NSW Premier League Round 3 Preview

The defending Champions, Sutherland Sharks, are in search of a first-up win for the 2010 season as the South Coast Wolves visit the picturesque venue. Robbie Stanton will be pleased with the second-half display his Sharks players put together in the narrow loss against West Sydney Berries last weekend, though the side will need to take their chances as they still come to terms with the loss of so many experienced campaigners from 2009. The squad is hoping to see the likes of Jim Bakis and skipper George Souris return to the side.
The Wolves have twice squandered leads in the opening two matches of the season, and their coach Trevor Morgan will be hoping for a more consistent performance this weekend. The Wolves have proven more than capable of troubling the bigger sides, Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Marconi Stallions to-date, though really must grind out results over the 90? minutes if the side?s first points of the season are to arrive this weekend.
At Marconi Stadium, the Stallions and Bonnyrigg White Eagles put their 100% winning start on the line in this top of the table encounter. The Stallions? pre-season has been marred with an unsettled preparation, due largely to the late arrival of the Stallions new African imports. A major plus for the Stallions has been the return of Nahuel Arrarte to the club after his unfortunate stint in Korea, meanwhile the fine integration of youngsters Giorgio Speranza and Daniel Ott has also been welcomed by coach Lee Sterrey.
The White Eagles have entered season 2010 as one of the firm favourites for the title. Coach Brian Brown has assembled a very experienced squad, already unleashing new signings Brad Boardman, Shane Webb and Daniel Severino with great success. Wade Oostendorp and Vuko Tomasevic return to their former stomping ground for this clash, in a match where the winner will certainly make a huge step forward, despite the fact that the competition is still in its early stages.
On Sunday afternoon, Bankstown City will be in desperate need to get a win when they host Sydney Olympic at Jensen Park. The Lions could only manage a draw in the opening round of the season at home against Manly United FC, before succumbing to a 1-0 defeat against Rockdale City Suns last weekend. Sydney Olympic on the other hand will be eager to get back to winning ways after a dominate performance in the middle of the park against Sydney United last weekend. They will be minus their star striker Matthew Mayora who has been ruled out for at least 4 weeks through a foot injury. Despite holding a monopoly on possession against the defending Premiers, the Blues failed to capitalise with some poor execution in the final third. A win for either side will kick-start the campaign of the victorious outfit for 2010.
At Leichhardt Oval, A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers too will be in search of their first win of the season when Manly United FC pay visit. The Tigers fell short against Blacktown City FC in the opening round, before a second-half blitz by Bonnyrigg saw the Tigers? overwhelmed in round 2. A major positive for the Tigers has been Robbie Younis? good start to the campaign, meanwhile Nick Rizzo and Franco Parisi?s experience will be called upon if the side is to mount a serious challenge for a good run this season.
Manly United FC too are coming off a loss at the hands of Blacktown City FC, and Phil Moss? men will be in need of a positive performance on Sunday. Manly United have failed to finish their first two matches with 11-men, arguably playing a huge part in the side?s failure to register only a draw and a win to-date. On a positive note for the Cromer Park side, Robbie Cattanach?s recovery continues with another fine display for the Grade-20 side last weekend, the striker finding the back of the net for the second consecutive week.
Blacktown City FC play host to new boys Rockdale City Suns at Lily Homes Stadium as Aytek Genc?s men attempt to maintain their winning start to the season. Striker Tolgay Ozbey has made a successful return to the club, along with that of Luke Roodenburg in the midfield. Blacktown City were flawless for large spells against Manly United last weekend, and will again be a tough outfit to crack for the Suns on Sunday, with Blacktown still to concede a goal this season.
The Suns scored a morale boosting win over Bankstown City in round 2, following the opening round drubbing at the hands of Sydney United. Coach Mile Todoroski was impressed with his side?s discipline throughout the Bankstown City defeat, meanwhile new signing Marino Musumeci stole the headlines with a fine match-winning performance for his side. Against Blacktown, Rockdale will require their experienced heads in Paul Dee, Stefan Donevski and Pece Apolevski to take charge and lead the pack in what will be a real challenge for the newly promoted Super League outfit.
In the final match of the round, Sydney United returns to Edensor Park following a hard fought win at Belmore Sports Ground last weekend. The Reds looked comfortable in their season opener at home against Rockdale City Suns, though will do well not to underestimate Sunday?s opponent, West Sydney Berries. The Reds look strong in the centre of the field with the likes of Steve Hayes and Sean Mitchell fitting in nicely alongside Ivo Bosnar. Elsid Barkhousir?s new role, playing from further out on the left-wing, has been a huge success, as has the entire defensive backline marshalled expertly by captain Joe Vrkic.
The Berries overcame the disappointment of the first round loss against Marconi Stallions to pip Sutherland Sharks last weekend. John Calleja?s side is seen as one of the dark horses for a shot at the title, and with the likes of Dimitri Zakilas, Sash Tirovski and Kosta Lagoudakis playing their way into form, the Berries may well stand their best chance of springing an upset over the defending Premiers.
-By Joseph Carlucci