Round 8 Preview – State League Men’s

Round 8 of State League Men’s football is characterised by a series of very important mid-lower table clashes, with everything still to play for.

Meanwhile, the high flying Hurstville FC and Southern District Raiders lock horns.

Wagga City Wanderers vs. Hurstville City Minotaurs – Saturday 21 May, 3PM at Gissing Oval

Wagga City will be looking to get their season back on track this weekend against a demoralised Hurstville City Minotaurs.

The Wanderers were brilliant in their opening few rounds, but have since been on a dire losing streak after a string of tough fixtures. They will see this home tie as the perfect chance to turn the corner.

However, Wagga will have to back up from one of the biggest games in their history, a massive Westfield FFA Cup clash against the Wollongong Wolves on Wednesday. The Wanderers were devastated to lose by only one goal, in a game that could have spectacularly qualified them for the main draw.

Coach Andrew Douglas will have to use the depth of his squad wisely to navigate these two important fixtures while ensuring that his team is suitably motivated for Saturday.

Douglas will not be the only coach with important squad decisions to make. Hurstville City coach Peter Sarikakis says he is not sure what sort of team he will field this Saturday, with a long trip away to Wagga ruling many players unavailable.

The Minotaurs continued to frustrate themselves and onlookers last weekend against Hurstville FC; squandering chances and losing to a few crucial mistakes. This weekend’s match will be an incredible test of their mentality, but a game that they can certainly win based on ability.

Hurstville FC vs. SD Raiders FC – Saturday 21 May, 3PM at Heffron Park

In an epic top of the table clash, Hurstville FC take on the Southern District Raiders in what could be a match that we look back on as crucial at the end of the season.

Both sides have had brilliant starts to the season, with sixteen points apiece. In separating the teams, the Raiders will point to their vastly superior goal scoring record, while Hurstville will point to their game in hand.

Hurstville FC coach Alex Prophet is looking forward to a fun game, asserting “we will prepare as usual and come ready to play. The squad is in great shape and getting stronger each week.”

“We will go to the match confident and ready to play our football. These are the games Hurstville enjoy.”

Hurstville’s standout player this season has been dynamic midfielder Henry Kamleitner, who has scored regularly while marshalling the middle of the park.

The Raiders will continue to look to their attacking players to score freely, with the likes of Mcclintock and Symington crucial to their devastatingly direct brand of football.

Prospect United vs. Gazy Auburn FC – Saturday 21 May, 5PM at William Lawson Park

Prospect United will feel there is no better time to turn their season around than this weekend, against a struggling Gazy Auburn FC.

Both sides have had frustrating years, characterised by impressive attacking football but a lack of luck and inconsistent defending.

Prospect endured a soul crushing defeat in Round 7 to the Camden Tigers. Having shown incredible mental strength to fight back from 2-0 down to level proceedings, United conceded an injury time goal.

Nevertheless, Prospect coach Brian Vella says that his boys are in good spirits and looking forward to the challenge this weekend.

“There are a lot of positive areas to build on from last week and hopefully it all comes together for longer periods this weekend.”

 
Camden Tigers FC vs. St. George FA – Saturday 21 May, 7PM at Australian Access Hire Stadium

Camden will be buzzing after their dramatic win against Prospect last weekend and will now set their sights on pulling off a massive coup against St. George.

St. George are one of three teams at the top of the table on sixteen points, and have played extremely well this season. Nevertheless, injuries and fitness continue to be a major issue for the club who have battled through the majority of this season thanks to extra effort from U20 players.

Coach Manny Spanoudakis runs through the list of players unavailable, “Lazarevski, Schulz and Napoli have been ruled out for this weekend. Vess and Messam will have a fitness test on Thursday night, fingers crossed.”

“Needless to say, we are looking to bolster the squad now that the transfer window has opened and will know more by Thursday.”

The Tigers will see this as an opportunity to pounce, and continue their impressive form. They will be determined to show more consistency throughout the ninety minutes, learning from last week where they almost blew a two goal lead.

Nepean FC vs. University of NSW – Saturday 21 May, 7PM at Cook Park (St. Mary’s)

Nepean FC will see this weekend’s game against last placed University of NSW as a must win fixture. With only two points separating the sides, either team could finish the weekend at the bottom of the table.

Nepean were dismissed rather easily by Bankstown United last week, and will have to improve on their performance if they’re to come away with three valuable points.

UNSW must put the disappointment of last week behind them, and bring the positives in to what is a very winnable tie on Saturday.

The Lions led against Southern Districts for the majority of last week’s game, but poor discipline (including two red cards) ultimately let them down. If they can play with eleven men as they did with ten for an hour against the Raiders, they will be in with a massive chance against Nepean.

A spokesperson for the club acknowledges that the Lions have been underachieving this season, “It has been a frustrating start and we feel our performances have not been accurately reflected in our league position.”

“We have contested every game closely, which is reflected by the fact that only the top six teams have a better goal difference than us, despite us being at the bottom of the ladder.”

“However we know that making excuses isn’t going to get us points, and are really looking to dig deep and get a victory to see us leapfrog our opponents this weekend.”

Western Condors FC vs. Bankstown United FC – Sunday 22 May, 3PM at Stanwell Oval

The Western Condors will look to continue their impressive form this weekend, with the ability to jump ahead of Bankstown United on the table.

The Condors have been quiet achievers this season, but could make a massive statement with a win against a strong Bankstown squad. They haven’t conceded in their past three games and will be confident of their ability to keep another clean sheet at home this Sunday.

Bankstown coach Petar Finka believes that this will be an extremely tough game, but is pleased with the state of his squad after seven rounds of football.

“The squad is holding up well to date. A couple of little niggles, but thankfully nothing too serious.”

All eyes will be on star striker Tommy Markovski, who is as good a candidate as any to break through the Condor’s resilient defence.

-by Daniel Palmer, Football NSW State League Men’s Reporter