Round 3 Preview – League One Men’s
No rest for the wicked! Round three marks the first midweek round of the FNSW League One Men’s season as all our teams are in action Tuesday or Wednesday night!
We’ll keep this preview short and sweet though as we preview all eight games ahead of us.
Match of the Round: Dunbar Rovers v UNSW FC; Tuesday 27 February, 8pm, Fraser Park
Our match of the round takes us to Fraser Park as Dunbar Rovers host UNSW FC in our Tuesday night fixture.
Not quite a must win given it’s round three but Dunbar Rovers will be desperate to take something from their opening three games of the season at home. Going close last weekend against Blacktown Spartans, they just couldn’t find that late equalizer in a high scoring game.
Two players stand out as ones to watch for Dunbar heading into this one in Lucas Brandow Vidal and Paul Gautier. The latter made a big difference off the bench last weekend while Brandow Vidal scored a brace.
They face a UNSW FC side who raised a few eyebrows with their victory over Inter Lions last weekend. Standing up to the challenge of one of the form teams in the competition, they scored two set piece goals in the final ten minutes to secure the victory.
As such we have to mention captain Luke Burke who scored those two goals, but there are plenty of other threats in this side. Oh, and Charles Samushonga in goals has the potential to be an important signing as the season progresses.
You can catch this and every match of the round this season on the football nsw youtube page!
Blacktown Spartans v Bulls FC Academy; Wednesday 28 February, 7:30pm, Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans return home with a victory under their belt as they prepare for Bulls FC Academy at Blacktown Football Park.
The hosts Blacktown Spartans picked up where they left off last season with a victory on the road. Aedon Kyra has started the season on fire with four goals in two games so look to him to lead the line in this one.
Won’t be easy though with Bulls FC Academy looking far more impressive in their own round two fixture. Against a good Dulwich Hill side, the young Bulls conquered a high pressing system with Ariath Piol scoring a brace.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers v Bankstown City; Wednesday 28 February, 7:30pm, Popondetta Park
It’s a battle of the heavyweights as Mt Druitt Town Rangers host Bankstown City, Wednesday night.
Though not convincing in the first couple of games, Mt Druitt Town Rangers have picked up maximum points in their two games. Still, three points at Ernie Smith was their reward with Andre Martins converting an injury time penalty.
Bankstown City have been disappointing in the first couple games of their season at Jensen Park, so perhaps an away trip is just what the doctor ordered for this one. Shun Maeta is a player to watch as the Lions look to roar back.
Northern Tigers v Bonnyrigg White Eagles; Wednesday 28 February, 7:30pm, North Turramurra Recreation Area
No resting on our laurels, Bonnyrigg White Eagles travel to face Northern Tigers at North Turramurra.
Northern Tigers showed what they can do against Bankstown City last weekend in the second half of their outing. New signing Olivier Beltran-Woodward leading the line well in that one with a goal and an assist. While Elliot Carwardine also is worth keeping an eye on in net.
Their opponents Bonnyrigg White Eagles also bounced back after a disappointing round one result. The winner in that one over Rydalmere Lions came with a bit of luck but perhaps that can kick start their season.
Nepean FC v SD Raiders; Wednesday 28 February, 7:30pm, Cook Park (St Marys)
After a false start in round one, Nepean FC host SD Raiders this Wednesday night in Sydney’s West.
Nepean FC were left somewhat disappointed following their round two scoreless draw with Macarthur Rams. Threatening particularly in transition, they had chances to win it particularly in the first half. Their home record could be important this season.
SD Raiders suffered a rare home defeat last weekend and will want to bounce back in this one. Mario Aleksik should return for this one but look out for a forward line wanting to make a statement away from home.
Rydalmere Lions v Inter Lions; Wednesday 28 February, 7:30pm, Rydalmere Park
Two sides looking to bounce back from a disappointing defeats in round two meet at Rydalmere Park.
Signs are there that Rydalmere Lions will do well this season despite two defeats. Playing a positive brand of football, they were unlucky not to get something from their fixture with Bonnyrigg White Eagles on the weekend.
They face an Inter Lions side who could well come in with a few players under an injury cloud. Involved in a physical game against UNSW FC away from home, they conceded twice in the final ten minutes, going down 2-1.
Dulwich Hill v Hakoah FC; Wednesday 28 February, 7:45pm, Valentine Sports Park
Dulwich Hill host a Hakoah FC side on a high after a late comeback last weekend at Valentine Sports Park.
Three points from two games in a positive outcome for Dulwich Hill coming into this one. They were encouraged in defeat on the weekend against a strong Bulls FC Academy side. Emmanuel Zervas scored their only goal in that one.
No better feeling than a late winner! Hakoah FC secured an important result last weekend as they look to restore their Hensley fortress. George Tuson-Firth scored the winner late but it was an encouraging showing across the board.
Canterbury Bankstown v Macarthur Rams; Wednesday 28 February, 8pm, Jensen Park
Finally, two sides chasing their first victory of the season, Canterbury Bankstown host Macarthur Rams in our late kick off.
Reflecting on the game against Hakoah, it was a harsh lesson dealt to Wally Savour’s Canterbury Bankstown. They had opportunities to win that one as the team look to find a way to work together for their first victory of the season.
Don’t be fooled by the scorelines, Macarthur Rams have put together two solid performances in their opening two fixtures. The only thing missing? Goals and cohesion in the final third, as the minutes tick on this season, expect to see them find more and more.
By Justin Smith
