. Amber NEILSON, 10. Leia SMITH, 12. Melissa FEUERRIEGEL, 13. Thea SLATYER,  14. Carlie IKONOMOU, 16. Kate HENSMAN, 17. Alex HUYNH, 18. Bridgette HOLT, 19. Rhali DOBSON, 20. Alison LOGUE (gk)

*one to be omitted*

In: 18. Bridgette HOLT,  19. Rhali DOBSON, 20. Alison LOGUE (gk),

Out: 6. Renee CARTWRIGHT (injured), 9. Sasha McDONNELL (injured); 11. Kara MOWBRAY (injured), 15. Madeline SEARL (injured) 30. Michelle GRIG (gk)

Unavailable: Nil

Sydney FC: 1.Dimi POULOS (GK), 2. Teresa POLIAS, 3. Danielle BROGAN, 4.Alesha CLIFFORD, 6. Servet UZUNLAR, 7. Heather GARRIOCK, 8. Renee ROLLASON, 9. Caitlin FOORD, 10. Kylie LEDBROOK, 11. Lydia VANDENBERGH, 13. Catherine CANNULI, 14. Nicola BOLGER, 15. Teigen ALLEN, 16. Linda O’Neill, 17. Kyah SIMON, 18. Samantha SPACKMAN, 19. Leena KHAMIS, 20. Erin Herd (GK)

*three to be omitted*

In: Teigen ALLEN, Alesha CLIFFORD, Nicola BOLGER (all promoted)

Out: Nil

Unavailable: Sarah WALSH (injured)