Final Series Week Three – State League Men’s Preview

Now were really at the pointy end of the competition.

Two games left across two weekends will decide who comes away as the champions in this years State League Men’s competition. This week a second grand final place will be up for grabs, as Central Coast United and Nepean FC go into battle for their season this weekend.

It’s a challenging time mentally for Central Coast United, the season was going all so well just a short time long ago. Now not so much.

The Pluim Park based side have showed a bit of mental fragility in recent weeks, failing to capture the premiership, before going down last week to a plucky Bankstown United side. In that match last weekend, they had a lead on three separate occasions (once in regulation, twice in extra time) but couldn’t close the game out.

However as with any story, there were factors in that defeat. Captain and first half goal scorer Daniel Mcfarlane unfortunately couldn’t play on after half time. Adam Woodbine came off the bench in the second half in his return and you would suspect if both these players play ninety minutes in a possible grand final, the result could turn the other way.

There were positives on the pitch though. The impact of Thomas Lyons was immense in extra time, the young attacker scored a belter of a free-kick in the first period of extra time and doubled his tally in the second period. As with any penalty shootout loss, we can also expect a bounce back from the players who either missed a penalty or the keeper who wasn’t able to save one.

Their opponents Nepean FC are one of four teams who have troubled Central Coast United this season. Way back in round two, despite being on top for most of the game they were forced to settle for a point at Cook Park. Of course, Cook Park is a completely different kettle of fish however they will no doubt have a vocal element of support out at Valentine Sports Park this weekend with their 20’s playing beforehand.

If you remove Bankstown United from the equation, Nepean FC are the form team of the competition. Last weekend they showed class in doing just enough to overcome UNSW FC, it was closer than the score line suggested yet Nepean were at their clinical best to secure the victory.

“It’s hard to stop a forward moving ball”, that gem of a quote coming from coach Magdy Andrawes tells us exactly what they are doing right. Crucial to that is wide man Mubarak Saeed on the right wing who at times seems impossible to stop. His combination with Hayden Pronin and Paul Chester up front will be vital since you don’t fancy Central Coast United will go scoreless here.

So, set for some more State League drama? Me too! Kick off in this one is 7:15 at Valentine Sports Park 2 on Saturday Night.