Round 6 Preview – League Three Men’s
Round six of the League Three Men competition is set to be another compelling round of fixtures, highlighted by a top of the table clash between Hawkesbury City and Newcastle Jets.
Parramatta FC will host Hurstville FC to begin the weekend at Melita Stadium, before the top of the table clash will ensue half an hour later.
In a doubleheader at 7pm on Saturday, Nepean FC and Western Rage will host UNSW FC and Fraser Park respectively, before Prospect United and South Coast Flame close round six on Sunday night.
Parramatta FC vs Hurstville FC, Saturday 5pm, Melita Stadium
Parramatta FC will take on Hurstville FC to begin the weekend in a crunch clash at Melita Stadium.
Heading into round six of the competition, Parramatta has only played two games in the League Three Men’s competition, having been highly unlucky with postponements due to the rain in Sydney.
Meanwhile, Hurstville FC has played all five of the available rounds so far this season and currently sits third on the table after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Hawkesbury City last weekend.
Hurstville, while not too sure what to expect from Parramatta due to their lack of games this season, will be preparing for a tough match, with the home side historically causing problems as one of the powerhouses of the league.
Meanwhile, Hurstville captain Paul Gagro is hoping for “a more consistent performance from start to finish,” while both sides are looking forward to an exciting encounter.
Hawkesbury City vs Newcastle Jets, Saturday 5:30pm, David Bertenshaw Field
Hawkesbury City will be taking on Newcastle Jets in an electrifying top of the table clash, with both sides yet to lose this campaign.
The home side’s coach Dean Bertenshaw has praised the young guns who have helped propel his side to the top of the table to begin the season, praising Harry Drew, Zach Reardon, William Gafa, Zac Miletic and Zane Hickman for their performances this campaign.
He’s stated that they’re “learning how to handle first grade every week” and that the aim now is to “develop into a 90-minute side.
‘We’re nowhere near our best yet, but with the leadership of Marco Turpeinen upfront we are on track.”
Hawkesbury City and Newcastle Jets both dropped points for the first time this season in round five, with the latter team drawing with Nepean FC at home.
Both sides will be looking to set a statement to the league with a victory in a tense top of the table clash, and it promises to be a compelling game.
Nepean FC vs UNSW FC, Saturday 7pm, Cook Park
Nepean FC will be taking on UNSW at Cook Park to continue the round on Saturday night, with both sides coming into form in the past few weeks.
Nepean is unbeaten in their last three matches, having won against Fraser Park before drawing with Prospect United and Newcastle Jets in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, UNSW has two wins in their last two games in the League Three Men’s competition, beating South Coast Flame and Fraser Park respectively in their last two matches, and having scored six goals in the process.
Matias Da Silva Santos is currently the top goalscorer having netted three goals in their four matches played this season, while Nima Beik has two.
On the other hand, Nepean FC has scored just five goals in their four matches this season but has conceded only four, with Robert Morsello their current top goalscorer with two.
Western Rage vs Fraser Park, Saturday 7pm, Blacktown City Sports Centre
Western Rage will be taking on Fraser Park on Saturday night in a fascinating tie, as both sides look for their first win in the League Three Men’s competition.
Western Rage coach Greg Carluccio has stated that lessons have been learnt from their previous 4-2 defeat to Camden Tigers.
“More lessons have been learnt as we go forward and still try and win the title from where we sit on the table now,” he said.
“Nothing is impossible.”
Fraser Park’s coach Emanuel Pais has stated that his side needs to work harder to gain better results, and that consistency is required for his side as they look to become more familiar with each other considering the rebuild that took place in the offseason.
Both sides will be looking to kickstart their campaign with a crucial three points this weekend.
Prospect United vs South Coast Flame, Sunday 7pm, William Lawson Reserve
Prospect United will be taking on South Coast Flame to conclude the weekend of League Three Men’s action on Sunday night at William Lawson Reserve.
Prospect United are unbeaten in their three matches played this campaign, having won against Camden Tigers and Western Rage and drawn to Nepean FC in round four – their match against Parramatta FC last weekend has been postponed due to rain.
Darren Camilleri, coach of Prospect United, is looking forward to the contest.
“Hopefully later in the week we get a couple of guys recovered from COVID-19 and one or two others that have been injured for the first five rounds back in contention for selection,” he said
“There are some points on offer and we want all three if possible!”
Meanwhile, South Coast Flame has had a week off, which has allowed some reflection on the season so far as they look to make the necessary adjustments to kickstart their season.
The away side are wary of the dangers Prospect United can cause from set plays and know the importance of three points on Sunday as they look to their experienced players to lift the team.”
Bye: Camden Tigers
By Football NSW League 3 Men’s Reporter, Jack George (@JackGeorge0004)
