State League Division Two Season and Round 1 Preview
Pre-season training has come and gone and friendly matches are all but exhausted. Now it all begins with NSW State League Two shaping up to be an absolute cracker.
NSW State League Two is always a closely contested battle for the premiership, and with season 2012 looming closer the word on the street is this year will be no different. With no new clubs entering the fray for the new season, there is the notion that most clubs will fancy their chances of glory having become familiar foes over the years. On the flipside there will be some clubs that will be putting out all stops to avoid none other than the dreaded wooden spoon.
2011 was a thrilling competition right from the word go with Northbridge winning the minor premiership to deserve automatic promotion. Conversely, it could have gone four other ways with the top five clubs finishing within a whisker of six points of each other at season?s end. It didn?t all go Northbridge?s way with Hakoah proving too strong to earn some reprieve winning the Grand Final against an earnest opponent in Roosters FC. With that being said we now turn our attention to 2012. Who is the team to beat this year? I had the opportunity to catch up with the coaches to get their view to help piece together each clubs chances in 2012.
BATHURST ?75
Situated 128 kilometres from their nearest NSW State League Two rival Mountains United, it is easy to see why opponents often dread the away trip over the mountains to face a stern Bathurst side on home turf. After finishing second bottom last season, Mark Rooke is looking forward to the new season with fresh optimism following positive pre-season preparations.
The obvious challenges for a regional community football club to compete against Sydney metropolitan State League clubs are money and player pools. ?We don?t have the cash to splash like some of the other clubs so for us it?s important to build from within,? Rooke said. Bathurst have a rich state league football heritage and giving youngsters an opportunity in first grade is a favourite past time for the Western NSW club. Western Panthers Super Youth league under 18?s finished an impressive third on the ladder in 2011, which has allowed Rooke to hand pick some quality youngsters to blood in first grade this year.
Bathurst has managed to keep the core of their 2011 squad together having only lost three players. With three new replacement players and some potential imports in training, Bathurst looks to have shored up some areas of weakness for the upcoming season.
With around six seasons under his belt as head coach, Rooke knows a thing or two about state league football. When I asked who would be at the pointy end of the league come seasons end, Rooke had the feeling it could go down to the wire. ?Last year was so even and so well contested with every team up for a battle. Hakoah are now a well put together club with their fortunes having turned in 2011 and will be hard to beat in 2012. West City could be a force to be reckoned with this year and look to have recruited well and Hawkesbury will also be hard to beat.?
BELMORE UNITED
Belmore stumbled to an 11th place finish in 2011 after having lofty hopes of promotion back to NSW State League One. With the much travelled and experienced Walter Alvarez at the helm for 2012, Belmore United will be looking to wipe the slate clean. Having already had a great deal of success in NSW State League Two over the last couple of years, Alvarez has not wasted any time in assembling his troops for what looms to be a challenging season ahead.
Getting stuck into pre-season early has meant Alvarez has had more time to adapt to the terrible weather. ?We started back the first week of January and we have been in a hard position like everyone,? he said. ?I have been trying to finalise the team as this year we pretty much have a brand new team and obviously we would need to give ourselves more time as it takes a little longer to get things going.?
With an 18 man squad consisting of only 3-4 players from last year, Belmore could well be the surprise packet in 2012. Belmore?s experienced Captain and Club top goal scorer Paul Paras has returned and according to Alvarez is still in top form and looking to double his tally this season. Alvarez will be hopeful of veteran midfield play maker Alex Aravena and Leon Sansone to be on the same wavelength and deliver in the middle of the park. Paul Kalantzis is another player added to the Belmore roster that can play anywhere and make the difference.
No matter what the circumstances are, Belmore looks to be a team with high expectations with Alvarez calling the shots. ?I set my goals very high and I don?t go out there just to make up numbers. I play to win the comp and the target this year will be the minor premiership,? he said. Having high goals is one thing and Alvarez is level headed about how hard it will be to achieve them. ?Everyone is out there to win the comp so there will be no easy points at all, especially in the first half of the season. I think everything will happen in the second half of the season.?
As far as predictions go, Alvarez offered some insight into what the top two might look like. ?I haven?t seen them but I believe Hakoah might have a few new players and will be one of the strongest teams. West City FC is apparently putting together a strong team too so those two would be the main two, maybe??
FC GAZY
After collecting the dreaded Wooden Spoon in 2011, can FC Gazy repeat Hakoah?s revival from wooden spooners in 2010 to Grand Final winners in 2011? Anything is possible in football and FC Gazy Club and First grade manager, Safet Alispahic is optimistic about the upcoming League Two season. The very passionate Alispahic will be hoping for improvement in FC Gazy?s fortunes having made some serious logistical changes to the club and squad in the off-season.
FC Gazy have brought in the cleaners during the off-season and have promoted a number of reserve graders who were part of the FC Gazy squad that made the semi finals last year. ?Our under 20?s did very good making the semi final last year and we have 4 to 5 players that have made the step up to first grade for the new year,? he said. Alispahic believes that promoting players that already know the system will reduce the time it takes for the squad to gel.
It has been a case of out with the old and in with the new during FC Gazy?s off-season and according to Alispahic, youth could be the key to the clubs future success. ?Our ultimate goal is to get to division one but we know this will be very hard. The last couple of months we have been working with our young squad which consists of some very talented players that are more than capable of playing at a higher division. We just need to get our combinations right.?
When it comes to talk of who the major title contenders will be in 2012, Alispahic speaks with know-how. ?Talk is talk and walk is walk. League Two is a very interesting and strong competition. I think this league is level (if not better) compared to some of the other state league competitions. I think all 12 teams will be very competitive. Hakoah have all the potential to be number one. Compared to last year they had a very good squad and even I was surprised they did not move to division one. All other teams I give the same chance but I wish everyone success and a very good season.?
HAKOAH
Wooden Spoon in 2010, 2nd in 2011, 1st in 2012? Having come within arm?s reach of the premiership in 2011, Hakoah will be looking to go one better in 2012. While making amends by solidifying a Grand Final win last year, Hakoah will now have the belief they can go all the way and win promotion to Division One.
Head Coach Mark Robertson is back for another year to torment NSW State League Two opponents. Having totally revamped his squad in 2011, Robertson has had the added luxury of limited off-season disruption to an already formidable squad. ?We have brought in 3 news players this year,? he said. ?Right back Michael Katz from Sutherland has come on board who has been plying his trade in the NSW Premier League for the last 4-5 years. I would regard him as probably the best right back outside the A-League. Scottish player, Jamie Watt will join us up front. Originally from Aberdeen, Watt has been playing in the Perth Premier League the last two seasons where he has been the leading goal scorer and we have also signed current Futsalroo, Jordan Mundel.?
Fellow State League Two combatants will be glad to know it hasn?t all been smooth sailing in the off-season for the Grand Final winners. Hakoah did lose some players due to retirement. ?The majority of the squad stayed together. We lost a few players through retirement with Joe Vrkic being one of them who was our main linchpin at the back last year. He offered us that little bit of solidarity which is hard to replace,? Robertson said.
After the success of last year, Robertson will be looking to do one better and take out both the minor premiership and Grand Final in 2012. ?I?m vying for promotion and am very passionate about what I do. This year I?ve got a great assistant manager in Hayden Foxe who has played at the top level throughout his career. Between the two of us we?d like to think we will bring some sort of attractive football to the league while trying to defend our Grand Final win from last year.?
The humble Robertson understands the challenges season 2012 could throw up and knows nothing but hard work will prove to be the difference come the end of the season. ?Everyone starts on zero points and you?re only as good as where you end up at the end of the season. We fell short of the championship last year so that?s a big aim for me. In terms of getting there is a totally different ball game.?
On talk of top teams, Robertson offered insight into what opposition teams to look out for in the new season. ?You can never write off Luddenham. I think they are a solid unit overall, Andrew has got them quite well drilled and they?re all up for the games we play against them. Prospect always seem to come over and give us a good game and obviously it?s also hard to go out and play against them so they would be the main two.?
HAWKESBURY CITY SC
One of Hawkesbury City?s home grown prodigies, Dean Bertenshaw has been appointed Head coach for the upcoming season. Dean most recently assisted Gary Lewis in 2011 and has notched up an impressive number of playing appearances for City over the years. Dean decided it was time to hang up the boots a few years back and has now turned his attention to coaching and developing the young talent the Hawkesbury region has to offer.
When I spoke to Dean about the common theme of wet weather, he feels Hawkesbury could have copped the worst of it. ?Our pre-season has been much interrupted and I believe we are probably struggling more than most. Our ground has now been closed for 5 weeks and evacuated with the flood warning! The Hawks still have not had a game since last season, which is not ideal leading up to the season starting next weekend. With that being said I still have great confidence in the boys? ability to get the job done, even if we are a bit rusty.?
Hawkesbury City finished just outside the top 5 last year and will be heavily reliant on youth and enthusiasm to improve on last year?s effort. ?We didn?t make any big name signings this year. We picked up a few young blokes and we?re going for the youth aspect with our average age of the first grade squad around the 22-23 year old mark,? Bertenshaw said. ?The oldest player I signed was 22.?
From last year?s squad, Tony Judge?s experience will be sorely missed as he calls it a day along with a handful of other veterans deciding it?s time to refresh the squad. Bertenshaw remains confident in City?s ability for the upcoming season and has opted to replace old heads with young heads.
Hawkesbury City sits prettily on the outskirts of Sydney and and has high ambitions for the future. ?Our aim is to continue to keep moving forward. We are hoping to become a club for good young players to come to and provide players that live in the Hawkesbury region and away from the inner city a chance to gain state league experience and to develop into stronger players,? Bertenshaw stated. Hawkesbury already has an excellent ground having recently installed a grand stand awning and are looking to shore up their future with improvements such as a new changing room block in 2012.
On the difficult task of predicting the top teams for 2012, Bertenshaw believed it would be close and come down to the very end, although he hinted what the top clubs may look like. ?Prospect will go very well, Hakoah will go very very well and Luddenham will go well. I would also add West City FC as a potential ?dark horse? for improvement. They seem to have recruited well.?
HURSTVILLE CITY MINOTAURS
A true character in the sense, the much experienced and very loyal Peter Sarikakis (a.k.a The General) takes charge of his beloved Minotaurs for another season. The man who lives and breathes football needs no introduction and will be looking to ignite the Minotaurs back to their former glory and push for promotion after a disappointing 10th place finish last year.
According to Sarikakis, everything is coming along well with preparations for the new season. ?Pre-season is going very good, we have a lot of young players this year who have come through and will be fighting for positions. I also kept all the players I wanted to keep from last year so no complaints.?
With no big name signings for 2012, Hurstville will be looking at their experienced campaigners to lead by example. Sarikakis further explained that the whole reserve grade squad will be made up of under 16?s and 18?s due to Hurstville?s youth league being decimated. With Hurstville youngsters left to look for a club at the end of last season, Sarikakis was only more than happy to accommodate the youthful Minotaurs with the club looking to create a healthy pipeline of youth and exuberance for years to come.
With a keen eye for talent having had many well known players come through the club?s ranks over the years, Sarikakis is excited by the return of Angelo Vagenas who played at Bankstown City last year. Two young 17 year old boys have also caught Sarikakis?s attention, in the very talented and athletic goalkeeper Sheku and speedy striker Cheno who will both be looking to make their mark on NSW State League Two in 2012.
When I put the question to Sarikakis on his 2012 predictions (excluding Hurstville of course as otherwise it would be a silly question), he was definite in his response. ?Hakoah will be the favourites and as always The General will be there somewhere. Last year wasn?t the best year but the year before we had both grades make the Grand Final.? With all teams on zero points for the new season, Sarikakis who is never short of personality will be looking to exact revenge and get his charges back firing in 2012.
LUDDENHAM UNITED
The witty Andrew Montgomery is back at the helm of Luddenham United, teaming up with new assistant coach Dean Montgomery (no relation) and reserve grade coach Rick Muscat. The coaching team will face the task of improving on the club?s consecutive 4th place finishes. Qualifying for finals football in State League Two is no easy feat and having recruited heavily in his first two seasons at the club, Montgomery now feels he has the right personnel to get on with the job. ?The player personnel were good enough last year but we just needed to improve our overall mindset. This will be our main focus in 2012,? he said.
As most clubs struggle to deal with the rained out grounds across Sydney, Luddenham is no exception. ?Pre-season has not gone quite to plan because of all the rain and everything but we?re doing what we can,? Montgomery said. The rain may have kept the grounds closed however Montgomery can?t stop smiling due to the latest Luddenham recruit in ex-NSW Premier League player, Chris Camilleri. Montgomery will be hoping Camilleri can bring his flare and skill to terrorise NSW State League Two opponents in 2012. Other names to look out for include Jean Paul Vella and Owen Rogers who have resigned for the club along with Ahmed Chandab who is tipped to bring pace and goals in 2012.
Having kept the vast majority of the squad together along with some notable additions, Montgomery has his sights firmly set on some silverware in 2012 having rued missed opportunities the previous two years. ?The last two years we were leading the comp,? Montgomery said. ?We dropped points to the teams coming last and second last. That cost us so it?s all about mental toughness and taking every game on its merits. If we improve these two facets of our game hopefully we?ll be up there this year again.?
As usual, Montgomery continues his unstinting and comical banter in 2012 with his predictions. ?Definitely Hurstville Minotaurs, Hurstville Minotaurs will go through undefeated.? On a side note Montgomery can see a familiar face at the top come season end. ?Other than Hurstville I expect Hakoah to be right up there.?
MOUNTAINS UNITED
With a brand new name, Mountains United (formally Springwood United) will be looking to build on its successive mid table finishes in hope of cracking the top 5 in 2012. With the weather certainly causing havoc in the Blue Mountains in the off-season, first grade coach Errol Warwick-Day has had his work cut out during a difficult pre-season. ?Getting on the field has been very difficult but we seem to be managing with restricted training sessions each week and fitting some game time in on weekends. It?s certainly not what we had originally planned and has made for an interesting start to the season.?
Mountains United are hoping to garner greater support from the mountains football community with their new name and youth development is high on the agenda in 2012 for the Blue Mountains based club. ?Our squad is a lot younger compared to last year because its youth we?re bringing in. As we have the boy?s youth league up and running, we?re now beginning to see the benefits with players coming through our youth system into the seniors,? Warwick-Day confirmed.
With last year?s squad very much intact, Warwick-Day has every confidence in his squad?s ability to match it with League Two?s best and has his sights firmly set on player development in 2012. ?It?s more about developing these youth players to become the following year?s first graders. The effort that is put in on the field will determine where we end up come the end of the year.?
Warwick-Day has come to discover over the years that if one thing is predictable, it?s that League Two is unpredictable. ?I don?t think you can predict who?ll win this year as it seems to change each year. Players keep changing clubs and the one club that struggled last year will be this year?s giant killers. Unpredictable…?
NEPEAN FC
With Nepean FC finishing a gloomy 12th position in their first season back at state league level, new first grade coach Adam Malouf knows there will pressure to improve in 2012. Being a club that is heaped in state league football folklore, Nepean FC have a policy whereby the club will have a minimum 80% local player quota in 2012. Malouf went on further to explain. ?The reason we are in existence is because of all the local association clubs so I can?t rely on buying players in. I?ve got to develop a good style of football and coach from the ground up.?
Malouf was assistant coach of the first grade squad last year and has coached as a specialised goal keeping coach for a number of years. With the nucleus of last year?s squad back together, Malouf will be looking to build upon the positives of last year. ?No one is special, we?re a squad and no individual is bigger than the other. We have some players who have played at higher levels but mostly in 20?s.?
Nepean FC is still in the rebuilding phase of their existence which means Malouf has had the opportunity to pull together a very youthful and competitive squad. ?A lot of the guys we have are amazingly talented but it?s just about them stepping up and matching it with their experienced opponents,? he said. ?I?m blessed with a technically gifted team, with all the boys pretty comfortable on the ball which is nice.?
When it comes to State League Two predictions, Malouf answers with a familiar response. ?Good question,? he said. ?Looking at the table it?s not going to be easy… Hakoah have obviously got amazing resources and will be strong, Luddenham were strong last year and look much the same, and Hawkesbury will probably go ok again along with Prospect. They?re the type of teams that spring to mind but it really is a mystery. Just look at Northbridge last year, you just don?t know. The pitches sometimes aren?t great so the teams that play more direct are also dangerous.?
With Nepean FC proudly back in business, Malouf offered a message of solace for all his compatriots before the season kick-off. ?I?d just like to wish all the clubs the best. Hopefully the level of football steps up again and people really try to develop and promote how good this league really is. It is a lot stronger than it used to be and all the clubs look to be making fantastic progress which is good for the game. Hopefully we can have a successful year for all the clubs involved.?
PROSPECT UNITED SC
Tony Caruso will take charge of the Prospect United ship for another season in hot pursuit of that elusive premiership. With mother nature causing havoc in one of the wettest pre seasons to date, Caruso acknowledged it has caused some disruptions to his plans. ?Pre-season is coming along OK, as mother nature throws its little curve balls it always make things a little more difficult.?
Under Caruso?s command, Prospect United have become an imposing force who can boast one of the best defensive record in 2011. So many teams look to implement a defensive or attacking mentality, rarely being able to succeed in both areas however, Prospect proved they could do both sublimely last year and many opposing teams will be wary of the fact in 2012.
After cementing a finals appearance in 2011, Caruso has had the luxury of minimal modification to an already strong squad in the off-season. ?We lost 3-4 players in total, mostly retirees and we have done our best to try and replace those,? Caruso said. ?Every coach wants to bring in new players to hopefully make an impact. We think we have made our squad a little more competitive but it?s always difficult to comment at this early stage.?
Caruso kept his cards close to his chest when it came to picking a winner for 2012. ?This year is quite difficult to predict since everyone is being tight lipped about their preparations,? he said. ?I would imagine the competition itself will be strong and just as close as last year with every team hitting their straps at certain points of the year.?
WEST CITY FC
New look West City FC (formally known as Choppin Park Rams/Polonia Football Club) with new head coach Danny Abboud at the reigns will be looking to reel in the competition and vie for a finals berth in 2012. After finishing a respectable 9th position in 2011, West City FC has been extremely active in the off-season in preparation for the new season ahead.
New West City FC head coach, Danny Abboud, has been involved in the game for many years and is vastly qualified with a current AFC/FFA A License [acquired in 2008]. Danny has made many contributions towards football over the years across various disciplines and is a welcome addition for the ambitious Western Sydney based club.
The wet weather in Western Sydney has disrupted many teams? preparations for the upcoming season including West City. ?We can?t get a rhythm happening at the moment, but we?re training with different alternatives but as you know it?s not as good as being on the park. I can imagine everyone being in the same boat as us,? Danny said.
Player development is core to Danny?s beliefs and he has already brought that to West City FC in 2012. ?We have a very young squad this year with 11 new players coming into the first team. Our under 20?s are very youthful with the average age being between 16-19 year olds and I have just signed two 15 year olds. At West City, I am trying to create a development pathway for our younger players to step up into first grade while also looking to create depth within the first grade squad.?
Danny is extremely excited and looking to install discipline amongst his young troops this year. Peter Ackers has been instilled as club captain for 2012, the veteran state league goalkeeper has plenty of experience and will provide leadership to the younger players. Brad Dickenson who played for the club last year has been resigned and is another name worth mentioning who will be looking to have a big year along with Mathew Pritchard.
When speaking about the teams to beat this season, Danny couldn?t see past Hakoah. ?It?s going to be a very tough competition with 3 or 4 teams attracting major sponsorships to support their campaign and vast recruitments for the 2012 season. I can?t pick anyone else but Hakoah, I feel as though they are gearing up to win the competition this year. But that doesn?t faze me, it?s on the day and it comes down to who is better prepared and wants it as bad.?
On West City?s chances of glory in 2012, Danny was positive and happy with how things are going so far. ?The support I am getting from the board is fantastic and the fact that we are a very young squad means we are very motivated and with our minds solely focused on our job. I think we will try to be competitive this year with such a young team,? he said. ?Having said that, it?s one of those competitions where you?re in it one day and out of it the next.?
WESTERN CONDORS FC
Barry Zambrano is the new coach of newly named Western Condors FC (formally Fairfield Wanderers FC). Having been in charge of the reserve grade squad for the past two years with impressive results [finishing second in 2010 and champions in 2011], Barry is excited to have been given the chance to put his stamp on his new squad and try to improve on the club?s 8th placed finish in 2011.
When I quizzed Barry about what the name change meant and why it came about, he explained. ?What we?re trying to do is broaden ourselves. We don?t want to limit ourselves to just the Fairfield area and even though we are a Latin based club we also didn?t want the name to restrict us as we are a family friendly club open to anyone.? The name change also comes in the first bout of changes with the ultimate goal of ensuring the clubs future with the introduction of youth league teams.
With wet and wild weather causing havoc for most of the NSW State League Two clubs during pre-season, Zambrano is the minority with no complaints so far and is relishing the opportunity that has been handed to him. ?Pre-season is good mate, I can?t complain. I am putting together a young team and its coming up good,? he said. With the return of 2011 captain Johnathon Hurtado and his brother Maecol Hurtado along with provincial goal scorer Elias Navarrete, Western Condors FC will look to be a powerful outfit once again.
Western Condors FC will have some new faces amongst their ranks for the new season in search of their 2010 form which saw them narrowly miss promotion.?We have probably turned over half the squad to freshen it up and give it some life back,? Zambrano said. ?We have a good mix. We have been able to combine our core level headed experienced players with fast youthful players which so far are producing a nice blend.?
Zambrano was liberal when it came to his own team?s chances this year. ?With this new squad it may take a while to mould because obviously it?s harder when you bring in young kids to the team, whereas last year we had aging players. We have released some of our older players and brought in new blood that may take a season or half a season to get going. I think from the outset we will be a very competitive team with the lack of experience being the only thing that may let us down in some games.?
Zambrano will be looking to consolidate a top half of the table finish in his first year in charge. ?My aim for this year is to be in the Top 6,? he said. ?I think Hakoah will be definitely amongst the top ones again with their quality pitch they have to play on and the quality players they have throughout their team. They?ll be a force to be reckoned with. Other than that it?s very tight. It will be a point here or there for every team.?
Round 1 State League Two Previews.
Hawkesbury City SC vs Bathurst 75
Saturday, 17 March 2012 @ 7-00pm at Bensons Lane Field
Hawkesbury City SC will host Bathurst 75 to open the season at Bensons Lane Field on Saturday night. Hawkesbury will be quietly confident of opening their account against a Bathurst side that has struggled on the road in recent times.
The general consensus is that Hawkesbury will be a difficult side to play at home in 2012. The Hawks will love nothing more than to put the wet pre-season behind them in hope their new youthful additions have had enough time to connect for their round 1 clash against Bathurst.
Bathurst have kept most of their squad together and will no doubt be keen to make amends early on with nothing to lose after a disappointing 2011 season.
With both teams winning their respective home fixtures last season, home advantage looks to be the key for City. However, football is a funny game and I?m sure both sides won?t be taking this fixture for granted.
Mountains United vs West City FC
Saturday, 17 March 2012 @ 7-00pm at Summerhayes Park
Mountains United welcomes West City FC to their home quarters for a 7pm kick off on Saturday night.
After some solid mid table finishes in recent years, Mountains United will be looking to achieve a top 5 finish. United will believe they are more than capable of a win at home against a new look West City FC outfit for their round one clash.
West City FC will of course have other ideas as they have made changes during the off-season to improve on a 9th place finish. With Danny Abboud at the helm, West City will be somewhat an unknown quantity for their opponents.
Mountains United were too strong for West City FC last season winning easily 3-0 at home, with both teams playing out a 1-1 stalemate at Choppin Park. Last year?s results mean nothing today and you get the feeling West City FC mean business in 2012 and will look to push United all the way at Summerhayes Park on Saturday night.
Prospect United vs Belmore United
Sunday, 18 March 2012 @ 5-00pm at William Lawson Reserve
Belmore United will travel to William Lawson Reserve for an unusual 5pm kick off on Sunday against a Prospect side tipped for finals football in 2012.
Prospect will be looking to find their 2011 form early on and, with limited player movements in the off-season, will expect nothing less than all 3 points at fortress William Lawson Reserve come Sunday afternoon.
Belmore with an almost brand new squad after a disappointing 2011 campaign will look to upset Prospect in what should be a fiery round one fixture.
Prospect had the stick over Belmore last season, claiming all 6 points and scoring 5 goals over both fixtures while not conceding at all. With the new season comes fresh optimism and you can bet Belmore won?t be looking at the form book as they prepare for a difficult round one task.
Luddenham United vs Nepean FC
Sunday, 18 March 2012 @ 3-00pm at Luddenham Oval
It doesn?t get any better than a round one cross-town derby on Sunday afternoon at Luddenham oval. When it comes to a local derby we all know the victor tends to be the team that wants it the most, regardless of form or who looks the best on paper which makes for a fascinating season opener.
Luddenham appear to have strengthened their squad in the off-season and will look to exhibit their title contentions early on by sweeping aside local rivals Nepean FC and seize all 3 points.
Nepean FC will be keen to get out of the blocks early in 2012 to make up on lost ground and will relish the underdog tag in anticipation of causing a round one upset.
Luddenham were too strong for Nepean FC in 2011 and were victorious in both meetings between the clubs last season. Nepean FC has regrouped during the off-season and will be looking for more consistent performances starting on Sunday.
Western Condors FC vs Hakoah
Sunday, 18 March 2012 @ 3-00pm at Knight Park Field No.4
New look Western Condors FC outfit host 2011 grand final winners Hakoah on Sunday, 3pm at Knight Park Field No. 4.
Western Condors FC will be looking to upset the competitions favourites and play their usual free flowing style of football under new coach Barry Zambrano, knowing they face the difficult task of un-mantling a side that scored for fun last year.
Hakoah will be expecting a tough game away at Knight Park but will look to last year?s most prolific goalscorer, Neil Jablonski and the momentum from last year?s grand final glory to see them push for an away win to get their title chase off to an early start.
The spoils were shared with one win a piece in 2011 and with both teams starting on level terms, it will come down to who wants it the most.
FC Gazy vs Hurstville City Minotaurs
Sunday, 18 March 2012 @ 3-00pm at Cherrybrook Park
FC Gazy welcome Hurtsville City for their round one clash at Cherrybrook Park at 3pm on Sunday.
FC Gazy will be look to bag all 3 points come Sunday afternoon. Gazy will be tested as they face a tricky round one assignment against a strong Minotaurs outfit.
Hurstville City Minotaurs will be expecting nothing other than the 3 points come Sunday. City will look to put last year?s disappointments behind them and carve out a victory against a new look and very much unknown FC Gazy outfit.
Hurstville struggled to make the top 5 last year but will be hoping to produce their 2011 form for this fixture as they grabbed all 6 points on offer between the two clubs last year.
-By Dean Southern
