Round 7 Preview – NPL 4 NSW Men’s
Round 7 of the National Premier Leagues 4 NSW Men’s competition presents us with a thrilling line-up of games.
Our Match of the Round sees two sides on the rise as UNSW FC take on Western NSW at Hensley Athletic.
The iconic Melita Stadium well take centre stage as top of the table Parramatta battle 2nd place Newcastle.
Elsewhere Hawkesbury take on Prospect, Nepean battles Hurstville, South Coast host Western Rage, whilst Camden round out the weekend against Fraser Park.
Saturday 17th April 2021
Match of the Round
UNSW FC vs Western NSW FC, 7pm @ Hensley Athletic Field
The Match of the Round takes us to Hensley Athletic as UNSW duel with Western NSW. For UNSW they’ll be looking to convert their improving performances into their first win of the season after going full throttle against the Jets and becoming to the first side to hold them scoreless.
Western NSW are also coming into this as a much improved side, they put in a team performance and could of stolen a win against Nepean last time out. For Mark Rooke surviving the first month of the season was key due to the injury toll suffered in the off-season, as his men begin to return so will the impressive performances. This game could cause fireworks with both teams possessing a major threat in attack.
Previous Matchup: UNSW FC 2-0 Western NSW
Prospect United SC vs Hawkesbury City FC , 3pm @ Blacktown Athletic Track
Another home game forced away from Hawkesbury sees them travel to Blacktown to face Prospect United. The painful news that Captain and keeper Mario Farias is set to miss up to six weeks with a wrist injury is a massive blow for United. Prospect have shown a fighting spirit over the last three games after finding themselves down by two goals in those games and coming back for a draw twice.
Hawkesbury got off the mark against Western Rage displaying hunger and determination to gain their first points of the year. The Hawks are eager to get another result her and build on their push for another finals appearance.
Previous Matchup: Prospect United SC 0-0 Hawkesbury City
Nepean FC vs Hurstville FC, 5pm @ Cook Park
Hurstville made a statement to everyone in NPL 4 after their win over Parramatta. They’ve caught Nepean at an advantageous time after they managed just one point from their two games last week. Hurstville’s comradery ensured they got they the massive result last week and they’ll be looking for more of the same.
Nepean will be looking to defend their position in 4th as they battle their own injury crisis with many first-team starters ruled out. Hurstville could leapfrog them with a win, sitting just two points behind them on the table.
Previous Matchup Nepean FC 0-2 Hurstville FC
Parramatta FC vs Newcastle Jets FC, 5pm @ Melita Stadium
Our first top of the table clash for 2021, as league leaders Parramatta battle 2nd place Newcastle. Both sides fell short of a win last round ending both of their bids for an invincible season. Parramatta were a shell of former selves during the 6-0 loss to Hurstville but will hope to prove that was a one off and will push to Jets to their limits.
UNSW proved that the Jets attack can be held at bay and showed that getting a result against them isn’t impossible, with a Newcastle win on Saturday they can overtake the Eagles into first with a game in hand giving them another huge boost in the early race for top.
Previous Matchup: N/A
South Coast Flame FC vs Western Rage, 6:30pm @ Ian McLennan Park
Both sides coming off disappointing losses in Round 6, will be looking to turn around their seasons with a result here. South Coast were comprehensively beat by a dominant Fraser Park side, however they’ve shown flashes of brilliance this season and will be determined to display a performance like this for the full game.
Western Rage are in a very similar situation, their undoing last week was complacency with their one goal advantage. Both sides boast talented rosters, however they’ve been unable to string consistent performances together.
Previous Matchup: South Coast Flame 1-0 Western Rage
Camden Tigers FC vs Fraser Park FC, 7pm @ Ron Dine Stadium
The final game of the round sees Fraser Park make to trip to the fortress of Camden at Ron Dine Stadium. Fraser Park continue to go from strength to strength each week displaying consistent and dominant performances, a win here and results going in their favour at Melita Stadium could see them in outright first, a position they won’t look likely to give up.
Camden looked impressive in periods against Prospect, but left frustrated after giving up two late goals and having to settle for a draw. The Tigers attacking run has been stellar scoring eight in their last two outings. Dean Bradley’s side will have to try and put Fraser Park on the back foot early to give them the best chance of getting points from this game.
Previous Matchup: Camden Tigers 0-5 Fraser Park
-By NPL 4 NSW Men’s Writer, Dominic Criniti