IGA NPL NSW Grade 20s Round 9 Preview
Round 9 of the IGA NPL NSW Grade 20s competition takes place this weekend, with the obvious attraction being the Match of the Round between Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Sydney United 58 FC.
In other fixtures, APIA Leichhardt Tigers’s home game against Rockdale City will be the last game at the old Lambert Park, before it’s long awaited redevelopment.
MATCH OF THE ROUND
Bonnyrigg White Eagles vs Sydney United 58 FC, 10am Sunday at Bonnyrigg Sports Centre
Bonnyrigg White Eagles host their great rivals, Sydney United 58 FC on Sunday morning, in this week’s Grade 20s Match of the Round.
Bonnyrigg’s inconsistent start to the season sees them marooned in mid table, but such is the closeness of the competition, they are just two points adrift of fourth placed Sydney United 58.
The visiting side have had a decent start to the season, showing flashes of the passing football that they are trying to play. Against a Bonnyrigg side full of heart and determination, it will be a fascinating clash between two traditional rivals.
ROUND 9 PREVIEW
SATURDAY
Central Coast Mariners Academy vs Manly United FC, 4.30pm at Pluim Park
CCM Academy have had a rough fortnight, copping two heavy defeats in succession.
They host Manly United FC, whose recent resurgence was halted on the weekend by APIA Leichhardt who scored a late equaliser despite playing without a proper goalkeeper for most of the second half.
CCM Academy will be hoping to get themselves back into gear, but Manly United have recently proven to be a tough side to beat.
Blacktown City FC vs Marconi Stallions, 5pm at Lily Homes Stadium
Blacktown City FC were outstanding in their defeat of Sydney United 58 FC last weekend and will be looking to continue their positive progress against high flying Marconi Stallions.
Marconi have been fantastic so far though and sit second and with an average of nearly three goals scored per game, they will be a tough assignment for the home side.
Sutherland Sharks FC vs Blacktown Spartans, 5pm at Seymour Shaw Park
Sutherland Sharks are two points outside the top five and a win at home to Blacktown Spartans would shoot them right into the mix.
Blacktown Spartans are coming off a 5-0 win against CCM Academy last weekend and have proven a dangerous side, especially with the attacking prowess of Reid Taylor in their armoury.
Sutherland’s miserly defence will prove a stern test for Spartans away from home on Saturday night.
SUNDAY
Sydney Olympic FC vs South Coast Wolves, 1pm at Belmore Sports Ground
Second last host last on Sunday afternoon at Belmore Sports Ground.
Although both sides have struggled to get points on the board this season, they can’t be accused of not trying to play good football.
With both sides trying to play the right way, this game is an opportunity for either side to really get their season going.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs Rockdale City Suns, 1pm at Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt showed some serious spirit on the weekend, stealing a late draw against Manly United despite having an outfield player in goal for most of the second half.
They have proven to be a solid side this term, but they face a huge test against Rockdale City.
In the last ever game at the old Lambert Park, Rockdale City arrive as a top of the table outfit and with a two point buffer over Marconi, but they will be pushed all the way by APIA.
– By Matthew Connellan