Men’s State League 1 Round 22 Preview
It’s the final day of the regular season and there is action aplenty in Men’s State League 1.
Granville Rage stands in the way of Balmain Tigers playing finals in our Match of the Round.
Stanmore Hawks v Rydalmere Lions, Sunday 23rd August, 3pm, Arlington Oval
Stanmore Hawks have an easy task this weekend – just to win.
Rydalmere Lions once again came back to win 3-2 while Stanmore Hawk missed their chance to jump into the top five.
Hawks coach Soteri Mavrou will lean on veterans Yorgi Mavrou and Daniel Doritis to keep a tight ship against a confident Rydalmere Lions team.
Tony Basha hopes his Lions can continue their form tucked safely in second.
Inter Lions v Nepean FC, Sunday 23rd August, 3pm, Concord Oval
Both teams look to end their seasons with three points on Sunday afternoon.
Inter Lions produced the performance of the round beating Dulwich Hill 4-1 while Nepean FC held Balmain Tigers to a draw.
Captain Coach for the Lions Lachlan Wright has commanded his troops well all season and will want to finish on a high.
Nepean were unable to hold on to what would’ve been a massive three points last week. Jason Breton will be sure his boys are fired up for Sunday’s clash as they look to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.
Hawkesbury City SC v Gladesville Ryde Magic, Sunday 23rd August, David Bertenshaw Oval
A match unaffected by finals permutations sees Hawkesbury City host Gladesville Ryde Magic.
Hawkesbury’s late season run continued with a 2-1 win last week as Gladesville Ryde played out a 0-0 draw.
Alistair Mckie has been in good form the last few weeks and provides a tough challenge for Hawkesbury City.
Nothing bar bragging rights is on the line so both teams can let out the season’s frustrations.
Granville Rage v Balmain Tigers, Sunday 23rd August, 3pm, Garside Park – Match of the Round
Balmain Tigers can put a cherry onto a successful season with victory on Sunday afternoon.
A stodgy Nepean FC put the brakes on Balmain Tigers charge while Granville Rage fell to Hawkesbury City.
Joe Di Giulio will want a ruthless edge from Jonathan Gowdy and co to put away the eleventh placed Rage.
Granville Rage has shown promise highlighted by their upset over North Shore Mariners so will want to finish on a high.
The Rage needs points across the board to help their survival chances in State League 1.
Hills Brumbies v Dulwich Hill FC, Sunday 23rd August, Lily’s Football Centre
Two teams looking beyond this weekend come together at Lily’s Football Centre.
Both teams lost in three’s last weekend to Rydalmere and Inter Lions respectively.
Dully will rely on Steven Hrystanthos in Sam Messam’s absence due to suspension to find the net.
A point for Brumbies will round out an impressive, if inconsistent first season back in State League 1.
Western NSW Mariners v North Shore Mariners, Sunday 23rd August, Proctor Park
Club Champions North Shore Mariners head west to finish off their regular season with the Mariners derby.
They have stalled slightly in the last few weeks with only one point of the last fortnight.
Kane Hughes notched the only goal in Western NSW’s 1-nil win over Stanmore Hawks.
Joe Haywood will be keen to get back his two players trialing with Central Coast Mariners to get back in the winner’s circle.
