NPL 2 NSW Men’s Finals Round 1 Preview
Just when you thought the football season had ended and it was time to hang up your team’s colours, the finals arrives.
After all the efforts during the regular season, it’s now time for teams to focus more than ever and find the extra gear.
At this stage in the competition the equation is simple; win and you find yourselves another step closer to glory, lose and it’s all over.
Pull out your colours, clear your vocal chords and make way, the 2018 National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men’s finals series is about to begin!
Central Coast Mariners vs. Northern Tigers FC – 6.30pm Saturday 1st September, Valentine Sports Park
The first Elimination Semi Final kicks off on Saturday night pitting Central Coast against Northern Tigers.
Having spent the majority of the season amongst the top two places, the Mariners have lost all momentum in the lead up to the finals and currently find themselves 5 games without a win.
Talk about a rough run before playing off in the quest for the Championship.
Despite their recent form, Coach Ken Schembri spoke of his side’s willingness to return to the field and prove they belong in the finals mix.
“We are looking forward to it, we respect Tigers a lot, they are a good club and a good team.” Schembri told Football NSW.
“We are looking to start a new series and it is time to start playing like the Mariners we were.”
The Mariners will be well aware they need to find their best this weekend or it’s game over.
“Simple, lose one game it’s all done, it’s time for the first team to start playing football, a semi-final, anything can happen” said Schembri.
Tigers on the other hand have started to find their groove right at the opportune moment despite some mixed results prior. The side have displayed great patience in both defence and attack, with the team blending together as a strong cohesive unit.
If there is ever a time to prove you are a worthy contender for the Championship, claiming victory in an elimination game is the way to do it.
Will the Mainers find their might once again, ending their winless spell and spurring them onwards to glory?
Or will we see the Tigers claw their way at their wounded foe, pouncing and striking, finally dealing the killer blow?
Players to watch
The Mariners team sheet may have to contend with the friendly match coming this Friday night, but despite that, they know whoever is on the pitch will be capable of doing the job for the yellow and navy.
“I’m not a 100% certain of what our line-up will be but with the fact the 20s not playing this week, we will be able to have some depth. Whatever line up we put out we will be competitive” said Schembri.
Tigers have a strong core unit and have been blessed this season by the outstanding performances of young Oliver Wiggin. He has been a bright spark for the Tigers, dazzling with his flair and creativity whilst mixing it with speed and strength well beyond his years.
Northern Tigers will be looking to utilise Wiggin as an attacking weapon all match, however, it is their discipline as a team that has been key to their recent success.
North Shore Mariners vs. Mounties Wanderers – 3pm Sunday 2nd September, Lily Homes Stadium
North Shore Mariners take on Mounties Wanderers in the second Elimination Semi Final and the fixture should live up to expectations with all on the line.
After securing the best home record in the regular season, North Shore will be aiming to duplicate this feat into the finals, preparing their defence to hold rock steady.
They know that should their defensive resolve stand true, the firepower they pack at the other end of the park can finish off the job.
Coach Joe Haywood is feeling his lads are more than up to the task and right now and it’s all straightforward for what lays ahead.
“To be honest the team is ready to go, they are mentally in a good space” he told Football NSW.
“We will stick to our normal game plan and focus on what we can do in the game as opposed to worrying about what the other team will do.”
“Try and focus on ourselves and be positive” said Haywood.
As the final whistle blew last week, Mounties had dispatched Spartans and climbed out of the middle table mash-up, earning themselves a spot to mix it with the big boys.
Again it seemed to be the half-time break that rallied the lads, this time around they may not be given the chance.
When speaking with Football NSW, Coach Terry PalapIanis feels it’s going to be a tight game and whichever side takes an early advantage will have significant impact into the result of the game.
“Hopefully get my captain back as we know North Shore are going to be difficult, quite direct, they have got good delivery into the box and we need to counter that.”
“We are confident not overly confident but we will be prepared for them, I am always and I am sure the lads are too.”
However, the teams may be cautious coming out gung-ho, as they will both know the other is capable of hitting the net.
It would be a fantastic spectacle to see a repeat of their first encounter this year, a 9 goal thriller in the first week of the finals, the neutral can only dream!
When asked if there were any chances the match this weekend will treat us to another goal fest.
“It’s one of those things, you never know what kind of game it’s going to be, I do expect there to be goals on the day but I’d expect for both teams to aim for a clean sheet.” said Haywood.
“I hope not! We have done a lot of work on our defence, I think they will be quite compact and I see only one goal in it.” said Palapanis.
Players to watch
Palapanis believes he has a great balance with his team and it will be more of a collective effort, especially in the final third that will make the difference.
“At the moment I have got Juan Carlos at left back with players out, hopefully, we get some boys back and can push him further up the park”
North Shore are another side that has a team focus at their core. The injury list is of a lesser concern right now for Haywood’s men, as collectively the team will be focused on putting in the effort together and know they are capable of firing goals to get themselves the win.
-By Marcus Flottmann
`
