Men’s State League 2 Round 1 Preview
THE Men’s State League 2 competition will be kicking off this weekend. All teams have had a taste of 2015 football, either in trials or the Westfield FFA Cup but they will all be looking to get their season off to the right start.
MATCH OF THE ROUND
University of NSW v Hurstville FC, Sunday 12th April, 5pm at St George Stadium
Our Match of the Round is set to kick off at 3pm, Sunday. Despite both teams finishing on different ends of the table in 2014, University of NSW are going into their first match confident after having signed an almost entirely new roster in the off-season.
Last season’s premiers Hurstville FC began their 2014 campaign undefeated in the first six rounds. They will be looking to find that same level of consistency in the early exchanges of the 2015 season.
University of NSW can use the edge they have gained from having an unfamiliar side to their advantage. Therefore the uncertainty of which way the game will go is what will make it an exciting game to watch.
Wagga City Wanderers vs Camden Tigers, Saturday 11th April, 3pm at Gissing Oval
Another unpredictable game will feature two teams who were not in State League 2 last season with Wagga City Wanderers coming up against the Camden Tigers.
Wagga City Wanderers will make their State League debut after only forming as a club late last year.
Camden Tigers on the other hand have State League 1 experience after being relegated last season. They will not doubt be pressing for promotion and will want to kick their season off with a win.
FC Gazy Lansvale vs Prospect United, Sunday 12th April, 7pm at William Lawson
FC Gazy Lansvale return to State League after spending time in the Southern Districts Football competition.
They have had mix FFA Cup and trial form but have used those matches to get combinations right for Round 1. Prospect United had a terrific season last year finishing only one game short of the grand final.
They have a relatively similar roster this year and would have no doubt gained a lot of confidence and experience from that. Defence will be key for FC Gazy Lansvale who will have a challenging task ahead of them in stopping Prospect United’s flamboyant attack.
Hurstville City Minotaurs vs Dunbar Rovers, Sunday 12th April, 3pm at Magdala Park
The Hurstville City Minotaurs have showed consistent improvement over the last couple of seasons and have a good combination of youth and experience.
However, if they are to be competitive against Dunbar Rovers, who are coming off a very successful 2014 campaign, they will need to address their past disciplinary issues. Dunbar is too good of a side to give chances to and they also have a great record away from home.
Western Condors vs Southern Districts Association Club, Sunday 12th April, 3pm at Calabria Sports Ground
Despite having a very consistent start to the 2014 season, being undefeated in the first eight rounds of the competition, the Western Condors lacked the polish necessary in the later stages to make the finals. In both 2013 and 2014, they finished only one spot shy of playoff football and are aiming to qualify this season.
In order to do that, head coach Eric Anabalon has identified the importance of taking it “one game at a time.”
For Southern Districts, their past defensive performances have been outstanding as they only let in 11 goals through the whole of last season. Head Coach, Ramsin Shamon has recruited heavily around forwards in the offseason and will be urging his players to produce some attacking flair come Sunday.
– by Lars Roy, Men’s State League 2 Reporter
