IGA NPL NSW Grade 20s Round 14 Preview
There is a mouth-watering encounter at Marconi Stadium this weekend, as Marconi Stallions play Rockdale City Suns in the Match of the Round.
The rest of the table is so close that the right combination of results could almost turn it upside down, making every single point vital in the race for top spot and the top five as the second half of the season really kicks into gear.
MATCH OF THE ROUND
Marconi Stallions vs Rockdale City Suns, 1pm Sunday at Marconi Stadium
Third placed Marconi Stallions host top of the table Rockdale City Suns in this weekend’s match of the round.
Though Marconi are seven points adrift of Rockdale City, they have a game in hand and a win would bring them striking distance of the visiting side.
Marconi were upset by Manly United last weekend and Rockdale City took full advantage, smashing Sydney United 58 FC 5-0 to kick clear at the summit of the table.
ROUND 14 PREVIEW
SATURDAY
Central Coast Mariners Academy vs Bonnyrigg White Eagles, 4.30pm at Pluim Park
With just six points separating sixth and bottom of the table, both CCM Academy and Bonnyrigg White Eagles will be looking to get a serious leg up this weekend, in the race for the top five.
These sides are separated by only two points, though CCM Academy have a game in hand. A win at home for them would be a huge boost in their attempts to make the semi finals in their first season, whilst another loss for Bonnyrigg could put them in a spot of trouble for the run home.
Blacktown Spartans vs Manly United FC, 5pm at Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans are an erstwhile presence in and around the top five and they currently sit fifth with a game in hand on Manly United, who are above Spartans on goal difference, and on Sutherland Sharks, who are in sixth.
Manly though, beat Marconi Stallions at home last weekend have proven themselves to be highly capable and they are within sight of the top two.
Sutherland Sharks vs APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 5pm at Seymour Shaw Park
Sixth place Sutherland Sharks have motored along steadily this season and are well and truly in the mix as the second half of the season begins to play out.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers have quietly made their way up to second place and will be looking to maintain their run with the remainder of their matches away from home.
SUNDAY
Blacktown City FC vs Sydney Olympic FC, 1pm at Lily Homes Stadium
Blacktown City FC went down to South Coast Wolves last weekend and will be looking to make amends against bottom of the table Sydney Olympic FC.
It was a defeat that dropped Blacktown City to eighth position, but still only two points adrift of the top five.
Sydney Olympic FC are still within sight but need a big run in the second half of the season if they are to make the finals.
Sydney United 58 FC vs South Coast Wolves, 1pm at Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 FC was licking their wounds after getting pumped by a clinical Rockdale City Suns last weekend. The defeat leaves them in seventh place after sitting third just a fortnight ago.
Such is the nature of the league table, South Coast Wolves could leapfrog their weekend opponents with a win and their confidence will be high after turning over Blacktown City FC last weekend.
– by Matthew Connellan
