Round 12 – State League Men Preview

Congratulations everyone, we’ve reached the half way point of this year’s State League Men’s season. Seems a good point to reflect on what has been so far this season as well look ahead at what’s to come in this week’s action.

Feature Match: South Coast Flame v FC Gazy Auburn

South Coast Flame will be disappointed by their performances or lack thereof in recent weeks. In two games they would’ve singled out as potential games to get points from, they lost to both Hurstville teams consecutively. A return home this week will be a welcome change of scenery for the side, as they look to pick up their 3^rd win of the campaign. In a team full of young talent, Andrew Bova stands out with some good performances at holding midfielder.

FC Gazy Auburn will enter this fixture with what can be only describe as a sense of renewal on the 2018 season, after breaking a six game losing streak in a convincing affair against  the Balmain Tigers. This week’s visitors won in style, scoring five goals in what is sure to be a massive confidence boost. The squad is one of a few who have undergone a revamp at this point including Costa Fallas who got a double last weekend.

It’s been a while since either of these sides appeared within the State League Men’s match of the round, with this clash providing us all an insight in what the second half has in store for them both.

Last meeting: FC Gazy Auburn 3-3 South Coast Flame

Wagga City Wanderers v Western Condors

Without the miraculous, the Wagga City Wanderers were on a hiding to nothing last week. Despite this, the Wanderers showed a lot of heart in a three nil defeat away at Nepean. So, for this one spirits will be on the up with some new faces starting to make an appearance in the squad. Stuart Smeeth will be making his home debut alongside some possible new faces. Caylum Barber and Antonio Vastano will also be returning for the hosts.

What a difference a good or even in form striker can make in this league. Western Condors raced out of the blocks on the back of Cristian Martinez up front however since he went out of the side the Condors have struggled to find the net. Last week they matched it with top four side Bankstown United but came away with nothing to show for it. Can they recapture some of their early season form?

Life’s a battle for both these teams, Wagga continue to rack up miles as the season progresses and in turn find it tough, whilst the Condors are fighting to bring lady luck back on their side.

Last meeting: Western Condors 3-1 Wagga City Wanderers

Nepean FC v Prospect United

Nepean FC have been counting down the days to this clash ever since their first meeting took place in round 1. This week’s hosts will be desperate to capitalize on what was a missed oppurtunity, as well as secure back to back wins after last week’s performance against Wagga. The victory was sweetened by the return of Wand Jajaw, and Mario Ghobrial strengthening an already strong outfit.

Not many sides will push Central Coast United as hard as Prospect United did last week. Despite the one-sided score line, Prospect impressed for the majority of the performance. Before this they produced their most complete performance against Balmain. They will be looking to reproduce that and more as striker Joel Bayubahe continues to bed in his return to Prospect after a spell at Nepean.

These two sides played out a thriller in the first round, with this week fixture presenting the possibility of an even grander affair come round 2.

Last meeting: Prospect United 3-2 Nepean FC

Balmain Tigers v Central Coast United

Balmain Tigers, well how long have we got? Following this sides results week in, week out, is a frustrating job. No one will be feeling it more than Tigers head coach Joe Di Gullo, who has the league’s most difficult task. Facing Central Coast United after going down last week to FC Gazy Auburn. We wish you luck Balmain Tigers, you’re going to need it.

Superlatives are running out for this Central Coast United side. The word that comes to mind from their latest performance was methodical. They were patient in their attack and when their opponents inevitably let their guard down, they pounced much like a tiger actually. Striker Adam Woodbine has scored consecutive hat-tricks will be out however there could be a boost in the return of Cade Mapu.

Central Coast United started their existence off in the best way possible when these sides last met. Can Balmain Tigers produce the shock of the season or will the Coast train roll on?

Last meeting: Central Coast United 5-0 Balmain Tigers

Hurstville FC v Bankstown United

Hurstville FC are now in the midst of probably the leagues toughest run towards to the end of the season. Having gone into last week with three wins on the trot. Now they look to avoid back to back home defeats after a loss last week to UNSW FC. Many teams have suffered that fate. Although having scored a goal in every game since round 5, they will continue to be a threat with players such as Reece Turner in form.

Bankstown United are another team who have found their form after being featured in a match of the round. Following on from a win against Nepean, Bankstown followed it up with a comfortable three nil win away from home against the Condors. It was the Mitch Cross show in that performance scoring a hat-trick which included a bicycle kick.

In their first meeting, Hurstville FC certainly made it difficult for Bankstown United and continue to be there or there about. However, Bankstown have found their form again so by no means will it be easy.

Last meeting: Bankstown United 1-0 Hurstville FC

Hurstville City Minotaurs v UNSW FC

Hurstville City Minotaurs have steered their season around dramatically in recent weeks. A few changes to the squad has seen them pick up three wins in a row and suddenly they look like they could be forcing their way into the finals picture. Last week they had a moral boosting come from behind win over the Flame in which substitutes Kushaal Ram and Riad Agnache starred.

UNSW FC are back. We are comfortable enough to say it now after a couple of wins have eased any fears of a downturn. Last week they beat Minotaurs neighbors Hurstville FC in what was a tricky task on a cold wet night at Seymour Shaw. They will be aiming for a more comfortable win than last time and for Christian Soares to score cause in the nine games he has, they have only lost one.

A clash between two sides who have discovered/rediscovered winning form in recent rounds. There is a gap in the standings though but the Minotaurs will be a tough test for the travelling UNSW outfit.

Last meeting: UNSW FC 3-2 Hurstville City Minotaurs

Club Championship Update

By Justin Smith