The South West Phoenix Firebirds enjoyed a weekend off after Curtin University forfeited the scheduled match in Bunbury, handing the Firebirds a 3-0 win and preserving their place on top of the ladder at the half way point of the season.
All efforts this week turn towards the BankWest Women’s State Cup, with the Firebirds travelling to Perth to face Premier League side UWA Nedlands.
UWA were promoted to the Premier League for 2018 but have struggled.
Although Firebirds will start as underdogs, they will consider themselves a chance for an upset win.
Firebirds have come through their first 11 league and cup matches unbeaten, and have a fully fit squad to choose from.
The biggest keys to success so far have been a solid defence and a well functioning forward line, led by Eleanor Coventry who has scored a staggering 30 goals in ten games.
With the overall package still a work in progress and with half the Firebirds squad still at high school, all components will need to fire this week if the Firebirds are to have a chance. But the signs are positive.
In the league campaign so far, the Firebirds have twice faced off against 2017 Champions Wanneroo, notching a win and a draw in the most accurate guide of how this week’s game may pan out.
Regardless of the result, it is another test which the young side are relishing and will learn from.
Coach Stephen Suttie said the players were excited for their upcoming league and BankWest State Cup matches.
“We wanted to draw a premier league side in the BankWest State Cup,” he said.
“We have that now and it will be a good test for us and a real guide as to how we are going overall.
“Long term, we want our region to be in the premier league and this match will help us get an idea of the gap in quality from them to us.
“We look forward to the challenge.”
Kick off is at 1pm at the University of Western Australia campus before league duties resume the following week.
The Firebirds will travel to face off against Perth Soccer Club.
In the State League Division, the South West Phoenix Men’s side drew 1-1 with Rockingham City on the weekend.
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