Round 10 Preview – NPL 4 NSW Men’s

If you thought Round 9 of he National Premier Leagues 4 NSW Men’s competition was thrilling, Round 10 is just as stacked with a number of intriguing matchups across the state.

Our Match of the Round takes us to the Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre as Hurstville FC host South Coast Flame.

Elsewhere in NPL 4, Western NSW play host to the in-form Fraser Park, UNSW FC battle the resurgent Hawkesbury City, Western Rage lock horns with Nepean FC, The Jets return home to face Camden Tigers whilst Prospect United entertain Parramatta FC.

Match of the Round

Hurstville FC vs South Coast Flame FC, 7pm @ Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre

An interesting battle in the Match of the Round as Hurstville look to solidify their spot in the top five. On the other side of the spectrum is the Flame, the South Coast side will be looking for a result in a bid to revive their season.

On the heels of a bitter losses to UNSW and Prospect United, the Flame will need to start quickly to contain a Hurstville side that has shown their capable of putting the game to bed within the opening period. Hurstville are also keen to avenge their frustrating draw to Prospect last week and will want to put their clinical attack on full display. Anthony Krkovski could be the danger man come Saturday as he leads Hurstville with eight goals on the season.

Previous Matchup: Hurstville FC 0-0 South Coast Flame FC

Western NSW FC vs Fraser Park FC, 4pm @ Proctor Park

After another rough defeat, Western NSW will quickly need to turn their attention to a red-hot Fraser Park side who remain undefeated. Additionally they’ll be without their regular keeper Jordan Bruce who was sent off last week. Stranger things have happened in NPL 4 and the Bathurst based side cannot be ruled out in this tough matchup.

Fraser Park asserted themselves clear of the pack after Matteo Pandolfo’s last minute winner saw them go past Parramatta FC last weekend. Fraser Park’s defence proved it was up for the challenge in their previous match and if they’re firing on all cylinders this week, Western NSW could be in for a long day.

Previous Matchup: Western NSW FC 1-1 Fraser Park FC

UNSW FC vs Hawkesbury City FC, 7pm @ Hensley Athletic Field

A close contender for Match of the Round as two of last year’s top four battle it out at Hensley Athletic. UNSW turned their season around last time out gaining their first win of the season in an impressive 3-1 win over the Flame. For Gabe Knowles and his men they’ll expect to keep their winning ways up and recapture their form as they face another side on the rise in Hawkesbury.

The Hawks have won three of their last four and have scored thirteen goals in their resurgent run. A massive key for the sides lethal attacking ways is Marco Turpeinen who bagged a hattrick last week and boasts a notable seven goals from five games, good enough for equal third on the golden boot tally. This game could cause fireworks as both sides will expect to walk away with all three points.

Previous Matchup: UNSW FC 0-0 Hawkesbury City FC

Western Rage vs Nepean FC, 7pm @ Lily Homes Stadium

Nepean head into this matchup fresh off their biggest win of the young season, upsetting the Jets 3-0, sending a message to the rest of NPL 4 in the process. Their defence pressure was on full display last time out, this could cause an issue for the Rage who have struggled to find the back of the net thus far.

However the Rage proved they’re no push over last week fighting hard to comeback against Camden for a well-earned draw. For the Granville based side it was a much needed result that will give them confidence come Saturday. The Rage should look to apply the pressure early as they look to go toe-to-toe with a invigorated Nepean outfit.

Previous Matchup: Western Rage 1-3 Nepean FC

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

Newcastle return to their fortress where they’ll be hungry to avenge their shock 3-0 loss to Nepean. After last week Daniel McBreen wasn’t keen to hide under any excuses and acknowledged his side’s performance and lead up to the game wasn’t up to par.

This could spell bad news for the Tigers after last week’s tough draw to Western Rage. Camden have shown flashes of attacking brilliance this year and will need to be on their A-game when they face the Jets. With the Tigers sitting just outside of a finals spot it’ll be a massive boost if they can walk away with a result in Newcastle and push the likes of Nepean Hurstville for a finals spot.

Previous Matchup: N/A

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

Prospect United and Parramatta do battle in the final fixture of the round in an intriguing matchup. Prospect themselves will admit they weren’t at their best last weekend but fought through until the end to walk away sharing the points with Hurstville. They’ll need to improve quickly and turn their focus to the always dangerous attack Parramatta possess.

For the Eagles they’ll consider themselves unlucky to have lost last week and will need to recapture their lethal finishing in the final third to put Prospect away. Parramatta will be missing prominent first-team members Ali Dulleh and Charles Abou Serhal who have been crucial in their attack all season long. This will give Ashour Chiba a chance to stake his claim up-top for the Eagles as he looks set to start on Sunday.

Previous Matchup: Prospect United SC 0-2 Parramatta FC

By NPL 4 NSW Men’s Writer, Dominic Criniti @DominicCriniti