Round 3 Preview – NPL 4 NSW Men’s
After a thrilling second round of the National Premier Leagues 4 NSW Men’s competition. It’s time to look forward to another weekend of action as we approach Round 3 of NPL 4.
This week’s match of the round takes us to the iconic Melita Stadium, in a battle of high flyers as Parramatta FC face off against Nepean FC.
UNSW FC aim to take their first win of the season when they take on Fraser Park – with both sides coming off disappointing draws. Western Rage look to continue their impressive start to the season when they battle Hurstville FC. Newcastle look to make it three from three at home when they go against Prospect SC, in the final match of the round.
Saturday 20th March 2021
Parramatta FC vs Nepean FC, 5pm @ Melita Stadium
Parramatta FC come into this matchup joint first, only separated by goal difference to Newcastle Jets. On the heels of an impressive victory over a resilient Hawkesbury side, Parramatta are full of confidence with their new squad. Chemistry doesn’t seem to be an early issue for Gert Disha’s men and they will expect to continue their great form on Saturday.
Nepean enjoyed early success against UNSW last week, however were not able to hold onto the momentum and finish the game off. In order to get the job done it will be crucial for them to play their style of football consistently for the full 90 minutes and become more clinical when given the chance.
The last time these sides met Nepean walked away with a 5-1 victory with Mitchell Mclintock bagging a hattrick.
South Coast Flame FC vs Hawkesbury City FC, 6:30pm @ Ian McLennan Park
An intriguing battle of two sides falling slightly below early season expectations after two disappointing results to begin the season.
Hawkesbury are yet to secure a point after two consecutive home losses. Dean Bertenshaw’s men will certainly be hopping they can change this and get their season back on the right track as the travel to Wollongong.
South Coast Flame showed promising signs last weekend but couldn’t hold on to the lead conceding a last minute penalty, forcing them to share the points with Camden. On the back of this they will be keen to go one better and walk away with their first win of the season.
When these sides met last season, South Coast Flame came away with a 3-1 victory at home.
UNSW FC vs Fraser Park FC, 7pm @ Hensley Athletic Field
Both sides head into this after both being on the other end of late equalisers in disappointing draws.
UNSW were heartbroken after last week’s injury time penalty which gave them a draw against Nepean. They come into this matchup with confidence on the back of last week’s performance, as they look to take down the Premiers.
Fraser Park were behind for the majority of the game with Western Rage last weekend, however showed great patience, dominating the entirety of the second half and waiting for their chance. Cam Philpot will again be the danger man for Fraser Park – with goals in his last two matches.
When these sides faced off last year, it ended in a 0-0 draw.
Hurstville FC vs Western Rage, 7pm @ Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
The two early over-achievers battle it out, in a game which could be the most entertaining of the round.
Western Rage approach this game full of confidence after taking it to Fraser Park last week and holding them to a draw. Vic Zappia’s side have wasted no time settling in to the new system and look to continue their good form come Saturday night.
Hurstville FC on the other hand were handed a hefty 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Jets. A performance where the score got away from them, Hurstville had plenty of positives to take away and will enter this weekend a much improved squad.
The last time they faced off, Hurstville bagged a 2-0 victory
Camden Tigers FC vs Western NSW FC, 7pm @ Ron Dine Stadium
Western NSW could be set to debut a new keeper after a horrid injury crisis has cleaned out their stocks. They head to a place that no NPL 4 team enjoys travelling too, in the midst of an injury crisis. They will have to improve their consistency throughout the match if they want to walk away with the points in Camden.
Camden have shown signs of improvement and will look to continue to build of last week’s performance. The Tigers will look to give their season a kick-start in-front of their home fans and give themselves a chance at a successful season.
Western NSW came away 1-0 victors in last season’s only meeting between the two.
Sunday 21st March 2021
Newcastle Jets FC vs Prospect United SC, 7pm @ Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
The last game of the round sees us again in the Hunter as the impressive Newcastle Jets host Prospect United.
Newcastle will be without Head Coach Daniel McBreen as he tends to A-League duties. The Jets are on the back of two dominant victories and will look to continue their imposing attacking ways on Sunday.
Prospect United enjoyed a great first half last week, netting three early goals. They face their biggest task of the season when they head north to face the league leaders. If they can get on the board early and put pressure on the young Jets team, an upset could be on the cards.
These sides did not meet last year.
Written by NPL NSW 4 Men’s writer, Dominic Criniti
-Photo by Richie Wagner
