Men’s State League Two Round 5 Preview

Five rounds into the competition and only one team continues their perfect start to the season. 

The Dunbar Rovers lead the competition on 12 points after winning every match so far with a staggering 17-2 goal difference.

Not far behind are Southern Districts and the Camden Tigers who will have tough tasks this week when they come up against an ever-improving University of NSW, and Hurstville FC who are itching to get onto the paddock after two washouts in a row.

Hurstville FC vs Camden Tigers, 5pm Saturday 9 May at St George Soccer Stadium (Match of the Round)

The Camden Tigers will be looking to make amends after a disappointing loss at home last weekend against Prospect United.  Hurstville FC have not played since round two so they too have a lot to play for heading into the one month period of the competition.

Top goal scorer Jayden Russell was contained last week by Prospect’s relentless defence.  Hurstville FC will have to do the same this week to ensure they pick up the three points at home.

Stephen Tomasich was a rock in defence for the Tigers last week, but he will certainly have his work cut out for him on the weekend, because Hurstville FC have a very flamboyant attack lead by Denis Cutura.

University of NSW vs Southern Districts Association Club, 3pm Saturday 9 May at David Phillips Field

University of NSW will host second-placed Southern Districts on Saturday after coming off a loss in the southeastern derby last weekend against Dunbar.  Despite the loss, Uni of NSW would have taken a lot of confidence by keeping the Rovers a bay.  This was achieved with only ten men for the majority of the match highlighting their resilience, but also, the importance of keeping a cool head.

Southern Districts have been in sensational form and go from strength to strength with each game played.  Striker, Mitch Mclintock needs no invitation to find the back of the net after scoring three in the last two matches.  They need to ensure that they get off to a good start however, which has been a downfall of theirs away from home.

Wagga City Wanderers vs Hurstville City Minotaurs, 3pm Saturday 9 May at Gissing Oval

The Wagga City Wanderers would have learnt valuable lessons after last weeks defeat to the Western Condors.  The extra preparation that the Wanderers will have at home will certainly give them a boost, while the Minotaurs could struggle after not playing a match in two weeks, plus the long travel inland to Wagga Wagga can be a distraction.

Both teams are yet to score any competition points and will consider this match crucial for their season.  They both posses attacking threats but it will come down to who has the most discipline and composure in defence.

Prospect United v Dunbar Rovers, 5pm, Saturday 9 May at William Lawson Park

Both Prospect United and Dunbar Rovers had 2-0 grind-out wins against their opponents last weekend.  Prospect played a terrific match last week down in Camden, led by David Mavisa’s stellar performance.  The Rovers on the other hand would have been slightly disappointed that they did not convert more of their chances with their last pass, letting them down on a few occasions.

Rovers right back and midfielder Andrew Doddy, has been a standout performer so far this season and has been pivotal in dictating the pace of matches.  For Prospect, Serkan Erel has been a key playmaker and has provided great service to Abanoub Mickael, who leads the goal scoring for united this season.

FC Gazy Lansvale vs Western Condors, 3pm, Sunday 10 May at Calabria Sports Ground

FC Gazy Lansvale will host the Western Condors after going down 5-1 to Southern Districts last weekend. 
The Western Condors however are on the back of their second win of the season against the Wagga City Wanderers and would love to continue this as they lie in fourth spot. 
Mauricio Navarette picked up four goals for the Condors last week, which puts him level with Jayden Russell from the Camden Tigers as leading goal scorers, on seven so far this season.
FC Gazy have had discipline issues in the opening rounds, but they have been working hard to improve this.  Attack is not an issue for them, but they have identified that if they keep their discipline in check, their defence will also improve by not inviting their opposition into the game.
-By Lars Roy, Men’s State League 2 Reporter