It’s do or die for Balderson and Manly United
In form Manly United FC winger Scott Balderson believes the time is now for his side to really step up as they face Sydney Olympic, a former club of his, this Saturday afternoon in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Elimination Final with the winner progressing towards the next stages of the finals while the loser bids farewell to season 2017.
After describing it as a both a hot and cold year for Manly United, Balderson believes his side has put themselves in a position to really shake up this seasons final series.
“I think we have really shown what we are capable of this year. For many years we were a club that was just scraping by. However, I feel we are now a club that many teams don’t want to come up against. Throughout the year our brand of football has seen us pull off some great victories that has now put us in a really commanding position.”
“Sydney Olympic are a very big club. They have always been in and around the finals, boasting some really dangerous players. The experience they possess especially when it comes to goalkeeper Paul Henderson will make them really tough to overcome.
“Along with the dangerous Will Angel and Hagi Gligor I feel Sydney Olympic will push us all the way. We have to respect what they can do but in no way be intimidated by it.”
For Sydney Olympic, a strong showing in the final rounds of the regular season has given them a chance to be the surprise packet of the final series. However, with a very capable squad, Balderson believes Manly United are ready to go all the way this season.
“From day one we set the bar extremely high. We have had our ups and downs along with injuries but we haven’t strayed from the standard of football we’ve wanted to play. We are a squad with a lot of confidence at the moment.
“We have beaten Sydney Olympic already this year and I’m confident we can do it again. It is a game that could go either way but I believe our strong team character will pull us through and prove the difference.”
It will be hard to bet against Manly United this Saturday.
They have hit their straps at the right time of the year and will be looking forward to bring it home in front of their home crowd.
Sydney Olympic however, have more than enough in their locker to get the job down away from Belmore.
It is brewing to potentially be the game of the year so be sure to get down to Cromer Park this Saturday afternoon.
Kick off is scheduled for 5PM.