Round 13 – State League Men’s Preview

By Saturday, world cup fever would’ve hit us all but why not add an appetizer on Saturday afternoon with four State League Men’s round 13 fixtures to take place.

This week we travel to see Central Coast United host Nepean FC whilst Prospect travel to Condors, and Balmain look for revenge.

Featured Match: Central Coast United v Nepean FC

Central Coast United continue to show their class this season. Despite not being at their best for a good part of last week’s fixture, they took the three points home. There was a collective sigh of relief when Geordie Howe headed in their first against an improved Balmain outfit. They are expected to be returning to full strength for this one with the returns of Cade Mapu and Adam Woodbine for a game in which if they win, the odds will shorten on them claiming promotion.

As it stands, Nepean FC are the only team Central Coast United haven’t beaten this campaign. The two sides played out a one all draw in a game which both teams came into in a similar mindset. However, being later into the season now, Nepean really can’t lose this one if they want to be a challenger this season after last weeks short lapse of concentration. Reliant on the goal scoring efforts of Clement Waoci, it’s now or never for the team at the foot of the mountains.

Last Meeting: Nepean FC 1-1 Central Coast United

Mmmm, this appears to be one tasty Saturday serving with three important games in the race for promotion. Can Nepean go one better this time?

Wagga City Wanderers v Hurstville FC

Another home game for Wagga City Wanderers, another chance for them to pick up a much-needed confidence boosting win. Last time out, they were disappointed in going down by two goals to the Condors. The best player on the park in the beaten bunch was Nic Van Honk, and the Wanderers will be looking for more performances like his with the return of Caylum Barber and Antonio Vastano.

It won’t be easy though as they face another side desperate for a win. Hurstville FC are desperate to bounce back after feeling wronged in their last couple of fixtures against top quality opposition. A fixture against Wagga is a different type of challenge and they’ll be determined to show the hosts what they’re capable of after their first meeting.

Last Meeting: Hurstville FC 1-1 Wagga City Wanderers

Wagga have made a few changes since they last met, will they finally be able to pick up their second win or are Hurstville just a bit too strong?

South Coast Flame v Balmain Tigers

South Coast Flame secured just their third win of the season (first at home), last weekend as they defeated FC Gazy Auburn at Crehan Park. This week they will be looking to make it back to back wins however they will have to do it without number 10 Matt Mazevski who is out suspended. Louis Connell will be returning to the side and new signing Grant Wilson will hopefully make his debut.

It’s not often in football that a team who loses three nil gets plenty of compliments. However, Balmain Tigers turned a few heads in their performance against Central Coast last weekend. The Tigers have undergone a rebuild in recent weeks bringing in Ahmad Ismail, Marius Papi, Kagisho Pitso and Yianni Moustakas. Conclusion, this is a different side and they’re starting to click.

Last Meeting: Balmain Tigers 0-5 South Coast Flame

So either, South Coast Flame are going to get back to back wins for the first time in their history or Balmain Tigers are going to win back more respect. Game on

Western Condors v Prospect United

Western Condors return home after a long weekend trip to Wagga Wagga with smiles on their faces. Goals to Kaito Ikarimoto as well as Cristian Leiva Martinez secured a morale boosting win on the road. We are beginning to see some fruit from the combination of Hikaru Takase with his fellow countryman Ikarimoto, a combination which could decide where the Condors go from here.

What a weekend that was for Prospect United. A dramatic come from behind win after being down entering stoppage time saw them escape with the three points. This was despite being on the back foot for a good portion of the game only having keeper Daniel Farias to thank for some good saves. However, goals to Vulcik and Valjak have given Prospect a springboard forward for the rest of the season.

Last Meeting: Prospect United 1-1 Western Condors

Both these team’s seasons have gone different ways since their last meeting, but are the Condors preparing for a late assault, not better place to prove it?

FC Gazy Auburn v UNSW FC

Last weekend we saw both the good and the bad of FC Gazy Auburn in our featured match. Their plan was pretty clear in the first half, be structured at the back whilst ready to pounce on any mistakes at the other end. They opened up in the second half and created more chances with their main threat appearing to be Rosario Occhipinti (a recent signing from Inter Lions).

A refreshed UNSW FC outfit will prove a challenge this weekend, last week they could only sit and watch as Sunday’s fixture against Hurstville City Minotaurs was washed out. A set back like that can only go two ways, sluggishness and a struggle to restart. Or perhaps more likely, they will be itching to get back on the park and that brings the potential of a long Sunday afternoon for FC Gazy.

Last Meeting: UNSW FC 4-1 FC Gazy Auburn

There is definite apparent gap between these two sides but will a UNSW side who haven’t played in 14 days be there for the taking?

Bankstown United v Hurstville City Minotaurs

Bankstown United play at another temporary home this weekend but It doesn’t seem to be affecting them whatsoever. They continued their winning run beating Hurstville FC in a tight tussle and impressively managed to do it without a goal from Mitch Cross. Instead it was Sean Robertson who came of the bench to change the game but he will be missed whilst going on work placement.

How to preview a side who didn’t play last week? Perhaps the postponement came at the wrong time for Hurstville City Minotaurs. They were/are still on a 3-game winning streak not that this game is any easier than last weeks test. The team is still gelling from a bit of a makeover so players like Angelo Petratos and Alireza Yousefi could’ve benefited from some extra training.

Last Meeting: Hurstville City Minotaurs 2-3 Bankstown United.

These two sides put in possibly the pick of the reverse fixtures. Things have well and truly changed since their last meeting so who will cup out on top?

BY Justin Smith