Mid-week already?
That means the weekend is just around the corner!
The National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Mens rolls on to Round 5 of the 2019 season and we are beginning to witness sides on their way to peak form.
A couple of big match-ups this weekend, so clear out your diaries and schedule in your football fix.
Match of the Round: St George FC vs. Mounties Wanderers FC – 7pm Saturday 30th March, Ilinden Sports Centre
The 2018 Grand Final rematch.
Its finally here.
Both sides have struggled to hit the form they ended with in 2018, now the spotlight shines on them once again. Be assured that form is going to have little influence in this matchup, all players will be stepping up their game for this one.
St George’s objective this week is to lace up their goal scoring boots and maintain concentration on both ends of the park for the full ninety. Traits that were prominent in last year’s success.
For Mounties, the final may all seem in the past. Yet, after relinquishing the title in as dramatic fashion as last year, the side will have an extra edge of motivation to get retribution and with authority.
Some big names will take to the field, it’s time to rise for the moment.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC vs. Rydalmere Lions FC – 7pm Saturday 30th March, Bonnyrigg Sports Club
With a win under their belt the White Eagles are ready to soar, whereas the Lions returned home from the coast last week with a hard earned point.
When you look at the sides on paper, it appears to be a contrast to what is happening on the pitch.
The youthful side of Rydalmere have strung together some impressive performances, really buying into the plan of attack that coach Chris Camilleri has laid out for his side. In all aspects on the pitch, the Lions are looking very promising.
Bonnyrigg on the other hand, a side of great experience, have yet to truly get themselves going and utilise that advantage on the pitch. That said, their win last week will have kicked them into gear and you’d expect them to now get on with it and start making headway in the competition.
Who will come out on top, youth vs experience?
Blacktown Spartans FC vs. St George City FA – 7pm Saturday 30th March, Blacktown Football Park
Last week Spartans held the dangerous Mounties at bay, whilst City got themselves a win, their first points for the season and first win in the league.
It would be fair to say they were positive results for both sides.
City have got the chance to continue the momentum and the confidence boost from the win will do wonders for the side. They will not want to get ahead of themselves so it’s a test if the side can keep it together and put in another winning performance.
Spartans can really use a win. Attaining the three points this week will be reward for their good build up over the last few fixtures. Back at home this weekend they have a good advantage to get back on the winning track and will be eager to take down City.
GHFA Spirit FC vs. Macarthur Rams FC – 7pm Saturday 30th March, Christie Park
Table toppers versus cellar dwellers.
Well let’s not get ahead of ourselves it is only round 5, yet form is showing Spirit are the team to beat whilst the Rams have got a lot on their plate.
If we continue down that path of form, the Rams are going to have their work cut out for them. After going achingly close to taking the lead versus Wanderers, they began to fall apart and lost all momentum.
This week, again, they will not be given any second chances and need to make the most of any opportunity they can get, the problem has been who will step up and take them. Perhaps it’s time to mix things up, a welcome return of players and bleeding some youth?
For Spirit, once again, it will be another game where all the focus is on keeping to their guns and firing away. Expect to see the home side ready to pick apart any chance they are given with clinical precision, they are proving to be lethal in front of goal.
Northern Tigers FC vs. Canterbury Bankstown FC – 7pm Saturday 30th March, North Turramurra Recreation Area
On the back of the derby defeat and news they will likely be losing points from Round 1 the Tigers will have only one thing on their mind.
Win.
Berries are still struggling to find their way, troubling yes, but they have still got the main bulk of the season left to play. That said, they will be playing with fire should they turn up to play mirroring their recent run of form.
It’s a match where you’d expect to see the player’s intensity rise for the occasion. Can the Tigers run rampant at home and find recompense or will the Berries step up their game and land another blow, wounding their opponents?
Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs. Hills United FC – 3pm Sunday 31st March, Marconi Stadium
Wanderers come into this match looking sharp on the back of two good wins. They have been clinical in front of goal and have raced up to second on the ladder.
They matchup with a Hills side that has fought hard in their last two matches, also picking up a brace of wins. Despite sealing the deal late in both fixtures, Hills found good flow to their game, with periods of real promise.
Both sides are currently level on points but you get the feeling the only one team is going to come out on top in this one with each side aiming to remain on the winning path.
North Shore Mariners FC vs. Central Coast Mariners – 4pm Sunday 31st March, Northbridge Oval
Yet another derby to feast your eyes on as little brother takes on big brother at the return of Northbridge Oval.
North Shore are finally back at home after their away run comes to a close. They have experienced some difficult matches but will find solace that they face Central Coast at their fortress. The hosts will want to stamp their authority in this one and deny their opponents ruining their homecoming.
The young lads in Yellow and Navy will feel they let a game slip away against the Lions. This week they will use that as motivation to rise for the occasion. Another addition to their cause is the prospect of crashing North Shore’s celebration of returning home.
A hard and physical presence from North Shore up against the whizz kids from the coast. The battle for Mariners supremacy and bragging rights caps off this weekend with emphatic fashion.
NPL 2 Chief Writer – Marcus Flottmann
Twitter – @MarcusFlottmann
