Round 1 Preview – League Two Men’s
The most anticipated and competitive season of League Two football is just days away and it’s time to preview the first round of action.
Our match of the round takes us to Christie Park, as Gladesville Ryde Magic and Bankstown United battle it out for the Stroke Recovery Cup.
The fixture which has become a mainstay in recent years, is supporting a great cause and we encourage all that can to come down and support out in anyway.
Now let’s have a look at each game with all the teams eager to get the season off with a win.
Sunday 13th March 2022
Match of the Round: Stroke Recovery Cup
Gladesville Ryde Magic vs Bankstown United FC, 5pm @ Christie Park
Saving the best until last in Round one with Bankstown United and Gladesville Ryde Magic going at it for the Stroke Recovery Cup.
In the reverse fixture last season, Gladesville took the win after a lone goal from Daniel Rigby secured the victory.
With Gladesville looking almost identical from last year plus a few young players raring to go, Bankstown will be in for a tough matchup.
United will be will welcome back Emilio Martinez who suffered a nose injury in a preseason friendly, his presence will be a major factor in his sides attacking presence.
With bragging rights in the cup up for grabs, we will be sure to expect an entertaining matchup to wrap up the first round of the season
Last Meeting: Gladesville Ryde Magic 1-0 Bankstown United FC
Saturday 12th March 2022
Bankstown City FC vs Rydalmere Lions FC, 7pm @ Jensen Park
It’s a blockbuster fixture with the top two from last season facing off in a match that will be sure to leave us wanting more.
With a strong point of focus for City finishing out games and converting draws to wins, we could expect to the side throw more caution to the wind.
Club captain Nikola Todorovski will be rallying his troops for a positive start to 2022 as he will be gunning for the three points.
On the other hand Rydalmere will be keen to assert their dominance seen last year and put the league on notice in the very early stages of the season.
In the two meetings last year, Rydalmere was unable to crack the valiant City side, settling for a draw then losing 2-1 in the last meeting.
With history on their side, Bankstown City will have to feel confident of a strong result to kick-start its season.
Last Meeting: Bankstown City FC 2-1 Rydalmere Lions FC
Macarthur Rams FC vs Central Coast United FC, 7pm @ Lynwood Park
Central Coast make the long trip into the South West as they prepare for a matchup with a rejuvenated Rams outfit.
With some key losses over the offseason, many eyes will be on Central Coast and how they move on with a couple of fresh faces.
Speaking of fresh faces, Macarthur are full of them and are set to unleash their youthful squad in round one.
With a side full of players seeking an opportunity to play football at a high standard, the Rams will be firing from the opening whistle.
In their last meeting, United scored two goals in either half for a convincing win.
Last Meeting: Macarthur Rams FC 1-4 Central Coast United FC
Dunbar Rovers FC vs Inner West Hawks FC, 7pm @Fraser Park
Two sides that underperformed last year are ready to prove the doubters wrong and get the season started off with a big win.
With a full season together, the contingent Hawks side looks ready for a much improved season and performance starting from Saturday night.
Similarly, Dunbar enter round one with a the majority of the team they ended the season with, this consistency will play in both their favours throughout the season and could make this game a tough one to predict.
The last time these sides met, it was a Peter Yannopoulos goal that gave the Hawks the win.
Last Meeting: Dunbar Rovers FC 0-1 Inner West Hawks FC
Dulwich Hill FC vs Sydney University SFC, 7pm @Arlington Oval
Sydney Uni face Dulwich Hill in a game that is sure to explode with entertainment.
Uni enter 2022 with one of the most improved squads, with a bunch of notable signings headlining the playing squad.
On the other side is Dulwich Hill, who only lost one player and added more talent to an already stacked side.
With all the factors considered, both sides look set to be highly competitive this year and will be a great opening test for the start of respective seasons.
When these sides met last year, Daniel Fornito’s brace sealed an impressive 3-1 victory.
Last Meeting: Dulwich Hill FC 3-1 Sydney University SFC
Inter Lions FC vs Canterbury Bankstown FC , 7pm @ Majors Bay Reserve
Inter look set to display their continual improvement in the opening round, however they’ll have to get through a new look Berries side, determined to impress after last season.
The hosts enter this matchup on paper as favourites, with a group of marquee arrivals that look set to kick off their respective seasons with good performances.
Berries should not be taken lightly and have recruited equally as impressively, with a group of new faces ready to impress in game one.
The sides split the two meetings last with Inter walking away with a 6-1 win, before Berries won the reverse fixture 2-1
Last Meeting: Inter Lions FC 1-2 Canterbury Bankstown FC
-By Dominic Criniti
