Men’s State League 2 Finals Week 1 Preview

With only four teams remaining, week one of the finals kicks off on Sunday afternoon at Valentine Sports Park.
Dunbar Rovers, Hurstville FC, Southern Districts SFA and Western Condors FC have all been deserving of their spot in the top four, displaying consistent football over the 18 rounds.

Southern Districts SFA vs Western Condors FC, 3pm Sunday 23 August, Valentine Sports Park (Minor Semi Final)
The first semi final will see third play fourth when Southern Districts look to bounce back from two successive losses.
It is do or die for both teams so the stakes are high.  It will come down to which team can handle the pressure best on the day.

Both Districts and Condors have created somewhat of a derby, after having two close encounters this season.
In their season opener, the Condors pulled off a draw in injury time courtesy of a goal from Giuseppe Zampogna.
However, in Round 10, Southern Districts had learnt from that result by grinding out a 2-1 win at home.
The Condors have since proven that they are a more resilient team and can get the job done when it counts.
They were required to win their last four matches in order to make the top four, in which they succeeded.
They have linked this late surge of form to the constant support they continue to receive from their community.
“Our club, fans and overall community are very happy to be in the position we are,” said Condors head coach, Eric Anabalon.
“We’re extremely happy to represent the Chilean community.  Winning at home last week in front of them was a great result.”
The Western Condors have no doubt been one of the most exciting teams to watch in attack, led by the little general, Mauricio Navarrete.
Navarrete finished outright leader for goals scored, with 16, remarkably from only 14 matches played.
Southern Districts head coach, Ramsin Shamon, has identified this and said that “he needs to be contained” if they are to be successful.
Districts have attacking weapons of their own however, such as Mitchell Mclintock, who trailed Navarrete as third on the top goal scorers list with 13.
None of which were better than his second half screamer last weekend against Hurstville FC, which saw him find the top right corner from an almost impossible angle.
What has been most pleasing for coach Shamon this season has been the effective and unselfish combinations his front five attackers have made.
“We need to be critical when it matters and utilise these strengths,” said Shamon.
“It’s crucial that we are very diligent in defence and try to keep that clean sheet.  After all, whoever can do that, wins the game.”
With such an evenly balanced match-up, it could very well go into extra time.

Dunbar Rovers vs Hurstville FC, 5:30pm Sunday 23 August, Valentine Sports Park (Major Semi Final)
Club championship winners and season premiers Dunbar Rovers, will host Hurstville FC this week in the second match of the finals double header.
With Hurstville finishing in second place and only one win behind top of the league, Dunbar, both teams will get a second bite of the cheery, irrespective of the outcome.
However, with the winner given next weekend off and automatically going straight to the Grand Final, that has given both sides motivation to put their best foot forward.
“We’re looking forward to the finals,” said Dunbar head coach, William Cullen.
“Every time we’ve played Hurstville, it’s always ended in a close score.  They are a very well organised team.”
For Hurstville FC, head coach Tom Vidovic has stressed the importance of putting together a quality, 90-minute performance from all eleven men.
“Finals football always comes down to the little moments of the game,” said Vidovic.
“I’m extremely proud of the player’s mentality and overall culture of the team.  It’s brought us a lot of success in the second half of the year.”
Hurstville FC are undefeated in their last 10 matches, which has been attributed to their commitment in defence.
“To only concede 14 goals in 18 matches is a terrific achievement,” said Vidovic.
“It has not only been our back four.  Every player has contributed which is a testament to the team spirit.”
Hurstville are aware they will have their work cut out for them because Dunbar “can score all over the park”, said Vidovic.
Despite losing their maiden match of the season to the Western Condors last week, Dunbar are coming into the match relaxed, claiming it was what they needed at the right time.
“We’ve got the monkey off our back and we can feel there is less pressure now,” said Cullen.
“When we won the first eleven matches of the season, being new to the league, we had everything to lose and nothing to gain.  It will be important that the boys can express themselves and come out with a care-free attitude.”
Dunbar were under-strengthened last week, so they will be looking to find their normal, cohesive-brand of style come Sunday.
“We welcome some of our senior members back and as a team, we’re all very excited to play.”
– By Lars Roy, Men’s State League 2 Reporter