Round 19 – State League Men Preview

Then there were three.

Three teams can potentially take regular season honours in the 2018 State League Men’s competition, and two of them meet in this week’s match of the round.

Elsewhere Bankstown United travel to Prospect in the other fixture which could play a part and a couple of derbies are there to compliment.

It’s a make or break this Saturday, who will be the winners? Who will be the losers when the clock strikes midnight.

Featured Match: Central Coast United v UNSW FC

You get the feeling promotion from this year’s competition will be decided by Central Coast United’s next two games. This week, it’s a home fixture against UNSW FC who sit 25 points behind on the club championship. One moment in the reverse fixture turned the race on it’s head, when Daniel Mcfarlane scored a freekick in injury time. A repeat and it could be promotion sealed for hosts, it won’t be easy though, last weekend they held on literally against South Coast Flame and came away with a win thanks to a Josh Swadling double.

UNSW FC will be seeking to write a wrong from their previous meeting this week. A stirring second half performance saw them equalize in that fixture before heartbreak at the death. University come into this one having had possibly the better preparation beating fellow top four team Prospect United last time out, Luiz Lobo and Bebe Leyland being the pick of their talent.

So, lights, camera, action. All set for a crucial showdown, if its anything like the last meeting between the two, we should be in for a cracking fixture.

Last Meeting: UNSW FC 3-4 Central Coast United

Wagga City Wanderers v Balmain Tigers

Neither of these sides are facing finals but they both will be looking for improvement as they face off for the second time at Gissing Oval. The hosts are coming off a respectable result on the road against Bankstown United, given they were missing a few starters instead calling on youthful talent. Anthony Mason, Jacob Ochieng and Zach Pinney were good in that one and will be looking to back it up this time a little closer to home.

Last time these two sides met, was the only occasion this season of which Balmain Tigers have secured back to back wins. However, the legs are a little heavier now and with no hope of finals action. This strikes us as a real test of character for the Tigers this weekend. Last week a piece of a moment of magic from Mohammad Qunber Ali was enough to secure them a win. Will lightning strike twice?

Last Meeting: Wagga City Wanderers 1-3 Balmain Tigers

Western Condors v FC Gazy Auburn

Who doesn’t love a late comeback? Western Condors were at sixes and sevens last weekend, well at least for the first twenty minutes or so. If I were to describe how they staged a comeback, it came down to them just being sharper. Led in the midfield by Kaito Ikarimoto they never really lost their heads and Henry Yau was good enough to finish it.

So close yet so far, that was the case for FC Gazy Auburn last weekend when they came out second best against Nepean FC. It was a noble defensive effort, one which they are becoming renowned for in recent times. This week they face a ‘derby’ of sorts against the Condors, maybe that is enough motivation for one last massive effort.

To keep the dream of finals alive, this is a must win for the home side, Gazy are there to spoil the party though. Once again, something must give.

Last Meeting: FC Gazy Auburn 0-1 Western Condors

Hurstville FC v Hurstville City Minotaurs

Just when you thought Hurstvile FC were in prime position to pounce on a weary Nepean FC, well their playing stocks collapsed. Now it’s more about finding fluency in the front third, not an easy thing to do at this point of the campaign. They will be boosted by captain Paul Gagro’s return this weekend. So, will his leadership have an effect?

Momentum is a vital thing come this time of the season and when Hurstville City Minotaurs took a two-goal lead last week, you expected to steamroll over Western Condors. However, they didn’t and this weekends fixture almost marks one last chance to make a finals run. If they are to do it, experience will be the key with Angelo Petratos and Angelo Vagenas pulling the strings.

A desperation derby! One fancies its season over for the side which comes out second best here.

Last Meeting: Hurstville City Minotaurs 0-4 Hurstville FC

Prospect United v Bankstown United

Prospect United are in nowhere land, literally. They find themselves six points clear of sixth place and now at least three games adrift of UNSW FC. So, motivation could be a problem and they will also be dealing with a midweek fixture. Heart can be taken from the spirit shown amongst the group last week though and players such as Benjamin Lam can cause any team problems.

For every yin, there is a yang. Unlike their opponents this week, Bankstown United have more to play for than ever. Suddenly for them it looks like they could just sneak in and take promotion. However, with things not in their hands yet they will need to be on guard. Bankstown have scored three goals in their last four fixtures after last week disposing of Wagga.

With one eye on events up the coast, Bankstown United will be keen to raise the stakes for next week’s fixture, can they pull it off?

Last Meeting: Bankstown United 2-2 Prospect United

Nepean FC v South Coast Flame

At last, Nepean FC have a win to put on what was a rather depressing form guide. Not before time either as they face a tough set of fixtures to conclude their season starting this week. They can take inspiration from last weeks goal scorer Daryl Watson who is the example of the grit and determination coach Magdy Andrawes wants his team to show from this point forward.

It’s kind of a shame this season has to end for South Coast Flame. The Flame have improved immeasurably from earlier in the season. So, one can be confident that they are good enough to snag a result against Nepean this weekend after pushing Central Coast United last weekend. In recent times Louis Connell has grown into the role of a competent number nine to complement their growing threat.

So, Nepean FC finally got a win, but if their performance doesn’t improve the Flame could cool any momentum they’ve gained (figure that one out).

Last Meeting: South Coast Flame 2-5 Nepean FC

By Justin Smith