Round 2 Preview – League One Men’s
A Western Sydney derby headlines round 2 of the Football NSW League One Men’s Competition this weekend.
With teams having shaken off the cobwebs, it promises to be an entertaining Saturday evening with seven games taking place, while Central Coast Mariners host Macarthur Rams in the sole Sunday kick off.
Match of the Round: Western City Rangers v Blacktown Spartans; Saturday 14 February, 7pm, Popondetta Park
The round two match of the round takes us to a Western Sydney Derby as Western City Rangers host Blacktown Spartans at Popondetta Park.
Looking to bounce back from a first round loss will be Western City Rangers who went down to Macarthur Rams last Sunday despite having more possession and shots. A game which was for the taking particularly after a Hugo Cornish goal just after the half hour, they nearly went ahead just moments later with a ball adjudged to have not crossed the line.
A traditionally hard team to beat at Popondetta Park, this stands as a chance to bounce back quickly. Look out for the likes of Cornish, Shayden Sampow and Jamal Belkadi to be their goalscoring threat this Saturday night.
It won’t be an easy task overcoming Blacktown Spartans however with this weeks visitors notching up a convincing win over Hills United last Friday night. Against ten men, they scored three goals in a ruthless second half display to take the three points.
Aedon Kyra stood out in that on with a brace which included a goal from halfway, the stiker joined by Riley Chapple and Paul Araullo on the scoresheet. Other notable performances coming from Blake Ilitch and Josh Bortolotto.
You can every match of the round this season on the Football NSW youtube page under the live tab.
Elsewhere
Northern Tigers v Prospect United; Saturday 14 February, 4:15pm, North Turramurra Recreation Area
Another home game gives Northern Tigers the opportunity to continue their positive start to the season. Their first half comeback largely thanks to a clinicalness in taking their key chances. While the debut of one of their own youth products in Marcorius Gendy perhaps the highlight of the day for Tigers fans.
Making the trip across town for this one are Prospect United who picked up a point on their league debut. Against Central Coast Mariners, they showed good character to grab a share of the points after falling behind. Stefan Giglio making a crucial penalty save before Tom Ruperto and Praneet Singh combined for their equaliser.
Newcastle Jets v Bulls FC Academy; Saturday 14 February, 5pm, Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
Newcastle Jets return home to host our first all academy battle of the season. Last week against Hurstville away from home, it didn’t quite look like they were clicking in the final third just yet though there were signs that they will be just as much of a threat in front of goal. Winning at home will be somnething they’ll look to improve on in 2026 after an average campaign last time out.
Bulls FC Academy showed abit of resilience to get past Inter Lions in their opening round fixture. Two goals from Frans Deli and Sonny Sterjovski put them on their way but two injuries in the second half did mean they needed to show character. A good performance to kick off the season, they look set to build upon it this weekend.
Hills United v Dulwich Hill; Saturday 14 February, 5pm, Valentine Sports Park
It’s safe to say things didn’t quite go to plan for Hills United last weekend. A red card in first half stoppage time to keeper Ryan Wood made the going tough against Blacktown Spartans. Though they did manage to equalise early in the second half through a Yuki Kanai goal. A couple of positives being Jesse Michel returning to play 60 minutes and an appearance off the bench for Kaito Satori.
Dulwich Hill have plenty to be encouraged by from their opening round draw with Hakoah. Reflecting on the game, coach Berhan Ackalmaz was pleased with his sides work rate and tactical discipline. While Micaiah Te Rata, Jack Mitsoulas and goalscorer Samuel Gulisano all got positive mentions from their coach. If there is room for improvement though, it’s in the final third which is where they’ll be focusing on here.
Bankstown City v Hakoah FC; Saturday 14 February, 6pm, Jensen Park
Bankstown City season got off to a rocky start with a highscoring defeat to Rydalmere Lions. The positives from it being in attack with Fabian Micelli’s side looking threatening throughout including a brace from Alec Urosevski. There is work to do in defence where they were less convincing, something you’ll imagine they’ll be working on in training during the week.
Improvement is needed at Hakoah FC if they are to make a difference in the competition. Last weekend against Dulwich Hill, they lacked “rhythm or flow” in an even affair which ended in a score draw. Nicholas Tooley equalising on the hour after they fell behind earlier in the fixture. Against one of the favourites this season, you suspect they’ll be motivated here.
Rydalmere Lions v Hurstville FC; Saturday 14 February, 6:30pm, Rydalmere Park
Confidence will be oozing from Rydalmere Lions after their round one win against Bankstown City. A rollercoaster game which had abit of everything, it was Isaac Cunningham who stood out with a stunning hat-trick, his combination with Adil Toska in particular something to watch out for. Stevn Kriezis another player to watch having made some crucial saves in round one.
They face a Hurstville Zagreb FC side who will have nothing to lose in their first away trip of the season. Last Friday, they showed promise against Newcastle Jets at both ends. Credit must go to coach Valerio Silvestro for that their discipline out of possesion, while players like Alessandro Lacalandra look set to provide a spark in possession.
Inter Lions v Canterbury Bankstown; Saturday 14 February, 7pm, Majors Bay Reserve
Despite losing their fixture again Bulls FC Academy, there were positives to take from a Inter Lions perspective. Going into the game missing seven 1st grade players, they held their own and perhaps should have done better with the chances they were given. While on a sour note, they did lose Gianni Di Pizio on the night and we should know the prognosis before this one.
Canterbury Bankstown were left wondering how they didn’t walk away with something from their clash with Northern Tigers. A frantic opening half hour of the game saw them take the lead before falling behind and scoring again. Their efforts in front of goal sure to be a focus given they struggled taking their chances in the last hour of that one.
Central Coast Mariners v Macarthur Rams; Saturday 14 February, 3pm, Pluim Park
Central Coast Mariners had an unremarkable return to the second division playing out a 1-1 draw with Prospect United. They started the better of the two sides rewarded by a Ahmad Ethelou goal but a saved penalty changed the momentum. Not the deepest squad this season, their home form will be crucial in 2026.
The Dan Mijovic era at Macarthur Rams got off to a flying start at Lynwood Park. Creating three chances in the opening ten minutes before Chan Yelchan scored their opener. A great second half gave them the three points. Indeed for a side who scored just 26 goals last season, Yelchan’s brace will be music to the ears of their fans as they look to build foundations for the season.
By Justin Smith
