Mens State League 1 Round 11 Preview
As we officially enter the midway point of the competition there is still plenty to play for as the heavyweights battle for supremacy at the top of the ladder, while the congested mid table takes a different turn and twist every week.
For all the supporters watching we can only hope the level of competitiveness and excitement continues through to the second half of the season.
Dulwich Hill FC v Western NSW Mariners FC – Saturday 3pm at Lambert Park
Two teams coming off losses open the round as Dulwich Hill host Western NSW Mariners FC on Saturday afternoon.
In a tight encounter Dulwich Hill were edged out 1-0 by Balmain last week, and they will be ruing their missed chances and an unconverted penalty in the second half. Despite the defeat, Dully’s previous good form means they still occupy 5th position on the ladder, but they can ill afford any slip ups this weekend.
Western NSW Mariners FC were defeated 4-0 by Hakoah last round and will need to regroup with another tough game on the cards this weekend. The young Mariners are still yet to claim any points on the road, and this will certainly be a driving factor for Andrew Fearnley’s squad.
Hawkesbury City SC v Northbridge FC – Saturday 5pm at Bensons Lane
Hawkesbury will have the daunting task of trying to slow down an in-form Northbridge FC on Saturday evening at Bensons Lane Reserve.
With 4th and 5th place dropping points on the weekend, Hawkesbury failed to make significant ground on the top five as they played out a 3-3 draw with Stanmore Hawks. Still missing a few senior players, this will be a real acid test for Hawkesbury.
Northbridge continued their recent run of victories with a 3-1 win against Inter Lions on the weekend. The Bridge were impressive all across the park and definitely look to have hit their straps. A win in this fixture will make it five wins in a row for Joe Haywood’s men.
Nepean FC v Granville Rage – Saturday 7pm at Cook Park
Nepean host Granville Rage on Saturday night in another intriguing weekend fixture.
Nepean claimed a hard earned point last week against Gladesville, with Jason Brown scoring a late equaliser to ensure the scores finished 1-1. Coach Malouf will be pleased to have taken the point considering his side’s current injury toll, and with a midweek catch up against Camden Tigers coming up, the squad’s depth will be tested this week.
Granville Rage got back to business at home with a 2-0 victory against Camden Tigers last round. A good start set up the win, with both goals coming in the first half. After previously losing their grip on top spot, the win sees the Rage maintain a share of second place on the table and still within striking distance of the top of the ladder.
Camden Tigers v Inter Lions SC – Saturday 7pm at Ron Dine Reserve
Camden takes on Inter Lions on Saturday night, with the home side searching to get off the foot of the ladder.
A 2-0 loss to Granville Rage on the weekend leaves Camden stranded and in much need of the three points, and with the side yet to taste victory this season, they will see this home matchup as a good opportunity to finally break their duck.
Inter come into this clash on the back of a 3-1 defeat against Northbridge. They will be disappointed with their performance last round and will be looking to bounce back this week. With just one win in their last five matches, the Lions find themselves tenth on the ladder and at the rear end of the mid table pack.
Balmain Tigers FC v Gladesville Ryde Magic – Sunday 3pm at Wentworth Park
Balmain welcome Gladesville on Sunday afternoon, with the home side looing to edge closer to a finals place.
After a surprisingly slow start to the season, Balmain have been on a mini resurgence of late, only tasting defeat once in the last month against league leaders Hakoah.
Rosario Occhipinti’s match winning penalty saw the Tigers defeat Dulwich Hill last week, and the win sees Balmain now move into 6th on the ladder. Another three points this week will definitely have the top five looking over their shoulders.
Gladesville were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Nepean FC in their last hit out, and although they didn’t perform to their standards, they will still be disappointed with conceding a late equaliser.
Despite the result Gladesville still hold onto fourth place on the ladder, but this match will be a real six pointer and important for both teams.
Hakoah Sydney City East FC v Stanmore Hawks – Sunday 7pm at Hensley Athletic Field
The last fixture of the round sees Hakoah welcome Stanmore Hawks on Sunday night.
Hakoah maintain their five point lead at the top of the ladder after a 4-0 victory over Western NSW Mariners. As has been customary for the Eastern Sydney based side this season, the victory was set up in the first half with a three goal avalanche.
Hakoah Coach Mark Robertson will need to navigate a midweek FFA Cup qualification play off against SUPA IGA NPL NSW Mens 2 side Northern Tigers before turning his side’s attention back to the league.
Stanmore’s last game ended all square in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Hawkesbury City. The point leaves Stanmore mid table, and despite being undefeated in the past month, the Hawks have been unable to put together consecutive victories and make a real charge up the ladder.
They will definitely need to be at their best this weekend to snatch any points away from the league leaders.
-By Diego Munoz
