Round 6 Preview – NPL 4 NSW Men’s

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Round 6 of the National Premier Leagues 4 NSW Men’s competition is upon us and it brings a weekend stacked with fascinating matchups all over the state. 

The match of the round takes us to the home of Prospect United as they take on Camden Tigers at William Lawson Reserve. Camden are on the rise after a huge win against Hurstville whereas Prospect are keen to advance their position after just one point from the last two games.

Elsewhere around the league Western NSW host the in-form Nepean FC, Hurstville entertain Parramatta and Fraser Park takes on South Coast Flame. UNSW FC make the dreaded trip up north to face Newcastle, whilst Hawkesbury City and Western Rage round out the fixtures.

 

Saturday 10th March 2021

Western NSW FC vs Nepean FC, 1pm @ Majorie Jackson Field

Nepean are riding high in NPL 4 during the early stages of the season, yet to lose a game and welcoming back Ben Welch from suspension, Nepean would expect nothing but all the points come Saturday.

In their way is a Western NSW squad coming of a 8-0 thrashing at the hands of the Jets. They possess a genuine attacking threat but have been unable to put it all together and see real results. This is a side that will be eager to get something from this match and may throw everything they’ve got in order to do so

Previous Matchup: Western NSW 2-2 Nepean FC

 

Fraser Park FC vs South Coast Flame FC, 7pm @ Fraser Park

Fraser Park are beginning to look like the side from last year after last week’s dominant 4-1 victory over Hawkesbury. Alex Araujo has his star men, Shu Torihara and Cam Philpot firing on all cylinders and will be likely be the cause of more grief for the Flame defence.

It’s been a slow start for the Flame who have continually improved after each performance but still haven’t managed to get more than a point. They were disappointed by Parramatta last week and have their defence to thank for not letting the Eagles score more than one.

Last year’s meeting between the two was dominated by Fraser Park who will look to repeat on that success and bring the Flame more misery in 2021.

Previous Matchup: Fraser Park 2-0 South Coast Flame

 

Hurstville FC vs Parramatta FC, 7pm @ Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre

Hurstville looked threatening to open the season, however they have not been themselves in the past two weeks with some average performances. It doesn’t get any easier for Hurstville as they face undefeated Parramatta.

The Eagles are flying high joint-top of NPL 4 and head into this blockbuster match as favourites. This match is sure to entertain and could set the tone for both sides season. Hurstville will want a result to recapture their electric form, although they’ll have to be at their best to contain the Eagles.

Previous Matchup: Hurstville 1-1 Parramatta FC

 

Sunday 11th April 2021

Match of the Round

Prospect United SC vs Camden Tigers FC, 7pm @ William Lawson Reserve

A change of scenery for the match of the round, Prospect Coach Darren Camilleri admitted his side weren’t at their best last week against Nepean and will want to turn it around against a tough Camden side. Prospect are another side stuck in the midfield of the table with inconsistent results.

Camden are amongst this battle as well, but are full of confidence after putting five past Hurstville. This game could easily go either way and both sides would be confident of a result. Mitch Hall and Dean Mugridge could continue their impressive form after both bagged a brace last week.

Previous Matchup: Prospect United 2-2 Camden Tigers

 

Newcastle Jets FC vs UNSW FC, 7pm @ Lake Macquarie Regional Football Centre

What more is there to say about Newcastle, they’ve been the most impressive team in NPL 4 and look like the best team in the competition. Last week’s opening thirty minutes against Western was the only time they’ve looked vulnerable all season and yet they still walked away with a convincing win.

UNSW have had a forgettable start to the season, nevertheless they should see this is the best opportunity to kick their season into gear. If they can find the net early against the Jets they could hold out for a result, the attacking power they possess hasn’t gone away and could give the Jets an almighty scare.

Previous Matchup: N/A

 

Western Rage vs Hawkesbury City FC, 7:30pm @ Lilly Homes Stadium

Western Rage backed up from their nightmare loss to the Jets with a good performance against UNSW last week. They face a Hawkesbury City side that has been through it all over the past weeks. The Rage would be aware of the current situation and could capitalise on the misfortunes with their second win of the season.

It’s hard not to feel bad for Hawkesbury, after the floods the club and players have been decimated. Players and Coaches alike are trying to get back into the swing of things, the Hawks can never be doubted and will not be likely to let the adversity affect their performance come Sunday night.

Previous Matchup: Hawkesbury City 2-1 Western Rage

By NPL 4 NSW Men’s Writer, Dominic Criniti