Round 7 Preview – State League Men’s
Following another thrilling weekend of football, we saw a lot of change and alignment in the league ladder, but one constant was dominance of Bankstown United FC who head into this round with a five-point lead.
They do however, have a challenging task in the shape of University of NSW who have sprung into action over the last couple weeks. Hurstville FC, Camden Tigers FC and Hurstville City Minotaurs within striking distance of the top and will want to maintain their stance.
Another sub-plot worth keeping your eye on this weekend will be Western Condors FC. They have looked like a brand-new team having recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season after earning their maiden victory against the lowly FC Gazy Auburn.
University of NSW vs Bankstown United FC
The weekend’s action gets underway with the humongous tussle between league leaders Bankstown and the fiery University of NSW. This game not only will have a big effect on both clubs, but it could have a domino effect with the teams lying beneath.
The game will take place David Phillips Complex, which should give UNSW FC a slight advantage in their attempt to make it four straight wins. However, Bankstown haven’t loss since the opening round, and their last victory away from home was a convincing 4-1 over Camden Tigers.
Both sides are full of goals, with a staggering 33 goals between them in just six matches. Defensively though, the setting darkens for UNSW FC, how have conceded 11 goals compared to Bankstown who have copped just one goal in their last three games.
If United fail to overcome UNSW the gates will be swung open for the four teams five points adrift, one of those being Bankstown’s opponent.
Nepean FC vs FC Gazy Auburn
The second course will see a well-rested Gazy Auburn take on a recently defeated Nepean, in a contest that could throw up some interesting flavours for your tastebuds. Nepean are just behind the chasing pack with a game in hand, while FC are lagging in last place.
However, as we mentioned, FC Gazy will be fresh after a mini vacation last weekend due to Sydney’s downpour on Friday evening. Although they are sitting at the bottom, Gazy have built their team around a strong defence, but with just six goals, it’s evident where they need to improve.
It is kind of a make or break situation for Nepean. If they were to lose it would be two straight losses after starting going through the first five games undefeated. That would have a big effect on their confidence and considering they are game-down on those around them they will fall further down the pile.
Camden Tigers FC vs Western Condors
The Tigers were the other team to miss out on football last weekend due to the weather, and considering they were playing the league’s bottom dwellers it would have been a huge disappointment as a victory would have seen them within two points of Bankstown.
However, unlike a few weeks ago, Camden’s opponents this weekend are a very different team. After weeks of devastating defeat, the Condors have surged into the green numbers after two straight wins against FC Gazy Auburn and Prospect United.
If the Condors win and Wagga lose they will climb another place higher and be just within striking distance of the clubs floating around the top. However, there will be a huge focus on the Tigers because we must remember they still have a game in hand.
Hurstville FC vs Wagga City Wanderers
The light at the end of the tunnel is fading for Wagga City, it’s disappearing into the silhouette of Hurstville FC who will be taking no prisoners this weekend after a narrow defeat at the hands of University of NSW.
The match with take place in the backyard of Hurstville, meaning another long trek for the Wanderers. It will be their third straight away game, and that alone is a huge hurdle, not to mention the fact they have conceded 11 goals in their last two matches.
Hurstville on the other hand remain as one of the most consistent teams in the competition when you browse their goals scored and conceded numbers. They have scored the third highest in the competition with 15, while only conceding eight. They sit in third, and will be eager to stay within touch of those around them.
Hurstville City Minotaurs vs Prospect United
Finally, the round will be closed out with another crucial game. Hurstville City are in second place, while Prospect are on nine points in sixth place with a game in hand over the others. If you haven’t worked it out yet, that means this weekend’s fixture is a must win for both sides.
The Minotaurs have had a rough couple weeks, but they managed to bounce back to their best with a strong 6-1 win over Wagga City last week. That saw them move back into second place, and move their goal tally to 17 – the second highest in the league.
Prospect United have scored 11 goals in five matches, which sets the stage for fireworks, but those pyrotechnics could be doused by both outfit’s resilient backlines. Hurstville City have conceded seven goals while Prospect have copped nine.
-By Jake O’Brien
