Men’s State League 1 Round 17 Preview
A titanic first against third clash headlines another action packed round of 17 in the Men’s State League 1 competition.
Gladesville Ryde Magic welcome Western NSW Mariners to Valentine Sports Park 3 in our Match of the Round.
Hawkesbury City SC v Dulwich Hill FC, Saturday 18th July, 4pm, David Bertenshaw Field WASHED OUT
Dulwich Hill will be looking to build for the finals series with a trip to the Hawkesbury.
Hawkesbury endured a mixed week last week while Dully marched on won 2-0 over Stanmore Hawks.
The frustrations of earlier this season have disappeared for Norm Tome’s side by taking their chances highlighted by Akwasi Agyei’s brace.
Hawkesbury has claimed a few high-placed scalps this season and look to add Dully to that list.
Gladesville Ryde Magic v Western NSW Mariners FC, Saturday 18th July, 4pm, Valentine Sports Park (Match of the Round)
Sixth placed Gladesville Ryde Magic welcome seventh placed Western NSW Mariners in our Match of the Round.
The formerly high flying Mariners haven’t celebrated victory since May while Gladesville lost their grip on fifth spot after their 2-1 loss to Balmain.
Gladesville Ryde Magic face a tough run home taking on three of the current top five with only one more home fixture.
Chris Gaitatzis remains the most dangerous threat for the home side and has netted a quarter of their goals this season while inspiration will come from leading State League 1 goalkeeper Kiriakos Tohorouglou.
Andrew Fearnley needs to drag his Mariners side out of their slump quickly or face another season outside the finals.
One positive for Western NSW is striker Kane Hughes – perched high in the top goal-scorers ranks and hungry for more in what will be a vital contest between the two sides.
Nepean FC v Hills Brumbies, Saturday 18th July, 7:30pm, Cook Park (St Marys) WASHED OUT
Saturday night’s game out in St Mary’s ranks as season defining for both teams.
Nepean has dragged themselves off the bottom in the last month and keen to continue their form.
The club only played half a match last weekend after thunder and lightning abandoned its match against Rydalmere FC which was later scheduled for a Thursday evening kick-off where the second half would be played.
It has been the opposite for the Brumbies. They luckily sit fourth due to their strong start to the season but need to string together some wins.
Mark Giovenali couldn’t have asked for a better opponent as Brumbies thrashed Nepean 6-1 back in Round six.
Inter Lions v Stanmore Hawks, Sunday 19th July, 3pm, Fraser Park
Inter Lions hope to continue their remarkable run of form when they welcome Stanmore Hawks to Fraser Park.
Since the end of May, the Lions are undefeated, claiming 12 points and conceded only eight goals in their last five games.
Stanmore Hawks sit just underneath them in ninth and coach Soteri Mavrou needs his side to take their chances.
James Webb has been a rock between the sticks for Stanmore Hawks and will relish taking on Inter striker Rosario Occhipinti.
Granville Rage v Rydalmere Lions, Sunday 19th July, 3pm, Garside Park WASHED OUT
Rock bottom Granville Rage welcomes a refreshed Rydalmere Lions to Garside Park.
Both teams come into this weekend after abandonments due to the cold front that lashed NSW last weekend.
Lloyd Owusu announced his return with a headed effort but it was his constant voice during the game that steadied the young Lions team.
Balmain Tigers FC v North Shore Mariners, Sunday 19th July, 7pm, Valentine Sports Park
Balmain Tigers riding high off their recent form face the undefeated Mariners in a preview to the finals.
The two teams coming off last start victories over Stanmore Hawks and Hawkesbury City ready to resume hostilities.
North Shore Mariners have a staggering +30 goal difference making for a tough task ahead of Serjei Kunst and the Balmain defence.
Joe Haywood must be eyeing going the whole season undefeated with less than five weeks left.
-By Justin Davies, Men’s State League 1 reporter
