NSW Premier League Finals Series Week 3 Preview
Blacktown City FC will enjoy the weekend off to accurately prepare the grand-final clash the following weekend, though there is no such luxury for the White Eagles and Reds.
Bonnyrigg coach Brian Brown has the big task of lifting the morale amongst his troops following a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Blacktown City FC last weekend. Played in-front of their home supporters, the White Eagles were handed a hefty lesson with a 4-0 defeat sending the side into an elimination play-off for the chance to reach the grand-final.
Brown will look at his big guns Brad Boardman, Daniel Severino and Jamie McMaster to lead the way against the Reds, with the side boasting a positive record against Sydney United in 2010.
Bonnyrigg grabbed bragging rights in both regular season clashes ? a 2-1 win at Sydney United Sports Centre in Round 5 followed by a very impressive 3-0 win at home in Round 16.
With an elimination bout in store this weekend, these previous results will count for very little.
The Reds have lived a somewhat inconsistent run in 2010, in-terms of results, though David Zdrilic?s side have shown their ability to grind out results when the going gets tough. A fine show of their potential was demonstrated last weekend against A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers, where Luka Glavas and Zdrilic himself double-teamed the Tigers, ending the mammoth run of one of the competitions most consistent side?s over the second-half of the season.
Zdrilic?s side possesses a fine attacking third with the likes of Glavas, Elsid Barkhousir, Zdrilic himself and Petar Markovic out of midfield providing many options going forward.
The battle in midfield promises to be a real gem with Shane Webb and Milorad Simonovic performing consistently well for the White Eagles, meanwhile the Reds will be rock solid with Ivo Bosnar and the likes of Peter Zorbas and Steve Hayes more than up for the challenge.
With the season of both clubs going on the line, action aplenty is expected this weekend with both sides desperate to book a date with destiny against Blacktown City FC in the grand-final.
The Grade 20s at Lily Homes Stadium on Saturday at 5pm promises to also be a huge match as Blacktown City FC take on Sydney Olympic with the winner booking at ticket in the 2010 Grand Final at Parramatta Stadium against Sydney United.
-By Joseph Carlucci