Round 10 Preview – NPL 4 NSW Men’s Preview
Whether it be jostling for place in the top four or gaining momentum for 2021. There is still plenty to play for in round ten of the NPL4 Men’s competition.
Highlighting this week’s action. A top four clash out at David Bertenshaw Field. Whilst we head to Cook Park to see if Western NSW can take the finals race to the last weekend.
Nepean FC v Western NSW FC; Saturday 19th September, 5pm @ Cook Park No.1 (St Marys)
Five years in the making, Western NSW FC will travel over the mountains to play Nepean FC, Saturday evening.
Nepean FC come into the clash primed and ready for finals action. And with a Fraser Park shaped challenge awaiting them next weekend, they will want to head into that clash on the back of three points. So, who do we look out for? Well, thanks for asking. The answer? The trio of Majid Eslami and Matthew Crossley and David Scott who all impressed last weekend. See… I can do a preview without mentioning Mitch Mclintock.
They will face a Western NSW FC, refreshed after a bye weekend. Before such bye, they were not exactly ascending up the table, having picked up two points from their last four matches. The latest of which being a 2-0 defeat to UNSW FC last Tuesday week, in which they put in a tenacious effort before two goals in the dying stages of the game.
Prospect United SC v Granville Rage; Saturday 19th September, 7pm @ Blacktown Football Park No.1
One last game awaits Prospect United before an early holiday with the bye in round eleven. As they take on Granville Rage.
First things first, I promise I will not be attending this game, a promise which is sure to be music to the ears of the home side. Last week (when I was in attendance), United looked good for a point for a while against UNSW FC. Then came an own goal, and there was no response. Having won one of their last five, they will see this as a good chance to teach us how to say goodbye.
Two more chances for a win. Time is running out for Granville Rage to secure a win in this rebooted season. And they have been close, coming within a goal in their past two clashes against Camden Tigers and Hawkesbury City alike. Who too look out for? Grant Burbage impressed those watching on last weekend.
Hawkesbury City FC v UNSW FC; Saturday 19th September, 7pm @ David Bertenshaw Field
Well before this season, these two clubs have had a history of avoiding each other over the past decade. Now with finals football on the horizon, these teams could meet twice in three weeks. Who takes bragging rights into that one? It is all up for grabs Saturday night.
Have I mentioned Hawkesbury City FC are tough to beat at home? Last weekend they made it three wins in a row at David Bertenshaw Field, overcoming the Granville Rage. After going down early, Greg Kondek and Luke Zahra were crucial at either end in securing the three points. In this one, they will be looking for revenge after UNSW FC triumphed back in March.
Two games away from taking first spot. UNSW FC will be keen to finish the job off in this short season. This match, however, stands as potentially their toughest test yet away at Hawkesbury. Last weekend, they just about scraped past Prospect United in their final home game of the season, relying on an own goal to secure the three points.
Fraser Park FC v Hurstville FC; Saturday 19th September, 7pm @ Fraser Park
Second placed Fraser Park will be looking to overturn a poor record when they host Hurstville FC this weekend.
They come into the contest on the back of a vital win away from home against Parramatta FC. And all whilst down a man, meaning defender Christian Desa will miss this one. David Adjassou and Jonathan Green stand as men to watch in this one.
It won’t be easy though; Hurstville FC just seem to be their bogey side. Fraser yet to beat them since the drop down to NPL4/State League.
Speaking of which, Hurstville come into the contest in good form having won three of their past five fixtures. Jaefar Al Kuhilaifawi continues to be pivotal in their attack, whilst Jesse Gagro also found the net for the first time this season against Camden Tigers.
Camden Tigers FC v South Coast Flame FC; Saturday 19th September, 7pm @ Ron Dine Stadium
Finally, Camden Tigers welcome South Coast Flame to Ron Dine Stadium for their first competitive meeting.
It will be a happy return to home comforts for the Tigers, having won their round nine fixture against Granville Rage. Though since then, they had a difficult night against Hurstville FC. A poor first period hurt the Tigers, although there were some encouraging signs as the clock ticked on, perhaps unlucky not to grab a goal of their own.
For their visitors, South Coast Flame. Things have taken a turn for the worst in recent weeks. With finals football a possibility, they have lost three games in a row against Prospect United, Fraser Park and last week Nepean FC. They will be determined to get their opening thirty minutes right this week after conceding three early against the team from the foot of the mountains.
Parramatta FC — Bye
By Justin Smith (Twitter: @smiththejustin)
