IGA NPL Grade 20’s Round 2 Preview
Round 2 of the IGA NSW National Premier Leagues Grade 20s will kick off this weekend with a number of enticing clashes on the menu.
The teams will be looking to hit their straps after a first round that few up a few surprises and given the nature of the Grade 20s competition, any competitions points that can be snared at this stage will be invaluable down the track.
SATURDAY
Blacktown City FC vs South Coast Wolves, 1.30pm at Lily Homes Stadium
Blacktown City will be looking to bounce back after going down 2-1 to Rockdale City Suns in a tough away fixture in Round 1, by beating South Coast Wolves at home on Saturday afternoon.
Wolves did well to hold Sutherland Sharks to a 0-0 draw at home in Round 1 and will fancy that they can get a result at Lily Homes Stadium in an earlier than usual kick off in Seven Hills.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles vs Blacktown Spartans FC, 5pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg White Eagles will take great heart from the courage and determination that they showed in their Round 1 defeat at APIA Leichhardt Tigers. Despite being reduced to 9 men, Paul De Lucca’s side were very tough to beat.
If they keep their starting side on the park, they will pose problems for Blacktown Spartans, who were touched up by Marconi Stallions last week. After a decent start, Stallions stretched their legs in the second half, running away 5-2 winners.
Early indications are that these sides will be quite evenly matched, making for a intriguing encounter at Bonnyrigg on Saturday evening.
Sutherland Sharks vs Sydney Olympic, 5pm at Seymour Shaw Park
Last season’s Double winners Sutherland Sharks will again be amongst the favourites, but they drew a blank in Round 1 against South Coast Wolves.
By contrast, Sydney Olympic were upset 1-0 by Central Coast Mariners Academy and they will be looking to bounce back against Sharks, in a match that will provide a real yardstick by which to measure the progress of both sides.
SUNDAY
APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Central Coast Mariners Academy, 1pm at Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt Tigers were impressive in putting 9 man Bonnyrigg to the sword last weekend and will hope to take advantage of the run of home games that they have to start the season.
Central Coast Mariners Academy marked their IGA NSW NPL debut with a fantastic 1-0 win against Sydney Olympic and will look to continue where they left off at Lambert Park on Sunday afternoon.
Marconi Stallions FC vs Manly United FC, 1pm at Marconi Stadium
Marconi Stallions were the most impressive side in Round 1, putting five past Blacktown Spartans after going 1-0 down.
Their attacking arsenal will be tested by the fiery competitiveness of Manly United, who put in a stirring comeback to come from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Sydney United 58 last weekend.
Marconi will be threatening, but Manly United aren’t the type of side to roll over.
Sydney United 58 FC vs Rockdale City Suns, 5pm at Jensen Park
Sydney United 58 FC will be hoping to put the memories of the weekend behind them and show the game sense to hold on to a lead should they find one in this match at Jensen Park.
Rockdale City Suns were strong 2-1 winners over Blacktown City at home in Round 1 and their fresh, youthful squad could be one of the surprise packets of the season, though this game will represent a strong test of their credentials.
– by Matthew Connellan