Round 3 Preview – League One Men’s
Rain, more rain and plenty of Goals? Yes, it’s time to look ahead towards hopefully a full set of Football NSW League One fixtures in round three of the competition
In our pick of the fixtures this weekend, Central Coast Mariners host Mounties Wanderers this Sunday afternoon. While two undefeated sides will light up your Saturday night when St George City and Western Sydney Wanderers face off. That and much more in another enticing set of matches this weekend.
Our Pick: Central Coast Mariners FC v Mounties Wanderers FC; Sunday 27th March, 4pm, Pluim Park
Having collected their first point of the season last week, Central Coast Mariners return home to host a confident Mounties Wanderers outfit to conclude our round three action.
Depends on how you look at it, Central Coast Mariners either gained a point or lost two points last weekend. In a brilliant FNSW League One showcase, they played out an entertaining 2-all draw with Bonnyrigg White Eagles last weekend. Having conceded the first to a goal of the season contender, the Mariners then bounced back with a Lachlan Bayliss penalty before Dean Larson headed home to give them a lead. Unfortunately for them though, they conceded a late equalizer in stoppage time. Returning home for their second home game of the season, they’ll see this as a chance to open their win account in 2022.
Mounties Wanderers on the other hand are proving to be a headache for their opposition in 2022. With four points from a possible six, they’ve surprised both Bonnyrigg and Hakoah alike. Last weekend, it was a set piece goal fest between them and Hakoah. Brad Bartels made it two goals in two games equaling his 2021 goal tally at St George. While fellow ex St George team mate Tony Spaseski also popped up with a rare goal. So maybe it’s Bruno Pivato who we should be looking out for this weekend? Looking well-structured in defense while possessing the talent to finish at the other end, you can be sure they’ll also be confident of a result in this one.
Why you should watch this: Not many would’ve predicted Central Coast Mariners to be the team winless going into this one. Can they secure their first three points of the season against a well drilled Mounties Wanderers?
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Hakoah FC, Saturday 26th March, 7pm, Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Fingers crossed this games proceeds with the weather forecast. Cause if it does, we’re in for a good one when Bonnyrigg White Eagles host Hakoah FC this weekend.
Results have reflected where the Bonnyrigg White Eagles were at leading into the season. Defeat to Mounties Wanderers and conceding late in both half’s last weekend against Central Coast Mariners suggest they’re a little short on match fitness. In saying that however, that last minute equalizer to Zac Sfiligoi last weekend is the kind of goal you can build upon. While Aaron Peterson’s goal keeps getting better after every watch. They have quality, now with 180 minutes under their belt it’s about delivering on that.
Hakoah FC on the other hand will be buoyed by their start to the season. With Hensley Athletic out of action for at least another week, they will take to the road confident after acquiring four points on their travels in the first two rounds. Central to their success so far has been the central midfield pair of Yianni Spyrakis and Dominic Cox. With Spyrakis scoring a brilliant volley finish against Mounties Wanderers last weekend. Throw in the attacking talents of George Tuson-Firth and Luiz Lobo out wide and their hosts will have a hard time containing them this weekend.
Why you should watch this: Familiar foes, these two sides have met 12 times since 2016 and their head-to-head record is hard to split. With the hosting rights switched late, Bonnyrigg White Eagles will be determined to pick up their first win of the season.
St George FC v Blacktown Spartans FC, Saturday 26th March, 7pm, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
St George FC welcome Blacktown Spartans and a familiar face to Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre for their round three match-up.
The Saints broke their goalscoring duck last weekend through a goal to Yu Hasegawa to give them a slight sniff of a comeback against SD Raiders. But in truth they probably could’ve had more creating two or three other clear-cut chances. Look out for Harry Jones who is a towering presence in midfield and the ever-busy Jay Mcgowan as players to watch as they look to score their first win of the season.
I’ve called this league dramatic before, but how about unpredictable? Not many people would have predicted a Blacktown Spartans win at Christie Park last weekend but here we are… Andy Montgomery’s side put in a counter pressing masterclass to overcome a fancied NWS Spirit side. It feels kind of unfair to single out anyone for praise after such a performance as it was truly a team effort. If they produce it again Saturday night, it’s hard to see them not coming away with three points.
Why you should watch this: Familiar surroundings. Will Emmanuel Gonzalez come back to haunt his former team in this one? He and his Spartans teammates will be hoping to make in two on the trot, Saturday night.
St George City v Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Saturday 26th March, 7pm, Penshurst Park
Two sides yet to taste defeat meet at Penshurst Park in St George City’s first competitive home game at the venue.
Well, Eric said it last weekend in the round two preview but it’s worth repeating, St George City appear to be here to stay in terms of being a competition contender. Having acquired four points from six against Central Coast Mariners and Northern Tigers, they return to their new home Saturday night. Last weekend it was the defense who impressed, so shoutout to Troy Danaskos, Matthew Keremelevski and Stephen Athanaseris among others who looked solid withholding the Tigers.
Western Sydney Wanderers couldn’t have hoped for a better start to 2022. There hasn’t been a bad performance from any of their players against NWS Spirit and Hills United. Jordi Swibel has five goals in two games, Aiden Mostofi is picking up where he left off last season and Dean Pelekanos in centre midfield is the kind of player an academy side need when tackling this division. Looking irresistible at home, can they successfully take this show on the road?
Why you should watch this: Having scored ten goals in their last two matches, can Western Sydney Wanderers overcome one of the league’s best defenses in St George City? Last time they met, this fixture went in City’s favour prevailing 3-2 at Penshurst Park.
SD Raiders FC v NWS Spirit FC; Saturday 26th March, 7pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
The other of two teams who have got off to a perfect start, SD Raiders will be backing themselves in this match-up against one of the favourites for promotion. Last weekend, they benefitted from an outstanding performance from Jordan Figon who picked up a brace as well as an assist. Other players to look out for in this one include Milan Parenta on the right-hand side of their attack and keeper Mario Aleksik who had a handy outing against St George FC.
Getting the ball in the back of the net, it’s one of the great feelings as a player or supporter. But sometimes, for whatever reason it just doesn’t happen. And that’s where NWS Spirit FC are coming into this one, winless and without a goal in their opening two fixtures. With one of their regular goal threats in Mitch Davidson still yet to return. You would suggest finding a way to score is going to be the focus in training this weekend. And with the talent in this side, it wouldn’t surprise to see the dam burst this weekend.
Why you should watch this: Goran Ljuboja has his SD Raiders ticking across the park. But this is their toughest challenge yet in NWS Spirit. Can they repeat their 2021 heroics at the same venue?
Hills United FC v Northern Tigers FC; Saturday 26th March, 7pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
Bounce back ability? Its perhaps the most valued asset when assessing a squad and this match on Saturday night will tell us a lot about this Hills United squad. Last weekend they were on the end of a hefty defeat to Western Sydney Wanderers. Daine Merrin scored their only goal in the contest from the penalty spot, but a half time tactical change couldn’t stop the bleeding. We all know this squad has quality within, and they’ll have to show it against a competition favourite this weekend.
Their opposition, Northern Tigers come into the clash having been kept scoreless at home for the first time since they last met St George City (R8 2021). It was a frustrating evening in the attacking third for the Tigers, but they’ll still take confidence that they created enough chances to win that one. Alexander Brown in particular missing two in the last fifteen minutes alone. In squad news, Ollie Wiggin showed promising signs coming off the bench last weekend earning his sides player of the match award, just another sign of the depth this side possess.
Why you should watch this: Three losses to kick off the season isn’t the be all and end all. But Hills United will want to turn things around quickly after a tough loss against Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend.
By FNSW League One Men’s reporter Justin Smith
