Round 16 – State League Men’s Preview

A clash between second and third place on the ladder highlights the State League Men’s round 16 action this weekend.

Elsewhere South Coast Flame look for revenge in Wagga and another clash with finals ramifications occurs at Seymour Shaw Park as Hurstville host Nepean.

Featured Match: Bankstown United v UNSW FC

It has been a dream start for Scott Belgre in the hot seat at Bankstown United. Since the change of head coach, Banksown United have only lost one game in their last ten. The impressive stats go on as they have only conceded three goals in their last five. In terms of cattle on the pitch, this week’s hosts have developed an impressive spine. Steve Wright has been solid at the back; relatively new signing Shane Webb has controlled the midfield and Mitch Cross is Mitch Cross. They’ll also be boosted by the return of attacker Sean Robertson.

It’s the second week in a row we have caught up with UNSW FC. Last weekend they were good enough to race out to a lead before settling down, and seeing out the contest against Balmain. The visitors will be coming into this one on the back of a more challenging schedule to their hosts after playing three games last week. On the pitch however, they’ve left the Gazy hiccup in the past with the trio of Nima Beik, Christian Soars and Luiz Lobo looking as fluid as ever. One does wonder how much they have left in the legs come Saturday though.

It’s a finals preview at the Crest this weekend. There was little between them in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, so we can expect a tight tussle in our match of the round.

Last Meeting: UNSW FC 1-0 Bankstown United

Around the grounds

Wagga City Wanderers v South Coast Flame

It was a tough reality check for Wagga City Wanderers last week. After coming into the weekend after a confidence building draw away at the Minotaurs. Things all went wrong with ten minutes to go against FC Gazy Auburn. Having held a one goal lead for the majority of the fixture thanks to a goal to Caylum Barber. In a bid to increase efficiency up front, they have made some additions up front so look out for them.

You can be sure South Coast Flame haven’t forgotten the round five meeting of these sides. It was a case of the visitors just not being prepared or up for it. Lessons were learnt though, they will want to bounce back from two consecutive losses against UNSW and Bankstown United. No shame in those defeats though and they’ll be determined to break this losing habit.

South Coast Flame are the only side to taste defeat against the Wagga City Wanderers this season. Will history repeat?

Last Meeting: Wagga City Wanderers 2-0 South Coast Flame

Hurstville FC v Nepean FC

Talk about a reality check, Hurstville FC will be having nightmares about their two clashes against Central Coast United. They went down for the second time this season by five goals in an unpleasant night for the club. Nepean are a different side however going in a different direction (at least for now). Hurstville also are sporting a new look after losing up to six players.

Who would’ve picked the recent form slump Nepean FC are facing at the moment. The task this week is to halt the slide after going down to a surprise loss to Western Condors last weekend. They will have to do it without their main goal threat Clement Waoci who recently signed for Hawkesbury City in NPL3. Will they find the goals needed in time?

Hurstville FC can’t afford to drop points here if they want to play finals football and they will face a Nepean FC side determined to not let their season slide any further.

Last Meeting: Nepean FC 3-1 Hurstville FC

FC Gazy Auburn v Prospect United

Just when things are looking up, FC Gazy Auburn come in and shake things up. Perhaps this years most improved side, FC Gazy have won three of their last five fixtures. Last weeks victims? Wagga City Wanderers. The visitors showed a lot of character even without a specialised goalkeeper before Costandi Fallas scored his first two goals of the season for the club.

It’s hard to predict what’s going to happen week to week for Prospect United. I guess that makes them entertaining to watch? Last week their ship was steadied with a win over Hurstville City Minotaurs after a loss against Hurstville FC. The win was highlighted by goals to Brett Stephens, Thomas Kasunic and Benjamin Lam. However, the stocks are diminishing with Kasunic going off injured, a solid performance from u20’s Liam Higgins off the bench softens the blow slightly though.

So, two sides with a similar form guide coming into this one, can FC Gazy Auburn cause another shock over a top five side?

Last Meeting: Prospect United 3-2 FC Gazy Auburn

Hurstville City Minotaurs v Central Coast United

The fixtures don’t get any easier for Hurstville City Minotaurs. Coming into this one they are coming off games against Prospect United and UNSW FC. Against Prospect last weekend, they were outclassed after an encouraging start. A goal to Esoghume Dominic adds to their ever-growing list of goal scorers. However, they need to tighten up at the back if they want to make a late charge for finals action.

Last weekend’s result will perhaps go down as possibly Central Coast United’s best in terms of ramifications for the league. They won out by a five-goal margin, the second of the season against Hurstville FC (so the smart money here is another 3-1 victory). The visitors could be further boosted by the return of Adam Woodbine who as well as Josh Swadling and Daniel Mcfarlane has ten goals or more this season.

This week it’s Hurstville City Minotaurs who stand in the way of Central Coast United. As the weeks go on we begin to question, who will beat Central Coast United?

Last Meeting: Central Coast United 3-1 Hurstville City Minotaurs

Balmain Tigers v Western Condors

The realisation has hit Balmain Tigers that this season isn’t salvageable from a finals perspective. That doesn’t mean they aren’t confident of a good finish to an otherwise forgetful season. The preparation for this clash has been minimalizing lapses of concentrations whilst creating more chances attacking wise. They will be boosted by the return of Allie Jayee and Johnathan Kontalis for this clash.

Western Condors on the other hand have seen a revival which very few could see coming. Last weekend they beat Nepean FC after a handy point the week before. A different test awaits them this week as they will be considered favourites coming into this one. So how will Condors face this challenge, will they make a late push for finals football?

Western Condors are making a late run up the table, one result will could have consequences though and Balmain are determined to prove themselves here.

Last Meeting: Western Condors 2-0 Balmain Tigers