Final Series Week One – State League Men’s
The regular season over, time for some do or die finals action to put the cherry on top of a thrilling regular season in the State League Men’s competition.
In the elimination final ‘little brother’ Prospect United will face Nepean FC whilst in the qualifying final Central Coast United face UNSW FC. Both affairs promise some serious fireworks, this Saturday night Valentine Sports Park is the place to be.
Elimination Final: Prospect United v Nepean FC, Valentine Sports Park 3
Prospect United are perhaps one of the surprise packets of this seasons competition, they find themselves in a finals position amongst the heavyweights of the competition and have proven to be no easy beats.
In amongst a season of solid results last weekend’s stands out, with not much on the line they were able to match it with arguably the most consistent side in the competition across the season in Central Coast United. More impressively was the fact they had the better opportunities throughout so if a win was to be the result, it probably would’ve been Prospect’s.
Prospect rocketed out of the blocks at the start of the campaign only to lose players for various reasons and in turn lost their form. Before round 22, they had won two of their last five fixtures which is hardly confidence building form before the finals.
However, it’s no surprise that such an upturn in form occurred when the captain Thomas Kasunic returned to the fray in centre back having been away on a honeymoon (also contributing to the scoring with a stunning free kick).
They aren’t to be underestimated at the front though with the combination of Benjamin Lam, Joel Bayubahe and Nicholas Valjak finally settled in and ready to pounce if they are given the opportunity. The ‘hosts’ will also be boosted by the return of keeper Mario Farias.
Their opponents Nepean Fc, well aren’t they something… Coming into the season, they would’ve been eyeing off this week for the week off. Things didn’t go to plan though, they rarely ever do.
Maybe it was the lost of still their top scorer this campaign by a considerable distance Clement Waoci? Maybe it was a tendency to get a bit carried away when losing or winning? Or maybe it was just down to luck?
Either way, it’s been a tough campaign for the side at the foot of the mountains. For every good result (usually a win against UNSW), they’ve had double the number of bad ones and come in with a terrible record against the other finals teams.
For all the dire writing above, there is no doubt this side has the cattle on the park to be a team who makes waves during the finals. The midfield trio have the ability to take the game away from any side. Complimented by the youthful talent of Paul Chester up front and you can’t write them off.
There is no love lost in either of the finals to come this weekend, however this one takes it to another level with Prospect United edging both regular season encounters in tense circumstances. All set up for a battle, an unpredictable one at that.
Qualifying Final: Central Coast United v UNSW FC, Valentine Sports Park 2
It was a case of so close yet so far for Central Coast United this season. They led the league even as late as the 85th minute of the final fixture. Push that to the side for one second, Central Coast United have had a remarkable first campaign of their existence.
The mood after last weeks weekend result was one comparable to being in a funeral. However, it’s time for them to stop reflecting on that and look ahead as this is a chance to prove they’ve been wronged.
This week will see the return of inspirational captain Daniel Mcfarlane who has quite the point to prove having missed their last two fixtures. For every entry into the side, there is an exit though and Adam Woodbine will join Josh Swadling in the outs column. It would be a mistake to underestimate them though with the motivation of a clash against Bankstown United awaiting the winner.
The last time these two met at Valentine Sports Park, it was arguably the most entertaining game of the regular season and serves as the point of which UNSW FC had their campaign flipped on its head in which Daniel Mcfarlane scored a last minute freekick.
From that point onwards this season, they have struggled to recapture the form which they had previous to that round nine fixture. With not a lot to play for in recent weeks, the form at the end of the season has been poor, going down to Hurstville last week even though they weren’t without chances.
It’s been the story of their season though. At their best, they can match it with anyone in the competition in a stylish manner but they haven’t been able to take advantage of their chances. So, this week the onus/focus will very much be on the front third. It will have to be as well as they currently are facing a central defence crisis of sorts.
Finishing third in all three grades is no means is a bad result for UNSW, a good performance in the finals season will be a great one.
So, not to be outdone just a few metres away, two sides who have played a couple of thrillers will play each other. Will UNSW be able to beat Central Coast United on their third attempt?
By Justin Smith
