Round 4 Preview – State League Men’s
Things are slowly heating up as round 4 of the Football NSW State League Men’s competition takes shape this special ANZAC Day long weekend.
Hurstville City Minotaurs vs. Gazy Auburn FC – Saturday 23 April, 3PM at ES Marks Field
The Hurstville City MInotaurs are still in search of their first win this season, but will be confident of their chances against a demoralised Gazy Auburn.
Hurstville coach Peter Sarikakis says that his team will train very hard this week “and put a mega-effort this Saturday for our survival.”
“There is a chance for some changes to the starting line-up.”
Gazy Auburn got their season off to a winning start, but have since suffered two consecutive defeats to ground their early season expectations.
They too will be looking to stem the tide against them and get back to winning ways, in what should be a very even clash.
Wagga City Wanderers vs. Bankstown United – Saturday 23 April, 3PM at Gissing Oval
Wagga City will be looking to make it four from four this weekend, but will have to beat an undefeated Bankstown United if they’re to continue their dream start to the season.
The Wanderers have shocked everyone with their incredible early form, where they have scored goals with ease. They will need to address their leaky defence however, as they can not sustainably rely on their attacking unit all season.
Wagga will be delighted with the state of their squad, with key players returning from injury and captain Sam Mangelsdorf having served his suspension.
Bankstown United have been extremely solid in the first few rounds, and will be excited about the opportunity to take on the league leaders.
United boast the best defence in the league so far, having conceded only two goals. They will be facing the team with the best offence so far, in what should be a dynamite fixture.
Nepean FC vs. Prospect United – Saturday 23 April, 7PM at Cook Park (St. Mary’s)
Nepean claimed their first win of the season in Round 3, and will be looking to back that up with a strong performance against Prospect United this weekend.
Having struggled to find the back of the net in their opening two rounds, Nepean will be delighted to have scored four goals against the Condors. With a bit more confidence moving forward, the western Sydney outfit should be difficult to defend against on Saturday.
Prospect were humbled in Round 3, dominated 6-1 by the Southern District Raiders. Coach Brian Vella was disappointed in their lack of consistency throughout the ninety minutes, which is something they will be determined to improve upon against Nepean.
Vella admits that Prospect are playing a team that performed well last weekend, but is excited by the challenge.
“If we can continue to start well and convert our opportunities, our young side will grow with confidence.”
“Every week is a new challenge, and the boys are keen to get back on the field and work hard.”
SD Raiders FC vs. Camden Tigers FC – Sunday 24 April, 3PM at Ernie Smith Reserve
Two teams with a spring in their step will take each other on this Sunday at Ernie Smith Reserve, having both secured their first wins of the season in Round 3.
The Raiders have been tipped by many as competition favourites, but failed to fire in their opening two performances. However, the Southern Districts side made a strong statement of their ability against Prospect United last weekend and will expect nothing less than an equally dominant performance against Camden.
Camden have performed well and secured a deserved victory against Hurstville City last weekend. Playing the Raiders away from home should present a more difficult challenge, and a real test of their strength.
Coach Dean Bradley says his side are looking forward to a challenging game against one of the league’s strongest sides.
Western Condors FC vs. St George FA – Sunday 24 April, 3PM at Stanwell Oval
The Western Condors have won, lost and drawn in their first three fixtures. It has been a solid, if not slightly underwhelming start to their season – but one they can improve dramatically with an upset victory against St. George this weekend.
St. George have impressed everyone in their debut State League season. In second place, and undefeated, the league newcomers have looked extremely coherent and dangerous moving forward.
They will feel confident of their ability to make it three wins on the trot this weekend, and push Wagga City ahead of them on the table.
However, their squad will be stretched – having to play another FFA Cup game on the Thursday.
Coach Manny Spandoudakis says, “Again we will go short on numbers and will ask boys from the 20s to back up for first grade.”
“It was a big effort from Mark Kamara to double up for us last weekend, and we will be looking for a few boys to do the same.”
Hurstville FC vs. University of NSW – Sunday 24 April, 5PM at St. George Stadium
Hurstville FC have had a successful start to the year, but will be looking to kick on against bottom of the table UNSW.
The home side will be looking to move ahead of St. George and Wagga City with a commanding performance against a side bereft of confidence.
Hurstville coach Alex Prophet says his side are looking forward to a good game and a positive result.
“We’ve had a good start and now need to push on.”
The University of NSW have really struggled in their opening three performances, demonstrating a frustrating inability to find the back of the net with any consistency. They have the technical skill throughout the squad, but need to sort out their play in the final third if they’re to turn things around.
–by Daniel Palmer, Football NSW State League Men’s Reporter
