NSW Premier League Round 13 Preview

The Sharks only just hold onto fifth-spot on the League ladder heading into the Round, and have a real good chance of closing the gap on fourth against an under-achieving West Sydney Berries. Buoyed by recent wins in both the League and Cup, Robbie Stanton?s men will be hoping to make the most of home ground advantage on Saturday. Ben Vidaic?s return following injury is a huge plus for the Sharks, though an injury cloud still hovers over Scottish import Stephen McConologue who missed last weekend?s defeat of Sydney Olympic after picking up an injury in the pre-match warm-up.
The Berries on the other hand have shown massive signs of life amongst the group with some very positive performances since the arrival of new coach Steve Karavatakis. The new Berries boss has instilled some confidence amongst his charges, though the team has failed to drive the ball home in their two last matches; squandering a one-goal lead against Bonnyrigg in second-half injury-time, before conceding late-on against Marconi Stallions last weekend to miss out on any points, despite deserving something from both encounters. Karavatakis will ask of more of the same from attacking midfielder Jesse Pinto ? the youngster was a handful for the Stallions in Round 12, meanwhile Fadi Ghosson too has enjoyed some good form in recent starts.
Over at Marconi Stadium, the Stallions will be confident of keeping the challengers to their top-stop away when the South Coast Wolves visit. The Stallions have been relentless in recent weeks, demonstrating their title credentials with some very polished performances. Lee Sterrey has another striker at his disposal these days with the return from injury of Matthew Hall. The speedy former Sutherland Sharks player has proven his worth over the past week with some scintillating performances, and will certainly provide Sterrey with a selection headache this weekend.
The Wolves have slipped off the pace a little following an impressive middle part of the first-half of the season. Despite recent losses against Bonnyrigg White Eagles and A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers, Mark Picciolini & Co. have proven a handful for the likes of Sydney United and Bankstown City, both on the road. The table topping Stallions had better not underestimate a Wolves side that is very well organised, especially away from home.
On Sunday afternoon, the pick of the bunch arrives from Jensen Park when Bankstown City and Rockdale City Suns meet in a local derby. Four-points separate the two sides on the League ladder with the newly promoted Suns holding bragging rights over their more fancied opponent. The Lions will draw strength from the recent win at Cromer Park against Manly United FC, though really require the likes of George Nohra, Tallan Martin, Hassan Akil and Robbie Mileski to fire from the opening whistle. Each player was in great touch last weekend against Manly United, and more of the same from their big name players will be needed against the Suns.
Rockdale City Suns? too will enter the contest full of confidence after grabbing a late point against Sydney United in Round 12. Despite conceding the better chances in the opening half against the Reds, Mile Todorovski?s men held their own in a second-half where the Suns went close to scoring on numerous occasions before Peter Apolevski drew the side level via the penalty-spot. The Suns midfielders have been immense for the team, Robert Di Meglio, Marino Musumeci and Apolevski, with the flair of Stefan Donevski, have really brought about a good feeling amongst the former NSW Super League side. The Suns lack of goals though have been somewhat of a concern. Sam Awad, along with the input of the strong midfield unit, will certainly create chances on Sunday against the Lions, though the Rockdale outfit will need to take their chances if they are to inflict further pain on their arch rivals.
A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers? unbeaten run will be tested when Bonnyrigg White Eagles visit Leichhardt Oval this Sunday. The Tigers have been, arguably, the most consistent side between April and May, and have really put their season back on track following a disastrous start to the campaign. Caretaker coach Billy McColl has done a tremendous job in reinstating the belief amongst his players, as the experienced players have certainly stepped up to the plate. Franco Parisi was inspirational in the win against Blacktown City over the weekend, meanwhile Nick Rizzo and Robbie Younis have continued to show their experience in recent weeks. Marton Vass has been a tower of strength in the middle of the park, meanwhile Japanese import Hirofuni Moriyasu continues to win admirers with his exquisite skill and overall movement on the park.
The Tigers face a stern challenge against the White Eagles, though on current form, another win may be the order of the day for the former NSL giant.
Bonnyrigg has encountered a bumpy road of late with some inconsistent performances resulting in draws against Manly United FC and West Sydney Berries, elimination from the McDonald?s Cup, and last weekend?s win in the League against South Coast Wolves. Brian Brown?s men look strong in attack with the likes of Brad Boardman, Daniel Severino and Nathan Elasi pulling the strings further up the park, though conceding goals at important moments has been the side?s undoing. With a sole-hold on second-spot, and the Stallions four-points clear at the top, the White Eagles can ill afford a slip up in Leichhardt this weekend.
At Lily Homes Stadium, Blacktown City FC will be looking to bounce back from last weekend?s loss at A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt when a luckless Manly United FC pay visit. Blacktown City performed well against the Tigers though were overpowered by the individual brilliance of Franco Parisi. Against Manly United, coach Aytek Genc will be expecting a return to the winner?s list ? and even more so, a return to the Top-Two placings on the League ladder.
Craig Midgley will take charge as senior coach for the first time this weekend following the departure of Phil Moss to the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League. Midgley?s first task is to reinstate some confidence amongst a group that is currently running on empty following a series of defeats and less than impressive performances.
In the final match of the round, another former classic between two former NSL sides, Sydney United play host to Sydney Olympic.
The Reds have been impressive all season to-date though have coughed up a number of points late-on in their matches. David Zdrilic?s side should have killed off the Suns last weekend early on in the second-half, though consecutive missed chances in the opening 15? minutes of the half allowed Rockdale City back into the match. At home, the Reds have dropped points against South Coast Wolves, West Sydney Berries and Bonnyrigg White Eagles ? the clash against Sydney Olympic is a must win encounter for the title hopefuls.
Sydney Olympic?s run has been far from convincing to-date, though performance wise, there does appear to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Player/coach Andre Gumprecht is attempting to instill some extra energy amongst his chargers, and recent performances against Marconi Stallions and Sutherland Sharks suggest that the side is responding. There is no clash bigger than a match-up against Sydney United, perhaps the required medicine for the Blues to get their season back on track.
-By Joseph Carlucci