Mens State League 1 Round 18 Preview

With Hakoah streaking ahead over the weekend to a commanding 11 point lead, there is still plenty to play for in the Men’s State League 1 Competition, with finals places still well and truly up for grabs.

While at the other end of the ladder several teams are fighting for their Division 1 status in the all-important Club Championship.

Granville Rage v Inter Lions SC – Saturday 3pm at Garside Park

The round opens at Garside Park when Granville Rage tackle Inter Lions on Saturday afternoon.

Rage were held to a 2-2 draw against Stanmore Hawks in their last hit out, and with the side sandwiched in 4^th spot on the ladder, the next few games will be crucial in deciding their final position on the ladder.

Inter Lions can’t buy a win at the moment. Matteo Maiorana’s men have been ravaged by injuries of late and a 4-0 loss to Gladesville on the weekend leaves the Lions stranded in 10^th spot on the ladder.

Hawkesbury City SC v Gladesville Ryde Magic – Saturday 5pm at Benson Lane

Hawkesbury kept their finals hopes alive on the weekend with a 2-1 victory over Dulwich Hill. The Hawks sit 7^th on the ladder, and with five games to go they are six points away from 5^th spot. This clash looms as another must win game for the Hawks

Gladesville bounced back to the winners circle with a convincing 4-0 victory over Inter Lions last weekend, and with Northbridge dropping points in the last round, the Magic are now only two points behind 2^nd spot.  Look for Majid Eslami to continue his recent goal scoring form, with the striker netting in the last three consecutive games.

Stanmore Hawks v Balmain Tigers FC – Saturday 7pm at Popondetta Park

With Arlington still unavailable, Stanmore welcome Balmain to Popondetta Park on Saturday night.

Stanmore battled to a 2-2 draw last week against Granville Rage, it was a vital point for the Hawks who had lost their previous two games and now move into 9^th position on the ladder.

Balmain were once again involved in some late match drama, with a last minute goal securing a 2-1 victory against Nepean FC last week. The win is a massive boost to Balmain’s finals aspiration as they are now only three points from 5^th placed Dulwich Hill.

Western NSW Mariners FC v Nepean FC – 7pm Saturday at Proctor Park

A crunch games takes place at Proctor Park on Saturday night with Western NSW Mariners hosting Nepean FC.

The Mariners 2-0 loss to Camden last week has made it extremely close at the bottom of the ladder, with the Mariners now only one point above last placed Camden. The Mariners have been notoriously strong at home this season and will no doubt be looking to make the most of their home ground advantage this week.

Nepean remain mid-table after a last minute goal saw them go down 2-1 to Balmain last weekend. They will be hoping for a repeat of the early season fixture between the two sides where they grabbed all three points in a 3-2 victory.

Northbridge FC v Dulwich Hill FC – Sunday 3pm at Wentworth Park

Two teams coming off losses get Sunday action underway with Northbridge playing Dulwich Hill at Wentworth Park.

The “Bridge” are coming off a taxing 3-2 loss against Hakoah which all but ends their challenge for the Premiership, and with Captain Ricky Woodward on the injured list, they’ll need to regroup this week for the run in to the end of the season.

Dulwich Hill also tasted defeat last week by going down 2-1 to Hawkesbury City. Despite the loss, Norman Tome’s still side occupy 5^th spot and have seen their gap to 6^th place Balmain reduced to only three points.

Hakaoh Sydney City East FC v Camden Tigers – Sunday 5pm at Hensley athletic Field

League leaders Hakoah host the streaking Camden Tigers on Sunday evening.

Hakoah’s 3-2 victory over Northbridge now leave them with an 11 point buffer at the top of the table. Star man Lloyd Owusu’s double on the day continues a stellar season and takes the striker to the top of the goal scoring charts with 14 goals.

Dead and buried only a few weeks ago, Camden Tigers 2-0 victory over Western NSW Mariners FC made it three wins in a row and left the side with plenty to play for in the home stretch.  The Tigers currently sit one point behind the Mariners and are looming as a team that will have a real say in the final rounds of the competition.

-By Diego Munoz