Round 16 Preview – State League Men’s

This weekend the State League Men’s pushes towards the final quarter of the season, with a massive top of the table clash between Hurstville FC and St. George FA headlining the round.

Wagga City Wanderers vs. University of NSW – Saturday 16 July, 3PM at Gissing Oval

Wagga City will feel their Finals hopes slipping away, but must push for a win against the University of NSW this weekend if they’re to keep the dream alive.

The Wanderers fell agonizingly to Bankstown United last weekend, losing 4-3 in a game that could have gone either way. Their form has lapsed in the past month, and coach Andrew Douglas will be hoping to see a turnaround this weekend.

The University of NSW continue to work on their squad, with next season firmly in sights. They had the week off in Round 15, due to their fixture against Hurstville FC falling victim to wet conditions; giving them plenty of time to prepare mentally for the long trip down to Gissing Oval.

Hurstville FC vs. St. George FA – Saturday 16 July, 5PM at Seymour Shaw Stadium

In undoubtedly the biggest game of the season, first placed St. George FA take on second placed Hurstville FC this Saturday at Seymour Shaw Stadium.

Hurstville and St. George have been inseparable this season, tied on points atop the ladder for nearly the past two months. St. George are now three points ahead, but only due to Hurstville’s game last weekend being washed out.

St. George coach Manny Spanoudakis acknowledges that this fixture could be utterly decisive in the race for the Premiership, saying, “This is going to be a critical game for the ultimate outcome of both teams’ seasons.”

“We are managing a few injuries and will assess those players at risk on Thursday at training. Either way, we have a number of boys who have been playing in the U20s and are ready to step in if needed.”

Hurstville FC coach Alex Prophet asserts that the squad will take this week like every other, regardless of what’s at stake.

“We enjoyed our week off and have prepared as usual for this match… Hurstville will be confident as usual, we show respect to every team but make sure we are personally ready.”

Hurstville must look out for St. George’s in form striker Sam Messam, who was deadly against the Western Condors in last week’s 7-0 victory. The striker bagged four goals in what was a clinical performance from the league leaders. 

Nepean FC vs. Camden Tigers FC – Saturday 16 July, 7PM at Cook Park

Nepean FC will feel they have one final shot at mounting a Finals campaign this season, taking on an inform Camden Tigers outfit.

The Tigers have found their groove in recent weeks, highlighted by their impressive victory over third placed Southern Districts in Round 15 and their draw against fourth placed Bankstown United on Tuesday.

Jayden Russell has been in lethal form up front, scoring five goals in his last three outings – including braces against both the Raiders and United.

Camden coach Dean Bradley believes that his team is coming along nicely, asserting, “For one of the youngest squads in the league, we can all as a club be proud of the effort.”

“It’s a big test against Nepean this week, as they are a great team on the rise… we will be looking to build on some positive results from the past few weeks.”

Nepean took their chances last weekend against Prospect United, but were not at their most convincing in victory. They will have to step things up on Saturday night.

Coach Magdy Andrawes says that it is a huge game for Nepean, saying, “Camden are a solid team – they are top five and have one of the best strikers in the league.”

“At this stage we will concentrate on what we do to reach our potential, no who matter who the opposition is. Our challenge is to be the best we can in every match, whether we are playing first or last.”

SD Raiders FC vs. Gazy Auburn FC – Saturday 16 July, 7PM at Ernie Smith Reserve

The SD Raiders FC will be determined to roll over Gazy Auburn FC this weekend, as they look to build momentum towards the pointy end of the season.

Last week saw the Raiders fall 3-2 to the Camden Tigers FC, in a result that all but sees the end of their Premiership bid this season (mathematically still possible, but highly unlikely).

They will set their sights on building form heading into the Finals, and will see this week’s game against last placed Gazy Auburn FC as a massive opportunity to kickstart their revival.

Mark Symington is the man in-form for the Raiders, having scored five goals in his last four games. Mclintock remains the league’s top scorer, with an incredible 22 goals this season. However, the Raiders struggle has been in defence, which let them down against Camden last weekend.

Gazy Auburn were swept aside 5-2 by follow cellar dwellers Hurstville City last weekend, and will have to cause a major upset to come away with anything this Saturday. However, they have the attacking tools available to capitalise on any poor discipline in defence from the home side.

Hurstville City Minotaurs vs. Bankstown United FC – Sunday 17 July, 3PM at Heffron Park

Hurstville City will be buzzing after a long awaited victory in Round 15, and have nothing to lose this weekend against Bankstown United.

Coach Peter Sarikakis acknowledges that Bankstown are a formidable side, but believes, “In the first round we were very unlucky to lose to [Bankstown].”

“If our defences keeps the mistakes to a minimum, I think our midfield can create enough chances for our forwards to score a few goals that will give us back to back wins.”

Bankstown have had a packed week – narrowly edging the Wagga City Wanderers 4-3 on Saturday, before coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Camden on Tuesday night.

Coach Petar Finka says that he was delighted with the steel shown by his boys against Camden, and believes they are undoubtedly ready to backup quickly against the Minotaurs on Sunday.

“A couple more players will return from injury, which should only help our chances.”

Tom Markovski is the man to watch out for, having scored four goals across Bankstown’s two games in the past week – fourteen for the season.

Western Condors FC vs. Prospect United – Sunday 17 July, 3PM at Stanwell Oval

The Western Condors FC will be looking to bounce back from last week’s massive defeat to St. George FA, taking on Prospect United in what should be an entertaining game of football.

The Condors have been impressive this season, but collapsed to a dramatic 7-0 defeat to St. George in Round 15. On a wet pitch they struggled to play their usually attractive brand of football, and were swept aside by the clinical league leaders, 

Prospect United suffered another unfortunate defeat last weekend, with Lady Luck seemingly not willing to visit the western Sydney side this season. Their focus remains on continuing to develop their young squad.

Coach John Caruana says that the team is looking forward to it, and his boys have a great attitude despite their results this year.

“The Condors play football which suits us and it should be a good game – hopefully we have some luck and put our chances away.”

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