Mens State League 1 Week 2 Finals Preview

Finals action continues this week with an Elimination Semi-final pitting Granville Rage against Balmain Tigers on Saturday afternoon, while a mouth-watering clash in the second semi-final will see Premiers Hakoah take on a galvanised Northbridge FC for a spot in the Grand Final.

Semi Final 1

Granville Rage v Balmain Tigers FC – Saturday 4pm at Lambert Park

One team will be saying goodbye this week when Granville Rage and Balmain Tigers meet in a do or die clash on Saturday afternoon.

A 2-0 defeat to Northbridge last week leaves Granville facing elimination in this round, and although the Rage gave a good account of themselves on the day, they ultimately fell short in what was a fast and furious encounter. A number of injuries to key personnel have hit the Rage at the wrong time of the season, but expect them to show the same endeavour and determination they have played with all year long.

Coach Mauricio Islas shared his thoughts on the clash, “Overall I was pleased with the boy’s effort last week, we just need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal. It’ll be a very difficult game this week, they’ve (Balmain) been on a roll of late and we’ll need to be at our best”.

Balmain needed extra time to book their passage to this week’s semi-final after a gritty 2-0 victory over Gladesville Ryde Magic last week. The Tigers have been playing with their season on the line for weeks now and seem to be relishing sudden death football at the moment.

But Balmain Coach Joe Di Giulio knows all too well what Granville is capable of, “It’ll be a hard game, we’ve had some tough encounters against them this year with plenty of goals. They’re a side that keep the ball well and create plenty of chances, but we’ll have our game plan ready and the boys are pumped and will be raring to go”.

Grade 20

Hawkesbury City SC v Dulwich Hill FC @ 1.30pm

Semi Final 2

Hakoah Sydney City East FC vs Northbridge FC – Sunday 4pm at Arlington Oval

Hakoah and Northbridge will renew acquaintances on Sunday afternoon with a place in the Grand Final awaiting the winner.

Premiers Hakoah will be well rested after having last week off and will be eager to impress in their first appearance of the finals series. The Eastern suburbs based side have had the edge over Northbridge in 2014, claiming two narrow victories in the regular season, but this week will be a different proposition.

Hakoah coach Mark Robertson is looking forward to the clash, “Anything can happen in finals football and we know we’ll be up against a very well organised side. The boys are excited and really looking forward to the challenge, and it’s always a good contest when we play against Northbridge”.

Northbridge come into the clash riding high from last week’s 2-0 victory over Granville Rage, and in a strong performance Joe Haywood’s men showed they will take some stopping and will prove a tough assignment this week for Hakoah.

Whilst the Grand Final will await the winning side, the other team will still have another chance next week in the preliminary final against the winner of Granville Rage v Balmain game.

Grade 20

Northbridge FC v Hakoah Sydney City East FC @ 1:30pm

– By Diego Munoz