IGA NPL NSW Grade 20s Round 11 Preview
A full Round 11 of the IGA National Premier Leagues NSW Grade 20s takes place over Saturday and Sunday.
With the table so tight, any of these matches could be highlighted as important, but the farewell to the old Lambert Park also takes on historical significance, as APIA Leichhardt Tigers host Sydney Olympic FC.
SATURDAY
Central Coast Mariners Academy vs South Coast Wolves, 4.30pm at Pluim Park
CCM Academy came back to life with a strong win on the weekend, their fifth of the season. As a result they are marooned in mid table, equal on points with fifth placed Blacktown Spartans but only two points clear of tenth placed Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
South Coast Wolves are in eleventh on eight points and are in danger of being cast adrift from the main pack, if they don’t get at least a point here.
Manly United FC vs Blacktown City FC, 5pm at Cromer Park
Manly United FC have had a mixed season, with some thumping wins and some crushing defeats mixed in with four draws. Nick Tomaino’s side have undoubted potential though and after making the Grand Final last season, they look to have another promising crop of players.
Blacktown City sit just a point ahead and like Manly United, look to have a talented young squad. David O’Keefe’s side has improved steadily after rough beginnings and they will be looking to make an impact on the competition, starting at Cromer Park on Saturday.
Sutherland Sharks vs Rockdale City Suns, 5pm at Seymour Shaw Park
Rockdale City Suns sit on top of the table despite going down last weekend. On 18 points, they are one clear of Marconi Stallions and another one point clear of Sydney United 58 FC.
Another slip up could change things at the table’s summit and Sutherland Sharks are poised to strike, sitting on 14 points and well and truly in the mix.
SUNDAY
APIA Leichhardt Tigers vs Sydney Olympic FC, 1pm at Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt host Sydney Olympic in the final ever game at the old Lambert Park.
APIA are in fourth on 16 points and are coming off a good win in Wollongong last weekend. Sydney Olympic meanwhile, have been the competition’s strugglers for the second season in a row and they sit rock bottom, with just six points.
The playing surface at Lambert Park could be a leveller though, but APIA will be strong favourites to send Lambert Park out in style.
Marconi Stallions vs Bonnyrigg White Eagles, 1pm at Marconi Stadium
Marconi Stallions have been an impressive force this season and they are poised to take advantage of any slip up at the top of the table by Rockdale City.
Pat Marando’s team have played some thrilling attacking football so far this season and are sitting in second place.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles are tenth, but on 13 points they are well and truly in touch with the top five and indeed the top of the table. It will be a big test for them, however, at Marconi Stadium.
Sydney United 58 FC vs Blacktown Spartans, 10am at Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 FC and Blacktown Spartans are separated by just a point heading into this Sunday morning clash at Edensor Park.
Sydney United 58 have lost just once this season and are in third place.
Spartans have won five and lost five, scored 23 and conceded 22, an indication of their overall inconsistency, but they are a tough side to play on any day and they will push Sydney United 58 all the way here.
– by Matthew Connellan
