Round 22 – State League Men’s Preview

It’s the final countdown or count-up (depending which clock method you prefer) of the State League Men’s competition. On the menu? A conclusive answer to whose getting promoted, the final finals spot decided and goals, plenty of goals. A good Sunday afternoons entertainment if you ask me.

Featured Match: Prospect United v Central Coast United

The last thing you need two weeks before playing an important elimination final is a loss to a team firmly planted in the bottom half of the table. So surely, we will see a bounce back from Prospect United this weekend. Prospect come into the fixture having lost four of their past six fixtures, I’ll repeat not the type of form you want coming into the pointy end. Coach Darren Camilleri will be hoping for a return of influential players sooner rather than later. In the meantime, can they make a statement against one of the leagues best teams this weekend?

So, it comes down to this for Central Coast United. Leaders of the competition since round nine, they have a chance to finally secure promotion and the premiership. Last weekend, well you could call it a perfect ten performance against a hapless Wagga as they brushed their opponents with class. Coach Stu Davis will be hoping for more of the same from his side in this one instructing his team to treat it like the twenty-one rounds previous. In a blow though they will be missing captain Daniel Mcfarlane and possibly Josh Swadling. So, the onus moves to Adam Woodbine as well as winger Cade Mapu and attacking midfielder Alexander Arbelo for goals.

So, simples. Win and Central Coast United will win the regular season title as well as promotion. Lose and rely on other results, I know which one I’d prefer.

Last Meeting: Central Coast United 4-0 Prospect United

Bankstown United v Western Condors

Bankstown United are the form side of the competition coming into the last round. Having won their past twelve fixtures, it’s fair to say their mid-season coaching change has worked wonders. In recent weeks, they have shown great spirit in coming back from a seemingly unwinnable position to find themselves just one point behind Central Coast United on the table. Amongst the regular featured players, it’s time to pay tribute to some players who don’t get a mention such as Andreas Kartsioulis whose been crucial at left back.

Before the season started, the goal at the Western Condors was to be there or thereabouts this season in regards to finals. However, there will be a bittersweet taste come the end of this weekends game having been in with a good chance to break into that last finals place not so long ago. Last weekend they played out a scoreless draw with UNSW, this weekend it will be a question of if star man Kaito Ikarimoto and team can cause an almighty upset.

Will a win be enough for promotion for Bankstown United? They’ve done tremendously to bring it till the last day but will it be enough?

Last Meeting: Western Condors 0-3 Bankstown United

Wagga City Wanderers v Nepean FC

There have been some tough matches to hear about this season, none tougher than last week when Wagga City Wanderers went down to Central Coast United with a score line reflecting more one of another code. Travelling has been tough for the Wanderers who have only secured two points on the road this campaign so they will be relieved with a home fixture this week. In terms of players Robert Fry in goal has been consistent in goals all season.

Promotion was the goal for Nepean FC come round 22, that now is well and truly out of the picture. Finals will have to do, that’s if they can win this one. It has been a rollercoaster ride following the side at the foot of the mountains this season, last week was no different as they went down to Bankstown United after having the lead.  You’d fancy them to win this one, particularly if they get off to a good start, momentum is crucial for them.

Nepean have a chance to cement a finals position with a draw here. Will they? It’s anyone’s guess.

Last Meeting: Nepean FC 3-0 Wagga City Wanderers

UNSW FC v Hurstville FC

Time to restart the engines! That is the message from UNSW coach Gabe Knowles wants to send out to his team this week. After surviving a trip out to the minefield which is/was Chopin Park with no injuries, university will want to head into the finals with momentum having not won in their last three games. They possess plenty of goal threats across the park with Christian Soares and Luiz Lobo back from suspension, question is if they can translate that into goals into the net.

It won’t be easy though, Hurstville FC have returned to their better self’s in recent weeks. Having overcome a slump, they will know by kick off if they stand a chance of an unlikely finals berth. Last weekend a change of tactics worked for John Gagros side well as they perhaps caught South Coast Flame by surprise. Their threat in the front third comes from the triple act of Paul Gagro, Cristian Di Meglio and Joshua Padjen.

So, this game could have something on it, or it could not? We’ll know by kick off, either way both sides need a win.

Last Meeting: Hurstville FC 1-3 UNSW FC

Balmain Tigers v FC Gazy Auburn

After a nightmare start to the season, it seems that Balmain Tigers have found some sort of consistency towards the back end of the season. Motivation and drive haven’t been the issue for Balmain Tigers therefore expect them to be on a high after last weeks win over Prospect United. In terms of players to look out for Swaray Kamara, Leonardo Di Giulio, Wol Reec, Allie Jayee, Michael Zezovski and Alexander Barnstone have been singled out by coach Joe Di Giullo as their best.

It has been an improved campaign on the field for FC Gazy Auburn. They have improved as a unit, securing more points and having a better goal difference than last season. Last time out they went down disappointingly to Hurstville City Minotaurs which continues their poor end of the season. Having used a total of 39 players, perhaps Alexander Barsic deserves a mention for appearing 20 times this season.

Not much but pride riding on this game. Balmain will want revenge from their last meeting and you’d back them to get it.

Last Meeting: FC Gazy Auburn 5-2 Balmain Tigers

South Coast Flame v Hurstville City Minotaurs

The most improved award (if there was one) would go to South Coast Flame. The Flame have fielded a team with an average age of 20 or thereabouts for much of the year. Such a thing has its downsides as demonstrated by last weeks result in which they played well yet were found wanting by Hurstville FC. As well as the regularly mentioned Matt Mazevski, the likes of Caleb Grace and Andrew Bova have stood out in this side.

Regardless of the result here, the second half of the season for Hurstville City Minotaurs has been a disappointing one. They were within striking distance of the top five just a few weeks ago however they couldn’t take advantage of winning positions. Last weekend they broke a streak of three consecutive two-all draws against FC Gazy courtesy of an impressive performance from Sam Mehana. There isn’t any doubt this team can score goals, with Kushaal Ram and Hassan Abdul on goalscoring runs, can they keep it tight at the back though?

Last Meeting: Hurstville City Minotaurs 3-2 South Coast Flame

BY Justin Smith