Round 14 Preview – Futsal Premier League Open Men’s
How well is this set up? Every side from 5th up can end the weekend on top if results go their way in the Futsal Premier League Open Men’s competition.
4th against 5th, 2nd play 3rd and our leaders take on a side they lost to the first time around. While elsewhere we say goodbye to a competition stalwart in Sydney’s South-West.
Inner West Futsal Club v Dural Warriors; Saturday 10 December, 5pm, Valentine Sports Park
Inner West Futsal Club will be looking to seal the premiership when they host Dural Warriors at Valentine Sports Park.
When you think of derbies, this one probably isn’t the first that comes to mind but make no mistake these two sides will want to beat each other in this final round showdown.
Inner West come into the weekend knowing that a victory guarantees them first spot in the competition. It’s a slender advantage they have held for a few weeks now with teams behind them breathing down their necks. One of two sides who come into the final round with finals guaranteed, they relied on a Daniel Fornito screamer to draw level with Eastern Suburbs Hakoah. A win here is also essential if they want to avoid finishing bottom of the club championship.
Playing the role of spoiler to the party will be a side who beat them the first time round in Dural Warriors. To do so however they will have to secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season, which tells a story in itself. Last weekend they overcame Mountain Majik in a seven-goal game with Jacob Basden earning the plaudits once again with a brace, joined by Ahmed and Hamza Sweedan as well as Glenn “Killer” Kelshaw.
Previous Meeting: Dural Warriors 7-3 Inner West Futsal Club
UTS Northside Futsal Club v Eastern Suburbs Hakoah Futsal Club; Saturday 10 December, 5:30pm, Sydney Boys High School
Second plays third as both UTS Northside and Eastern Suburbs Hakoah look to seal a finals spot and a potential top spot finish.
Let’s start with the hosts for this one. UTS Northside are proving that 2019 was no fluke with their position on the table after thirteen rounds. With eight victories to their name, only Inner West above them have as many wins in 2022. Last weekend, it was Nick Rainbird who starred on pitch with a brace and five assists putting it up there with the best individual performances in the division this season. A win here could see them finish first, however the same goes for their opponents.
Speaking of, Eastern Suburbs Hakoah are in probably the best form of anyone heading into the finals. Five games unbeaten, they held Inner West to a crucial draw last weekend when it comes to securing their spot in the division. Lucas Fonseca scored his first goal of the season last week and has proven that his a good addition to this already quality squad. They could finish anywhere from 1st to 5th so it’s important they get a win here.
Previous Meeting: Eastern Suburbs Hakoah 4-3 UTS Northside
Campbelltown City Quake Futsal Club v Mountain Majik Futsal Club; Saturday 10 December, 5:30pm, Minto Indoor Sports Centre
It will be an emotional day as Campbelltown City Quake host Mountain Majik in Sydney’s South-West as both teams bring their season to a close.
The hosts will be saying goodbye to club legend Dean “Bully” Lockhart after 20 years playing for the club (for more check out the feature). Will that be enough for them to pick up their first win of the season? In recent weeks they have shown indications that it could be coming, last weekend just missing out on a point against Mascot Vipers with Jett Mccue-Shore scoring a brace. Be sure to stick around afterwards as well as they play a testimonial half for Bully.
It’s been a rough second half of the season for Mountain Majik in the Men’s competition. With just four points in the last six games, they have struggled for consistency after picking up eleven points in the opening half. Last weekend, they just couldn’t get the job done against a hot and cold Dural Warriors side despite scoring through Jordan Guerreiro and Adam Nisbet. One final chance to take the pitch in 2022, will they end their season on a high?
Previous Meeting: Mountain Majik 7-4 Campbelltown City Quake
Enfield Allstars v Mascot Vipers; Saturday 10 December, 6:50pm, Morris Iemma Indoor SC
It comes down to this! Enfield Allstars host Mascot Vipers in a final’s shootout at Morris Iemma Indoor Sports Centre, Saturday night.
Set up as a clash between two sides in complete contrasting form, Mascot Vipers have won five of their last six. While Enfield Allstars have struggled for a win since round eight.
Firstly, lets start with the Vipers who despite winning a lot of games recently need to find another gear if they are to make a dent in the finals. Last weekend, they scraped past an improving Quake side with goals to Thomas Quilligan, Ethan De Melo and Konstantinos Tsournakakis giving them a narrow victory. A win here would see them secure a finals spot which will bring the club closer to featuring in finals for all grades.
As mentioned above, it’s a stark contrast to Enfield Allstars who are feeling the effects of a thin squad in recent weeks. Still an impressive first half of the season means they still stand a chance for finals football heading into the final round. Last weekend, they had a match to forget going down by six goals. One thing to look out for the Vipers though is Dominic Cox who is on top of the goalscoring charts.
Previous Meeting: Mascot Vipers 3-4 Enfield Allstars
By Justin Smith
