NSW Premier League Finals Series Week 1 Preview
Fourth meets fifth when A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers face stern rival Marconi Stallions in Leichhardt, where the loser will bid farewell to their title aspirations for 2010.
The Tigers have been in tremendous form since the midway point of the season, with the side collecting eleven wins, two draws and one loss since Round 8. The Franco Parisi led outfit has overturned the disastrous start to the campaign, and will use their high-flying finish to the season as motivation for a real shot at glory in 2010.
A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt?s basis for a fine turnaround in form has certainly revolved around the presence of experienced campaigners Parisi, Robbie Younis and Nick Rizzo, though the defensive unit has really shaped up well with the likes of Mark Byrnes and Michael West performing consistently well. Many observers raised question marks over the Tigers title aspirations following Japanese import Hirofumi Moriyasu?s departure (now at Sydney FC), though with the likes of Andrew Vitucci, Anthony Hartshorn, Stephen Kayes and John Kelso lifting their games, the side is arguably the form side out of the finals serious participants.
Marconi Stallions? run into the finals series has been far less convincing with the side needing a last day victory to secure fifth-spot, after holding top-spot on the ladder for a large spell of the season. Lee Sterrey?s team has played some good football, though defensive lapses, and some wayward finishing saw the side struggle to secure a finals berth.
Marconi stalwart Nahuel Arrarte and captain Matthew Gordon will carry much expectation on their shoulders, with the two men key to guiding the younger stars through the elimination campaign. On a positive note for the Stallions, their record against A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt in competitive football in 2010 has been exceptional, two wins in the home-and-away fixtures in the regular season, along with the Round 4 victory in the McDonald?s Cup ? where the Stallions ended up lifting the trophy for their first piece of silverware in fifteen seasons of football.
At Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Blacktown City FC will be eager to make the most of home ground advantage to setup a shot at Bonnyrigg White Eagles the following weekend, when Sydney United visit Seven Hills.
Aytek Genc?s men were unyielding against Bankstown City last weekend, scoring a 6-1 victory against the Lions. Blacktown?s run in 2010 has been impressive, and despite a midseason slump in-terms of results, the players have really hit their straps in the run home.
Young guns Joel Chianese and Travis Major have been great value for the team, as has prolific goalscorer Tolgay Ozbey with a phenomenal second-half of the season. Ozbey?s goals will be vital in this finals series, if the side is to have a serious shot at title glory in 2010.
Sydney United enjoyed a victory in their last match of the regular season against Manly United FC, albeit in a rather nervy showing. The side has played some very positive football in 2010, though points dropped against the so called ?lesser sides? have been a slight concern. Player/coach David Zdrilic has a very experienced backline in the likes of Damon Collina and Joe Vrkic calling the shots, meanwhile Ivo Bosnar and Petar Markovic will be of vital importance out of midfield. The side?s goalscoring options are very impressive, with Elsid Barkhousir and Luka Glavas two very seasoned campaigners in the goalscoring stakes.
This encounter will certainly provide much emotion for those present at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
NSW Premier League Finals Series Fixtures
Major Semi-Final
Sunday August 8th ? 3pm ? Lily Homes Stadium
Blacktown City FC v Sydney United
Under 20s Sydney United v Sydney Olympic ? 12.30pm
Minor Semi-Final
Sunday August 8th ? 3pm ? Leichhardt Oval
A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers v Marconi Stallions
Under 20s Bankstown City v Sutherland Sharks ? 12.30pm
-By Joseph Carlucci
