IGA NPL NSW Grade 20 Round 13 Preview

With clear weather ahead, a full round of the IGA NPL Grade 20s competition will go ahead this weekend.
In the Match of the Round, top of the table Rockdale City host fourth placed Sydney United 58 FC in what will be a cracker of a match at Ilinden Sports Centre.
MATCH OF THE ROUND

Rockdale City Suns vs Sydney United 58 FC, 1pm Sunday at Ilinden Sports Centre 

Top of the table Rockdale City Suns are in great form this season and have emerged from the opening half of the season as the team to beat in this seasons competition.
They are four points clear of second place Marconi Stallions, who have a game in hand, and seven points clear of their weekend opponents, Sydney United 58 FC, who also have a game in hand. 
Sydney United 58 FC lost to Manly United in last weekend’s Match of the Round but have proven themselves so far to be an enterprising outfit. Both of these sides will be in the mix when the whips are cracking and this match is a huge test for both.
ROUND 13 PREVIEW

SATURDAY

Central Coast Mariners Academy vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 4.30pm at Pluim Park

Mid-table CCM Academy host third placed APIA Leichhardt Tigers on Saturday afternoon at Pluim Park.
The Mariners are only a few points away from the top five and their ship has steadied after a recent slump.
APIA Leichhardt meanwhile, are the dark horse of this season’s competition and they have quietly made their way into the upper echelons of the table. They are just a point shy of second placed Marconi and will be gunning for the top of the table as the second half of the season kicks into gear.
Blacktown Spartans FC vs Bonnyrigg White Eagles, 5pm at Blacktown Football Park

Blacktown Spartans are sitting in the mid table cluster heading into their weekend clash with Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Spartans, sitting seventh, are within striking range of third placed APIA, as they have a game in hand.
Bonnyrigg though, could lose touch with the top five if they don’t take at least a point here. They are only a point clear of cellar dwellars South Coast Wolves and Sydney Olympic and they badly need a win here.
South Coast Wolves vs Blacktown City FC, 5pm at Hooka Creek Park

South Coast Wolves have shown great improvement in recent weeks and will be hoping to continue that improvement against Blacktown City FC on Saturday evening.
Such is the congested nature of the table, South Coast (and Sydney Olympic FC) still hold hopes of making the top five. 
Blacktown City are currently occupying fifth position and on their day can be one of the best teams in the competition. This match is a big test of both sides credentials. 
SUNDAY

Sydney Olympic FC vs Sutherland Sharks, 1pm at Belmore Sports Ground 

Like South Coast, Sydney Olympic FC are equal bottom of the table on 12 points, but they are a manageable distance from the top five. 
Any defeat leaves them in danger of being cast adrift at the bottom of the table, depending on other results. 
Sutherland Sharks have endured a mixed first half of the season and are currently eighth in the league. They will be looking for a win that would give them a confidence boost heading into the second half of the season.
Manly United FC vs Marconi Stallions, 1pm at Cromer Park

Manly United FC was hugely impressive last weekend, defeating Sydney United 58 FC at Edensor Park.
In Tommy Morrisey, they have one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition and at home they are a formidable opponent.
They will be hugely tested by second placed Marconi Stallions, who will be fresh after their weekend wash out. Stallions are a genuine chance of winning the Premiership and will look to start that march to the top at Cromer Park on Sunday.
– By Matthew Connellan