Round 21 Preview – State League Men’s

The penultimate round of State League Men’s football could not be more exciting, with the Premiership on the line and everything to play for.

Bankstown United FC vs. Camden Tigers FC – Friday 19 August, 8:30PM at Jensen Park

In a blockbuster clash between fourth and fifth place, Bankstown United FC host the rampant Camden Tigers this Friday at Jensen Park.

United have been in topsy turvy form over the past five rounds, losing three games and winning the other two. Last weekend, they fell 2-1 to Prospect United in a performance that saw them unable to convert enough chances. 

Camden, on the other hand, continue to surge towards the Finals in red hot form. Undefeated in almost two months, the Tigers dismantled Gazy Auburn 3-0 in Round 20 and will have a spring in their step this Friday.

They will be challenged by circumstances however, having to balance their squad for a makeup game in Wagga on Sunday.

Coach Dean Bradley says that both fixtures will be huge for his young squad, which has been further stretched by key injuries.

“The game against Bankstown is massive for us, as is the catchup in Wagga on Sunday… it’s business as usual for us though, we have had some players who would be starters ruled out for the season with injuries.”

“However, this will give chances for U20s players to stake their claim for a starting spot. Patience and determination will be the order of the night against Bankstown.”

The winner will likely finish the round in the top four, but importantly gain vital momentum and confidence as we head towards the Finals.

Wagga City Wanderers vs. Nepean FC – Saturday 20 August, 3PM at Gissing Oval

The Wagga City Wanderers faces another difficult weekend of back-to-back fixtures, as they look to finish off their season positively.

They will have to face two sides who are in season-best form, beginning with Nepean FC on Saturday. Nepean earned a shock 1-0 victory over second placed Hurstville FC in Round 20, before backing up midweek to beat Gazy Auburn. They have now won their last three fixtures on the trot, without conceding.

Nepean coach Magdy Andrawes says that his side’s focus will be to maintain the momentum created by their impressive performances in August.

“It’s always tough to come to Wagga and play our best, but we must stay focused for the next two games and end our season on a high.

“I know the boys are looking forward to the weekend away, I’m just hoping we can concentrate when we need to and come up with the full three points.”

Wagga coach Andrew Douglas admits that his squad are suffering, having conceded eighteen goals across two back-to-back defeats to Southern Districts last weekend.

“The boys will be licking their wounds a bit and unfortunately our squad is decimated at the moment. We potentially had a couple more injuries from the weekend.”

“We will be doing our best to recover from the double header and prepare for the upcoming double header we have again this week… a positive is that our youth are getting good exposure against quality sides which will hold them in good stead in the future.”

Prospect United vs. University of NSW – Saturday 20 August, 5PM at William Lawson Park

Prospect United will be hoping to pick up where they left off last weekend, as they host the University of NSW.

Prospect were finally able to collect results worthy of their performances last week, with a big win over Gazy Auburn and then an impressive victory against fourth placed Bankstown United.

Coach John Caruana is positive about their chances against a downtrodden University of NSW, who have been in dismal form.

“I’m hopeful we can make it three in a row, but they’re a tricky team who can definintely cause a few problems… but the boys are confident that we can put on a good performance.”

Joel Bayubahe has been their in form player, scoring both goals against Bankstown and kicking off proceedings with another against Gazy Auburn.

The University of NSW lost narrowly to the Western Condors last weekend, and then again to Hurstville FC midweek.

St. George FA vs. Gazy Auburn FC – Saturday 20 August, 7PM at Valentine Sports Park 3

Despite a recent downturn in form, St. George FA can seal the Premiership this weekend if results go their way, with the Club Championship also on the line.

A win against last placed Gazy Auburn would mean that any slip up from Hurstville FC will secure the title for St. George. Nevertheless, the league leaders are coming off their first loss since Round 5, defeated by the Hurstville City Minotaurs last weekend.

Coach Manny Spanoudakis says that his side are excited by the possibilities this weekend, but mustn’t become complacent.

“The boys are very excited and at the same time focused on the Gazy game… trying to keep things as low key as possible during the week.”

Spanoudakis is away for the next week, with former NSL star and current Technical Director Aytek Genc in charge of overseeing training and this week’s game.

Hurstville City Minotaurs vs. SD Raiders FC – Sunday 21 August, 3PM at ES Marks Field

The Hurstville City Minotaurs will face an enormous challenge this weekend in the SD Raiders, but will feel fearless after their upset victory over St. George in Round 20.

The Minotaurs are in the best form of their season, undefeated in their past three games (winning twice). Last weekend saw them become only the second team to beat St. George all year, while a midweek draw against the Western Condors continued their impressive form.

Coach Peter Sarikakis says, “I know that if the boys play to the best of their ability, we can beat any team.”

“In saying that, Southern Districts is a very strong team that punishes any mistake made by their opposition… we have nothing to lose and only our pride to play for.”

The Raiders were utterly devastating against Wagga City last weekend, in a double header that saw them win 8-2 and then 10-1.

They will be looking to reclaim second place this weekend, but will undoubtedly be wary of a dangerous Minotaurs outfit.

Hurstville FC vs. Western Condors FC – Sunday 21 August, 7PM at Seymour Shaw Stadium

Hurstville FC will know that if St. George do not slip up, they must win this weekend to keep their Premiership hopes alive.

In Round 20, they were shocked by Nepean FC in a frustrating defeat that saw them fail to put away their chances. Midweek, they emerged victorious 3-1 against the University of NSW in a game that kept their hopes alive. 

The Condors have proved an incredibly difficult to breakdown side, but have struggled to score freely this season. They returned to winning ways last Saturday against the University of NSW, but only narrowly. Midweek, they drew 1-1 with the in form Hurstville City Minotaurs.

This game should provide an engaging battle between two defensively solid sides, that could be decided by the most narrow of margins.

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