With the West Canberra versus Canberra Croatia game postponed, two games will be played this weekend for Round 4 in the WNPL, and each has a clear favourite. Is it time for the first upset of the season?
Gungahlin United and ANU WFC get to play the “early” game on Sunday at Gungahlin Enclosed Oval. The two teams face each other for the second time in a few days after Gungahlin knocked ANU out of the Federation Cup.
Galvanized by their first success of the season, the Gunners need to kick on and start a series of good results if they want to catch up with the top two. Nick Van Aalst can count on the likes of Natalie De Marco, Alex Martens, and Darby Whiteley, who hit form early, to help his team do just that. A first clean sheet is also undoubtedly an objective for Matilde Laurel Tighe and her backline.
ANU WFC is travelling up North with real ambition too. With two draws in as many games, the University team are now after their first win.
If they can count on a solid defence and a great start to the season for Olivia Kent, decisive on more than one occasion already, they need to stay focused until the end to avoid a repeat of last weekend and that late equaliser at Hawker Football Centre. Their ability to build up and project themselves with pace will surely mean an exciting game at GEO.
A week after getting their first point, Tuggeranong United heads North too, to face Canberra Olympic at O’Connor Enclosed. The reigning champions are in form already in 2024, with six points earned against two title rivals.
They have been prone to be surprised by underdogs in recent seasons, although rarely dropped points against Tuggeranong. Frank Cachia knows this is a game his team is expected to win, and a good start will be key to ensure doubts are quickly removed.
United deserved that point earned with the last kick of the game last week at ANU WFC. The team coached by Sarah West is slowly meshing together well week in week out and has clearly added talent at every line.
Whilst facing the champions is always going to be a complicated affair, it is also a chance for the teams to see how they can measure to the very best in the competition. Tuggeranong can use this game to boost their confidence, build their team spirit and show the progress achieved in recent months. O’Connor should see some good football on Sunday.
FIXTURES
ROUND 4
Sunday 28 April
Gungahlin United v ANU WFC (Gungahlin Enclosed, 14:00)
Canberra Olympic v Tuggeranong United (O’Connor Enclosed, 14:30)
All matches are streamed live on BarTV Sports.
TABLE
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS | ||
| 1 | Belconnen United | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 4 | +10 | 9 |
| 2 | Canberra Olympic | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 |
| 3 | Canberra Croatia | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 7 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 | Gungahlin United | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 9 | -2 | 3 |
| 5 | ANU WFC | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 6 | Tuggeranong United | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
| 7 | West Canberra Wanderers | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 | -5 | 1 |
TOP SCORERS
5: Alyssa DI-CAMPLI (Belconnen United)
3: Brittany PALOMBI (Canberra Croatia), Alex MARTENS (Gungahlin United), Darby WHITELEY (Gungahlin United)
2: Madison CACHIA (Canberra Olympic), Isabella HINDMARSH (Belconnen United), Nicole JALOCHA (Canberra Olympic), Pascale LA HEI (Belconnen United), Reilly YUEN (Belconnen United), Sarah WHITFIELD (West Canberra Wanderers)
1: Jamie BERKELEY (Canberra Croatia), Sofia CHAVERRA (ANU WFC), Arusha CHEW (Canberra Croatia), Hattie CRAM (Belconnen United), Jade EMMS (Belconnen United), Tatum MAZIS (Canberra Croatia), Saskia NEWMAN (ANU WFC), Ginger OLIVER (Gungahlin United), Alina ROBERTS (Belconnen United), Matylda WELLS-SHEATHER (Tuggeranong United)
Words: Jeremy Magan
