Round 6 Preview – NPL 2 NSW Men’s
After last weekend’s dramatic set of National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men’s games, what’s in store for us on Saturday and Sunday? League leaders Spirit FC have the week off, which means this round is a big opportunity for the others to catch up.
Northern Tigers v Blacktown Spartans, 7pm Saturday 22 August, North Turramurra Recreation Area
We can expect a tight contest in the northern suburbs. Spartans were 1-0 victors when these two sides played in March, and none of the three meetings before that one were decided by more than a single goal.
The Tigers snapped a three game winless streak on Sunday, thanks in large part to a couple of youngsters. Oliver Scott had an unforgettable 1st Grade debut with two assists, including one for the red-hot Nick Drummond (four goals in five games). Left backs can be hard to find, so Adam Hett will be pleased by Sam Wilson, who has impressed since joining from Manly with his attacking raids down the left flank.
Spartans are still undefeated thanks to Andre Carle’s 93rd minute equaliser against SD Raiders, and they could go top at the end of this round if other results fall their way. Talismanic striker Connor Eldridge is at the top of his game – he found the net when the Spartans visited North Turramurra in 2019. In the centre of the park, energetic midfielder Christian Nascimben will be looking to build on a performance which included an assist.
SD Raiders v Bonnyrigg White Eagles, 7pm Saturday 22 August, Ernie Smith Reserve
Moorebank will host a South West Derby as SD Raiders meet in-form Bonnyrigg.
The Raiders have acquitted themselves well in their first NPL 2 campaign and are right in the mix for finals. Former Bonnyrigg forward Milan Parenta might be challenging for a starting spot after almost winning Saturday’s game with a double off the bench. He wasn’t the only Raider who caught the eye – Matias Toro Suazo looked dangerous when making overlapping runs from right back.
After three consecutive wins Bonnyrigg’s shaky opening round performance is now truly in the rear-view mirror. Asmir Kadric’s double against Hakoah means it’s easy to focus on their attack, but the front third isn’t the only area where they’ve looked good. James McKenzie and Stefan Giglio have both been key parts of a defence that has only conceded once in the last three games.
St George FC v Newcastle Jets, 12:00pm Sunday 23 August, Ilinden Sports Centre
There’s a showdown at high noon in Rockdale!
Fresh off a bye week, St George FC need to maintain their mini unbeaten run if they are to keep pace with the top four. In Mani Gonzalez and Juan Carlos Romero, they have a pair of sharpshooters that can help them win any duel. Anthony Morabito provides trickery on the flanks, while Alexander Kyriacou will play an important role at the back.
Newcastle came out all guns blazing in last weekend’s F3 Derby, but in the end had to settle for a point. Nevertheless, they can’t be too disappointed with their first goals in this division and earning a draw with ten men. Credit must go to the likes of Maki Petratos and Lucas Mauragis for an improved attacking performance that was easy on the eye.
Central Coast Mariners v St George City FA, 3:00pm Sunday 23 August, Centre of Excellence, Tuggerah
The undefeated Mariners face off against 11th placed St George City FA, but this one is likely to be closer than the records suggest.
Central Coast know they will go top of the league with a win, so the motivation is definitely there. At an average of four goals scored per game, the Mariners have the most prolific attack in the league. It will therefore come as no surprise that they have three of the top seven scorers in this division, and Matthew Cahill now the leads the race for the Golden Boot after his hat trick against the Jets.
St George City FA were so close to getting the job done against Northern Tigers, and you get the feeling that first win is just around the corner. There are good omens for them in this matchup: they did the double over Central Coast in 2019. Jason Romero was his usual unstoppable self on Sunday and will lead the line once again, while City must also be glad that Taci Kumsuz has returned to the side.
Hakoah Sydney City East v Hills United, 3:00pm Sunday 23 August, Hensley Athletic Field
Two sides looking to break away from the foot of the table meet in the eastern suburbs.
This is Hakoah’s first home game in over a month, can they make familiar surroundings work for them? They were unlucky to leave Bonnyrigg with nothing and that contest really could have gone either way. Dominic Cox should be confident after a clinically-taken goal on Saturday, while the likes of Matthew Nezval and Sunny Chang have done well since joining the club.
Hills are looking to break a three game winless run. They certainly have the players to beat any side in this division: Wade Giovenali has scored three times in four games and always makes his presence on the field known. Alex Vlismas poses a stern test for the Hakoah fullbacks as he can play on either wing, and United skipper Daine Merrin will anchor the midfield.
Bye: NWS Spirit FC
By Eric Subijano (@eric_subijano)
