Round 16 Preview – PS4 NPL 3 NSW Men’s
Round Sixteen of the 2016 PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues 3 NSW Men’s competition kicks off at 5-00pm at Bathurst on Saturday afternoon when Western NSW Mariners welcome the visit of Inter Lions to Proctor Park.
Both sides will go in to the match a little weary, having played midweek matches. The Mariners in fact haven’t done themselves any favours, having had to play Dulwich Hill on Thursday evening, and then back up just 48 hours later to play this match.
The Round Five match between the sides earlier this season was littered with eight cautions as well as eight goals, with Daniel Fogarty the star of the show, scoring four goals in Inter’s 5-3 victory – expect similar this time around with both teams desperate for the three points on offer.
Dulwich Hill face the arduous task of stopping the Hills Brumbies juggernaut on Saturday evening when the two teams meet at Arlington Oval for a 7-00pm kick off.
As if playing the league leaders wasn’t enough, Dully will be backing up 48 hours after a road trip to play Western NSW Mariners in a rescheduled match, so will feel the pinch, especially in the latter part of the match.
The Brumbies are sitting pretty in top spot, on the ladder, six points ahead of their nearest opposition, and scoring goals at will – last week’s nine goal haul against Balmain took their season tally to 63, a frightening average of over 4 goals per game.
Earlier this season Dully showed some character, coming back from 0-4 down at the break to almost steal a point in a 3-4 loss, and will need to show similar fighting spirit if they are to steal anything from this encounter.
Granville Rage will be hoping for better fortunes when they entertain Hawkesbury City on Saturday night at Garside Park at 7-00pm.
Granville have lost 4 out of their last 5 matches, and are starting to lose touch with the top half of the table. No doubt they will look to Daniel Bittar to add to his nine goals in this season’s campaign and steer them to victory.
Hawkesbury City have had a turn for the better in recent weeks, and not only climbed away from the foot of the table, but a win in this match will catapult them above the Rage and continue their remarkable second round ascent.
Dunbar Rovers tackle Sydney University on Sunday afternoon at Hensley Athletic Field at the earlier than usual kick off time of 3-00pm.
I say ‘earlier than usual’ because Dunbar usually play their home matches at 7-00pm, but despite the kick off time, they will be looking to continue their great run at home where they have only lost once this season.
The ‘students’ will be fresh and eager for action following their weekend off last round, the match against Inter postponed due to the waterlogged pitch.
Sydney University is one of the sides that inflicted a defeat on the Rovers this season, producing a masterclass display in Round Five to win 4-2. A similar performance from the ‘students’ and a subsequent three points would be just what the doctor ordered to stay in touch with the top five.
Two teams in good form in recent weeks meet head on at 3-00pm on Sunday afternoon when Gladesville Ryde Magic welcome Rydalmere Lions to Magdala Park.
Magic have forced their way in to the top five on the back of a five match unbeaten run, climbing above Sydney University last weekend after overcoming Granville Rage 3-1.
But Magic will know that Rydalmere are a totally different proposition altogether, especially at the moment, having scored 18 goals in their past three matches.
The first round affair was a very close tussle indeed, with the Lions prevailing 3-2 on the back of a double from Seijei Tarutani, so expect another close battle this around also.
Stanmore Hawks will hope to keep the pressure on Hills at the top of the competition on Sunday when they travel to meet Balmain Tigers at 3-00pm at Wentworth Park.
Balmain Tigers have been struggling of late, but a return to Wentworth Park, and having the Mariners on their tail at the base of the ladder, could be just the inspiration they need to muster an improved effort and hopefully a victory.
The Hawks are a solid side at the best of times, tough to break down and combative across the park. Given their current form and the need to stay within reach of Hills Brumbies at the top, it is difficult to tip against the Hawks in current form.
MIDWEEK RESCHEDULED MATCH – Round 12
Inter Lions – Hawkesbury City 2-1
Inter Lions climbed to 7th spot on the ladder courtesy of their 2-1 victory over Hawkesbury City on Wednesday night at Valentine Sports Park No.2.
But they had to do it the hard way, falling behind to Hawkesbury in the opening minute when Jason Browne struck home.
The Hawks had the better of the opening stanza, but went down to ten men after the break, Jonathan Ekehov sent from the field after two yellow cards.
Inter dominated the second half, hitting the woodwork on a couple of occasions before Clayton Musumeci equalised with ten minutes remaining.
Just as it looked like the teams would take home a share the spoils, up popped Inter’s speedster, Daniel Fogarty, to grab a last minute winner with his 16th goal of the season.
