Men’s State League 2 Round 2 Preview
Round one of the 2015 State League 2 competition is done and dusted after a weekend filled with exciting football.
There were no doubt a few upsets as a result of preseason rust, but all teams will be looking to use this period to work out their combinations.
Dunbar Rovers v Wagga City Wanderers (Match of the Round)
We get a look at Dunbar Rovers live in action for the very first time in State League, after they kicked off their season with a win over Hurstville City Minotaurs last week. The newcomers certainly made a statement by posting a three-goal whitewash, in a match that was a lot more even then the scoreboard suggested.
The Wanderers will have their work cut out for them as they travel to Sydney for the first time this season. Despite losing their first match against Camden Tigers 3-1, they would have taken a lot of confidence out of that performance by the way they created one-on-one chances on goal. They cannot afford to miss out on these opportunities however, as Dunbar are a side who regularly convert theirs.
There will be a strong mix of experience within the Dunbar camp and Wagga City will bring a lot of enthusiasm through their youth. Dunbar are favourites for this match but it will be a good test for Wagga City. This match will definitely give them a gauge in terms of where they need to set the bar, by coming up against one of the teams to beat. As mentioned above though, upsets have occurred within the past week and being so early in the competition the match can really go either way.
Saturday 18th April, 3pm, Hensley Athletic Field
Southern Districts Association Club v Hurstville City Minotaurs
Both Southern Districts Association Club and Hurstville City Minotaurs will be looking to get their first win of the season after both had disappointing results in round one. Although Southern Districts drew the match against the Western Condors, they would have felt disappointed conceding in injury time while Hurstville City came up against Dunbar Rovers who were too good to contain. If Hurstville are to be successful, they must shutdown Reuben Agyei Danso and James Raiti who both had great performances against Western Condors last week.
Saturday 18th April, 7pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
Camden Tigers v FC Gazy Lansvale
The Camden Tigers will be coming off a high after defeating Wagga City Wanderers last week 3-1. Although FC Gazy Lansvale drew their match against Prospect United, they too will be confident from that performance. Despite having ten men for most of the second half, they absorbed a barrage of attack dished out by Prospect United who had enough chances to win that match comfortably. Jayden Russell is leading the goal scoring for Camden with his second half double and would love to add to that this weekend. Both sides have proven they have what it takes to be mentally strong in the second half but it is equally important that the tone is set early by getting off to a good start.
Saturday 18th April, 7pm, Ron Dine Reserve
Prospect United v University of NSW
2014 wooden spooners, University of NSW, grinded out a tough win against 2014 minor premiers in Hurstville FC last week. Despite Hurstville FC dominating both possession and as a result, chances, UNSW capitalised on the very few opportunities that they had. Unfortunately for Prospect United, they were on the other end of the spectrum as they had many opportunities against FC Gazy Lansvale to close out the match but unfortunately for them, drew 1-1. From the two times these sides met last year, they both won one and lost one. UNSW did what they do best and ground out a low scoring 1-0 win at home in round three. While Prospect thrashed them 7-0 in round 11, which proved once they take a hold of their chances, they are a very dangerous side.
Sunday 19th April, 5pm, William Lawson Park
Hurstville FC v Western Condors
Hurstville FC will be looking to make amends for last week’s disappointing defeat to UNSW. Western Condors on the other hand will still be buzzing after they narrowly got out of jail in injury time to draw 1-1 against Southern Districts, thanks to Giuseppe Zampogna. This match will be hard to call as both teams posses strength in their midfield. Hurstville FC need to ensure they cut out mistakes that tend to creep into their game, while Western Condors need to maintain persistence if an attack does not lead to a goal. The winner of this match will be the team who is the most relentless of the two and composed when taking their chances.
Sunday 19th April, 5pm, St George Stadium
-By Lars Roy, Men’s State League 2 Reporter
