Round 10 Preview – State League Men’s
The State League Men’s could be in for a wet weekend, as it sails into its tenth round. All teams still have plenty to play for, with the season approaching the halfway point.
University of NSW vs. Prospect United – Saturday 4 June, 3PM at David Phillips Complex
The University of NSW continue to pluck defeat out of the jaws of victory this season; highlighted no better than their loss against the Condors last weekend, despite dominating and holding a lead for much of the game.
Last week they declared the must win nature of these next three games, and nothing has changed. If they’re to salvage their season, they have to start right now.
Prospect United will be feeling very positive about their form; after a commanding 6-0 victory in Round 8, they held title contenders Bankstown United to a 2-2 draw last weekend. They will be hoping to dominate a demoralised UNSW outfit, and continue their climb up the ladder.
However, coach John Caruana believes that this fixture will be a “danger game”, against a team very similar to Prospect. Both sides, indeed, have had faltering seasons despite playing positive attacking football.
“We are looking to continue to improve on our finishing and concentration for longer periods. As long as we put in one hundred per cent, the results will continue to improve.”
With the season entering its tenth round, anything short of a win could see Prospect lose sight of the top six.
Camden Tigers FC vs. Bankstown United FC – Saturday 4 June, 7PM at Australian Access Hire Stadium
The Camden Tigers will be happy to have beaten Gazy Auburn last weekend, but will be looking to prove themselves with a win against third placed Bankstown United this Saturday.
The Tigers have been in a rich vein of form, losing only one of their last five games and winning three. However, all of their victories this season have come against teams in the bottom half of the table – a statistic they will be looking to invalidate this weekend.
Bankstown United have to improve on their performance against Prospect last weekend, where they were held to a frustrating draw.
Coach Petar Finka said that he was disappointed in his team’s efforts, believing they could have played much better. This is something they’ll be determined to prove in Round 10, and a challenge they are looking forward to.
Four points behind St. George and Hurstville, in first and second place, Bankstown will be hoping to close the gap if either side slips up this weekend.
Nepean FC vs. Wagga City Wanderers – Saturday 4 June, 7PM at Cook Part (St. Mary’s)
Nepean FC were the talk of the week, after a shock victory against Hurstville FC, and will be looking to dispel any suspicions of being “one-hit wonders” this Saturday.
With a new coach, new recruits and players returning, there is plenty of reason to be optimistic around the Nepean FC camp. Clement Waoci will be looking to back up from his impressive brace last weekend.
The Wagga City Wanderers had the day off, as their clash against the Southern District Raiders was washed out.
Coach Andrew Douglas believes that this is a potentially double edged sword, allowing them rest but stalling their momentum.
“I think the boys are looking forward to getting back on the park this weekend. I know they were disappointed that the game did not go ahead.”
“It will be interesting to see how we are after the postponement. On one side the boys should be fresh, but on the other, we would have liked to have kept our momentum going from the previous week.”
Douglas acknowledges that Nepean will be a significant threat, as highlighted in their performance in Round 9.
“Our preparation will have to be good this week, against Nepean after their upset win on the weekend.”
SD Raiders FC vs. Hurstville City Minotaurs – Saturday 4 June, 7PM at Valentine Sports Park 3
The SD Raiders will be fresh after a week off due to rain, and looking to return swiftly to winning ways with a commanding victory over Hurstville City.
The Southern Districts side, who have changed their fixture to Valentine Sports Park will be hoping to reignite the fireworks on display prior to their momentum halting loss to Hurstville two weeks ago.
The Minotaurs have had a disappointing and frustrating season, sitting only one point above last place. They have scored the least of any teams in the competition, highlighting their biggest weakness – an inability to capitalise on periods of pressure, only leading to more and more frustration.
With a thinning squad causing coach Peter Sarikakis plenty of headaches, this weekend will be as big a challenge as any for the Minotaurs.
Gazy Auburn FC vs. St. George FA – Sunday 5 June, 3PM at Progress Park
Gazy Auburn are a team devoid of confidence, and rooted to the bottom of the table. This weekend they face a team bursting with confidence and sitting in first place.
The game looks well written on paper, however the home side can take inspiration from Nepean’s efforts against Hurstville last weekend; the exact same scenario, where last placed Nepean emerged victorious against all odds.
St. George, on the other hand, have found things almost too easy this season, but coach Manny Spanoudakis asserts that they are well aware of the dangers of complacency.
“We are taking every game very seriously and Gazy is no different. The players know that if they drop their focus and intensity, we will lose – as was seen with other results across the league.”
Spanoudakis is, however, very positive about how his squad has come together despite challenges with depth and injuries.
“The squad is slowly coming together with a few of the injured boys hoping to make a return in the Under 20s.”
“Hoping to play the same starting eleven this week, which will be the first time all season. Kamara and Bangura [two young promotions] should retain their starting position.”
Western Condors FC vs. Hurstville FC – Sunday 5 June, 3PM at Stanwell Oval
The Western Condors will be looking to push in to the top four this weekend, but face a stern challenge against Hurstville FC.
Sitting in fifth place, some distance below the top three, the Western Condors have nevertheless been one of the most efficient sides in the competition. With a goal difference of +1, they haven’t been flashy but they have taken their chances and played attractive football.
Having only lost one of their last five games, and playing at home, the Condors will be quietly confident of their ability to topple a slightly stunned Hurstville FC.
Hurstville FC were shocked in Round 9, suffering their first loss of the season against last placed Nepean FC. Perhaps a necessary wake up call, Hurstville will be looking to put that result in the past with a strong win this Sunday.
Coach Alex Prophet remains positive, saying, “We’ve had a great start to the season, despite the hiccup last week. But with bodies back this week, we look forward to working hard and getting a positive result.”
-by Daniel Palmer, Football NSW State League Men’s Reporter
