Round 12 Preview – NPL NSW Men’s
We’ve officially reached the halfway point of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season and the Premiership race is proving to be a tight one!
As the teams match up for a second time this season, there will be plenty on the line.
Manly United FC v Sydney Olympic FC
7:00pm, Friday 20th May, Cromer Park
Manly United defeated Sydney Olympic 1-0 at Belmore Sportsground in Round 1 of the competition, and with the home-game advantage they will be dangerous as the two sides match up once again in 2022.
Sitting tightly together on the ladder, the two sides will be fighting for valuable points as they continue their campaigns.
Jimmy Oates and Kieran Paull were standouts in Manly United’s win over Rockdale Ilinden in Round 11, featuring in the league’s Team of the Week alongside Olympic’s Darcy Burgess & Nicholas Sorras and are likely to be top performers in this clash after impressive seasons so far.
Will Olympic be able to secure a crucial victory away from home or will Manly United defeat them for a second time this season?
APIA Leichhardt FC v Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC
7:00pm, Friday 20th May, Lambert Park
After a late comeback saw them come away with a point against Sydney United 58 on Sunday, APIA Leichhardt will be looking to get back to winning ways when they host Mt Druitt Town Rangers on Friday night.
The last match up between the two saw a 5-3 scoreline in favour of APIA Leichhardt with plenty of goal and entertainment on the park.
Currently in third position, the hosts will be leaning on the likes of Jason Romero, Sean Symons, Diego Celis and Jack Armson to net some goals for them against Mt Druitt Town and keep them well and truly in the Premiership race.
The Rangers however will be looking for some points to get them back to a respectable position on the ladder after a string of poor performances turned into a draw with Sydney FC in Round 11, where they only conceded one goal against a side known for their prolific scoring ability.
Will the Rangers cause an upset for APIA Leichhardt or will the Inner West side get back to their impressive form?
Northbridge Bulls FC v Sydney FC
3:00pm, Saturday 21st May, Sydney United Sports Centre
It’s top versus bottom as the two young sides face up on Saturday afternoon.
In what is set to be a highly technical and high-calibre game of football, the sides will be able to rely on their tactical and technical skill to get them through the match.
Patrick Wood featured in the Round 11 Team of the Week for Sydney FC, while Northbridge Bulls had Lachlan Rose representing them in the team after an impressive performance against Marconi since dropping into the side last week.
While they may be at opposite ends of the ladder, this could be a tight match that will surely be filled with plenty of goals and entertainment.
Sydney FC managed a narrow 3-2 victory when the teams last met – will they be able to do it again and get back to winning ways?
Marconi Stallions FC v Sutherland Sharks FC
7:00pm, Saturday 21st May, Marconi Stadium
Marconi started off their season with a 3-2 victory over Sutherland Sharks and will be looking to repeat the feat on Saturday when they two match up for a second time.
With seven NPL NSW Men’s games undefeated, Marconi have settled into the season well and started to reap rewards for their efforts, sitting in a healthy sixth place on the ladder.
Marko Jesic has been instrumental in the Stallions’ success with 11 goals in as many matches and will be leading the charge for Marconi as they look to work their way into the top five.
Sutherland, coming off a recent coaching change, will be looking for redemption in this clash as they try to get something from the season before it completely slips away.
With plenty of potential on the park, the Sharks could put up a good fight at ‘The Palace’ but Marconi will be just as hungry.
Rockdale Ilinden FC v Blacktown City FC
4:00pm, Sunday 22nd May, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
After losing the top spot when they fell to Manly United last weekend, Rockdale will be hoping for a big result against Blacktown City in this week’s ‘Match of the Round’ to get them back into the lead.
With an incredible season so far, Rockdale have proven they have the depth to make a long-lasting impact in this year’s competition and this will be a real test as Blacktown City are one of only two teams to have defeated them this season.
An uncharacteristic two consecutive losses have Blacktown City sitting in seventh place heading into the clash – a position they will be determined to improve.
With an immense amount of experience and talent across both sides, this is a must-see match for NPL fans as two dangerous sides face up.
Will Blacktown be able to secure a second win over Rockdale or will the home advantage give Rockdale the lift they need to silence Mark Crittenden’s men?
Wollongong Wolves FC v Sydney United 58 FC
7:00pm, Sunday 22nd May, Sir Ian McLennan Oval
On what is expected to be a cold Sunday night in Wollongong, Sydney United 58 will make the trip down as they look to get a second victory over the Wolves in the 2022 season.
It will be a tough feat as they face a Wollongong side that are hitting their stride, with two consecutive wins and Team of the Week performances from Josh Macdonald and Senna Stevenson.
After dropping a two-goal lead against APIA in Round 11, United 58 will be wanting to prove they can reach their full potential this season under the guidance of interim coach Miro Vlastelica.
Sitting slightly away from the pack on the NPL NSW Men’s ladder, the win would mean crucial points for both teams in their 2022 campaigns.
Will Sydney United 58 be able to upset Wollongong yet again or will the Wolves send United 58 back up the highway without a win?
