Round 21 – State League Men’s Preview

All eyes are on the Central Coast and Nepean this week in the State League Men’s competition. Who will come out with an advantage in the promotion race come the last day?

Elsewhere teams will be itching to prove a point and build for next week. All bodes well for another entertaining week in this penultimate round of 2018.

Feature Match: Nepean FC v Bankstown United

Life in general is about learning, football is no different. So how do Nepean FC approach this one after the last meeting between the two? The visitors on that occasion were ahead three nil and on the crest of a wave, then it all went wrong, conceding four from that point. Last week marked an important step in their road to the finals beating UNSW 4-2 away with notable performances from Paul Chester and their whole midfield who marshalled the unit well.

They face now promotion hopefuls Bankstown United. They come into this one on an eleven-game winning streak (yes that means they’ve beaten every team). Of those wins, none would’ve been more memorable than last weekend where they became the first team to beat Central Coast United. Even more dramatic was the way of which they did it but focus turns quickly to this one which the club are expecting to be more difficult. It was rare last weekend that Mitch Cross didn’t score so a goal will be expected in this one.

There is no love lost between these two adversaries, buckle up cause revenge and desperation are on the menu. Should be a good one.

Last Meeting: Bankstown United 4-3 Nepean FC

Central Coast United v Wagga City Wanderers

Well if you’re going to lose one, good to do it before finals time right? Not that finals serves as a priority for Central Coast United, however don’t tell me any side doesn’t want to play in the big games. Having experienced their first defeat of the season last weekend, the hosts and still competition leaders will be missing the key figure of captain Daniel Mcfarlane as well as Tom Mallet.

Wagga City Wanderers are set to take on the longest trip this seasons edition of the State League can offer. They will be desperate to demonstrate their improvement on last time these sides met. Last weekend they went down to Prospect United in a game which was tighter then the three-nil score line indicated.

Central Coast United suddenly appear to be a bit vulnerable at the top after last weeks action. Last week would’ve hurt and expect a reaction here.

Last Meeting: Wagga City Wanderers 1-8 Central Coast United

Western Condors v UNSW FC

Short lived ecstasy, the story of last week’s win over South Coast Flame for the Western Condors. With finals now out of the question, it’s now a matter of playing for pride or building for next season (I know which one I’d prefer). So, what’s to play for? Henry Yau could become the club’s top scorer with another goal and with the pressure off they can play a free-flowing style.

You would suggest the main goal now for UNSW FC is to come out of the next two fixtures without any injuries. They are locked into third position after last week’s defeat at the hands of Nepean FC. An added bonus for coach Gabe Knowles would be the same eleven players playing week to week, won’t happen though after a red card, so frustrations to come out on the scoresheet? One hopes so.

So, can Nima Beik and his men break a losing streak this weekend? Or will Western Condors produce one last Chopin Park special?

Last Meeting: UNSW FC 4-1 Western Condors

Hurstville FC v South Coast Flame

It’s not all over yet for Hurstville FC. Sure, to qualify for finals they are relying on an in-form Nepean side to lose two games in a row, but it’s still good, it’s still good. Last week a Cristian Di Meglio hat-trick highlighted a return to form for the home side, about time as well. Now although unlikely, you can see a route into the top five.

Getting over South Coast Flame won’t be easy though; the visitors travel to the NSW theatre of dreams for the first time of the season. Last week it was late heartache as they went down to Condors with the last kick of the game. In other news, traditional number ten Matt Mazevski has seen the light and found a home in the back four. The defender’s union welcomes you.

Where there is hope, there is life for Hurstville FC. Can they keep their season alive for at least another hour come Saturday?

Last Meeting: South Coast Flame 1-2 Hurstville FC

Prospect United v Balmain Tigers

Much like Hurstville FC, round 20 of the competition saw Prospect United return to the winner’s circle. It is the favoured place to be approaching finals time so they will be desperate to remain there for at least another week. In terms of playing stocks, key player Nic Valjak made a return to the pitch last weekend in their win against Wagga, he will add to a pretty handy forward line already there.

For Balmain Tigers sake, you hope a win is approaching before the end of the season. Yes, I was pretty harsh on them last week, however it seemed to work as they showed character to come from behind twice against Hurstville City Minotaurs. Prospect will be a tough opponent though, so it doesn’t exactly come down to this week.

The form guide points to a Balmain loss however it won’t be easy going for Prospect United who need to keep up their positive momentum.

Last Meeting: Balmain Tigers 0-3 Prospect United

Hurstville City Minotaurs v FC Gazy Auburn

To write about Hurstville City Minotaurs with a new angle is becoming a challenge. So, let me take you to another timeline where they have won their last three games in which they have been in a winning position. That would put them just four points behind Nepean in fifth position. That didn’t happen though and their season is over, surely it can’t happen four weeks in a row?

FC Gazy Auburn on the other hand have no worries like that. They have been out of the picture for a little while now. The end of the season does serve as an opportunity though as they face Minotaurs and Balmain, with respect they’re no Central Coast United. So, a chance to go out on a high and double last years points tally. What’s to lose?

Can the Minotaurs hold onto a lead? That’s the question over the next two rounds for the Generals men.

Last Meeting: FC Gazy Auburn 0-3 Hurstville City Minotaurs