Round 2 Preview – League One Men’s
Seven yes, seven simultaneous kick offs ensure their will be plenty of action this Saturday night in round two of the FNSW League One Men’s competition.
Hills United host the match of the round against Central Coast United, while there’s plenty of action elsewhere. So, let’s look at Saturday’s proceedings.
MOTR: Hills United FC v Central Coast United FC; Saturday 11 February, 7pm, Landen Stadium
Central Coast United travel down the motorway for the first time this season for their meeting with Hills United in our match of the round.
Hills United came away from last weekend with everything apart from the three points. They controlled their fixture against Bankstown City for large periods, only for the concession of a few set pieces to come back to bite them.
We’ll touch on the positives though approaching this weekend. That being the form of striker Mitchell Smith from the get go with a brace and Jamal Belkadi who was busy in attack. While further back on the pitch, Nicolai Muller showed signs of his class in central midfield.
It’s a long season, but as far as first impressions go, they didn’t do too badly in round one and they’ll be aiming for a victory in their first home game of the season.
After a rapid rise up the divisions, Central Coast United took a point from their first game in the second tier last Saturday. In warm conditions, they took a bit of time to play their way into the match going behind late in the second half before an almost instant reply from Josh Swadling.
It’s a sign of the character of the group assembled by coach Wayne O’Sullivan as they familiarise themselves in the division.
Josh Swadling is definitely a player to look out for in this one as someone who is not unfamiliar with the division. While Matthew Smale was perhaps their best last weekend against Mounties Wanderers.
An intriguing match up awaits us in this second match of the round this season, if you can’t make it to the ground, tune in on NPL.TV this Saturday night or on demand.
Mounties Wanderers FC v Inter Lions FC; Saturday 11 February, 4pm, Cook Park (Mt Pritchard)
After a convincing round one victory, Inter Lions turn their attention to Mounties Wanderers as Cook Park awaits them Saturday afternoon.
Mounties Wanderers had a confidence building performance in the opening round. Having undergone plenty of change in the offseason, they came away with a point from their trip up the coast for their efforts. Asmir Kadric scored a terrific solo goal to put them ahead before they conceded shortly after from a set piece. Coach Harry Tsironis will be looking for a similar performance here.
Inter Lions made quite the statement of intention last weekend with a five-goal victory of Rydalmere at home. Oliver Green picked up the first hat-trick of the season off the bench after they held a three goal lead at the break after settling quicker than their opposition. This will be their first clash against an existing league one side, so they’ll be plenty of intrigue to see how they go.
Dulwich Hills FC v Dunbar Rovers FC; Saturday 11 February, 7pm, Arlington Oval
Dunbar Rovers will be looking to set some 2022 wrongs right when they make the short trip to face Dulwich Hill.
Both these sides put in encouraging round one performances against more fancied opposition. Dunbar at home to SD Raiders put in a spirited showing against SD Raiders. Down to ten men for 75 minutes, they weren’t without their chances showing a will to work for each other with the opposition coach mentioning how well they performed post-match.
Like their opposition this weekend, Dulwich Hill weren’t out of their depth against Bonnyrigg White Eagles. Weathering an early storm on their goal, they eventually settled into the match. However it proved to be a hurdle too far away from home despite a Thomas Tranberg goal on the hour. Tranberg a visa signing from Europe could be aa key figure for them going forward.
SD Raiders FC v Blacktown Spartans FC; Saturday 11 February, 7pm, Ernie Smith Reserve
Two round one winners clash as SD Raiders host Blacktown Spartans in an intriguing fixture in Sydney’s south-west.
The hosts SD Raiders scored their first win of the season against Dunbar Rovers at Fraser Park. It was an important result for Goran Ljuboja’s side who broke a six game losing streak towards the end of last season. Mihael Marcic scored the all-important goal for his side but they will be keen to show improvement in this one.
Like their hosts, Blacktown Spartans also secured a round one victory. Away from home at one of the tougher venues to visit in the league, Ben Rollison’s side triumphed over Northern Tigers. Christian Nascimben scored the decisive goal but it was a classic team performance. Look out for Emmanuel Dolo as a player who can create plenty of opportunities in this one.
St George FC v Bankstown City FC; Saturday 11 February, 7pm, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
St George FC will be looking to bounce back when they host Bankstown City at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre, Saturday night.
Things didn’t go to plan for St George FC in their round one fixture. Despite having two chances from the spot, they walked away with nothing against Macarthur Rams. It’s a familiar tale at this point for St George in attack yet it would be a mistake to panic just yet. At the other end, they’ll be missing Declan Sheldon for this one having received a red card.
Bankstown City on the other hand will be approaching this one with a renewed confidence after round one. With several players still to come back into the squad, they managed to take a point from their fixture with Hills United. Ante Tomic has started the season in good form having scored a top quality free-kick and two penalties. But it’s worth keeping an eye on their defense where they’ll need to tighten up in forthcoming weeks.
You’ll be able to catch this one on NPL.TV thanks to a deal Bankstown City has done with the platform, kick off 7pm.
Macarthur Rams FC v Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC; Saturday 11 February, 7pm, Lynwood Park
Having passed their first test of the season, it gets no easier for Macarthur Rams who host Bonnyrigg White Eagles this weekend.
The Rams under the guidance of Brett Hewit started the season in the best fashion possible with their victory over St George FC. Sporting eight debutants, captain John Fahmi scored the clubs first goal after their return while Anthony Prioa doubled their lead with a memorable finish. It’s worth keeping an eye out for Conor Spurway who was also impressive in that one.
Their visitors also come into this one having won their round one fixture. Kicking off their season in front of a big crowd, Bonnyrigg White Eagles were impressive from the outset. Ryan Attard announced himself to the faithful with a man of the match performance joined by Emmanuel Gonzalez on the scoresheet.
One of two matches which sees two winning sides facing each other, another win here for Macarthur Rams would raise a few eyebrows.
Rydalmere Lions FC v Hakoah FC; Saturday 11 February, 7pm, Rydalmere Park
Rydalmere Lions return to their home ground when Hakoah FC come to visit this Saturday evening.
One of those games where you just need to put behind you. Against an impressive Inter Lions side, Rydalmere were left shellshocked in their first-round contest. There were positives though in that their second half performance was considerably better than their first with both Matthew West and Lachlan Mcgrath having chances of note.
This however will be a good test of their resilience facing a side who many consider a promotion contender. Having to exercise patience against a resilient Canterbury side, Hakoah eventually got their rewards in round one with two late goals including a Yianni Spyrakis strike with ten minutes to go.
Canterbury Bankstown FC v Northern Tigers FC; Saturday 11 February, 7pm, Jensen Park
Canterbury Bankstown and Northern Tigers face off as both sides look for their first victory of 2023 at Jensen Park.
On another day, we could be easily talking about a Canterbury Bankstown win from last weekend. Against Hakoah FC away from home, Wally Savor’s side put in a more than respectable performance looking solid at the back while threatening going forward. It’s an encouraging sign which will give them confidence going into this one.
There’s really not much to say about Northern Tigers after their round one defeat. It’s going to take time for them to hit their straps this season, time which you know have given the extension to 30 rounds. Still there were signs in that one of what they can do and it would be a mistake to write them off in this one in what is set to be a competitive match up.
Reminder that you can catch the FNSW League One Men’s Match of the round on NPL.TV powered by Cluch every weekend this season.
By League One Men’s Journalist Justin Smith
