After a two-week break the Lady Reds are back in action this weekend taking on league leader and title favourite Canberra United.
After a two-week break the Lady Reds are back in action this weekend taking on league leader and title favourite Canberra United in Canberra on Saturday in the penultimate round of the Westfield W-League.
Canberra remains undefeated this season after nine games with six wins and three draws, and another win or draw this weekend would see the Greens clinch the minor premiership and become the first W-League side to go through a season undefeated.
In contrast, the Lady Reds last hit out saw Adelaide United record their first victory in three years, ending 34-match winless streak with a 1-0 defeat of Perth Glory at Burton Park.
Coach Dave Edmondson admitted he would have preferred to continue playing and build some momentum on the back of the win, but the break was well deserved and welcomed.
“Maybe it-s a good chance to recharge the batteries but also a chance to let things slide a little with some over indulgence over the Christmas period,” he said.
“It would have been nice to keep playing on the back of the win against Perth but we couldn-t so we just have to deal with the break as best as possible and make sure we are as well prepared as possible for these last 2 games.”
As well as Canberra-s stunning record, they also handed the Lady Reds a 4-1 defeat on the opening day of the season after an impressive performance.
Edmondson acknowledged his side is much improved since that first game of the campaign though, and is keen to put their title celebrations on ice for another week.
“Certainly a tough test, still unbeaten and in with a chance of securing an unbeaten season and the league title at home but we are keen to cause an upset and put their celebrations on hold for a while,” he said.
“I am expecting us to be more solid defensively and more confident in possession from that opening game of the season. With the ‘winless streak- off our back the pressure is off and we can just play. If anything the pressure is on Canberra with their unbeaten streak on the line.”
ABC 1 will televise the match live from 3:00pm.
Canberra United v Adelaide United
Saturday 7 January
McKellar Park, Canberra
Local kick-off: 3pm
Adelaide United: 1.Sian MCLAREN (GK), 2.Ruth WALLACE, 3.Anna GREEN, 4.Daniela DI BARTOLO, 5.Abby ERCEG (C), 6.Ebony PHILCOX, 7.Racheal QUIGLEY, 8.Leanne SLATER, 9.Marijana RAJCIC, 11.Ashleigh GUNNING, 12.Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY, 13.Vanessa REED, 14.Donna COCKAYNE, 15.Emma CHECKER, 16.Grace HENRY 17.Katherine EBBS, 18.Georgia MACRI, 19.Nenita BURGESS, 20.Kristi HARVEY (Gk)
*Four to be omitted
In: Ruth WALLACE (returns from injury), Daniela DI BARTOLO, Ebony PHILCOX, Vanessa REED, Nenita BURGESS (all promoted)
Out: nil
Unavailable: Angela FIMMANO (injured)
