State League Two Round 7 Preview

Prospect United vs West City FC
Saturday, 5 May 2012 @ 5-00pm at William Lawson Reserve
Prospect United play host to West City FC at William Lawson Reserve for a late Saturday afternoon to kick-off League Two round 7.
Prospect got their name back amongst the winners list in round 6 with a convincing win away at Bathurst with United striker Gus Orcajo scoring a brace. Prospect will fancy their chances against a West City outfit who conceded five goals against the competitions front-runners last weekend, as they go in search for back to back wins for the first time this season.
Hakoah snapped West City?s two game winning run with a relentless 5-1 trouncing to bring the Western Sydney side back down to earth. West City lacked grit and character against the champions in round 6, an area Danny Abboud will look to improve as City prepare for a difficult away fixture against the physical might of Prospect United.
Prospect and West City shared the spoils in 2011, and this dual looks like it will be another close one that could be decided by the odd goal.
Nepean FC vs Bathurst 75
Saturday, 5 May 2012 @ 7-00pm at Cook Park (St Marys)
Nepean FC welcomes Bathurst 75 to Cook Park (St Marys) for an intriguing Saturday night clash.
Nepean crashed to a 4-1 defeat away from home at the hands of Hawkesbury City in round 6 to now sit bottom of League Two ? as FC Gazy picked up their first win of the season against Western Condors FC. With many catch up games still up their sleeve, Nepean will hope to start their season revival against a Bathurst 75 side that is yet to pick up any points away from home.
Even though Bathurst sit on three wins, their form of late has seen them lose their last three games on the trot, conceding 12 goals and scoring just one. Bathurst 75?s fall from grace after starting their campaign with so much promise will be cause for concern for the experienced Mark Rooke as he faces a tricky assignment against a Nepean side due for a win.
Both sides shared the points on offer in 2011 and plenty of importance will be placed on this fixture as Malouf and Rooke try to mastermind an end to their sides? recent disappointing results.
Luddenham United vs FC Gazy
Sunday, 6 May 2012 @ 3-00pm at Luddenham Oval
Luddenham United return home as they look to bounce back against FC Gazy after losing 2-1 to a high-flying Hurstville City Minotaurs side in round 6.
Luddenham were down on personnel last round and will be hoping they can break their form slump against FC Gazy on Sunday afternoon. Chris Camilleri has made an immediate impact since arriving from Parramatta FC while United?s striking Lynchpin Huso Merdanovic will be up for the challenge against his old club.
FC Gazy battled for a tight 1-0 win against Western Condors last week and will carry confidence into round 7 as they face a miss-firing Luddenham United side.
Luddenham were victorious in the equivalent 2011 fixture while both sides were locked up 1-1 at Cherrybrook Park. Luddenham will look to recover from a glitch in form and will be expecting all three points in front of their home crowd, but don?t be surprised if this one goes down to the wire.
Western Condors vs Mountains United
Sunday, 6 May 2012 @ 3-00pm at Knight Park Field No. 4
Western Condors play host to Mountains United at Knight Park Field No. 4 for a Sunday afternoon kick-off.
Western Condors were pipped by FC Gazy in round 6 despite controlling the bulk of possession and will face a stern test come Sunday against a Mountains side showing no signs of slowing down.
Mountains United boast the best defensive record in League Two after keeping Belmore scoreless last week, while a flurry of goals shared amongst their strike force sees them keep pace with the early season League Two leading pack.
Mountains come away with an important 1-0 away win in the same fixture last season and will expect nothing less than 3 points to keep with up Hakoah, Hawkesbury and Hurstville.
Belmore United vs Hawkesbury City SC
Sunday, 6 May 2012 @ 3-00pm at Blick Oval
Belmore United returns to Blick Oval as they play host to League Two high-flyers Hawkesbury City on Sunday afternoon.
Belmore United succumbed to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Mountains United in round 6, and Walter Alvarez will have his work cut out as they host a merciless Hawkesbury side that are looking for their fifth straight win. Belmore have the outright worst League Two defensive record and will have to plug the gaps if they are to prevent another defeat come Sunday.
The hawks are thriving under Bertenshaw, winning their last four games to now sit equal second with Hurstville City. Paul Cooper has shown a keen eye for goal, knocking away seven goals in only five games while the hawks continue to gain momentum leading into the mid-point of the season.
Hawkesbury got the better of Belmore last year as they picked up 4 points over both fixtures and the way the Hawks are running over teams at the moment, it?s hard to see a reverse in Belmore?s fortunes this weekend.
Hakoah vs Hurstville City Minotaurs
Sunday, 6 May 2012 @ 7-00pm at Hensley Athletic Field
Hakoah welcome the in-form Hurstville City Minotaurs to Hensley Athletic Field for a Sunday night top of the table clash.
Hakoah mean business in 2012. The 2011 grand final winners have taken League Two by the scruff of the neck, winning six games from as many starts. Neil Jablonski has pulled the strings in midfield this season while the likes of Jamie Watt, Justin Kosmina and Eran Rimmer have all been ruthless in front of goal.
Hurstville City Minotaurs will be plotting to upset the competitions run away leaders and will have plenty of confidence leading into Sunday night?s blockbuster having not lost since their opening fixture to Mountains United. Haisam Morhi will be one to look out for come Sunday after notching up some important goals in previous weeks to keep City abreast with Hawkesbury and Mountains in the chasing pack.
Hakoah were too strong for Hurstville in 2011, winning both fixtures and one would be silly to predict anything but a Hakoah win as they look set to continue their dazzling undefeated form.
Round 6 Result
First Grade: FC Gazy 1 Western Condors 0
Reserve Grade: FC Gazy 3 Western Condors 3
-By Dean Southern