Round 6 – NPL NSW Men’s
It’s Round 6 of the National Premier Leagues NSW and another six thrilling matchups are scheduled for what is sure to be a big weekend of football.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers returned to the top of the table at the end of last round but they will need to keep their winning form up with Blacktown City and Sydney Olympic out to overtake them.
City and Olympic go head to head this week in a match which could have major premiership implications down the track.
Manly United is slowly finding their form again and will be up against a Rockdale City Suns team in need of a morale booster.
The games kick off on Saturday night with Bonnyrigg hosting Sutherland Sharks and wrap up on Sunday afternoon with APIA taking on Sydney FC at Lambert Park.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC v Sutherland Sharks FC, 7pm Saturday at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg will be out to revive it’s season when they host Sutherland Sharks on Saturday.
It has been a difficult few weeks for Brian Brown’s squad who have yet to taste victory after the opening five rounds.
A return to their Bonnyrigg Sports Club home could be the perfect antidote for their struggles.
One positive for the White Eagles has been Aaron Peterson’s return to form.
Peterson scored twice in last week’s 3-3 draw after a returning to the lineup following a long battle with injury.
He will once again be required to lead the line for Brian Brown’s side. The down side is the loss of fan favourite Tynan Diaz through injury which could see the star sidelined for up to five weeks.
Sutherland are also coming into the match after a poor showing with a 3-0 loss to Sydney United 58 in Round 5.
Grant Lee’s side has been much improved this season with defender Jacob Tratt adding plenty of steel to their defence.
Bonnyrigg are desperate for a win, while Sutherland will be looking to bounce back.
Goals are likely in what is set to be an exciting contest.
Manly United FC v Rockdale City Suns FC, 7pm Saturday at Cromer Park – Live streamed on Facebook
Manly United are slowly finding their groove after a tough start to the campaign and will be focused on notching their second win of the season when they host Rockdale City Suns on Saturday.
It will be only the second home game of the season for Manly after four games on the road.
The chance to play in front of their passionate fans could be the missing formula for Paul Dee’s team.
Dylan Macallister’s injury time equaliser against Blacktown City is sure to be a morale booster which can lift the reigning Champions back to their best form.
Manly captain Brendan Cholakian has gone from strength to strength in recent weeks with his dribbling skills and defence splitting passes the key to their attack.
Their challenger this week is a Rockdale side which has gone off the boil and are in need of a win.
While they may not be firing on all cylinders, Rockdale is a team which can’t be written off.
Alec Urosevski remains one of the best attacking players in the competition, Jordan Figon is a centre forward with a unique combination of size, skill and speed, while Ante Covic is arguably the best shot stopper in the competition.
The scene is set for a thrilling matchup with plenty on the line for two teams determined to play finals football.
Marconi Stallions FC v Hakoah Sydney City East FC, 7pm Saturday at Marconi Stadium
It has been a difficult 10 days for Marconi Stallions with back to back defeats only four days apart last week.
This week they will try to get their season back on track when they take on Hakoah Sydney City East.
Defensive structures would have been a focus for Marconi after they conceded early in their 2-0 loss to Sydney Olympic last Saturday.
One thing on Marconi’s side is their playing roster.
A-League alumni Michael Beauchamp, Marko Jesic and Sean Rooney have given Peter Tsekenis’ side experience and star power their rivals would envy.
Key midfielder Mateo Poljak missed the game against Sydney Olympic and would give Marconi a boost if he can make his return this week.
The line-up the Stallions posses should really be higher up the ladder, so expect fireworks from the home team.
Hakoah last round were stunned by a 93rd minute winner from Wollongong Wolves Peter Simonoski.
Poor discipline in the final minutes, after netting a 79th minute equaliser, put a dampener on a inspired fight back from Gavin Rae’s young side.
A bounce back performance will be important if they want to keep their season on track.
Michael Kouta and Mitchell Stamatellis were brilliant performers for Hakoah and a repeat performance will give their side a good shot at collecting the win on Saturday.
With both teams determined to put disappointing results behind them, expect a much improved showing from either side.
Sydney United 58 FC v Wollongong Wolves FC, 7.30pm Saturday at Sydney United Sports Centre
After a sluggish start it appears Sydney United 58 have finally hit top speed ahead of a clash with Wollongong Wolves at Sydney United Sports Centre on Saturday.
Jason Culina’s side thrashed Sutherland Sharks 3-0 in a quality attacking display during the previous round which is sure to have Wollongong fans nervous.
The usual suspects of Panny Nikas and Chris Payne have been leading the way but the resurgence of Patrick Antelmi, who joined the club in the off season, provides another weapon for the Reds attack.
While Culina would’ve been happy with his side scoring three goals, it’s the clean sheet he would’ve truly been impressed with.
Wollongong can count themselves very lucky last round after snatching a last minute win at Hakoah Sydney City East.
After scoring a brace in the win, Peter Simonoski has shown his injury troubles are behind him and now offers a dynamic attacking threat alongside star veteran Yuzo Tashiro.
Despite the win, Wollongong has shown some lapses in recent weeks and will need to be at their best if they are to get the win on Saturday.
Both teams feature talented line-ups but it will be how they operate as a team which will be key to this matchup.
Sydney Olympic FC v Blacktown City FC, 3pm Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground – Live streamed on Facebook
Sydney Olympic has quietly emerged as a National Premier Leagues NSW Premiership contender during the opening weeks of the campaign but a clash against Blacktown City on Sunday afternoon could prove a true litmus test of their winning credentials.
Spanish striker Alejandro Sanchez has given the Abbas Saad coached side a truly dangerous front man and combined with the talented playmaking skills of Max Burgess makes Olympic a side which will challenge opposition defences.
Experienced shot stopper Paul Henderson has maintained his usual high standards this season behind a rapidly improving defensive unit.
Last week was a warning for their opponents Blacktown who conceded an added time goal which forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw with Manly United.
It was the first goal Blacktown had conceded all season underpinning their quality at both ends of the park.
Much is spoken about Blacktown’s incredible talent in attack, but their often overlooked defence, marshalled by former Olympic man Yianni Spyrakis who will face his former side for the first time this week, which has been the secret formula to their success.
Along with Spyrakis, the Speranza boys Giorgio and Roberto have also had great starts to the season as has Grant Lynch.
The Mark Crittenden coached side will be disappointed with their performance last week which could mean a huge showing on the road at Belmore.
This is sure to be one of the matches of the round and could have major implications on the premiership race.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Sydney FC, 4.15pm Sunday at Lambert Park
It’s the Lambert Park derby this week with APIA Leichhardt Tigers hosting Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon at the ground both sides call home.
After a minor blip in form against Blacktown City two weeks ago, APIA is back firing on full cylinders and sit out in front on top of the National Premier Leagues NSW standings.
Billy McColl’s side will be out to consolidate their position at number one with victory against the Young Sky Blues.
Tasuku Sekiya reiterated his talents and importance for the Tigers with a double in their 5-0 rout of Rockdale in Round 5.
Sekiya’s explosive acceleration and ability on the ball makes him a tough customer for opposition defences. He will be looking to build on last week’s display and further cement his role as APIA’s chief playmaker through the middle of the park.
Sydney FC come into the game full of confidence after an incredible 3-3 draw with Bonnyrigg White Eagles which required Rob Stanton’s side equalise three times.
Hassan Jalloh had a breakout season last year when he made his debut for Bonnyrigg and this year in a Sydney FC jersey he will be hoping to continue his development as a future star.
A tricky attacking player, Jalloh will be full of confidence after netting in last week’s match and will be determined to keep his scoring run going.
APIA will be an almighty test for Sydney, but memories of the Young Sky Blues 5-3 upset win from last season are sure to linger in the back of the Tiger’s minds.