Men’s State League 2 Round 8 Preview
After last weekend was disrupted by washouts, fingers crossed there will be clear skies in Round 8 with many key matchups set to kick off come Saturday.
First placed Dunbar will come up against Southern Districts who are in second spot, which will prove to be a close encounter with much on the line for both teams.
Southern Districts SFA vs Dunbar Rovers, 7pm Saturday 30th May, Ernie Smith Reserve (Match of the Round)
After a solid 5-2 win away against the Camden Tigers last week, Southern Districts will be looking to pick up another three points to get within only one competition point of the Dunbar Rovers.
Despite Dunbar having the week off with through a washout, head coach William Cullen would see this as an opportunity to rest and re-access before heading into Round 8.
As a squad they have been missing key players such as centre back Clive Delaney and club captain Ali Simpson due to injuries, however, those who have been asked to fill in, in unfamiliar positions have played exceptionally well.
Southern Districts will also be heading into the clash under-strength, with James Raiti and Aldin Tuzlic missing this week’s match due to suspension.
Nonetheless, head coach Ramson Shamon is confident that his side will put together a true team performance through commitment on both ends.
Wagga City Wanderers vs University of NSW, 3pm Saturday 30th May, Gissing Oval
The Wagga City Wanderers would love to pick up their first win of the season at home this weekend, when they come up against Uni of NSW who stand two spots above them in eighth spot.
Wanderers head coach Blaise Fagan, cannot fault his side’s effort especially in recent weeks. Despite this, he knows that in order to pick up the three points at home, the Wanderers need to produce a consistent match of football from start to finish.
“This club has played a total of nine games, from non-existence to now,” said Fagan.
“If we stay patient and continuing learning then eventually it will happen.”
Uni of NSW have only won the one match away from home this season which was all the way back in Round 1 against Hurstville FC, so they will need to stay focused in order to get back into the winning circle.
FC Gazy Lansvale vs Hurstville FC, 3pm Sunday 31st May, Hartleys Oval
Another match that will no doubt be an exciting fixture will be FC Gazy hosting Hurstville FC.
FC Gazy have built real momentum in the last few rounds, while Hurstville FC come into this match on the back of their third washout in five rounds.
With this disruption in preparation, this could be enough to cause a home side upset.
Engin Ongel has been a key threat in attack in the limited matches he has played for FC Gazy, finding the back of the net three times in only four appearances.
For Hurstville FC, Henry Kamleitner has had an outstanding season on the right wing and has supplied a mixed contribution of both goals and assists for his side.
Western Condors FC vs Camden Tigers, 3pm Sunday 31st May, Calabria Sports Ground
The Camden Tigers will be searching for their first win since Round 3 as they now find themselves just outside of the top four with the Western Condors one spot above them.
The Tigers were red-hot favourites with Dunbar at the beginning of the season, but since then have taken their foot off the accelerator ever so slightly.
It is still very early days for the south-westerners and Dean Mackenchie has a great squad with a lot of depth to work with. Once they re-ignite this winning momentum, clubs will have trouble stopping them again.
The Western Condors have had a very consistent start to their 2015 campaign and have flown under the radar in terms of their success.
The last two years they have finished just outside the top four and now that they finally find themselves back in it, all the teams they come up against will no doubt have trouble leapfrogging them.
Hurstville City Minotaurs vs Prospect United, 3pm Sunday 31st May (venue TBA)
The last match of Round 8 will see the Hurstville City Minotaurs lock horns with Prospect United.
Paolo Paras has been one of the Minotaur’s best this season and his attacking match up with Prospect’s David Mavisa will be the most exciting aspect of the game.
However, both sides are well aware that it will not be a pretty win for whoever takes the points. It will come down to which group of defenders is willing to roll up the sleeves and do the hard work for their team.
Prospect’s midfield however has been their driving force this season and has dictated most of the matches they have played, through the likes of Mohammad Dubdub and Abanoub Mickael.
The matchup should make for an interesting encounter, one that will be hard to call.
-By Lars Roy, Men’s State League 2 Reporter
