Round 26 – National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men Preview
After 25 rounds, sweat, tears, injuries, the works, we have finally reached the last round of the regular season in the 2018 National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men’s.
Incredibly, 5 teams will engage in battle to secure one of the last 2 remaining finals places, whilst 3 teams are still within the shadow of the wooden spoon.
It’s win at all costs. Which team has the determination, guts and clinical edge to knock out their opponent as the often unpredictable season comes to a climatic finish!
Match of the Round: St George FC vs. GHFA Spirit FC – 3pm Sunday 26th August, Ilinden Sports Centre
St George has been in impressive and consistent form having gone undefeated since round 20. A team full of confidence, in each of their last 2 outings, they have proved they have the extra gear and are determined to play until the final whistle.
Traits typically associated with championship winning teams.
Spirit are one of the 5 teams that are in the mix to make the last 2 finals spots. With their aspirations within reach they know they need to put in the extra effort for the full 90 minutes against the high-flying Saints.
All or nothing.
Are we witnessing the rise of a Championship contender or can Spirit find their extra gear and stop the Saints in their tracks?
Hills United FC vs. Central Coast Mariners – 3pm Sunday 26th August, Lily Homes Stadium
Hills displayed impressive purpose and intensity against the Tigers last week, unfortunately they couldn’t capitalise and take full control over the match. They now face up against Central Coast, a side that has been struggling and low in confidence of late.
For Hills, it’s a must win match as other results will affect their chances, taking aim at the vulnerable Mariners and scoring a win could propel themselves into the finals.
The might of the Central Coast has faltered in the last few rounds. The young lads in yellow and navy have lost their way and a grip on promotion.
There is however, still a chance for them to claim the Club Championship, but results will have to swing their way. All they can do is help themselves by getting wins across the board.
Simple enough, right?
North Shore Mariners vs. Parramatta FC – 3pm Sunday 26th August, Northbridge Oval
With a spot in the finals already secure, North Shore have a chance this week to end the regular season on a high. A win on Sunday means they claim the best home record in the league and possibly condemn the relegated Eagles to the wooden spoon. North Shore will be eager to put another win on the board and build momentum heading into the post season.
It has been confirmed for a while now. Parramatta will be relegated.
The knowledge hasn’t dampened the sprit of the Eagles as they have fought valiantly right until the last.
Can the Eagles soar one last time by sealing their last match in the division with a win?
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs. Western Sydney Wanderers – 3pm Sunday 26th August, Popondetta Park
The Rangers already hold the Premiership and now they can secure the Club Championship with a single point, claiming the prize of promotion in the process. Not that the boys from Mt Druitt will be taking this one any different from the rest of the season.
It’s a final match to fine tune their tactics as the next time we see the yellow and green will be in a contest to secure a place in the big dance.
It’s a strange predicament the Wanderers find themselves in this weekend. With no finals football nor threat of the wooden spoon, it seems there is not much to play for here. Yet, they have significant influence in who will claim the Club Championship.
Without a doubt that will be the last thing on their mind as they will be playing to get one over the Rangers and spoil the league leaders’ final game of the regular season.
Mounties Wanderers vs. Blacktown Spartans FC – 3pm Sunday 26th August, Sydney United Sports Centre
Mounties secured a vital win last weekend whereas the Spartans almost pulled a rabbit out of a hat.
Both sides will have only one thing on their mind this weekend. A win.
It may grant a finals place, or it may prevent the wooden spoon.
Nothing is certain in this one.
Both sides must put all thoughts aside and focus on the sole task at hand, attaining all three points.
With no clear winner until the final whistle blows, it’s a match that may be each side’s best for last.
Canterbury Bankstown FC vs. Macarthur Rams FC – 3pm Sunday 26th August, Crest Athletic Centre
The Berries and Rams will come face to face for the last time this season and it seems there is not much at stake.
Not for the Rams though.
After finally climbing off the bottom of the barrel, they could still find themselves glorious owners of the wooden spoon.
Again, results will come into play at the end of this one, but you would expect both teams to field strong sides to cap off the season.
Rydalmere Lions FC vs. Northern Tigers FC – 3pm Sunday 26th August, Valentine Sports Park
For a newly promoted side, the young Lions have performed beyond expectations this season and could still go on and win it all.
Knowing they have the depth and quality to match it with the best, the Tigers will need to keep their composure from last week and strike in the opportune moment.
It would be hard to believe either side would think this fixture will be a walk in the park so expect to see a full throttle contest.
Which of the big cats will reign supreme and claw their way into the finals?
By Marcus Flottmann
