State League Two Round 18 Preview

On Saturday at 5.00pm Hawkesbury City will host Prospect United at Benson Lane Field; the home side are sitting just outside the top five and will need these crucial three points to state their claim on finals football. Prospect are coming off a 2-2 draw against Luddenham which has seen them drop to third spot. Despite the slight fall Prospect know they are only a couple of points away from the top two and can still claim first spot if results go there way in other games.
White City and Springwood face off at Bonnyrigg Sports Club on Sunday 3.00pm, both teams are out of finals contention but Springwood will want to continue their recent form which has seen them pick up valuable points to move from the bottom spot. The home side sit close to the bottom and will want to gain an edge over Springwood so they can finish outside the bottom four. Springwood will be high on confidence but they will need to bring a solid game as their away form in 2009 suggests they could struggle, it should be an entertaining contest.
Match of the round this week will be between Gazy Lansvale and Gladesville Magic when the two sides meet at Cherrybrook Park on Sunday 3.00pm. Gazy defeated Penang FC 5-0 last week and will be high on confidence when they face second placed Gladesville. The away side are sitting in second place and will be gunning for all three points to try and retain that all important first place spot. Gazy are out of finals contention but still a point to prove that they can beat the best will be put the test come Sunday.
Fairfield Bulls host Hakoah at Hajduk Stadium on Sunday 3.00pm, the home side still a slight chance of playing finals this year but results need to flow their way in the next four weeks. Hakoah have been too inconsistent this year and have not picked up enough wins to give themselves an outside shot in 2009. However Hakoah have produced good football and with their experience in the side they are still capable of surprising Bulls at their own home ground come Sunday.
Colo Colo and Hurstville will clash at Knight Park on Sunday at 3.00pm; this game is between fourth and fifth spot. The home side in fifth have the home advantage on Sunday in a bid to try and maintain their finals chances. Hurstville who were outside chances at the beginning of the season have really rallied in 2009 and with the side playing quality football they stand a chance this year of glory. This game will provide a sensational contest as there is much to play for with only four rounds remaining.
Luddenham posted a sensational 2-2 draw against Prospect last week and with confidence on their side their opponents this week struggling Penang will have a battle on their hands. The home side have finally found some quality in their goal scoring and this will be a concern for Tony Gallagher?s side. Penang will want a victory and desperate times are here for the club with a win just around the corner. Luddenham will need to be weary as Penang will give their best to pick up a good result.
Sydney Cedars will host Roosters FC at Punchbowl Oval on Sunday 3.00pm; this will be a test for the home side as they have many games in hand. Roosters are sitting on top of the ladder and are a dangerous outfit when inform. This year the Roosters FC have provided quality football and they are a physical side always gunning for glory. Sydney will need to produce form which saw them sit first in their division after fourteen rounds which should make this the perfect contest on Sunday.
Camden Tigers and Bathurst sit just outside the top five and with both sides in good form this could be the game which could decide fifth spot come the final day. Camden is at Ron Dine Reserve on Sunday and will have the home advantage going into this clash. However Bathurst is a good side and has played quality football especially in the later stages of this competition. This clash will be a fantastic contest and should provide a physical battle come Sunday.
-By Johnny Casni