Mens State League 1 Round 9 Preview
We head into week 9 with Hakoah now the sole leaders at the top of the ladder, and another enthralling round awaits us this weekend with every point able to make the difference in what is a very tight 2014 competition.
Granville Rage v Northbridge FC – Saturday 3pm at Garside Park
A crunch game kicks off the round with 2nd place up for grabs when Granville Rage take on Northbridge FC.
A 4-4 draw against Hawkesbury over the weekend saw Granville Rage lose their grip on top spot for the first time in five weeks. In what was a see-sawing game, the Rage will look back on it as a point gained as they came back from 4-2 down and were also reduced to ten men in the second half. Daniel Vukovic will be suspended for this week’s clash.
Northbridge have been making their wins count recently, with the side leapfrogging their direct opponents in their last two victories. This week will be no different as a win over the Rage will see the ‘Bridge’ move up to second on the ladder. The Bridge have been in good form recently and will be looking to their dynamic midfield to drive them forward this weekend.
Hawkesbury City SC v Inter Lions SC – Saturday 5pm at Bensons Lane Reserve
Hawkesbury claimed a hard earned point last week against Rage but will be disappointed they didn’t collect all three points after leading 4-2 in the second half, having to settle for a draw as the match ended 4-4. Hugh McCrory’s side sit 6th on the ladder, just outside the finals places, and this week presents a good chance to press their claim for finals football.
Inter suffered another defeat last week, losing 2-1 against Stanmore Hawks at home. Despite taking the lead in the game, the Lions were pegged back and were once again left to rue another match that slipped away. With a reasonably solid defence, scoring goals has been the problem so far for this season for Inter, and the task has been made more difficult with key forward Miguel Martinez being suspended.
Nepean FC v Dulwich Hill – Saturday 7pm at Cook Park
After a disappointing 4-0 loss to Hakoah last weekend, Nepean FC return home this week in a match up against Dulwich Hill
Nepean are currently sitting mid table, but with the competition so close this year and a catch up game up their sleeve, a couple of wins could see them shoot up the ladder. Having taken the scalps of Northbridge and Balmain so far this season, it is consistency has eluded Adam Malouf’s side.
Expect Terry Pannowitz and Rafid Hermiz to create plenty of attacking opportunities for the home side.
Dulwich Hill battled past Camden Tigers last weekend to cement their 5th place on the ladder. It was the first victory for Coach Norman Tome and he will be looking for more of the same from his troops in another tough away fixture.
Western NSW Mariners FC v Stanmore Hawks – Saturday 7pm at Glen Willow Stadium
Western NSW Mariners welcome Stanmore Hawks to Mudgee for Saturday night action.
The Mariners were outgunned 5-2 by Balmain in the last round, with a poor start seeing the Mariners down four goals in the first half. This season continues to be a steep learning curve for Andrew Fearnley’s youngsters and they will look to use their home ground advantage to spark their campaign.
Stanmore claimed a vital 2-1 away victory against Inter Lions last week, which seems them keep up with the chasing pack in the middle of the table. The Hawks showed character to come back from a goal down and will be looking to get back to back wins for the first time this season in what will be a daunting road trip.
Camden Tigers v Gladesville Ryde Magic – Saturday 7pm at Ron Dine Reserve
Camden welcome Gladesville on Saturday night in what should be a tight encounter after both teams had narrow losses over the weekend.
Camden put in a spirited performance last week going down 1-0 to Dulwich Hill, and with several senior players making their return from injury, they will be well placed to start winning games if they can show the same enthusiasm and work rate as they did last round.
Gladesville also tasted defeat last week by going down 2-1 to Northbridge. After being reduced to ten men in the second half, Gladesville looked like snatching a draw until a goal by Northbridge right at death sent them home empty handed. Despite the loss, Gladesville are still in a good position and sit equal 4th on the ladder. They will however be without influential midfielder Alistair Mckie who is suspended for this clash.
Hakoah Sydney City East FC v Balmain Tigers FC – Sunday 5pm at Hensley Athletic field
Hakoah look to continue their stellar campaign as they welcome Balmain Tigers to Hensley Athletic Field on Sunday evening.
A four goal first half saw Hakoah run away with a 4-0 victory over Nepean last weekend to make it seven wins in a row. With the club also on top of the club championship, this year has the makings of being a landmark year for the Eastern Sydney based club. Mark Robertson’s men have a glamour Waratah Cup tie on Thursday against IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 outfit Blacktown City before turning their attention back to the league on the weekend.
Balmain will be looking to build from a 5-2 victory over Western NSW Mariners last weekend. Fresh from a hat trick, star striker Rosario Occhipinti will be eager to continue his recent good form as the Tigers look for a statement victory over the league leaders. Balmain knocked out Hakoah in the preliminary final stage last season and will hold no fears coming into this weekends clash.
Note: Waratah Cup Quarter Final: Hakaoh Sydney City East FC v Blacktown City FC – 7:30pm Thursday 22nd of May at Hensley Athletic Field
Men’s State League 1 – Top Goal Scorers
9 – Rosario Occhipinti (Balmain)
6 – Lloyd Owusu (Hakoah)
5 – Nenos Bobo (Granville Rage),
4 – Lachlan Wright (Stanmore), Lee Jones (Northbridge), Terry Pannowitz (Nepean), Jordan Mundell (Hakoah) Michael McCrory (Hawkesbury)
– By Diego Munoz
