IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Round 17 Preview
The heat is on in Round 17 as we move another step closer to the end of the regular season.
Intriguing encounters between Sutherland Sharks and Blacktown City FC – and Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Rockdale City Suns – will go a long way in further establishing the top spots, meanwhile Sydney United 58 FC will be aiming to snap at any potential slip-up by the top-two.
At the bottom end of the ladder, APIA-Leichhardt, South Coast Wolves and Central Coast Mariners will be after wins in an attempt to move off the bottom positions.
South Coast Wolves v Manly United FC, Saturday 13th of July, 2013, 7:00 pm John Crehan Park
Last Week:
Neither side involved in matches due to Waratah Cup Final
Both sides enter this encounter full of energy following the weekend off due to the Waratah Cup Final last weekend.
The clash on the South Coast poses both sides with a massive opportunity to signal their respective intent as a win for the Northern Beaches side would open up an eight-point gap over the Wolves – moving it further away from the bottom of the table – meanwhile, a win for the Wolves will keep Richard Lloyd’s men within distance of ninth-spot.
Manly United collected a disappointing result in its last outing at home against Rockdale City, and the side will be eager to bounce back with a win.
Brendan Cholakian’s speed and ability on the ball will be vital to the side’s chances, as captain Matt Sim and Colin Iley will be needed, in top form, if the side is to return home with maximum points.
The Wolves camp appears to be hitting its straps in the run home to the end of the season with some good results. The loss at Blacktown Spartans was perhaps a little harsh for the side that played so very well for large spells. Captain Jacob Timpano has really lifted his form over the second part of the season as has influential striker Ricky Zucco – the latter a massive key to the Wolves chances of finishing the season as far away from the bottom of the ladder as possible.
Sutherland Sharks v Blacktown City FC, Saturday 13th of July, 7:00 pm Seymour Shaw Park
Last Week:
Sutherland Sharks 0 APIA-Leichhardt Tigers 3 (Waratah Cup Final)
Blacktown City FC not involved in matches due to Waratah Cup Final
One of the picks of the Round pits top of the table Sutherland Sharks against Blacktown City FC on Saturday evening, with the match expected to be a thriller.
These two sides turned it on earlier on in the season – Round 6 – where Blacktown City FC saw an early 3-0 lead overturned in what was a tremendous Sharks fight back to win 4-3. That match will not only be remembered for the amazing turn of events, though also for the fabulous match winning goal netted by Nicholas Olsen midway through the second-half.
This weekend’s encounter will be a big test for the Sharks, who sit four points clear at the top of the ladder, though will need to bounce back from last weekend’s surprise loss in the Waratah Cup Final.
Robbie Stanton’s men were uncharacteristically ‘flat’ against the Tigers, though the performances to-date do suggest that the side does not go two matches performing under par.
The side will need to contend with the likes of Sean Rooney and Harris Gaitatzis, two players that pose a continuous threat to all opposing defences in the competition, though home ground advantage should play a part for the Sharks.
Panni Nikas, who was visibly disappointed following the Cup loss, will again look to weave his magic for the home side meanwhile the pace and skill of Travis Major, for Blacktown City, will need to be managed very carefully by the home side.
With a vast array of talent across the park, and both sides looking to consolidate their respective positions on the table, action aplenty can be expected on Saturday evening.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Rockdale City Suns, Saturday 13th of July, 7:00 pm Bonnyrigg Sports Ground
Last Week:
Bonnyrigg White Eagles not involved in matches due to Waratah Cup Final
Rockdale City Suns 1 Blacktown Spartans 0
In the Round 17 Match of the Round, Bonnyrigg White Eagles will be out for blood on Saturday evening when it hosts Rockdale City Suns with the side eager to bounce back from the heavy loss at Sutherland Sharks in its most recent outing.
Bonnyrigg too is seething after losing its hold on top-spot, and Brian Brown’s men will be very keen to return to form, by handing the Suns a hiding, on Saturday evening.
The White Eagles, who eliminated the Suns in the Waratah Cup quarter-final, have a formidable playing roster, one that is expected to make a return to winning ways this weekend.
Coach Brian Brown will be expected to field Robbie Younis from the opening minute with the likes of Mitchell Long and Adrian Ucchino playing rather well out of midfield.
The Suns will enter the clash as the underdog, though do not expect Branko Culina to settle for anything less than maximum points.
Rockdale City created enough chances to win three matches, comfortably, in the re-scheduled clash against Blacktown Spartans last weekend, though some wayward finishing left the supporters a little nervy until the final whistle.
With Richard Cardozo in the side, and constantly proving his amazing goal scoring ability, the match is the perfect scenario for the number 10 to further strengthen his claims for an A-League contract.
Both sides play an attractive passing game, and it will be the first side to settle in the middle of the park to get on top of this encounter.
Sydney United 58 FC v Central Coast Mariners Academy, Sunday 14th of July, 2013, 3:00 pm Sydney United Sports Centre
Last Week:
Central Coast Mariners Academy 2 Sydney United 58 FC
These two sides meet for the second time in seven days when the Reds host the Mariners at Sydney United Sports Centre. Sydney United 58 FC has re-found its winning form at the right time of the campaign, with the side making a real go for the top-two places on the ladder.
The Reds scored an impressive 4-2 at Pluim Park last weekend against the Mariners – the Round 6 encounter that was washed out back in April.
The Mariners have proven its ability to make life difficult for its more fancied rivals, though an inconsistent 10’-15’ minutes in most matches have this season proven the side’s undoing.
Mark Jones’ men return to the venue where they scored a shock win over Blacktown City, recently. The side will be hoping to continue that run on the newly laid artificial surface against the Reds, in what would certainly be the shock of the season should the side pull off such a result.
In all fairness however, Mark Rudan’s men start this encounter as overwhelming favourites.
Marconi Stallions v APIA-Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 14th of July, 3:00 pm Marconi Stadium
Last Week:
Marconi Stallions not involved in matches due to Waratah Cup Final
Sutherland Sharks 0 APIA-Leichhardt Tigers 3
The newly crowned Waratah Cup champions, APIA-Leichhardt Tigers, enter this encounter against its historical rival full of confidence as it begins its bid to secure salvation in Football NSW’s top-flight.
APIA-Leichhardt was near brilliant in the Cup Final, a total role reversal to what the side has shown thus far in the League.
Tigers’ playmaker Franco Parisi showed his true value in the final, with the likes of Stephen Kayes and Jason Oswell working exceptionally well off the Tigers’ number 10.
Marconi and APIA-Leichhardt, two sides with a very proud history, never fail to produce drama and excitement, and more of the same is expected on Sunday.
The Tigers need points to steer the side away from relegation, meanwhile Marconi needs points if it is to keep alive its chances of defending the title won last season.
Jean-Paul De Marigny has guided his side back into form, though the recent loss against the Wolves, and home draw against Sydney Olympic, have set the side back slightly.
There is no masking the importance of the points at stake in this encounter, auguring well for a highly entertaining encounter.
Sydney Olympic v Blacktown Spartans, Sunday 13th July, 3:00 pm Belmore Sports Ground
Last Week:
Sydney Olympic not involved in matches due to Waratah Cup Final
Rockdale City Suns 1 Blacktown Spartans 0
Another mighty encounter is expected in the final fixture for the weekend as Sydney Olympic and Blacktown Spartans lock horns at Belmore Sports Ground.
The Blues sit just outside the top-five on the ladder, though with a match in hand, the side is still in good shape to secure finals football this season – the Blues will need maximum points this weekend, however.
Since Grant Lee’s arrival at the helm, the side has collected a good run of results, though as the end of the season approaches, the side cannot falter any more.
The experience of Marton Vass, Paul Henderson and Petar Markovic will be key for the Blues in the run home, as youngsters Zak Elrich and Amaury Gauthier will be called upon to make the difference in the front third.
The task at hand – Blacktown Spartans – will be far from a pushover. Ben De Haan’s team still holds ambition of finishing in the top-five, and this match will also be a must win if the side is going to keep that dream alive.
Adding further spice to the encounter will be the return to Belmore of Phil Makrys and Emmanuel Giannaros, two Sydney Olympic greats who left the club midway through this season.
The Spartans will not have striker Jun Kato available due to suspension, though the side will be hoping to see the goal scoring exploits of Andre Carle return – the midfielder has enjoyed a very successful season to-date.
-By Joseph Carlucci
