Round 5 Preview – League Three Men’s

Round five of the Football NSW League Three Men’s competition is set to commence, with some invigorating fixtures featuring across the weekend. 

Hurstville FC vs Hawkesbury City spells the marquee match of the round in a third against first clash, while Camden Tigers and Fraser Park will host Western Rage and Hawkesbury City respectively in a trilogy of fixtures within the Saturday 7pm timeslot. 

Fixture timings will duplicate once again on Sunday, with Prospect United playing Parramatta FC and Nepean travelling to Newcastle to face the Jets at 7pm once again. 

Camden Tigers vs Western Rage, Saturday 7pm, Valentine Sports Park 2

Camden Tigers will be taking on Western Rage in the first of a trio of Saturday 7pm matches to begin round five of the League Three Men’s campaign.

The home side is coming off a hectic 4-2 loss to Parramatta FC, where a red card to their goalkeeper caused chaos late on.

Camden Tigers coach Gary Seymour has stated that several injuries have depleted their squad as they remain in search of their second win for the campaign.

Camden Tigers began their season with back to back 2-1 losses to Hurstville FC and Prospect United, before prevailing 3-1 against Fraser Park prior to their match against Parramatta last weekend.

Meanwhile, Western Rage is still looking to register their first win of the season, but coach Greg Carluccio has stated that belief is remaining high in the camp regardless of where they sit on the table.

Carluccio has stated his side has deserved a win in three out of the first four games they’ve played, as they look to kickstart their campaign against Camden Tigers.

Hurstville FC vs Hawkesbury City, Saturday 7pm, Penshurst Park 

Hurstville FC will be hosting Hawkesbury City in an enticing match that sees third take on first on the league table.

Hurstville FC has enjoyed a fantastic start to life at their new facility at Penshurst Park, having won every League Three Men’s game played there this campaign.

They’ll be looking to continue the streak with a tricky fixture against Hawkesbury City, who currently sit at the top of the league table.

However, captain Paul Gagro believes Hurstville haven’t hit their best yet but put their strong start down to the collective desire.

However, a few names got special mentions when asked about the outstanding individuals of the campaign so far.

“We have defended pretty well so our keeper Michael Rutherford hasn’t had much to do, however, he has stepped up when we needed him in crucial moments in games,” said Gagro.

“Our defence has been led by Daniel Maras who leads by example each week, while Jacob Botic has been great as well, both defensively and when going forward.

“Lastly, Michael Kotzambasis and Sammy Shainfeld have been very important for us in midfield each week.”

The away side Hawkesbury City has also enjoyed a stellar start to the season, having won all four of their four games so far.

Their first three wins of the season all came by the solitary goal, defeating UNSW FC, Western Rage and Nepean FC 3-2, 1-0 and 2-1 respectively, all away from home.

In their fourth game on the road, Hawkesbury City defeated South Coast Flame 4-1 and will be looking to continue their form away from home against Hurstville FC this weekend.

Hawkesbury City’s Marco Turpeinen, has five goals in the last two matches, and his form could prove key in this third against first match-up.

Fraser Park FC vs UNSW FC, Saturday 7pm, Fraser Park 

Fraser Park will be taking on UNSW in the final of the triad of games on Saturday, with the home side coming off a bye from last weekend.

Fraser Park has played three league games in the League Three competition so far, and is looking to continue the rebuild of their squad, with thirteen new players joining in the offseason.

Similarly, UNSW has played three out of the four league games this season, having had their match against Newcaslte Jets last Friday postponed due to weather.

In the match prior, UNSW gained their first victory of the campaign, prevailing 3-2 against South Coast Flame in Wollongong.

Gabriele Trinco has impressed for UNSW in the season so far, while coach Gabe Knowles has stated that having “Matias Da Silva Santos and Callum Fitzpatrick back fully fit and on form” made a big difference when gaining the win over South Coast Flame.

Prospect United vs Parramatta FC, Sunday 7pm, William Lawson Reserve

Prospect United will take on Parramatta FC in a tantalising clash, with the latter club set to play just their third game of the campaign.

The home side has enjoyed a stellar start to the season, picking up seven points from nine available so far.

Prospect United coach Darren Camilleri has singled out Poda Da as a creative force in midfield, while praising Praneet Singh for his performances despite still being eligible for the under 18s squad, with his movement being cited as a different positive attack.

Camilleri has also commended the three centre-backs of Daniel Mihajlovic, David Muller and Andrew Cotten, particularly for their performances during the draw against Nepean FC.

On the other hand, Parramatta FC has praised the midfield work of Zoran Kolundzic and Tallon Zahra upfront, particularly for their two outstanding performances, both against Camden Tigers and previously in an impressive win against League Two Men’s side Gladesville Magic in the Australia Cup.

Newcastle Jets vs Nepean FC, Sunday 7pm, Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility

To end the weekend of League Three Men’s football action, Newcastle Jets will host Nepean FC at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility.

Newcastle has fallen off the tip of the table through no fault of their own, having now played one less game than Hawkesbury City after having their game against UNSW FC postponed last Friday.

However, the Jets have won every game they’ve played this season, having scored an astonishing 14 goals in the process.

Meanwhile, Nepean FC will be looking to open up Newcastle’s defence for the first time this campaign, with the home side yet to concede a goal.

Nepean drew 1-1 with Prospect United last weekend, and in the midweek prior gained their first victory of the season, defeating Fraser Park 4-1.

Bye: South Coast Flame

By Football NSW League 3 Men’s Reporter, Jack George (@JackGeorge0004)