Guns at the ready for round 16 of State League division two
Bathurst have got their season going again, while Prospect?s wheels are a little wobbly as the season nears the business end. The last time these two sides met it was a thriller as Bathurst came from behind with two late goals to win 3-2 in round five. Both sides will be desperate for the points in this one.
A revamped, rejuvenated, reloaded Hurstville City Minotaurs host a poised and ready Springwood United in a Sunday afternoon blockbuster at Belmore Sports Ground (3pm kick-off). Hurstville have bounced back into the competition?s top-three places despite enduring a run of lousy results, while Springwood have some catch-up games that could also put them in the minor premiership mix. United will also fondly remember a 1-0 win over the Minotaurs in round five.
A wounded Belmore Hercules welcome third-placed Fairfield Wanderers to their Blick Oval fortress on Sunday afternoon (3pm). Belmore slipped out of the top-five on goal difference after an intense 2-1 loss to Bathurst last week. They will be keen to return to their winning ways with a good showing against a Wanderers outfit that is also riding high after suffering a few hiccups of their own. Hercules won their round five encounter over Wanderers 2-1.
A lagging Gazy Lansvale meet chart-toppers Luddenham United in a do-or-die match at Cherrybrook Park on Sunday afternoon (3pm). Gazy looked like they were back in the mix until four losses in the past six weeks has any finals ambitions teetering on the brink. Luddenham are back on top of a precarious division two ladder and would love a win to consolidate their lofty position. They managed a 2-1 win over Gazy in their round five clash.
A hard-to-pick Roosters FC take on competition hard-luck story Hawkesbury City at Lidcombe Oval on Sunday afternoon (3pm). After setting the competition alight early on, Roosters have been shaky and every team knows how unlucky Hawkesbury have been in their enduring season. This could be City?s time to pounce as Roosters sort themselves out. Hawkesbury were leading Roosters in their round-five meeting until two second half goals broke their hearts – revenge is on the offering.
Fairfield Bulls can extend their four game winning streak when they play Hakoah at Wentworth Park on Sunday afternoon (3pm). The Bulls are in the top five for the first time since a slow start to their year over-shadowed their obvious talent and intent. A 0-0 draw between the sides in round five underlines Fairfield?s early-season woes as Hakoah has only managed to grab points from five of their 14 games so far. But Hakoah has welcomed back players this week and will be fielding a stronger side than usual.
Dan de Nardi
