State League One Round Nine Preview

As we approach Round 9 of the 2013 State League One competition, there is one team out in front whilst a mere three points separates positions 2 and 8 on the ladder!
Only the Balmain Tigers remain undefeated and in outright first position, but the quagmire beneath them reflects the relatively even quality of the teams this season, endorsing somewhat  the numerous changes over the summer in terms of new clubs to SL1.
A 5-00pm kick off on Saturday awaits the battle between Prospect United and Hakoah Sydney City East, both sides with contrasting fortunes of late.
Prospect won two of their first three matches of the season, but have been unable to pick up another victory since, and as a result have stumbled back to 9^th spot on the ladder.
On the bright side, the congestion above them means they are within striking distance of the top half of the competition, so will look to skipper, Gustavo Orcajo, to inspire his troops to a triumph in front of their home fans and close those gaps.
Hakoah Sydney City East have been hot and cold this season, with four wins and four losses from their eight matches. But they have hit a purple patch with two wins in their last two games, without conceding a goal, forcing their way into 5^th position as a result, so they’ll look to take something home and maintain their spot at the very least.
Nepean FC copped a spanking at Bensons Lane last weekend, and will have to sort themselves out quick smart if they are to contain a Northbridge FC side that is riding a wave of momentum.
A series of difficult matches for Adam Malouf’s Nepean – all of which produced solid performances and positive outcomes – may have taken it’s toll on his team last weekend, but they have too much structure and focus to allow a repeat performance.
Northbridge FC have not only scored ten goals in their past two matches, but the goals have been shared amongst a host of players as Joe Hayward’s side starts to flex it’s very capable muscles as it moves ominously up the table.
Hawkesbury City bounced back to form last week in front of their home fans, but they will have their work cut out to repeat that effort when they travel to Mudgee to take on the Western NSW Mariners.
The Mariners have become a force at home, and coupled with a disappointing showing in their last outing, will no doubt be up for an improved effort once coach, Andrew Fearnley, finishes his team’s preparations for the week.
The Hawks have jumped into 4^th spot on the ladder courtesy of their 4-0 win last week, and will look to the likes of Evan Daglis and Paul Cooper to continue to feed their forwards in order to take something home from the long trek out west.
Wally Savor’s Dulwich Hill started the season like the proverbial house on fire, scoring goals at will as they swept all before them. But the goals have dried up in their last two outings, both losses, and they have now fallen back to the rest of the field as the gap they created has been swallowed up.
Despite this, Dully still boast the best attack and best defence in the league, so Inter Lions will write them off at their own peril on Sunday at Arlington.
The Lions came unstuck in a tense encounter last Sunday night against Balmain, and also have a midweek clash against Gladesville Ryde Magic to endure before this game against Dully, so expect Matteo Maiorana to possibly rotate his squad somewhat to try and maximize the team’s outcomes and continue their ascent up the ladder.
Gladesville Ryde Magic had a confidence boosting 1-0 victory over Dulwich Hill last Sunday – confidence boosting in the fact it was their first win since the opening day of the season, plus also the fact that the side kept a clean sheet for the first time since Round 2, against the league’s top goalscorers, no less!
Sunday afternoon they travel to bottom placed Camden Tigers, and it’ll be a brave man to tip against the Magic recording their second win in succession at Ron Dine Reserve.
Magdala Park will host an interesting clash on Sunday afternoon between Balmain Tigers and Granville Rage.
After a summer clean out of sorts, and with the pundits tipping a season of consolidation, the Balmain Tigers have swept all before them, and with five victories, two draws and no defeats, have been a revelation in State League 1 in 2013.
Stalwart skipper, Tommy Hyde, leads by example as he marshalls his defence, whilst the Tigers attack opposition sides from all angles, with Rosario Occhipinti, Joel Cook, and Will Donato all dangerous in the front third. If you throw in the fact the Di Mento brothers are starting to find their feet since their recent transfer, you can see why the Joe Di Giulio’s Tigers are very optimistic about continuing their positive run.
Granville Rage on the other hand have steadily gone about their business, and two wins in their last two matches sees them climb into the top half of the ladder, just two points from second spot.
The blend of the experienced David Harding and youthful Calum Hedge in the centre of the park works a treat when the Rage are in possession, whilst Daniel Martinez and Leon Pirrello give the side flair on the flanks. Throw in young Zac Watters as a speedy goal poacher on the end of the team’s many attacking forays, and you can see why this match could be a potential banana skin for the league leaders.
The details of all scheduled matches can be found in the State League one section of the Football NSW website.
State League One – Top Goalscorers
Round Eight
In form Balmain Tigers striker, Rosario Occhipinti, grabbed a brace in last weekend’s victory over Inter Lions to join Dully’s Carlos Villazon at the top of the scorers charts with six goals. Scott Tonkin (Glades Ryde Magic) and Terry Pannowitz (Nepean FC) are a goal behind on five, and nine players are a further goal behind with four for the season thus far.

6      : Carlos VILLAZON (Dulwich Hill), Rosario OCCHIPINTI (Balmain Tigers)

5    : Scott TONKIN (Glades Ryde Magic), Terry PANNOWITZ (Nepean FC)

-By Frank Speranza