Round 2 Preview – State League Men’s

In a twenty-game competition, it’s important to start well and start early. Two wins on the trot can set you up for a positive campaign whilst two losses and suddenly you find yourself running up hill.
That’s what teams are facing in Round 2 of the State League Men’s competition this weekend as we begin to settle in for the season.

Western Condors v Balmain Tigers – Saturday 30th March, 5.30 pm at Chopin Park

Western Condors started well and got on the board early in round one.

It’s rare that you talk to a coach after one game, they can’t fault any aspect of his team’s performance. Well that’s the feedback we received from the Condors.

Intentions were made clear with a goal inside two minutes and there was no looking back. If heads are kept in check throughout this season, they will surely be playing finals football.

Lying in wait for the Condors are an ever-improving Balmain Tigers side. The Tigers showed character in last weeks draw against Prospect United.

Having been behind twice in that fixture they managed to claw themselves back into the match on both occasions. Although daunting, this weekend will prove to be a good measuring stick to see how far this rejuvenated side have come.

Condors will no doubt be full of confidence for this one but you get the sense we’ll learn more about their opposition in this one.

Nepean FC v Hurstville City Minotaurs – Saturday 30th March, 7.00 pm at Cook Park St. Mary’s

One game at a time is the message coming from Nepean FC. The season although shortened on last season is a long one, and it will be vital for them to keep themselves grounded.

That’s easier said than done though after a win against Central Coast United, which clearly meant a lot to the home side. By the end of this fixture, what will it be? Have things changed at Nepean FC?

It was a disappointing start to the season for Hurstville City Minotaurs. This is game two of a tough three games to open the season which includes Nepean FC this week and Western Condors next week.

So, you imagine it is vital for them to get at least a point in this fixture if they don’t want to be chasing shadows. Efficiency is where they will want to improve having missed chances to steal a result late on last week.

Tensions will be high here, a team with a win on the board facing one with a loss. Sounds a good recipe for entertainment.

Fraser Park FC v Prospect United FC – Saturday 30th March, 7.00 pm at Fraser Park

Fraser Park couldn’t have hoped for a better start in their return to the State League. A win against the Hurstville City Minotaurs will no doubt give them a much-needed early confidence boost.

However, head coach Renato Jelen will want his side to put in a full ninety-minute performance this week after losing some control in last week’s second half performance. You’d suspect they’ll need too, against this week’s opposition.

Never underestimate Prospect United was the lesson learnt across the league last season. If they are to reach the dizzying heights of last season though, they will need to improve in taking their chances.

Last week, they didn’t and were punished by Balmain Tigers conceding a late equalizer. This week they should be primed for action having rested players in the cup mid-week.

This game shapes as a clash of styles, one comfortable in possession and the other potentially on the break. Who wins out? We’ll have to wait and see.

 FC Gazy Auburn v South Coast Flame – Sunday 31st March, 3.00 pm at Progress Park

There is no doubt that the unluckiest team in our opening round fixtures was FC Gazy Auburn.

Having controlled the majority of play against round one visitors Hurstville FC, only a crossbar denied them at least a share of the spoils.

Don’t expect many sides to come away from Progress Park with all three points this season as Gazy will fight tooth and nail to protect their turf. That much is clear.

One round in and the pressure valve has been turned up on the South Coast Flame.

In the most unpredictable of results in round one, the South Coast based side were on the end of a thumping seven goal loss.

Will an away trip up the Princess Highway be a blessing or a curse for them as they look to turn around a nightmare start?

If there is one doubt about this improved Gazy line-up, it’s their ability up front. Will they be able to find the net? Or are we in for a surprise? Remember beware the wounded animal.

Central Coast United v UNSW FC – Sunday 31st March, 7.00pm at Pluim Park

Central Coast United got their first taste of life as the hunted last week. Now that teams know what they are all about, every team they face will lift.

So, it’s important that they don’t let their opposition doesn’t smell blood. This week, UNSW will want to right some wrongs from last season like Nepean FC last week.

However United will be hoping that with another ninety minutes under the belt, they will begin to look more like they were last season.

Now for our final team to get underway, UNSW FC had the unenviable situation of sitting out for the first weekend.

Now it’s their time to shine and just like Nepean last week, they’re first game comes against Central Coast United.

They won’t be unfamiliar with their surroundings, as they face a cup tie on Tuesday night at Pluim Park. Can they replicate their fast start last season this campaign? Only time will tell.

Looks a great way to conclude the weekend, this could be a fixture that shapes the home sides season, even if it’s early on.

Hurtsville FC – BYE

By State League Men’s chief writer Justin Smith @smiththejustin