2023 Playoff Preview: Mt Druitt Town Rangers v St George FC (2nd Leg)
Mount Druitt Town Rangers and St George FC face off in the second leg of the National Premier Leagues NSW/ FNSW League One playoff, with the tie still in the balance at Popondetta Park on Saturday.
The sides couldn’t be separated at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre last week, playing out a competitive 1-1 draw.
Despite a positive opening period from Mount Druitt, they couldn’t make the most of it before going behind in the 23rd minute.
Harry Jones gave St George the lead, but that was cancelled out by Mount Druitt defender Nikola Djordjevic’s fifth goal of the season 34 minutes in.
Jones finds himself in some good late-season form, now finding the net in three of his last five matches.
While Djordjevic has proven a vital source of goals for the Rangers this campaign and will hope his quality in both boxes gets his team over the line on Sunday.
Kotaro Katsuta also showed glimpses of his quality on Sunday, with the former Albion Park White Eagles attacker providing a link to midfield for Mount Druitt.
The Rangers may be at home in this one, but that hasn’t proven a good omen for them in 2023.
Stewart Montgomery’s men won at Popondetta Park on just three occasions in the NPL NSW Men’s this season – as many as they did away.
In contrast, St George lost just four of their 15 away fixtures in the FNSW League One, which will be a boost to Jane Talcevski’s team ahead of this game.
St George captain Troy Danaskos will look to build on his high-quality showing against the Rangers last weekend.
The fullback was a constant threat, getting into good attacking areas throughout the match and picking up the assist for Jones’ goal.
One player to keep an eye out for is midfielder Conor Quilligan who has had a standout year for the club.
It was a case of what could’ve been for St George, with the side unable to build on opening the scoring, failing to put their chances away and finish the tie.
With it all still to play for on Saturday, the stakes couldn’t be higher in this match as the final place in next season’s state top-flight competition will be decided.
The match will be streamed live on NPL.TV with Will Konstantinidis calling the match.
Match Details
Saturday 9th September 2023
Popondetta Park
Mt Druitt Town Rangers v St George FC
2:30pm
