TeleChoice Premier League Round 15 Preview

Penrith-Nepean United?s last-ditch win at Leichhardt Oval against Sydney Tigers ? despite the Tigers dominating for large spells ? has the confidence amongst Ian Gillan?s men sky high as the side welcomes Bonnyrigg White Eagles on Saturday.
Penrith-Nepean surpassed the Tigers with the win and, with a match in hand, the side holds a strong chance of mounting a challenge for finals football. Evangelos Petratos? experience, with the creativeness of Mitchell Long, along with Greg Kondek?s goals, have reopened the side?s charge after a lean spell that stemmed back to Round 6; the side?s last win in the competition prior to the defeat of the Tigers.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles? campaign has also taken a turn for the better since the arrival of Brian Brown at the club. The White Eagles have added some strong recruits to their playing roster, including Jay Lucas ? who scored a fine goal against Sydney Olympic last weekend ? and former Central Coast Mariners midfielder Andre Gumprecht. The additions of both players alongside the likes of Milorad Simonovic in midfield and Almir Dezdaric in the front-line will have the Penrith-Nepean rearguard on notice.
Blacktown City?s recent performances have been impressive, though the side was outplayed in the second-half against Marconi Stallions in Round 14 that led to a 3-1 defeat. The Demons have been difficult to break down at home, and Ken Schembri will be eager to see his team lift when the West Sydney Berries visit Gabbie Stadium.
The Berries are coming off an impressive week following wins against Penrith-Nepean, Sydney Olympic and a draw against Manly United FC. John Calleja?s side proved strong defensively as they frustrated Manly, constantly a danger on the counter-attack via the quick distribution of Kosta Lagoudakis and Aheleas Kotsopoulos. Against the Demons though, the Berries will be hoping not to concede as much territorial advantage to their opponent, as was the case in the recent Manly United match.
Manly United FC has been one of the strongest performers over the past month as Phil Moss? men deservedly occupy second-spot on the League ladder. The slip-up away at the Berries last weekend will need to be forgotten as maximum points are required against the visiting Sydney Tigers on Sunday. Manly appeared sluggish following the week off due to the wet weather though, despite their lack of football, the side still created chances to finish the match strongly against the Berries.
The visiting Tigers? current situation is very different to that of their opponent, as only three-points will do on Sunday. The Tigers dominated Penrith-Nepean last weekend, though left the playing surface at Leichhardt Oval without even a point to show for their work. Luke McGuire will be asking more of his players, especially in the attacking third where the side has squandered numerous chances in recent weeks, to ensure the Tigers keep their chances of reaching the finals-series alive.
At Hooka Creek Park, Wollongong Community FC hopes to return to the winner?s list after an extremely difficult 2009 campaign to-date. The side?s only win this season stems back to Round 2 against Bonnyrigg White Eagles, though despite the rough trot, the side has played some good football.  The additions of Lachlin Cahill, James Vaughan and James Monie add a new lease of light on the battered side, though if recent performances are anything to by, coach Glen Fontana is certainly closing in on what would be his first win.
WCFC?s opponent on Sunday is Sydney Olympic, another side struggling for consistency this season. The Blues sit in eighth-spot on the ladder, though have only five wins to show from their fourteen matches. The introduction of former Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Bosnich adds a wealth of experience in goal, though the defensive line has been of most concern for coach Nick Theodorakopoulos; the Blues have conceded thirty-goals this season. Still one of the neutral observers favourite for the title, Sydney Olympic must pick up three-points in the ?gong? if any sort of challenge is to be mounted this season.
At Sydney United Sports Centre, the League leaders host an out of sorts Sutherland Sharks. The Reds returned to winning ways against Wollongong last weekend ? coinciding with Ante Milicic?s return from Young Socceroos coaching duties ? putting to an end a run of three-weeks without a win.
The visiting Sharks are winless since Round 11 and will need to exorcise the demons following their 4-3 loss at home against Bankstown City last weekend, where the side led 3-1 with 15? minutes remaining. With pressure from Bankstown City and Bonnyrigg White Eagles ? as both sides are closing in on the Sharks ? Robbie Stanton?s men will need to leave Edensor Park with something on Sunday.
In the final match of the round, Bankstown City?s re-found confidence will be put to the test as Marconi Stallions visit Jensen Park. The Lions late fight-back at Sutherland last weekend stands the side in good stead for a charge towards the finals-series; the side has been bolstered by the return of George Nohra to the midfield, and the signing of free-kick specialist Daniel Severino. Always a difficult proposition for teams visiting the Lions, the Stallions will have their work cut out to get a result on Sunday, though following their recent run, you really can?t put it by Lee Sterrey?s team. Ali Al-Hilfi has been instrumental for the Stallions out of midfield, combining extremely well with Nahuel Arrarte. As is the case with both these sides that thrive on good quality ball possession, the team to gain the upper-hand in midfield will strike the biggest blow on Sunday. A win for the Stallions stands the side in a strong position ? with a match in hand ? to catch Sydney United, meanwhile the Lions can return to the Top-Four for the first time since Round 5 should Peter Tsekenis & Co. pick up maximum points.
For a full listing of washed out fixtures and new match dates, please visit WEB Site www.footballnsw.com.au for updates.
-By Joseph Carlucci