NSW Premier League Preliminary Finals Preview
Marconi Stallions v Blacktown City FC, Saturday 22nd of September, 6:00 pm Marconi Stadium
Last Week:
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 Marconi Stallions 0
Sydney Olympic 0 Blacktown City FC 1
A blockbuster clash awaits us on Saturday evening as Marconi Stallions and Blacktown City FC faceoff in Bossley Park for a grand-final shot against Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Both sides have been in tremendous form in the run home to the end of the regular season, and both sides have performed very well thus far in the finals series to be within one match of the showcase final.
Marconi Stallions enter this encounter with the bonus of hosting the Preliminary Final, an advantage that coach Luke Casserly will be looking to make the very most of.
The Stallions played a brilliant second-half to defeat Sydney Olympic a fortnight ago and even though the side went down last weekend in the Major semi-final against Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Marconi pressed until the final whistle, going within a whisker of forcing the newly crowned Premiers into extra-time.
Casserly will be looking at the in-form Joey Gibbs to continue his fabulous performances, meanwhile the likes of Nathan Elasi, Sean O?Connell and the ever reliable Nahuel Arrarte have been of the very highest order.
Defensively the Stallions have been sharp, with goalkeeper James Chronopoulos in exceptional form since returning from his foot injury.
Standing in the Stallions way of a grand-final berth, and a second shot at Bonnyrigg White Eagles, will be Blacktown City FC. The 2010 champions have ridden a bumpy ride this season with some mixed results, however the side?s run over the past two months has been near perfect.
Blacktown City has scored the scalps of both South Coast Wolves and Sydney Olympic in the finals series, both wins coming away from home with only one goal conceded in the process, ensuring confidence is high ahead of the Saturday night encounter.
Captain Luke Roodenburg continues to impress in his new found role in the backline alongside the equally notable Zac Cairncross. Blacktown?s engine room has been driven by Travis Major and Matt Lewis on the two flanks, with James Monie coming of age in recent weeks with some very selfless performances where the number 10 has run his socks off for his team.
Japanese imports Ryuji Miyazawa and Yuchi Yamauchi have been the finds of the season for the club in 2012, and both players will be needed at their best if Blacktown City is going to make it three-from-three wins to secure a spot in this season?s grand-final.
-By Joseph Carlucci
