SUPA IGA NPL NSW Mens 2 Round 15 Preview

All going well, there will be some football action this weekend, after last’s week’s virtual wipeout.
There looks plenty of interesting matchups too, a shame that so many clash, with the results from every game looking decidedly uncertain.
Spirit FC v Macarthur Rams Saturday 7pm, Christie Park, Marsfield
The new league leaders have the difficult task of meeting Spirit FC away this Saturday as they look to consolidate their hold on the number one position. The Rams took over the top spot for the first time last weekend and while other clubs still have games to catch up, Macarthur are in the enviable position of letting others do the chasing. The Rams are the only team to have played all their scheduled matches and they won’t be interrupted by midweek fixtures, at least not yet.
Spirit, on the other hand, are amongst three clubs who have played the least. The opportunity is there for a rise up the table and with two home games in four days, this could be the chance. They are not too far away from making an impression, in a packed mid table, but will really need the six points from their next two. They defeated the Rams at Lynwood Park so they have the opportunity to be the first club to do the double over Macarthur this season.
Fraser Park v Bankstown Berries Saturday, 7pm, Fraser Park, Sydenham
Fraser Park need a return to their form of just a few weeks ago when they meet Bankstown Berries this Saturday night. They have slipped down to seventh now after working themselves up to fifth just a couple of rounds ago. They will prefer to ignore the 0-4 loss to Northern Tigers and concentrate instead on how they overcame Macarthur Rams a week before that. Fraser Park is not the easiest place to get a win and the Berries will need to be on their guard.
It was a 1-1 draw at The Crest back in round four, one of the Berries’ many draws this season. They have won five games so far, as has Fraser Park, and both will be seeking the three points here, another draw will not suit either.
Sydney University v Bankstown City Saturday, 7pm, Hensley Field, Pagewood
Here is yet another chance for Sydney University to get a win. With just two victories this season, they are quickly running out of time, especially with just three more home games to play after this, of their remaining eight. With Mount Druitt Town Rangers creeping within reach, University are in danger of finishing bottom, so there is little time to lose. They may fancy their chances against Bankstown City, after taking away a 3-3 draw at Jensen Park earlier in the year. That result was somewhat of a surprise but the same couldn’t be said if a similar result occurred now, the number of goals notwithstanding.
Bankstown City just haven’t clicked enough times this season and they have yet to pose a serious threat to the topliners. The Lions were one of the preseason favourites and while they started well, they seemed to drop off relatively early in the piece. With just four wins, and a minus six goal difference, it is in stark contrast to their 2012 form. You can never underestimate them though, and they should be in the mix right to the end.
Mount Druitt Town Rangers v St George Saturday, 7pm, Popondetta Park, Emerton
This has the potential to cause St George some heartache if they are not careful. Mount Druitt Town Rangers have picked up four points from their past two games, the same amount of points they earned in their previous eleven. It is still too early to call that a turnaround to their season, but with both those recent games away from home, Rangers will certainly have gained some confidence. They were hammered 6-1 by St George earlier in the year too and so pride will also come into play.
The Saints lost the league lead last weekend when they were out of action, and will be keen to regain that mantle. With cup commitments now gone by the wayside, the schedule will reduce somewhat allowing some respite from their heavy recent action. With boosts to the squad on the horizon, St George will be looking to finish off the final third of the season, as they started.
Hills Brumbies v Northern Tigers, Sunday 3pm, Blacktown International Sports Park, Doonside
If Hills Brumbies play their cards right, they could conceivably climb the table at a rapid rate over the last ten games of the season. They have seven of their remaining fixtures at home which for most clubs would be a boon draw. But unfortunately for Hills, they have a disastrous home record which they need to overcome. After going winless at Doonside last season, they broke that unwanted record in their first home game in this, defeating Parramatta. But three further losses show that the Blacktown International Sports Park is certainly not their favoured venue. Hills are not out of a finals shout yet, and should they turn around that home form, anything could happen.
Hills also travel to Spirit next Tuesday evening so it will be a very important three days.
Northern Tigers now appear threatening though, and will be a very tough contest. With a game in hand on those above them, the four point gap from third could be closed very quickly. Still without a draw this season, the Tigers have won six and lost six so far, but a stronger second half of the season seems likely.  
Parramatta FC v Mounties Wanderers Sunday 3pm, Melita Stadium, South Granville
This one is vitally important for both clubs but particularly for Parramatta. A win will see the Eagles get to within a point of Mounties, the closest they would have been all season, but a loss will see a seven point gap open up, not the sort of leeway you want to recoup as the season starts to heat up. Parramatta have worked hard to move within the five and they won’t be giving that well earned position up in a hurry. With so many teams vying for position, no side can afford to slip up, this will be a critical encounter.
Mounties Wanderers will be looking up rather than down as they try to improve on their current fourth spot. They hold hopes of the title and are only five points off Macarthur with a game in hand over the Rams. They need the three points here but Melita is a difficult place to get the win, only Fraser Park have come away with the three points this season.
-By Peter Rowney