Round 3 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Men’s
Okay, the jitters from the pre-season and first few rounds are starting to dwindle.
It’s Round 3 and time for teams to get themselves on a roll into the season.
A couple of big matchups this week, get yourselves prepared for your weekend football fix with a preview of what’s to come in the National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men’s.
Match of the Round: Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC vs. Mounties Wanderers FC – 6.30pm Saturday 16th March, Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Live Stream available of the fixture on the NPL NSW Facebook account, as well as YouTube
It is one of the big clashes of the early rounds this season.
Both clubs have some big names, both clubs aiming for big things.
Neither have hit their mark yet.
Bonnyrigg who are still finding their feet in the competition, have been well placed in their last two fixtures, yet just unable to get the last pieces together to give them a win. As such they remain without a single point, expect all players this week to be working that little bit extra to get the three points.
No shot! Stop the supply! Anything along those lines you would imagine will be screamed from the Mounties backline this week, as they try to stem the flow of goals that has flooded them these past two rounds. If they can get that all wrapped up, they look a very threatening side on the attack, always at the ready to strike.
This will be a fierce battle.
GHFA Spirit FC vs. Rydalmere Lions FC – 7pm Saturday 16th March, Christie Park
Both sides come into this fixture two from two.
The early signs are showing these teams have already found the perfect mix to their game plan, and it looks like there will be no change to the ingredients list which has lead to their current success.
Spirit currently boast the best record in the league and have looked very impressive in their first two fixtures. They have been spearheaded by Duncan Stewart, who will be looking to make another goal scoring statement and put his nose ahead in the race for the golden boot.
Whilst it is still early days, the Young Lions have shown some experience in their last two fixtures, snatching some early goals, then being able to hold their opponents at bay. They too have been blessed by the superb form of Mitchell Gibbs, who is running head to head on equal goals in the golden boot race.
You’d expect there to be only one winner in this fixture, which of the hot strikers can hit their mark and make it count?!
St George FC vs. Canterbury Bankstown FC – 7pm Saturday 16th March, Ilinden Sports Centre
Turning over from 2018, the Saints would have been aiming to begin their 2019 season as they finished. Alas, right now, they find themselves settled towards the bottom of the table.
Yes, it is only Round 3 and two fixtures do not necessarily predict the remainder of the season, yet the Saints are still without a win. Despite winning the race to the finish last year, it was their slow start that cost them early on in the season. Back at home with the roar of their supporters, it looks like they will be tough to beat.
That is exactly what Berries need to become. Tough to beat.
There were few moments to savour from last week’s match and the saving grace for the side is the “whole” season is still to be played.
Berries look like a very capable side, and have proved they can be lethal on the front foot.
Solidifying their defensive end and denying opponents space looks to be target number one, get that right this week and they could be chalking up some points.
Macarthur Rams FC vs. North Shore Mariners FC – 7pm Saturday 16th March, Lynwood Park
As the final whistle blew last week, there was a cry of jubilation as the Rams picked up their first win of the season. The early three points for the side will be a huge boost of confidence and just what the players and their fans wanted.
It’s still hard to forget their troubles from last season, but for now the Rams have something, and will be unwilling to relinquish it from their grip without a fight.
Fight, it seems will be on the cards as their opponents come in hot after steamrolling Mounties last weekend.
It was almost akin to a walk in the park for North Shore last week, as they fired six on their way to victory. Despite the score-line, the side really stuck to their guns and kept playing until the final whistle, ensuring that their job was done.
No nonsense and get the points, North Shore will be out to prove, simple is often best.
Northern Tigers FC vs. Hills United FC – 7pm Saturday 16th March, North Turramurra Recreation Area
A chance to make it three from three at home for the red hot Tigers.
They left it late to put away St George but gaining the three points has only asserted that this side is one of the front runners for the competition.
Hills picked up a big win over Bonnyrigg last weekend, a fantastic result for the club after struggling to find their best form in the first round.
Have no doubt this will be another tight affair. You’d think the Tigers have it in them for another three points at home, but you wouldn’t put it past Hills just yet, they look to be finding their groove.
Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs. Blacktown Spartans FC – 7pm Saturday 16th March, Sydney United Sports Centre
Once again it was a long trip back home for the young lads in Red and Black. They looked a dominant side for lengthy periods against the Mariners but ultimately, the trip up the coast proved another failure, letting go of a point in the dying embers of the game.
Spartans will be feeling they were unlucky not to grab the victory or at least a point last week, after their goal, which looked to seal the deal, was overturned. Getting stung in the dying minutes of the game always hurts especially leaving left with nothing.
With both sides coming into the fixture off the back of late minute goals, expect them to come out hard and fast, we could bear witness to a flurry of goals.
St George City FA vs. Central Coast Mariners FC – 3pm Sunday 17th March, Seymour Shaw
It’s fair to say, that being promoted into any league, you are going to find it tough.
So far, City have begun to witness what may lay ahead.
The newly promoted side have only just scratched the surface of this league, yet there have been moments of delight and real positivity which they will surely savour as they dive further into the competition.
Never mind the news around their A-League side, the young Mariners are here to put their heads down and play the game and their gritty win against the Wanderers gave them their first taste of victory this season.
Now with one in their W column, it’s about keeping up that consistency and delivering again. A couple of seasons in this league has taught some of these youngsters a thing or two, can they in turn deliver a lesson of their own to the newcomers?
NPL 2 Chief Writer – Marcus Flottmann
Twitter – @MarcusFlottmann
