IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Grade 20s Final Series Week 3 Preview

A ticket into this year’s IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Grade 20s Grand Final is up for grabs as Blacktown City take on Manly United at Lilys Football Centre this Sunday.
SUNDAY
Blacktown City FC vs Manly United FC 1pm at Lilys Football Centre
Previous encounters
Round 5: Blacktown City 0-1 Manly United
Round 16: Blacktown City 0-2 Manly United 
Blacktown City FC and Manly United FC will be playing for the final spot in the grand final, against APIA-Leichhardt Tigers FC, when they meet this Sunday at Lilys Football Centre.
It is all or nothing for both Blacktown City FC and Manly United FC this Sunday afternoon when the two sides battle it out for the other place in next week’s grand final.
Blacktown City have had mixed results this season, but their strong run home saw them move into the top five. They have now impressively survived two elimination finals, having ended both Sutherland Sharks and Bonnyrigg White Eagles respective seasons.
Their most recent win was a triumphant 2-0 victory against Bonnyrigg White Eagles last weekend. They were defensively strong in their performance and created a multitude of chances of goal and were unlucky to not put more away.
Meanwhile Manly United had a major semi final against APIA-Leichhardt Tigers FC last weekend. They were down one-nil early in the game and struggled to bounce back as they had a player sent off just before half time and conceded a second goal in the 65’ minute.
Manly United have enjoyed a marvellous season to date and have proven their consistency each week. They were the deserved Premiership winners, with a huge 14-point lead at the top of the table at the end of the regular season.   
On both occasions when these two sides met, in round 5 and 16, Manly United walked away victorious with the three points. They will be the favourites coming into this match, but Blacktown City have gone from strength to strength, to the credit of coach Ken Schembri and have largely progressed since their last encounter with Manly and will no doubt be ready to put up a good fight.
We can expect both keepers to be in the thick of it, in what should be an action packed Semi-Final.
The winner of this encounter will face APIA-Leichhardt Tigers FC in the 2014 grand final.
-By Anneliese Scenna