Round 5 Preview – Futsal Premier League Open Men’s
We don’t have a double dose of games this weekend, but round five of the Open Men’s Futsal Premier League looks as important as ever this weekend.
Headlining is the meeting of two top four sides, while there’s plenty elsewhere to keep an eye on in this wonderfully unpredictable competition.
UTS Northside Futsal Club v Campbelltown City Quake Futsal Club; Saturday 8 October, 5:30pm @ PCYC Dee Why
Three wins in their first four games, UTS Northside host Campbelltown City Quake looking to keep their lead at the top.
Bounce back ability, its something good sides always have whatever the game. And UTS Northside demonstrated that they have it last weekend. After losing on the Saturday to Mountain Majik, they turned things around in round four with Nick Rainbird the most influential. Leading the competition, they’ll be keen to extend their advantage with another win here.
It was a well-earned point for the Quake last time out against Dural Warriors. Opening their season in terms of points, it was the two goalkeepers who put in standout performances while the rest of the team saw improvements across the board. Serving as a welcome confidence boost before this meeting with the competition leaders, can they make the most of this free hit?
Mascot Vipers v Inner West Futsal Club; Saturday 8 October, 5:30pm @ Sydney Olympic Park Sports Halls
Mascot Vipers and Inner West lock horns as both teams try to break three of the midfield pack with ten games left.
One goal can change everything in football and Mascot Vipers will be certainly hoping that is the case after what can only be described as an underwhelming long weekend. Yet a last minute Conor Quilligan goal shortly after conceding what looked like a winner could well be the point fortunes turn for Mascot Vipers. Sitting two points behind their opponents this weekend, they’ll see this as a chance to jump them.
Inner West are going to be a tough opposition though as they play their way into the season. With one loss and one victory last weekend, they sit comfortably in mid table with a 2 wins and 2 losses record. Last Saturday’s victory over Enfield Allstars though is a sign that they can be contenders this year with the likes of Suleyman Bangura and Daniel Fornito players to keep an eye on.
Eastern Suburbs Hakoah Futsal Club v Dural Warriors; Saturday 8 October, 6:50pm @ Morris Iemma Indoor SC
Eastern Suburbs Hakoah and Dural Warriors face off in another intriguing round five clash at Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre.
With a catch up fixture against Enfield yet to be played, Eastern Suburbs Hakoah could well be in the ascendency in the Open Men’s category. Winning their past two fixtures over Mountain Majik and Campbelltown City Quake. They had a rather quiet weekend just gone (in a good way) with the aforementioned victory over Quake seeing five different goal scorers finding the net.
Their opponents Dural Warriors had a weekend which could well kickstart their season. Calming all four of their points this season in their games against Mascot Vipers and Campbelltown City Quake, they will be looking to make it three undefeated here. In terms of who to look out for, Brandon Vella scored a brace last weekend while Wade Giovenali has recently made his return.
Mountain Majik Futsal Club v Enfield Allstars; Saturday 8 October, 6:50pm @ Valentine Sports Park
After a solid long weekend, Mountain Majik host Enfield Allstars to round out our serving of fixtures at Valentine Sports Park.
Four points from a possible six was a good output for Mountain Majik over the long weekend. Springing a surprise against UTS Northside on the Saturday, they were seconds away from claiming a double across the weekend, only denied by a last minute equalizer. However there’s still a lot to like about the Majik, though they will be missing Jamie Dib who will be serving a suspension across the weekend.
Another team who will be itching to take the pitch are Enfield Allstars. Playing just the one game on the weekend, they lost their first game of the season against Inner West. Still, we know how good this team can be and with a game in hand still to come, they will be looking to take advantage of it with a victory this weekend.
A top four showdown, plenty of eyes will be on this game come Saturday night.
