Round 5 Preview – NPL 4 NSW Men’s
After the goal frenzy that was Round 4 of the National Premier Leagues 4 NSW Men’s competition, it’s time to look forward to Round 5.
With most teams set to resume full-time training courtesy of a break in the weather we are set for a competitive round of weekend fixtures.
Our match of the round finds us at the Melita Stadium as Parramatta take on South Coast Flame. The Flame were impressive against Nepean and will look to take their performance to the next level against a red hot Parramatta side who will look to remain undefeated.
Around the rest of the league the action kicks off with, Western NSW battling Newcastle Jets on a Good Friday clash. Hawkesbury City and Camden Tigers are scheduled to play their first games in over two weeks as they take on Fraser Park and Hurstville respectively.
Meanwhile, UNSW look to get their first win against Western Rage, whilst Nepean face off against Prospect United.
Friday 2nd April 2021
Western NSW FC vs Newcastle Jets FC, 1pm @ Majorie Jackson Field
Backing up from one of the biggest winning margins ever the Jets are firing on all cylinders and travel down to Bathurst with the same motivation. Newcastle will be on the road for the first time this season and face a Western NSW side recovering from a 7-2 loss last time out. Jets A-League product Tete Yengi will be sure to cause Western NSW’s defence plenty of headaches on the back of his seven goals against Western Rage
The Western NSW squad is slowly recovering from the pre-season injury bug and will continue to bleed through the new additions to the squad as they wait to return to full strength.
Previous Matchup: N/A
Saturday 3rd April 2021
Match of the Round
Parramatta FC vs South Coast Flame FC, 5pm @Melita Stadium
Parramatta FC are the talk of the NPL 4 competition as their impressive start has raised eyebrows across the league. On the heels of one of their most disappointing campaigns last season, the resurgent Eagles are flying high and will look to make it four straight wins against the Flame
After knocking off Western NSW 7-2, confidence will be at an all-time high for Gert Disha’s men. However the Flame can’t be doubted as they enter this game as the underdogs. Last week’s outing against Nepean saw them go down 1-0 and they were devastated to not have a point to show from it. It’s only a matter of time before they’re performances result into points and they’ll hope to start against the Eagles come Saturday night.
Previous Matchup: South Coast Flame FC 2-2 Parramatta FC
Nepean FC vs Prospect United SC, 7pm @ Cook Park
Nepean enter this game as one of only four undefeated teams. They’re impressive start to the season shouldn’t be a surprise considering last year’s success, however they’ll be without in-form striker Ben Welch as serves his suspension for last week’s red card.
Prospect are full of high spirits after last week’s come from behind win against UNSW. David Moreira Muller could be the X-factor again for United after his impressive brace last weekend. Prospect however will be wary of the threat that Nepean possess on the counter-attack and will need to adjust accordingly.
Previous Matchup: Nepean FC 4-0 Prospect United SC
Fraser Park vs Hawkesbury City FC, 7pm @ Fraser Park
This game was originally scheduled to be played at David Bertenshaw Field, however as a result of the flooding the field is still unplayable and may be for some time. Fraser Park also remain undefeated and return to their fortress at Fraser Park expecting another win on Saturday night.
Hawkesbury have not played in NPL 4 since their Round 2 defeat at the hands of Parramatta. With training becoming a rarity over these past weeks it may be a struggle for Hawkesbury as they re-adapt to playing and training full-time.
Previous Matchup: Fraser Park FC 3-0 Hawkesbury City FC
UNSW FC vs Western Rage, 7pm @ Hensley Athletic Field
UNSW have struggled in their opening encounters but will look to put their previous run of form behind as they prepare to take on Western Rage. UNSW have shown a huge attacking threat when presented chances, however have not been able to translate this into wins.
Western Rage will want to forget their 14-0 loss to the Jets as quickly as possible. The Rage will also resume full-time training this week and will have to move on and improve as a squad if they want to get a result against a tough UNSW.
Camden Tigers FC vs Hurstville FC, 7pm @ Ron Dine Stadium
Our final game of the round takes us to Ron Dine Stadium as the Tigers play their first game since Round 2. Hurstville travel to the South-West on the heels of a disappointing defeat to Fraser Park where they were far from their usual best.
The Tigers may also suffer from the lack of recent competitive game-time, they are also without a win for 2021 and could use this as the catalyst for a much improved season. Ron Dine stadium has been daunting for any visitors and the Tigers will want for this match to add to the reputation of their home ground.
Previous Matchup: Hurstville FC 3-0 Camden Tigers FC
By NPL NSW 4 Men’s Writer, Dominic Criniti
