State League One Finals Series Round 2 Preview
Semi Final 1
Saturday, August 28 @ Garside Park
1st Grade @ 3-00pm
Blacktown Spartans ? Inter Lions
The 2010 season comes to an end for one team this weekend, as the elimination semi final between Blacktown Spartans and Inter Lions takes centre stage.
One of the most traditional venues steeped in history has been chosen for the big match, with Garside Park the scene of many great classics of yesteryear.
The Spartans come into the match on the back of a surprise 0-4 reverse against Fairfield City Lions last week, and will need to regroup very quickly indeed if they are to stay alive in this campaign.
Todd Macrae and Glenn McPherson have spearheaded a fearsome attack, scoring 25 goals between them this season and no doubt looking to add to that total this week.
Inter Lions beat a cluster of teams to the coveted fifth spot on the ladder, taking advantage of their underdog tag to knock Schofields out in last week?s elimination semi final.
Experienced Leo Carle has been at the centre of most of their attacking forays, but Ben Ellis and Jacob Dimento have provided Carle with a lot of the service via their youthful energy and workmanlike tenacity.
A decisive factor could well be the battle between the experienced custodians, with Carlos Saliadarre (Blacktown) and Peter Sestak (Inter Lions) instrumental in their respective clubs? charge into the finals series.
The two clashes this season have resulted in a win for Blacktown in the first round, and an exciting draw in the second.
Goals to McPherson and Iredale edged a 2-1 victory for the Spartans back in Round 4, whilst they came back to snatch a remarkable 3-3 draw in Round 15, after Inter Lions held a 3-0 lead with just twenty minutes remaining.
Either way, this game promises to be an exciting clash between two determined sides, so get out to Garside Park to see how it all unfolds in this do-or-die encounter.
Under 20s
Mounties Wanderers ? Fairfield City Lions at 12-30pm
Semi Final 2
Saturday, August 28 @ Bensons Lane
1st Grade @ 3-00pm
Hills Brumbies ? Fairfield City Lions
In what doubles up as a ?grand final? qualifier, Hills Brumbies will take on Fairfield City Lions for a spot in this season?s decider.
It is our first look at Hills Brumbies in the finals series, the minor premiers having the luxury of a week off as a result of their top placing on the competition ladder.
They are coming off a rare loss in Round 22, a 1-3 reverse against Blacktown Spartans, and have surely spent the additional week licking their wounds and preparing for an assault that may catapult them into the ultimate game of 2010.
Whilst Brendan Mitrovich and Dragan Savic have been the strikeforce that have lead from the front with 23 goals between them, inspirational young skipper, Terry Pannowitz has chimed in with eight of his own in a dominating display from midfield.
Fairfield City Lions have been tagged the league?s ?entertainers? this year given their ?throw caution to the wind? approach in attack.
Yavos Ekinci has marveled as a conductor of this orchestra, scoring an incredible 21 goals this year from midfield, another two in last week?s semi vs Blacktown, and has marshalled his troops in a majestic display from the centre of the park.
Skipper Robbie Issa has played a more than able supportive role, a role model on the park for his team, and scoring half a dozen goals of his own.
Lookout for his brother George Issa, yet another player of Premier League fame, and one looking to continue his brilliant form since his mid season signing from Bankstown City.
The Brumbies won the first clash between the clubs, back in April in Round 6, winning 3-1 at Norford Park with goals from Down, Pannowitz and Savic.
The return at Second Ponds ended all square, Hills twice coming from behind to grab a 2-2 draw in Round 17.
Whilst the loser lives to fight another day, a spot in the grand final beckons, so there is plenty to play for in this battle between two of the competition?s heavyweights.
Under 20s
Gladesville Ryde Magic ? Schofields Scorpions at 12-30pm
-By Frank Speranza
