Round 7 Preview – League One Men’s
After a busy week of Australia Cup preliminary action, it’s time to focus on round 7 of the FNSW League One Men’s competition this weekend.
Too early for a six pointer? Our match of the round takes us to the wrong end of the table while elsewhere Northern Tigers against Bulls FC Academy looks to be the pick of the action.
Match of the Round: Macarthur Rams v Dulwich Hill; Saturday 23 March, 7pm, Lynwood Park
After winning their first game of the season last weekend, Macarthur Rams host our match of the round when they take on Dulwich Hill this Saturday night.
As mentioned in the opening line, Macarthur Rams picked up their first win of the season against SD Raiders last weekend. While Dulwich Hill went down narrowly to Northern Tigers last weekend.
One of three sides in the competition to pick up their first win since our last preview, Macarthur Rams will be hoping that their round six victory will be the first of many in 2024. Striking late through Darian Daghero in the 87th minute, that moment could see their fortunes change in 2024.
Anthony Proia looks like a good player to single out ahead of this one, the striker very busy in that result despite not scoring, while Alex Gollan will marshal the defence. A win here would see them leave the danger zone towards the bottom of the table.
Dulwich Hill on the other hand have come close to their second victory of the season in recent weeks without reward. The draw hasn’t been the kindest in recently so they will be hoping a win here can kickstart their campaign.
They also featured in the cup midweek winning 4-0 Tuesday night which could well build their confidence. Emmanuel Zervas has been a goal outlet in recent games with two goals against the Tigers and another in the cup. While a few players are working their way to fitness after missing the opening rounds.
It’s a big game at the wrong end of the table. You can catch this one and every match of the round in 2024 on the Football NSW YouTube channel.
Other Features:
Northern Tigers v Bulls FC Academy; Saturday 23 March, 6:30pm, North Turramurra Recreation Area
It’s second against third as Northern Tigers host Bulls FC Academy in round seven action at North Turramurra Recreation Area.
Five games unbeaten, Northern Tigers are one of the form sides in the competition while Bulls FC academy have slipped up on the results front in recent weeks.
Adam Hett’s Northern Tigers have roared to life recently with five consecutive wins including one last weekend against Dulwich Hill. In that one, a Shervin Adeli second half goal proved the difference after a two-goal lead was pegged back.
Hiyori Kawaguchi is another player who has stood out for the Tigers in recent weeks scoring goals for fun. Though it is also worth mentioning the Tigers defense so far this season which is the second best in the league conceding less than a goal a game.
After winning their first four games of the season, Bulls FC Academy have had an early season stumble in recent weeks. A draw against Nepean FC was followed up with a defeat last weekend at the hands of Bankstown City.
Indeed, the coaching staff will be hoping that this young team will have learnt from that defeat ahead of this one, Tigers a team who can do similar. There was a slight silver lining though as the game did see Luka Sterjovski score his first goal of the season for this young Bulls side.
Nepean FC v Bonnyrigg White Eagles; Saturday 23 March; 7pm, Cook Park
Another team to claim their first victory since the last preview, Nepean FC host Bonnyrigg White Eagles this weekend in an important game at the bottom of the table.
After a tough opening month in the division, Nepean FC finally broke through to secure their first victory over fellow promoted side UNSW FC, Tuesday night. With five points from their opening six games, they sit in 12th position on the competition ladder.
A stunning second half performance gave them the victory with Daunte Cervo, Luka Zepina, Alexander Mascioli and Lachlan Sepping all finding the back of the net. While Steve Appleby singled out Andre Cavallaro and Brohym Massih as their best on ground.
Sitting in 15th position after six rounds, it’s safe to say things haven’t gone to plan for Bonnyrigg White Eagles this season. They come into this one having taken just one point from their last four fixtures in the league (already 12 points behind second if you’re keeping count).
Last weekend was perhaps their most disappointing loss yet going down to Dunbar Rovers away from home. Brad Bartels and Ryan Attard brought them back level in the second half, but they conceded a third late in the second half. They did however win their Australia Cup game last Thursday night, now can they transfer that to the league?
Quickfire Previews
UNSW FC v Blacktown Spartans; Saturday 23 March, 5pm, The Village Green
Swings and roundabouts, it’s certainly been an interesting week for UNSW FC. Last weekend, they triumphed over Rydalmere Lions in our match of the round. However, they couldn’t repeat the performance Tuesday night suffering a 4-0 defeat. In better news, Thomas Quilligan and Jeremy Cox have recently returned to the squad.
Last weekend was a frustrating one for Blacktown Spartans who played against ten for over an hour against Canterbury Bankstown. Angus Chance rescued a point with a goal in the 86th minute but look out for a determined side here chasing three points.
Canterbury Bankstown v Inter Lions; Saturday 23 March; 7pm, Jensen Park
Canterbury Bankstown put together a workmanlike performance down to ten players last weekend. Substitute Brendon Mandizvidza gave them an unlikely lead on the hour mark before an equalizer came late. They remain unbeaten at Jensen Park this season across their three home games.
It’s a fifth away game of the season for Inter Lions this weekend. They led against Hakoah twice last weekend but only have a point to show for their efforts. Jack Green and Benjamin Morrison both found the back of the net for the first time this season, while Ahmad Taleb continues to impress leading the line.
Rydalmere Lions v Mt Druitt Town Rangers; Saturday 23 March, 7pm, Rydalmere Park
After a 5-0 victory the weekend before, Rydalmere Lions were handed a reality check in round six action against UNSW FC. Marcus Lal scored a consolation goal and Anthony Harb will be wanting to see improvement here in this one. They have won their last two at Rydalmere Park.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers continued their winning run with victory over Nepean FC last Friday night. Winning their first six games by a single goal, they have seemingly perfected the idea of game management. And it was two familiar names on the scoresheet in Andre Martins and Charles Mendy.
Dunbar Rovers v Bankstown City; Saturday 23 March, 7pm, Fraser Park
Last weekend was a big one for Dunbar Rovers with their victory over Bonnyrigg White Eagles. Breaking their season duck, Daisuke Yamaguchi, Paul Gautier and Jeremy Siarakas all found the back of the net. Siarakas scoring the winner in the 88th minute. Can they take down another big side here?
Speaking of, Bankstown City had a season best victory last weekend against Bulls FC academy. They defended resolutely before Mabior Garang scored a second half hat-trick to give them the victory. Three victories in a row, they could enter the top four with a win here.
Hakoah FC v SD Raiders; Sunday 24 March, 4:30pm, Hensley Athletic Field
You won’t be short of entertainment if you decide to head to Hensley, Sunday afternoon. On the back of two entertaining draws, Hakoah came from behind twice to draw with Inter Lions. Mitchell Knight scoring a crucial equaliser in injury time after Cam Philpot and Gabriel Antoniades scored earlier.
SD Raiders suffered a disappointing defeat against Macarthur Rams last weekend. A game in which they had plenty of chances, they couldn’t quite find the back of the net. They have bounced back with a win the week after defeat on two occasions already this season.
Round One Result
Nepean FC 4 (Cervo 48’, Zepina 53’, Mascioli 61’, Sepping 92’)
UNSW FC 0
Australia Cup update:
UNSW FC 7-3 Gymea United
Quakers Hill Junior SC 1-10 Bonnyrigg White Eagles
Kogarah Waratahs 2-3 Bankstown City
Narrabeen FC 2-3 SD Raiders
Blacktown Spartans 4-1 Manly Vale
Dulwich Hill 4-0 Fernhill FC
Yoogali FC v Inter Lions (tonight)
Mt Druitt Town Rangers v Canterbury Bankstown (tonight)
Rydalmere Lions v Sydney University (tonight)
Northern Tigers v Shellharbour FC (tonight)
Gosford City v Hakoah FC (Thursday)
Normanhurst Eagles v Macarthur Rams (Thursday)
Avoca FC v Dunbar Rovers (Thursday)
Kellyville Kolts v Nepean FC (Next Tuesday)
By Justin Smith
