Round 8 Preview – NPL 3 NSW Men’s
Will Rydalmere Lions FC consolidate top spot or will Dulwich Hill FC regain their place at the summit?
These questions and more will be answered ahead of the upcoming round in the National Premier Leagues 3 NSW Men’s competition.
The latest round of the NPL 3 NSW Men’s competition will see all six fixtures get underway at the 7pm time slot on Saturday.
Our preview begins with the clash between Dulwich Hill FC and Sydney University SFC which is set to take place at Arlington Oval.
A horror 6-0 massacre at Rydalmere seriously dented Uni’s progression after they came into that fixture with back-to-back victories.
Meanwhile, Rydalmere’s win did not do Dully any favours either as they snatched top spot from the inner west club who managed to escape with a point from their venture to Heffron Park.
Heading to Jensen Park where Bankstown City FC will be looking to recover from last week’s small hiccup when they host Dunbar Rovers FC.
The hosts’ three game winning streak came undone against Canterbury Bankstown last time out as they shared the points with their neighbours.
However, on the upside, they are still undefeated.
Their upcoming opponents showed their true potential as they drew with Dully and will take strength heading into this, knowing that their past away encounter was a victory at Inter a fortnight ago.
It will be a welcome return to Lynwood Park for Macarthur Rams FC as they entertain 5th placed Bankstown United FC.
The wind has been taken out of Macarthur’s sail of late with three straight defeats after what was a promising start to the season.
Scott Belgre’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat against Magic last Sunday but aside from that, they have been somewhat consistent compared to last season.
Inter Lions FC will be out for glory in their meeting with Gladesville Ryde Magic at Majors Bay Reserve.
John Theo’s men claimed their maiden win of the season against the Hawks in round 7 with four different names getting on the scoresheet in the process.
They will be coming up against a Magic side who snapped out of a three match winless run last weekend when they saw off United in the inaugural Stroke Recovery Cup.
Central Coast United FC will be making the journey to Sydney to take on Rydalmere Lions FC.
Both sides registered wins in their respective matches last weekend but you could argue that the Lions’ victory was rather more astounding as they tore apart the ‘students’.
Lewis Fraser had a night to remember as he scored his first Rydalmere goal in what was an efficient evening in front of goal to say the least for Gavin Rae’s side.
A comfortable three points for the Pirates saw them return to the winners circle after a difficult spell.
The men from Pluim Park occupy sixth position and moved ahead of the Rams in the standings thanks to that victory.
Another crucial battle at the bottom of the ladder will be held at Arlington Oval as Inner West Hawks welcome second from bottom Canterbury Bankstown.
The Berries record has been consistent – but not in the way they would have hoped. They have collected far too many draws to date while some self-inflicted pain last weekend did not help their cause as they were reduced to 10 men.
The Hawks’ FFA Cup run has somewhat lifted the spirits in their camp however their league form makes for stark comparison with nothing to show from their six matches this season.
Ross Anton will need to get the boys fired up with Saturday’s tie gifting them with what will be one of their best opportunities to open their account this campaign.
*Inner West Hawks meet Central Coast United in their rescheduled round 3 fixture at Valentine Sports Park on Wednesday night*
-By NPL 3 NSW Men’s Chief Writer Samuel Greco Schwartz (Twitter handle: @SamuelGS97)
