State League Two Round 5 Preview

Nepean are yet to win this year but have taken three draws from the four games so far to prove they can match it with their competition counterparts. They certainly do better when they keep all their players on the field but they will still need to be near their best to topple a Hakoah side laden with talent but with just the one win to its name in 2011. More is expected of the long-standing club.
Competition leaders Hawkesbury City face Luddenham United in a Saturday evening blockbuster at Benson Lane Field (5pm). Unbeaten Hawkesbury have well and truly shaken off last year?s disappointments in a terrific start to 2011 and they will be keen to maintain their lofty position with a good showing against Luddenham, who have been up and down like the proverbial yo-yo. United do have history on their side and can boast a three-game winning streak over City, making this weekend?s match-up extra spicy.
Springwood United and Hurstville City Minotaurs will be both be out to claim their first victory of the season in a battle royale at Summerhayes Park on Saturday night (7pm). Hurstville and Springwood finished top-six last year and won?t want to stall their 2011 campaign for much longer if they wish to figure in the finals, so this game is almost a must-win for both sides. There is a healthy rivalry between the two combatants with the last four fixtures going the way of the home team. However, the last three results have been 1-0 victories, indicating that another tight tussle is on the cards.
Round three winners Chopin Park Rams and Bathurst ?75 meet under lights at Alec Lamberton Field on Saturday night (7pm) in what promises to be an exciting affair. Chopin Park broke through for their maiden win last week while Bathurst smashed Gazy 6-0 for both to sit on six competition points after four rounds. This will be the undefeated Rams? first trip out west and should provide a stern test for Radek Czerwinski?s men. Bathurst would love to string back-to-back wins together to show they have what it takes to be a contender this year.
Highflyers Prospect United play Belmore Hercules at William Lawson Reserve on Sunday afternoon (3pm) in a pivotal match for both clubs. Prospect are second on the ladder with a game in hand and can maintain their solid start to the year with yet another good performance this weekend ? they?ve scored eight goals in their past two matches. Belmore, however, have lost a bit of momentum following their first-round victory and will want to get the wheels back on the wagon this weekend. They did win the last encounter between the two sides 1-0 and last year?s corresponding fixture (played precisely a year before this Sunday?s clash) finished 1-1.
Gazy Lansvale take on Northbridge in an intriguing match-up at Northbridge Oval on Sunday afternoon (3.30pm). Gazy were pole-axed 6-0 in Bathurst last weekend while winless Northbridge picked up its second draw of the year against competition leaders Hawkesbury, so both teams will be keen for a much-needed victory. And with the scores thrown up after the first month of football this is a hard result to call.
In-form Roosters FC greet a rejuvenated Fairfield Wanderers at Hill Sports High on Sunday evening (5pm) in what looks to be the match of the round. A two-week Wanderers wobble was arrested with a fine 2-1 win over Hakoah in round four while Roosters pipped Luddenham 3-2 to seal back-to-back wins. But Roosters will be wary of their past few meetings with Wanderers, who have crafted two 4-0 thumpings either side of a 1-1 draw to hold the stick over their opponents. This is match that could go either way and has the potential for multiple scoring.
There will also be plenty of midweek action with three matches featuring division two sides taking place on Wednesday night. Gazy Lansvale and Hurstville City Minotaurs will attempt to play their round two catch-up game at Cherrybrook Park (which will leave just the Springwood versus Prospect encounter remaining unplayed), and in the Waratah Cup Luddenham United tackle Gymea United at Crest Soccer Fields (7.15pm kick-off) while Fairfield Wanderers clash with Olympic Eagles at Knight Park to make up for last week?s abandoned preliminary round fixtures. Round one of the Cup will be played on April 13 following this week?s official draw.
-By Daniel De Nardi