IGA NPL NSW Grade 20s Rescheduled Round Preview
With the fine weather and a free weekend due to the Waratah Cup Final, there is a window of opportunity to make up some of the matches lost to the inclement weather.
Central Coast Mariners Academy have drawn the short straw, as they are playing on Saturday night and backing up again on Sunday afternoon.
SATURDAY
Rd 6: Central Coast Mariners Academy vs Sydney United 58 FC, 1pm at Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners and Sydney United 58 FC have been seemingly destined never to meet, but they will finally play their Round 6 match on Saturday afternoon.
At the time of their original clash, both sides were towards the very top of the league, but times have changed and although the Mariners remain in the mix, their form has been erratic.
Sydney United 58 started like a house on fire, but their form has wavered since and they went down 3-0 to APIA Leichhardt Tigers at home on the weekend. A win is imperative for them if they want to get their season back on track, but for the Mariners Academy, a solid place in the top five beckons.
Rd 15: Rockdale City Suns vs Blacktown Spartans, 5pm at Ilinden Sports Centre
Rockdale City Suns are on top of the table and are the team to chase. They were excellent in defeating Manly United FC 3-0 at Cromer Park last weekend and are coming in to this match in some serious form.
Blacktown Spartans were humbled at home by South Coast Wolves on the weekend, a surprise 3-0 defeat leaving them with work to do.
They, like most of the competition, are well in the hunt for the top five, but they will be hoping to gain a point or two at Ilinden Sports Centre to break clear of the lower part of the table.
SUNDAY
Rd 16: Blacktown City FC vs Central Coast Mariners Academy, 4pm at Lily Homes Stadium
Blacktown City FC’s match with the Mariners Academy was washed out last weekend and will take place on Sunday afternoon.
The Mariners Academy will hope to take three points from their clash on Saturday with Sydney United 58, into this match at Lily Homes Stadium.
Blacktown City have been steadily improving after a slow start to the season and at home they will certainly be a stern test for the Mariners Academy, even moreso given that they are playing on consecutive days.
– By Matthew Connellan
