Round 7 Preview – NPL 4 NSW Men’s
We are heading into round 7 of the National Premier Leagues 4 NSW Men’s competition and with top spot up for grabs with only two points separating first and sixth positions respectively – it’s sure to be a big weekend of football action, especially with the Sun set to beam across Saturday and Sunday, conditions couldn’t be any more perfect as Justin Smith previews the upcoming matches.
Western NSW FC v Fraser Park FC; Saturday 29th August, 4pm @ Proctor Park
After inclement travel conditions prevented Western NSW FC from getting over the mountains last weekend. The team from regional NSW will welcome a return to Bathurst this weekend. They will be hoping to put back to back losses in their last couple of games behind them and break a scoring drought to boot. It will not be easy though as they welcome table toppers Fraser Park.
Speaking of… Fraser Park come into this clash as the form team in the competition. Last weekend they backed up a five nil victory the week prior, with a lazy four nil victory against the Granville Rage. That victory saw Frank Calgano, Cam Philpot and Shu Torihara net goals in consecutive fixtures. They will however be without Torihara this weekend coming.
South Coast Flame FC v Prospect United SC; Saturday 29th August, 6:30pm @ Ian Mclennan Park
It took till Round six of the competition, but every team has now conceded a goal. The last team to concede, South Coast Flame against Parramatta FC last weekend. They did so in a score draw which saw Matt Mazevski net in his 50th appearance for the club. This weekend however, their focus will be on showing composure in the attacking third when the game is there for the taking.
Someone call for an artist, cause Prospect United are draw specialists. In a season of few positives (so far), the starting debuts of 15-year-old Abdul Jalloh and 16-year-old Robert Bozic added life to an otherwise cagey game against Hawkesbury City. Now, as three or four familiar faces return to the fray in forthcoming weeks, the team from Sydney’s west will be hoping to finish the season in positive fashion.
Hurstville FC v Nepean FC; Saturday 29th August, 7pm @ Ilinden Sports Centre
One of two teams yet to concede at home. Hurstville FC will welcome their toughest opponent yet to Ilinden Sports Centre. Having had a fortnight to reflect on a scoreless draw with South Coast Flame. They will be looking to improve in the final third, because you get the feeling they’ll struggle to hold on to a clean sheet against Nepean FC.
The Big Mo, Momentum is a funny thing in football. It can come after a string of victories or it can come from a last-minute goal. Nepean FC will be hoping they can carry a last-minute equalizer against Camden Tigers into this one. Key to a victory in this one, will be the form of Jack Hoban who played his 200th game for the club last weekend.
UNSW FC v Granville Rage; Saturday 29th August, 7pm @ Lambert Park
After a mid-semester break, UNSW FC are primed for the second half of the season. They will come into this contest as heavy favourites against bottom placed Rage. Key to their success so far this season has been the emergence of Maison Mcgeechan. The midfielder netting twice already this season. And with Kevin Lopes up top, goals are there for the taking this weekend.
The table is not a pleasant viewing experience for Granville Rage. The Rage sit dead last, yet to register a point in the rebooted 2020 season. Despite this, last weekend (particularly the first half) saw them put in a spirited effort against a free-scoring Fraser Park team away from home. And they will need to be at their best against another top two side in UNSW FC this weekend.
Parramatta FC v Camden Tigers FC; Sunday 30th August, 3pm @ Melita Stadium
Win, draw, Win? Parramatta FC will be looking to make it back to back home wins this weekend. Last weekend they were held on the road by South Coast Flame in difficult conditions. Crucial to their hopes, will be the combination of Clement Waoci and Ali Dulleh who both found the net in that clash. Their form and a solid defensive record at home, mean they will be tough to beat in this one.
Few would have picked Camden Tigers to come away from Cook Park with a point last weekend. Yet they did, proving to themselves and those watching that they can match it with the top four sides in the competition. Now comes the challenging part, backing up as captain Michael O’Rourke and his team face another tough away test this Sunday afternoon.
DON’T FORGET TO EXERCISE CAUTION AND SOCIAL DISTANCING AT OUR MATCHES THIS WEEKEND
Hawkesbury City FC – Bye
By Justin Smith (Twitter: @smiththejustin)
