Round 11 – State League Men’s Preview

Does one dare think of the possibility of an undefeated season for this week’s match of the round hosts?

This and many more questions add intrigue to this week’s State League Men’s round 11 action.

Match of the Round

Undefeated pace-setters Central Coast United host fellow top four side Prospect United in the pick of this week’s action at Pluim Park on Saturday afternoon.

Central Coast United have begun this season and indeed their existence in stunning fashion having only dropped points away at Nepean so far with only one game of the first round of fixtures remaining. Last week United comfortably took care of Wagga City Wanderers in the most daunting road trip in the competition. Coach Stu Davis credited a meticulous preparation for the result in which they ran out eight goals to one winners.

When your team is undefeated though, it becomes hard to single out good performers as obviously they’re all strong. However, in recent weeks Scott Mcginley has really come to the floor. The biggest credit we can pay to him is that when his not there, it becomes noticeable so in other words he is the glue in this side.

This week they come up against a side which is gained a reputation of being one which is not easy to beat. Prospect United have surprised finding themselves in the top 4 coming into this one, half way through the season. Last week they produced what coach Darren Camilleri called their best performance yet in beating Balmain Tigers.

Expecting a tough game and having been missing some key players, they will be relying on the whole team to step up once again as a unit. This whole team needs a goal scorer though and it’s handy for them to come into this one with attacker Nic Valjak in top form with two goals last week.

So, a top 4 showdown highlights the round. Can a hardworking Prospect do what only one team before them have done in taking points off the hosts?

Western Condors v Bankstown United

Football can be cruel sometimes, last week Western Condors went down to UNSW FC in an entertaining attack minded game at Valentine Sports Park. We could be sitting here looking at a result a lot closer that the 4-1 score line, however it wasn’t to be for this week’s hosts. The Condors did welcome back their main threat up front back though in Cristian Martinez after a long suspension which should lift the side.

Bankstown United turned their season around last week, having been 3-0 down, they picked themselves up and eventually pulled off a memorable win. Of particular focus this week has been working on recent poor starts and solidifying their defensive shape. Two players stuck out last week in Steve Wright who picked himself up after a shaky start to score an outrageous goal and Mitch Cross who got through a mountain of work.

Can the Condors shock a Bankstown United who have momentum on their side?

This one has the potential for goals in it.

Nepean FC v Wagga City Wanderers

How? Just how? That will be the question on every lip associated with Nepean FC this week. They held a three-goal lead after twenty minutes running all over Bankstown United but a concentration slip gave their opposition hope and there was no looking back. Nepean are starting to gain a reputation of the leagues entertainers scoring 12 goals in their last 3 games. Led by Waoci, their goals throughout the season are well spread, Matt Pritchard is one too watch in this one looking dangerous throughout last week.

It’s not going to get any tougher for Wagga City Wanderers than this period of the season, having gone up against Central Coast United. They now face a Nepean side who will be determined to bounce back. Credit to Wagga though, Juma Abbas did manage to get on the scoresheet at the death with a lovely finish from inside the box.

Nepean FC will be determined to pick themselves up after last week and a solid defensive display could be the priority here. Will Wagga be good enough to take advantage of their vulnerability though?

Hurstville FC v UNSW FC

All of a sudden, Hurstville FC are breathing down Nepean’s neck at the base of the top five. They have won four of their last five games and will be full of confidence heading into this. However, things are about to get tough for Hurstville with their next 6 fixtures. Don’t count them out though, the Gagro brothers have suddenly found form in front of goal and their defence is suddenly conceding less than a goal a game.

It’s probably too soon to be saying that UNSW FC have recaptured their form. They will be relieved though as the once competition leaders to recaptured their winning ways last weekend. The score line did end up flattering them but coach Gabe Knowles will take confidence in the fact his side can still improve. Ilan Kessler is finally looking close to his best after some injury troubles and will add another piece to the puzzle which is this Uni side.

So, the real tests begin for Hurstville as they host UNSW, will they prove to be the real deal or can UNSW maintain some pressure on Central Coast United?

Hurstville City Minotaurs v South Coast Flame

Hurstville City Minotaurs have undergone quite the turnover in recent weeks, as the new faces in the squad start to make their mark. Last time out they scored a vital three points in a game which they controlled from start to finish in a convincing three goal win.  Goals in that game came from Hassan Abdul, Angelo Petratos and Alireza Yousefi and the general will be looking for three wins on the trot this weekend.

South Coast Flame just fell short in their bid to secure back to back wins last week as they went down to Hurstville FC. Having held a lead, it was late heart break but things are definitely looking better than how they were a few weeks ago. In terms of players to watch, Louis Connell continued his impressive start to life in the league with a goal last week.

So, a different challenge for the Flame as they face an experienced Minotaurs outfit. Old vs young, who will come out on top?

FC Gazy Auburn v Balmain Tigers

Soul searching is on the cards for FC Gazy Auburn. They come into this game after a rough couple of weeks, it’s beginning to echo last campaign. Last week they were second best in their game against the Minotaurs at home. Facing a team who have lost just as many games this week, could give them confidence to pull something out of the hat though.

Changing things around is in order for the Balmain Tigers. Last week they were victim to a clinical performance from Prospect United at home. So what changes you ask? Coach Joe Di Gullo has promised a change in formation as well as an aggressive mentality to counteract the loss of three players to injury and suspension. Finding themselves 11 points behind in the finals race, it’s time to make a move and keep 11 players on the pitch.

Two sides who have made losing a habit in 2018. One or even both will have to break it here? Game on.

-By Justin Smith