Round 8 Preview – League Two Men’s
The action continues to heat up as teams do battle across the ladder in Round Eight of the 2024 Football NSW League Two Men’s season.
The Match of the Round this week sees Sydney University SFC look to cut a run of back-to-back losses when they host last-start winners, Camden Tigers FC.
Saturday, 30th March 2024
Match of the Round: Sydney University SFC vs Camden Tigers FC, 5pm at Sydney University Football Ground
Last season: Sydney University SFC 2-2 Camden Tigers FC, Camden Tigers FC 1-1 Sydney University SFC
A match between two sides which should produce a tight tussle sees Sydney University SFC at home to Camden Tigers FC.
These two sides could not be separated last season with a draw coming from both of their head-to-head matches and this clash should provide something similar.
Sydney University are hoping to bounce back from back-to-back losses after their 2-1 defeat away to Central Coast United FC last week but will be hopeful of turning their results around.
The biggest challenge for the students will be focusing on the mental side of the game; they will hope to utilise their good combination play with better decision-making to bring results.
Look for the students to set up well to not concede first, where they will feel if they can score the first goal, they will have a bigger chance at success against the Tigers.
Camden Tigers, meanwhile, picked up a big 4-0 away win over Fraser Park FC last week and will hope to pick up their first back-to-back victories of the season.
They know they will be in for a fight but will hope to set up well in their defensive block and utilise their pace up front on the transition through the likes of Bailey Simpson, Abdu Elmir and Francesco Giannetto.
If Camden can be up for the fight against another tough team around them on the ladder, they will be hopeful of picking up the three points.
Two teams who will know what to expect from this match-up will be ready to take the challenge as they look to take a step up the ladder.
South Coast Flame FC vs Central Coast United FC, 3:15pm at Sir Ian McLennan Oval
These two teams did not meet last season.
A battle of the coasts sees South Coast Flame FC host Central Coast United FC in an early-season battle towards the top spots.
With no recent history to base this clash off, both sides will hope to bring a high quality performance in a match which could either close or create a gap between the two sides.
3rd-placed South Coast Flame FC lost their first match of the season 3-1 away to 4th-placed Inner West Hawks FC last week and will hope to bounce back quickly to keep up with the top teams.
Despite the loss, Michael Trajkovski got on the scoresheet once again and will hope to be the main threat for the Flame up front, who will be without Yianni Fragogianis after his red card last week.
The Flame will hope to be more clinical to set themselves up for success and will hope to take the lead early in the match.
6th-placed Central Coast United will hope to build after a gritty 2-1 win at home to Sydney University SFC last week and go a third match unbeaten.
A tough run of fixtures for the Pirates, which has seen them already face the sides currently 1st and 2nd in the league in the Newcastle Jets and Mounties Wanderers FC, respectively, sees them cap that run with a trip down the coast.
If the Pirates can control possession and be patient against a Flame side which has only conceded five goals in seven matches, they will hope they can grind out a victory.
A match between a side up the coast from Sydney and a side down the coast should see plenty of action, where shots should be aplenty as both sides look to fight near the top of the league.
South Coast Flame FC was also eliminated in the third preliminary round of the Australia Cup after a 2-0 away loss to Wollongong United FC.
Gladesville Ryde Magic vs Parramatta FC, 5pm at Christie Park
Last season: Gladesville Ryde Magic 2-1 Parramatta FC, Parramatta FC 1-1 Gladesville Ryde Magic
Two teams who have had tough losses lately, respectively, sees Gladesville Ryde Magic host Parramatta FC.
Last season, the Magic picked up the three points in their first head-to-head encounter, while the Magic also came from behind to earn a draw in the other; expect another tight contest this time around.
The Magic fell short of a comeback in their 3-1 away loss to Bankstown United FC in last week’s Match of the Round and will hope to grab their third win of the season this week.
Gladesville showed good signs last week when they were able to hold more of the ball and when they pressed high to win it back; look for their energy to be a big asset against the Eagles.
Needing a win to gain some confidence back, look for the Magic to play a smart game as they look to win their first match in three weeks.
Parramatta FC, meanwhile, surrendered a 1-0 lead as they lost 2-1 away to Granville Rage in a western Sydney derby and will hope to respond to that tough defeat quickly.
Parramatta has scored in every match they have played this season, so will be confident of doing so again this week, but they also have not kept a clean sheet; look for them to focus and tighten up this week.
If Parramatta can sustain long periods of the match with pressure and good attitude, they could force a few mistakes out of Gladesville for success.
With both Gladesville and Parramatta hoping to start building some positive momentum going forward, the winner of this clash will be on their way to doing that.
Hurstville FC vs Hawkesbury City FC, 7pm at Penshurst Park
Last season: Hawkesbury City FC 0-3 Hurstville FC, Hurstville FC 2-4 Hawkesbury City FC
Two sides who only have one win each from their opening six matches will hope to grab a second as Hurstville FC host Hawkesbury City FC.
Last season, both away sides picked up the wins in the head-to-head; that could be a theme for this season as both Hurstville and Hawkesbury look to build into the season.
Hurstville FC will be beaming after they recorded the biggest win of any side so far this season after their 9-0 home win over Gladesville Ryde Magic before their bye last week.
Conor Earley and George Salachoris both picked up hat-tricks in that match and will be the ones to watch once again in this encounter.
Look for Hurstville to attack in a wide variety of ways after their success two weeks ago as they look to hopefully welcome back other first-team players from injury, too; Hurstville will hope to rise up the ladder in the coming weeks.
Hawkesbury City FC, meanwhile will hope to respond positively from their 4-1 away loss to Prospect United SC.
Hawkesbury are also without many senior players and have many youth players who have stepped up to take their chances in recent weeks; look for them to want to impress again.
With four losses from their past five matches, expect the Hawks to come out cautious away from home as they look to guide themselves through a tough period.
With the two teams hoping to build into the season as to not leave too many points to catch up on late, expect both sides to play to their strengths as they battle it out at Penshurst.
Inner West Hawks FC vs Mounties Wanderers FC, 7pm at Arlington Oval
These two teams did not meet last season.
A clash between 4th and 2nd, respectively, should bring with it a blockbuster clash as Inner West Hawks FC host Mounties Wanderers FC.
These two teams did not meet last season but this match will be much anticipated between the two sets of players as two of the form sides to start the season do battle.
4th-placed Inner West Hawks showed plenty of firepower and grit after they overcame the previously-unbeaten South Coast Flame FC 3-1 at home last week and will hope to continue their momentum.
The Hawks are on a six-match unbeaten run, which includes four wins, and they have shown they are one of the teams to be reckoned with this season, not only through their results but their style of play and attitude.
Takuma Hirano will hope to add to his 12 goals so far this season, and Angelo Pezzano will hope to control the midfield as a strong Hawks outfit looks to take another step forward, where a win could take them into 2nd.
Mounties Wanderers FC, meanwhile, lost their first match of the season last week, 1-0 away to the Newcastle Jets, but will hope to respond quickly against another top side this season.
Despite a first half where they peppered the Jets’ goal and chances late, Mounties fell to defeat; expect them to come out firing with a similar attacking intent as they look to rectify following the first match this season they have failed to score a goal.
Look for the likes of Yuki Kanai, Brima Kamara, Anthony Vastag and Kuot Mallet to attack early; if they can get firing, they will be confident of seeing out a victory.
Two of the top sides, results-wise, this season will hope to grab another big scalp in the first half of the competition; expect both sides to give all of their energy for the full 90 minutes.
Prospect United SC vs Granville Rage, 7pm at Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub
Last season: Prospect United SC 1-1 Granville Rage, Granville Rage 3-2 Prospect United SC
Two teams who have won two of their past three matches, respectively, will hope to grab a third when Prospect United SC host Granville Rage in a western Sydney derby.
The first clash between these two teams last season was a stalemate, while Granville picked up the three points in the reverse fixture thanks to an 83rd minute winner from the now-retired Daniel Bortolazzo; expect this clash to provide more goals and late drama.
Prospect United beat Hawkesbury City FC 4-1 away last week and will hope to continue that positive momentum against Granville.
The key to Prospect’s success was capitalising on early pressure and opportunities, as they were 2-0 up within 15 minutes after five good chances.
Look for Prospect to come out firing but also protect their goal as they look for their first clean sheet of the season.
Granville Rage, meanwhile, won a third match from their past five after a come-from-behind 2-1 win at home to Parramatta FC last week.
After their best start to a season in nearly ten years, Granville will hope to continue that positive momentum in what should be a strong and physical battle against Prospect.
Expect Granville to focus on themselves and their strengths as they look to earn their first clean sheet of the season in a match where they will be up for the fight.
With Prospect and Granville engaging in competitive matches last season, expect the same this time around where the winner will look to push on.
Sunday, 31st March 2024
Newcastle Jets vs Bankstown United FC, 5pm at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
Last season: Newcastle Jets 1-1 Bankstown United FC, Bankstown United FC 2-1 Newcastle Jets
Another clash between two in-form sides closes out Round Eight when the top-of-the-table Newcastle Jets host 5th-placed Bankstown United FC.
Last season, the spoils were shared in their first head-to-head encounter, before a goal each from Corey Freeman and Marie Gauthier saw Bankstown come from behind for a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture; expect another tight affair in this contest.
The Newcastle Jets moved to the top of the table after their 1-0 home win over Mounties Wanderers FC last week and remain the only unbeaten side in the league after seven rounds.
The Jets will know they will have to be at their best after they rode their luck against Mounties last week but will be confident to play their best in an even competition.
Despite being without Justin Vidic after his red card last week, expect the Jets to continue to play to their strengths as they look to strengthen their position at the top of the table.
Bankstown United FC, meanwhile, have won four matches in a row and find themselves in a good vein of form after the first batch of fixtures.
Bankstown was only of only two teams, alongside UNSW FC, the Newcastle Jets failed to beat last season; expect them to take confidence from that as they look to take the fight to Newcastle once again.
With Mitchell Cross on a five-match scoring streak, look for him to be the main outlet for Bankstown in attack as he looks to continue that record to help his team to a fifth-straight victory.
With two of the in-form teams in 2024 coming up against each other, anything is possible; expect both sides to show off their attacking flair in this match.
13th-placed Fraser Park FC have a bye in Round Eight.
By Football New South Wales League Two Men’s Reporter, Dylan Costa (@_dylancosta)
