Men’s State League 1 Preview Round 9

Round 9 promises more exciting action, as the top three break away from the competition.
We have first taking on third to headline this weekend’s round of fixtures all previewed below.
The resurgent Rydalmere Lions against Dully is the MATCH OF THE ROUND.
Granville Rage vs North Shore Mariners, Saturday 23^rd May, 3pm, Garside Park
North Shore sit well placed in second after they brushed aside a hapless Nepean. Granville fell to the resurgent Stanmore after their promising performance in Round 7 against the Brumbies.
Joe Haywood’s men has four players in the top ten for top goal scorers thus far proving a versatile edge to their attack led by Michael Cole (7) and former NPL NSW Men’s 1 player Tadgh Purcell (6) goals each. The Rage has a job on their hands to curtail the attack and halt the charge of the Mariners to gain points at home.
Gladesville Ryde Magic FC vs Stanmore Hawks, Saturday 23^rd May, 5pm, Magdala Park – WASHED OUT
Nepean FC vs Hawkesbury City SC, Saturday 23^rd May, 730pm, Cook Park
The two teams anchored to the bottom of State League 1 meet Saturday night. Nepean were outclassed by North Shore while Hawkesbury had a mixed week, beating Inter and thrashed by Rydalmere on Tuesday evening in a catch up match.
David Bertenshaw will sense a keen chance for his men to build on the drought breaking win against a team that has been through the ringer in the last month with injuries and results.
Western NSW Mariners FC vs Hills Brumbies, Saturday 23^rd May, 730pm, Proctor Park
It is first and third that collide in Bathurst Saturday night. Hills has been on a roll with six straight wins after beating Gladesville. Andrew Fearnley was pleased his men secured a point against Rydalmere away.  
Both teams will look to entertain thus predicting goals in this game as Western NSW look to contain a vibrant Hills attack that has plundered 24 goals in eight games while Adam Scimone is vital in the heart of the midfield for the Mariners to upset the leaders.
Dulwich Hill FC vs Rydalmere Lions, Sunday 24^th May, 3pm, Arlington Oval (Match of the Round)
After some early troubles, Rydalmere has found their feet as they rocketed into the top five with their draw last weekend and a catch-up win over Hawkesbury City SC Tuesday night. Dully meanwhile has found the winning feeling again, 4-nil victors over Balmain last week.
This leads to an intriguing contest set down for Sunday afternoon. Will the revival of Norm Tome’s men continue after their luck in the front of goal changed?
Led by Stephen Hrysanthos against Tony Basha’s well drilled Rydalmere buoyed by the youthful strike force of Zakeriya Elrich and 17 year old Aaron Avery.
Inter Lions vs Balmain Tigers FC, Sunday 24^th May, 3pm, Fraser Park
Fresh from their progression to the main draw of the Westfield FFA cup, Balmain were handed a reality check against Dully at home. Inter has slid since their opening round win against Granville.
Captain Lachlan Wright was a frustrated figure last weekend, but will attempt to marshal his troops with Balmain on their day, scintillating despite midfielder Ahmed Chandab missing the game due to suspension.

-by Justin Davies, Men’s State League 1 Reporter