Round 5 Preview – State League Men’s
Last weekend we saw Camden Tigers FC move to the top of the league ladder and they will have to defend that pedestal against the hot Bankstown United FC who have won three straight.
Both Hurstville clubs were winless at the weekend and will be hungry to bounce back strongly when they take on University of NSW and Nepean FC respectively. At the other end of the ladder there will be a bottom dwellers shootout between Western Condors FC and FC Gazy Auburn.
University of NSW vs Hurstville City Minotaurs
It has been somewhat of a roller coaster season for UNSW FC, however, they managed a big victory last weekend and have put themselves in a good head space for their matchup against Hurstville City Minotaurs at home.
The Minotaurs have been one of the form teams of the competition thus far, but after two games without victory their confidence may be a little fragile. That could work a treat for UNSW FC, but it could also serve as an avenue for a surge of retaliation.
As it stands UNSW FC are languishing toward the bottom of the table and are six points adrift of the league leaders, making this a must win. The same can be said for Hurstville, who will not only be wanting to be getting back into the winner’s circle, but stay in touch with the top dogs.
Prospect United vs Wagga City Wanderers
After missing the opening round was washed out and then Prospect United suffered defeat, they have turned their fortunes around with victories. Wagga City are quite the opposite form wise, they started strong but have dwindled in recent weeks.
In saying that, it must be obvious that Prospect United will want to win to make sure they keep the pressure on those just above them, while Wagga City desperately need to return to the form that saw them leading the league after a 5-1 victory over Western Condors FC.
Nepean FC Hurstville FC
The first of the big games this weekend comes from Cook Park, where the undefeated Nepean FC will take on the former league leaders Hurstville FC.
Despite only taking a point against Hurstville City last week, Nepean remained undefeated and also still have a game in hand over those above them, which makes this game huge because Hurstville are just two points ahead.
Speaking of Hurstville, they suffered their first defeat at the hands of Camden Tigers. This could result in a strong return, or it could start a bit of rut similarly to that of Hurstville City after they fell off the top perch.
Camden Tigers FC vs Bankstown United FC
This one could easily be the match of the round this weekend, as both sounds are arguably the most inform teams in the competition.
Camden Tigers have knocked off both Hurstville clubs to rise to the top of the league, while Bankstown have scored 14 goals since losing to Hurstville FC in the opening weekend of football.
As we know the Tigers also have plenty of ability in the final third, especially with the likes of Dean Mugridge who is playing some impressive football now, and we can’t overlook the talents of Jayden Russell.
Bankstown will come into this match as the underdogs and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. If they were to come out with the three points it would see them leap frog Camden, however, if the result falls the other way the Tigers will could build themselves a four-point lead if Hurstville FC were to fail in their match.
Western Condors FC vs FC Gazy Auburn
On paper this game looks like a bit of a dreadful one. But teams are winless and have conceded a combine total of 31 goals in just four games. However, considering the circumstances, this game could ignite the spark both sides have been looking for.
FC Gazy Auburn have been performing slightly better, conceding 11 goals less and seemingly having a much sturdier defence overall. The Condors are struggling at both ends of the pitch. They have copped 21 goals and scored just once.
If one of these two way to take three points they would leap frog the other, and perhaps sit on level points with Wagga City if they fall victim to Prospect United.
-By Jake O’Brien
