Round 14 – State League Men’s Preview

Round 13 of this year’s competition was the State League Men’s at it’s best. It provided the biggest upset of the season as well as plenty of things to think about for a certain few.

So, we turn our attention to this week wondering what happens next. Will Central Coast United continue their charge? Can the Hurstville sides put pressure on the top 5? Will last week’s shock defeat prove to be more than a blip for UNSW FC? Bring on the weekend I say!

Featured Match: Hurstville City Minotaurs v Wagga City Wanderers

This week marks a must win for Hurstville City Minotaurs, if they want to be a part of a finals race this season. It also brings a bit of breathing space with fixtures against four of the top five on the horizon. Last week they visited Bankstown United and were made to pay for not taking chances, in a period of dominance in the first half. On the positive side, it marked a return for experienced defender Lorenzo Fatica whose experience will be a boost.

It’s pretty hard to picture yourself going to the lengths travel wise that Wagga City Wanderers do. Last weekend they went down to Hurstville FC at home, in a tense showdown at Gissing Oval. The Wanderers were stoic in the first half holding their favoured opponents. Things took a dramatic turn in the second half though with a couple of players sent off meaning they were up against it. This week they will be missing Caylum Barber and Antonio Vastano to suspension.

Last time we featured Wagga City Wanderers, they secured their only win of the season. Can they double their win tally here or will the Minotaurs continue their finals push?

Central Coast United v Western Condors

Central Coast United continue to take care of anything that dares get in their way this season. In a fixture which perhaps their rivals saw them dropping points. They did just enough scoring two goals through striker Adam Woodbine to overcome Nepean. However, the striker will be missing once again this weekend which will mean Josh Swadling will most likely lead the line.

Perhaps last week will serve as a wake-up call for the Western Condors. Perhaps mercifully the lights went out at half time when the hosts Western Condors found themselves three goals adrift against Prospect United. Central Coast United will prove an even tougher test then that so unless the defense tightens up and stars re-find the form from the week before, this could get ugly

Central Coast United went one step closer to securing promotion last week, but it will mean nothing if they can’t get a result here. Can the Condors surprise Daniel Mcfarlane and his men?

Hurstville FC v Prospect United

Talk to anyone in the Hurstville FC camp and they will tell you that if they are going to stand a hope of finals football, points are required in the next few tough fixtures. In a tough test last week, goals to Paul Gagro and Rhys Turner ensured Hurstville took points from Wagga last Saturday. They will need those two to continue their goal scoring form as well as a good all-round performance.

Prospect United have firmly cemented themselves inside the top five with some impressive performances along the way. Last weekend they didn’t finish their fixture, however when the game was abandoned they were three nil up. Goals to Thomas Kasunic, Daniel Vukovic and Joel Bayubahe demonstrate how dangerous they are across the park added to the always present Nic Valjak threat.

Hurstville FC want finals football, what better way to prove you’re deserving than beating a team currently occupying a top 4 spot?

UNSW FC v South Coast Flame

Football can be a cruel game, UNSW FC went down to FC Gazy Auburn last weekend in the game least likely to produce an upset. The difference between good teams and great teams however is their ability to bounce back after a setback. So, we can expect a reaction from a team who were held scoreless for the first time this season last week. If the attacking third click, no team in this league can handle them, keyword being if…

The second half of the season offers every team the chance of a fresh start, the question is which teams will take it. South Coast Flame have certainly taken theirs scoring wins over FC Gazy Auburn and Balmain Tigers. The pressure valve is just about to be turned up though as they face UNSW FC. The Flame will be up for it and boosted by the return of Matt Mazevski.

UNSW FC were caught out last week, after a week of reflection they will need to return to their goal scoring ways for this clash with a young Flame side starting to click.

FC Gazy Auburn v Bankstown United

Last week won’t be forgotten soon for FC Gazy Auburn. They put in a memorable defensive performance to eventually come out on top over a frustrated UNSW via Rosario Occhipinti’s first goal for the club. It’s brought a new-found confidence around the club which will be complimented by players returning from long term injuries and the addition of a couple of new faces.

Bankstown United continued their revival and in turn got their fourth win on the trot in beating Hurstville City Minotaurs last week. It was a routine win with goals to Mitch Cross and Toshi Saikawa either side of the interval. This week they will be missing Cross as well as Sean Robertson and Matt Sadler which will give Nathan Paull the chance to lead the line.

Be on your guard or you will be punished, that was the message of which FC Gazy Auburn sent out last time out. Bankstown United will need to be on guard here.

Balmain Tigers v Nepean FC

It was a long trip back from the South Coast last week for Balmain Tigers. They went down to the Flame on the road in quite possibly the worst result they’ve had this season. Football is all about moments and when your form is down, they rarely go your way. They matched it with the best though the week before so could they surprise their opponents?

Nepean FC were another side that had a tough time of it in round 13. It was all looking up when Jamie Dib scored in the first half against Central Coast United. From that point on though, every that could go wrong, did. It left them frustrated and downbeat, so with promotion out of the question now, how will they react and will Clement Waoci get on the scoresheet after a rare week off it?

Last week was a low point in both these sides seasons, Nepean look the stronger here but Balmain Tigers can roar on their day.

By Justin Smith