Round 15 Preview – State League Men’s

With 7 teams still hunting a precious finals spot, Round 15 is set to be another weekend of gripping drama in the Men’s State League Competition.

UNSW (3^rd) vs Hurstville FC (5^th) – Saturday 3pm

We all know the feeling…

That first day back at work after a long holiday.

It’s horrible.

It’s filled with dread and despair, knowing that the relaxation you’ve enjoyed for weeks has evaporated and replaced by the wearisome woes of work.

For 8 weeks UNSW enjoyed one sensational holiday. Bathing in the sunshine of three glorious points every week, belting out the team song with confidence and invincibility.

But reality has set in. And, after 2 defeats in 3 games, that remarkable winning streak seems as distant as

Hurstville FC, on the other hand, are enjoying their own time in the sun.

An incredible 2-0 victory over Nepean last round catapulted them to within three points of 4^th spot. And, if they manage to claim all three points against a struggling UNSW team, they will close the gap between the two sides to just two points.

The battle for the top four is closer than ever before. But with 7 teams trying to squeeze into 4 places, there will be 3 teams left disappointed come season’s end. If Hurstville FC and UNSW want to be counted amongst those 4 teams, they need to begin by winning this match.

But, in yet another example of reality’s cruel sting – there can only be one winner.

Wagga City Wanderers (9^th) vs Hurstville City Minotaurs (7^th) – Saturday 3pm

The Proclaimers once famously sung, “I would walk 500 miles”.

On Saturday, Hurstville City Minotaurs will have to travel 447km, approximately 4 hours and 41 minutes.

But instead of taking a pilgrimage for love, the Minotaurs are in search of something far more precious – 3 points.

A dramatic 2-1 come-from-behind victory last round against UNSW has kept the Minotaurs’ season alive, just.

Sitting 6 points outside the top four, the Minotaurs know that any slip-ups in the coming weeks and the life support machines currently keeping their season alive will be switched off.

But with “The General” Sarikakas at the helm, Hurstville City have the experience and guidance needed to make a late run to the finals.

Can Wagga prove to be a thorn in the Minotaurs’ side and end their season with a shock upset?

Or will the Minotaurs secure a vital victory in their late season surge?

Prospect United (6^th) vs Western Condors (8^th) – Saturday 5pm

I hope Darren Camilleri bought a lottery ticket last week. With many of his top four rivals dropping crucial points, Prospect couldn’t believe their luck as their victory over Wagga City saw them rise to just four points off a finals’ spot.

Their finals’ chances seemed dead and buried after a frustrating draw against FC Gazy in Round 13.

But with a string of shock results last round, Prospect are back with a real chance of playing finals football.

For weeks now, United’s Achilles heel has been their inability to put in consistent performances against teams below them on the table.

But with only four rounds left, the equation is simple. Win and stay alive in the finals’ race, lose and kiss your season goodbye.

Nepean FC (4^th) vs Bankstown United (1^st) – Saturday 7pm – Match of the Round

Beware the fallen champ.

After both sides suffered humiliating defeats last round at the hands of their premiership rivals, this match serves as a chance for redemption.

Lying in fourth, Nepean are in real danger of being engulfed by the chasing pack. Hurstville City and Prospect are less than two wins behind them, and Hurstville FC can overtake them if results go against the mountain men this round.

For Bankstown, their defeat to Camden last round caused many to speculate about the championship winning credentials of Claudio Canosa’s side. They have been undeniably successful, and consistent against teams in the lower half of the table. But previous defeats to UNSW and Hurstville FC have left fans questioning whether Bankstown can perform against their closest rivals.

Will Nepean hold onto their top four spot?

Or will Bankstown be able to prove they are worthy of being labelled competition favourites in season 2017?

Camden Tigers (2^nd) vs FC Gazy Auburn (10^th) – Saturday 7pm

With their top four rivals squaring off against each other, this is the perfect opportunity for Camden to cement their place inside the finals’ positions.

After an incredible week, in which they defeated Bankstown, Hurstville FC and Nepean, Camden are in a hot run of form that coach Dean Bradley will be hoping his side can carry through into the finals.

And with Dean Mugridge scoring goals for fun, ably supported by competition’s top scorer Jayden Russell, many are suggesting that Camden are firm favourites to take out the championship this season.

FC Gazy will be hoping to spoil the party, especially after their heartbreaking defeat to Western Condors last round. The Auburn side seemed destined for the wooden spoon, unless they are able to claim some unlikely points in this match.

Form Guide:

Camden Tigers (W,W,D)

Prospect United (W,D,W)

Hurstville FC (W,L,W)

Hurstville City Minotaurs (W,L,D)

Western Condors (W,L,L)

Bankstown United (L,W,W)

Nepean FC (L,W,W)

UNSW (L,W,L)

FC Gazy Auburn (L,D,L)

Wagga City Wanderers (L, L, L)

– By Ryan Latty