The 10-teamed Unity Bank Women’s League will finally commence this weekend after what has been a rocky start to the year. It’s the perfect time to take an opportunity to consider the season ahead as we wait for a wonderful weekend of Women’s Football to kick-off around the Coast. After a riveting 2019 campaign, WPL Champions Gosford City FC will undoubtedly work to hold on to their well-deserved title. The 2020 WPL Season will now host the promoted Killarney District SC in place of the Kincumber Roos. In consideration of what has been a very strange first half of the year, WPL teams will go head-to-head over the course of a smaller, 16-round competition season and shortened final series.
East Gosford FC:
This competitive side saw a middle rank finish of 5th place in the 2019 season which did not diminish their impressive performances throughout the competition. There’s no doubt that the Rams will work to improve on the 2019 competition result and will continue to assert themselves as tough contenders in the race to the 2020 WPL Championship. Key players like Golden Boot runner-up, Kelly Hogan will return for a shot at the league title and a place in the 2020 final series will likely be East Gosford’s objective this season.
Gosford City FC:
The Grand Final greats will likely be providing more sensational goal-scoring moments in the 2020 Season. Gosford City put on a phenomenal show in the 2019 Grand Final that took place in Central Coast Stadium with a mere 1 goal lead that was quickly boosted by Jessica Dominello as she found the net midway through the second period that helped secure back-to-back premierships for her club. Gosford City will surely keep this kind of standard up in the 2020 Season.
Southern & Ettalong United FC:
2019’s home and away season saw Southern & Ettalong United FC deliver strong performances across each round in what deemed them the eventual League Champions of the Season. They finished the league ahead with an impressive 42 points and a concession of only 2 games. The ‘lionesses’ have consistently shown the other WPL teams that they are definitely a team to beat and 2019 Golden Boot Winner, Tahlor Thackray is part of the proof.
Kanwal Warnervale Rovers FC:
In 2019, Kanwal players clearly honed their technique and abilities as the spirited side displayed solid game execution over the course of the 18 round season to secure their second place in the league to Southern & Ettalong United FC. It was no surprise that Kanwal had two remarkable competitors in the ring for the Golden Boot last season, falling behind by only a few point’s difference.
Kariong FC:
Kariong will have to work consistently hard throughout the 2020 season in order to maintain a spot in the league, while proving their place as a laudable WPL team in the race to win the title. Coach, Haylie Eyres, will unquestionably do all that she can to lead her team to a triumphant standing, come the end of the 2020 WPL competition season.
Killarney District FC:
This season, Killarney will hope to prove to the tough contenders of the WPL competition why they deserve their place in the league. Emerging from Division One into the WPL competition is no easy feat and if they remain consistent with their form, they could very well be the dark horses of the 2020 season.
Terrigal United FC:
The women at Terrigal United always present a tough and robust side. However, coming in 6th place in the 2019 competition they were unravelled by 9 game concessions up against 7 wins, despite bagging 23 points in total. It is very likely that a fiery comeback is on the horizons aided by the wisdom of coach, Darryl Darke for this optimistic and solid squad.
Toukley FC:
Toukley often deliver impressive starts and will need to consistently demonstrate their might if they want to secure a position in the 2020 final series. Finishing one point behind Terrigal United in 7th place, Toukley are a testament to how close and exciting this competition can often be. Toukley harnesses noticeable promise and will need to increase scoring opportunities to make a run into the 2020 final series.
Umina United SC:
Umina Eagles are a threatening side to any WPL team that faces them and their 4th place finish in the 2019 competition serves as proof. Their win to lose ratio is always improving and their impressive execution was notable when they rounded out in the top end of the league after they narrowly saw off the East Gosford Rams in the final round of the season, enabling them to sneak into the finals.
Woongarrah FC:
Despite obvious effort and determination, Woongarrah struggled in the previous season to effectively execute goals which saw them settle for 8th place in the 2019 standings. Considering they lost double the amount of games that they won last year, Woongarrah will need to consistently perform and work hard to make more accurate scoring opportunities this season.
All WPL games are this Sunday 05/07/2020 and fixtures are as follows:
2.30pm
- Umina United Soccer Club vs Killarney District Soccer Club at Umina Oval
- Southern & Ettalong United FC vs Woongarrah Wildcats FC at James Browne Oval
- Kanwal Warnervale Rovers FC vs Kariong United FC at Wadalba Sports Complex
2.45pm
- East Gosford FC vs Gosford City FC at Hylton Moore Oval
- Terrigal United FC vs Toukley Gorokan Football Club at Duffy’s Oval