Round 12 Preview – League One Men’s
The big games in the FNSW League One Men’s competition just keep coming, with Round 12 set to take place across the Anzac Day weekend.
Second-placed Northern Tigers travel to face Rydalmere Lions at the top of the table, while 14th meets 15th in a contest just as important at the bottom.
Meanwhile, our cameras head on the road for the youth F3 Derby at Pluim Park.
Match of the Round: Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets
Sunday 26 April, 3pm, Pluim Park
Our Match of the Round gives us a taste of the future, as Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets meet in the League One Men’s competition less than 24 hours after their senior sides face off in the A-League.
There has been nothing to separate the two sides across the first eleven rounds, although Central Coast Mariners may come in as slight favourites. Last weekend, they picked up a 5-1 win over Inter Lions on the road. This result sees them return to Pluim Park for the first time since Round 6, having collected seven points from a five-game road trip.
There is exciting talent across this Mariners side, coached by Philippe Bernabo-Madrid, including five different goal scorers from last weekend. Ahmad Ethelou, Cooper Hall, and Harvey James have shared the goals nicely across the opening rounds, while captain Michael Paragalli has been a constant leader at the back.
Just two points behind them are Newcastle Jets, who had been on a six-game unbeaten streak prior to last weekend. That run came to an end in a narrow loss to Rydalmere Lions at home. With a point to prove, expect a strong response here in the first youth meeting between the sides since 2020.
Our cameras saw the Jets just a fortnight ago at Valentine Sports Park, where the key takeaway was the strength of their bench. Bert Van Dorssen could play a big role in defence, while Jake Goodwin, Ethan De Bono, and Oliver Cockle provide attacking threat. Angus Reid will also come up against his former side in this fixture.
A reminder that you can catch this match, and every Match of the Round, live on the Football NSW YouTube channel.
Elsewhere
Hurstville Zagreb v Bankstown City
Friday 24 April, 8pm, Penshurst Park
Kicking off the weekend, Hurstville Zagreb continue a tough run of fixtures across league and cup. They have been in action twice since our last preview, going down to Northern Tigers by a single goal last weekend before a midweek loss to APIA Leichhardt in the cup. Despite the results, they were unlucky not to take something from their clash with the Tigers and will look to build on that performance.
After their derby defeat the week prior, Bankstown City bounced back impressively against Hills United. Described as their “first complete performance” of the season, they will be confident heading into this clash. Shun Maeta was superb on the left, scoring and contributing strongly, while Aleksandar Gvozdenovic also impressed.
Macarthur Rams v Dulwich Hill
Saturday 25 April, 4:30pm, Lynwood Stadium
Another home game gives Macarthur Rams a strong chance to build consistency in this stage of the season. Last weekend, they achieved a long-awaited win over Bulls FC Academy. Olivier Beltran-Woodward scored the decisive goal, while Jaidyn Dunn also delivered a strong performance. They will now be chasing back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Dulwich Hill extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a scoreless draw against Canterbury Bankstown. Conceding just three goals across those games, their form has been built on defensive solidity. Players such as Isaac Hovar, Jack Mitsoulas, and Micaiah Te Rata have all been recognised by coach Berhan Ackalmaz.
Canterbury Bankstown v Hills United
Saturday 25 April, 5pm, Jensen Park
A genuine mid-table clash awaits as Canterbury Bankstown return home this weekend. They have taken four points from their last two matches, including a draw against Dulwich Hill in a game dominated by defence. It was their second clean sheet of the season, and they will be aiming to secure back-to-back home wins for the first time in nearly a year.
Hills United, meanwhile, are one of four teams without a win in the past month—three of which sit in the bottom three. They will be desperate for a result after a 2-0 loss to Bankstown City last weekend. A slightly longer turnaround may help, but history suggests a tough challenge, with the last away win in this fixture coming in 2019.
Inter Lions v Blacktown Spartans
Saturday 25 April, 5pm, Majors Bay Reserve
It doesn’t get any easier for Inter Lions, who suffered a heavy defeat to Central Coast Mariners last weekend. That result marked their eighth loss of the season, and defensive lapses—particularly conceding late goals—remain a concern, having done so in seven matches after the 65th minute.
League leaders Blacktown Spartans were dominant in a 4-0 win over Prospect United last weekend. Darcy Ellem starred with a hat-trick, while Aedon Kyra impressed creatively. Despite their form, they have not always fared well historically against Inter Lions and may also be impacted by their Australia Cup fixture against Blacktown City.
Rydalmere Lions v Northern Tigers
Saturday 25 April, 6:30pm, Rydalmere Park
One of the standout fixtures of the round sees third-placed Rydalmere Lions host second-placed Northern Tigers.
Rydalmere are unbeaten in their last five matches, including a strong away win over Newcastle Jets. Adil Toska scored twice in that match, while goalkeeper Steven Kriezis once again delivered a standout performance.
Northern Tigers secured an important win last weekend, with Jesse Spang’s goal proving decisive against Hurstville Zagreb. Midfielder Sebastian Cerecedo has been in excellent form this season and will again be influential. Having lost both meetings last year, the Tigers will be eager for redemption.
Western City Rangers v Prospect United
Saturday 25 April, 7pm, Popondetta Park
Among a host of important fixtures, this clash may carry the highest stakes. Western City Rangers have lost their last six matches and will be desperate to turn things around following a 5-1 defeat last weekend. A late goal from Charlie Daniels was a rare positive.
Prospect United also come into this match off a heavy loss to league leaders Blacktown Spartans. They showed promise early in that game but struggled to maintain it. In what shapes as a local derby, they may feel more confident of securing a result here.
Bulls FC Academy v Hakoah FC
Saturday 25 April, 7pm, Sydney United Sports Centre
Bulls FC Academy will be looking to respond after a disappointing derby defeat to Macarthur Rams. They spent much of that match under pressure, relying on transitions to create chances. Goalkeeper Mason Hartnig was a standout performer.
Hakoah FC, meanwhile, are coming off a season-best performance, scoring five goals in a dominant win over Western City Rangers. Nicholas Drummond returned to the scoresheet, while Nicholas Tooley netted twice in the second half. Back in the top half, they will be keen to consolidate their position.
By Justin Smith
