IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Round 11 Preview

The first part of the season concludes this weekend with some intriguing matches to come as each of the state’s top division sides aim to inject some confidence ahead of the run towards the season’s end…
Central Coast Mariners Academy v South Coast Wolves, Saturday 25th of May, 6:30 pm Pluim Park

Last Week:
Rockdale City Suns 3 Central Coast Mariners Academy 0
South Coast Wolves 4 APIA-Leichhardt Tigers 4
The Central Coast Mariners Academy will be hoping to finish the first part of season 2013 with its first win of the campaign when South Coast Wolves visit Pluim Park on Saturday night.
The Mariners, who put up an almighty showing at Rockdale last weekend, will again be aiming to get its approach right for the full 90′ minutes, and a win against the Wolves will be the perfect platform for an assault on the second part of the season.
The Wolves too have failed to ignite this campaign though the return of Ricky Zucco, and the latest signing of Steve Hayes will certainly act as motivation for the side this weekend.
With both teams routed at the wrong end of the ladder, three points from this encounter will give a massive push to realising the season objectives.
Manly United FC v Blacktown City FC, Saturday 25th of May, 7:00 pm Cromer Park

Last Week:
Manly United FC 1 Sutherland Sharks 2
Blacktown Spartans 3 Blacktown City FC 3
Manly United FC will be aiming to rise above the disappointment of conceding a late goal at home against Sutherland Sharks last weekend, which consequently saw the side miss out on a share of the spoils. Craig Midglley’s men, despite being under the pump for large spells, did give a good account of themselves and can take a number of positives into this weekend’s encounter.
The visitors came home strongly to secure a point against the Spartans in the Blacktown Derby, the only concern for the coaching staff being the side’s massive lapse in concentration that ultimately cost them maximum points.
With points needed for both sides to maintain their resoective season objectives, an open, attacking match is expected on the Northern Beaches.
Sutherland Sharks v Rockdale City Suns, Saturday 25th of May, 7:00 pm Seymour Shaw
Last Week:
Manly United FC 1 Sutherland Sharks 2
Rockdale City Suns 3 Central Coast Mariners Academy 0
Two of the competition’s form sides meet on Saturday evening as Sutherland Sharks host Rockdale City Suns in the Match of the Round for the weekend.
Both sides have enjoyed a very positive month of results, culminating in both outfits figuring in the Top-Five.
Sutherland’s form has been impeccable, and with a home clash this weekend, it will take a brave person to bet against the joint league leader.
Coach Robbie Stanton can count upon an in form Panni Nikas who was brilliant last weekend, meanwhile the general mechanics of the side seem to be working so very well across the park.
The task at hand will be a big one for the Suns, though Branko Culina’s men have already shown what it is capable of, even away from Ilinden Sports Centre.
The return of Paul Reid brings back the wealth of experience in the middle of the park, even though the younger players thrown into the deep end have performed remarkably well, giving Culina a big headache each week when it comes time to select his playing squad.
With a lot to play for, and both sides in great form, action aplenty will be expected on Saturday evening.
Marconi Stallions v Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Sunday 26th of May, 3:00 pm Marconi Stadium
Last Week:
Marconi Stallions 3 Sydney United 58 FC 0
Sydney Olympic 3 Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0
Stern rivals Marconi Stallions and Bonnyrigg White Eagles lock horns on Sunday in Bossley Park with the home side eager to inflict another defeat on the White Eagles after the joint leader lost its first match of the season at Sydney Olympic.
The Stallions ground out an impressive win, even though the side was under the pump for large spells against Sydney United 58 FC. Jean-Paul De Marigny’s men were ruthless in-front of goal, all in the while guided marvellously by James Chronopoulos in goal – the shot-stopper in some exceptional form.
The White Eagles were outplayed by Sydney Olympic in Round 10, something Brian Brown’s men have not experienced all too often in recent seasons.
The shock loss will no doubt spur the side into a reaction as the Sharks have since joined Bonnyrigg at the top of the table. With one match to go to complete the first half of the season, both sides will be seeking maximum points, and a good display, as a springboard for the second part of the regular season.
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers v Sydney Olympic, Sunday 26th of May, 3:00 pm Lambert Park
Last Week:
South Coast Wolves 4 APIA-Leichhardt Tigers 4
Sydney Olympic 3 Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0
Two former NSL heavy weights meet at Lambert Park as Sydney Olympic visit APIA-Leichhardt on Sunday. The home side, still searching for its first win of the season, is running out of time to turn its campaign around with twelve matches still to play – ten of those matches top be played on the road.
Coach Nicola Rizzo has certainly brought about some changes with some decent football, however the side has not been able to get wins on the board. Most importantly over recent weeks has been the good showings of both Nikola Taneski and Franco Parisi – both players will be vital to any chance the Tigers may have of an assault on the ladder over the coming three months.
The visiting Sydney Olympic gained some massive confidence with the win over Bonnyrigg last weekend in new coach Grant Lee’s first match as boss.
The positive displays of all of his troops was very impressive and more of the same will be required if the side is to make a serious push for silverware this season.
A proud history between these two clubs means both will be very eager to claim bragging rights this weekend.
Sydney United 58 FC v Blacktown Spartans, Sunday 26th of May, 3:00 pm Sydney United Sports Centre
Last Week:
Marconi Stallions 3 Sydney United 58 FC 0
Blacktwon Spartans 3 Blacktown City FC 3
Sydney United 58 FC play its first match at home on the newly laid aritificial surface this weekend, a good opportunity for the side to return to winning ways after a lean few weeks.
Mark Rudan’s men have stuck to their philosophy of playing attractive, attacking football, though the results have somewhat dried up.
Rudan can call upon Chris Triantis and Glen Trifiro to marshall the midfield, and the side will need to be at its best against a Spartans side that has been very impressive this season. Ben De Haan’s men were on track for a big win against Blacktown City FC, though the side failed to close out the result after holding a two goal lead 15′ minutes from the end.
The Reds start the encounter as favourites, though the growing confidence of Andre Carle & Co. really does stand the Spartans in with a chance of causing an upset, and ultimately continue the side’s positive run of results.
-By Joseph Carlucci