According to midfielder Grace Gill, Canberra United is ready for the first women’s national league game to be played at Canberra Stadium when they take on the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday afternoon.
According to midfielder Grace Gill, Canberra United is ready for the first women-s national league game to be played at Canberra Stadium when they take on the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday afternoon.
The Westfield W-League Round Five fixture will be the first of its kind to be played at the ACT-s premier sporting venue, a milestone that excites much of the squad.
“We-re very much looking forward [to playing at Canberra Stadium],” Gill said regarding the occasion.
“We went and had a look at the pitch the other day and it-s looking lovely and if we can get a good crowd for the Hyundai A-League game afterwards then it will be very exciting to play there.”
With only co-captains Ellie Brush and Lydia Williams having played on the hallowed surface as a part of the Matildas squad who took on Italy earlier this year, Gill admits that it might be a little “daunting” for the remainder of the young squad.
“I think it-s a little bit daunting but I think it-s really exciting,” Gill said.
“Even when we were there the other day with no one in the stands it was exciting just being there and looking at the size of the place.
“It-s a whole new experience for a lot of the young girls who might find it a little overwhelming but it-s something we-re all looking forward to.”
With their maiden victory of the season out of the way following the 2-0 win over the Melbourne Victory last weekend, Canberra United are full of confidence heading into a very important fixture for the club this weekend.
The Central Coast Mariners are sitting second on the ladder with three wins from their first four outings but the Canberra side believes that they can find some more consistency on Saturday to continue their charge towards finals football.
“Obviously we-re looking for a little more consistency,” Gill said.
“We-ve had a couple losses, a draw and a win now and we would like to carry on the confidence so we can get some more wins and move up the ladder.”
Canberra United will take on the Central Coast Mariners is a double header at Canberra Stadium on Saturday which will also see the Gosford based club line up against Adelaide United in the Hyundai A-League kicking off at 7:00pm.
Saturday, 31st October 2009
Central Coast Mariners v Canberra United
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Local kick: 4:15pm
Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS, 2. Rebecca KITING, 3. Bronwun STUDMAN, 4. LIN Chiung Ying, 5. Kahlia HOGG, 6. Ellie RAYMOND, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 9. Grace GILL, 10. TSENG Shu O, 11. Cian MACIEJEWSKI, 12. Snez VELJANOVSKA, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 15. Nicole SYKES, 16. Ellyse PERRY, 19. Jennifer BISSET, 20. Jocelyn MARA
*One to be omitted
In: 3. Bronwyn STUDMAN (promoted), 6. Ellie RAYMOND (promoted)
Out: 8. Emily van EGMOND (international duty)
Unavailable: 17. Christine WALTERS (calf – indefinitely), 18. Sally SHIPARD (waiting for clearance)
