Round 16 Preview – NPL Men’s NSW
The second half of the NPL Men’s NSW 2024 season will begin this weekend, highlighted by some exciting and meaningful clashes.
Sydney FC vs NWS Spirit FC
7:30pm, Friday 24 May, Rockdale Illinden Sports Centre
Both sides will be looking to put a poor first half of the 2024 campaign behind them when facing off at Rockdale Illinden Sports Centre to open the weekend of action.
A 3-1 loss to Sydney Olympic last weekend extended Sydney FC’s losing run to six matches, with the Sky Blues now sitting in the relegation playoff spot, second last on the ladder.
However, just four points separate Sydney from NWS Spirit, with the latter losing their last match to APIA Leichhardt by a scoreline of 2-0.
If Sydney could win this match, they would have a strong chance of exiting the relegation zone, subsequently bringing Spirit back into the battle, whilst the away side for this match will be longing for three points to accelerate them away from the foot of the ladder.
With Spirit goalkeeper Christopher Marques continuing to demonstrate his quality, he could be the difference-maker in this integral match for both clubs.
Sutherland Sharks FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC
4:30pm, Saturday 25 May, Seymour Shaw
The big story of Round 15 was the Western Sydney Wanderers’ 5-2 defeat to the Marconi Stallions, which saw them drop off the top of the ladder.
The Wanderers have suffered three defeats in their last five matches – all coming against top six clubs – and now find themselves third on the ladder.
They will be looking to rebound this weekend with a victory over the Sutherland Sharks, who haven’t won a league game since Round Nine.
Sutherland will be hoping for a point or more at Seymour Shaw, but the Wanderers’ attacking power of Marcus Younis, Alexander Badolato, Zachary Sapsford and more could prove too much for the Sharks to swallow.
APIA Leichhardt vs Blacktown City
5:00pm, Saturday 25 May, Leichhardt Oval
A thoroughly exciting affair will take place on Saturday evening as two of the most in-form sides in the league go head to head at Leichhardt Oval.
APIA has been in stunning form in the league in recent weeks, winning their last five league matches in a row.
In that time, they’ve scored 20 goals while conceding just four, with striker Ben Gibson spearheading the attack with seven goals in his last five matches.
Blacktown City, however, are unbeaten in four matches and have won their last three, and will be confident of spoiling APIA’s form after beating them 6-3 in the opening round of the season.
With Gibson, Jack Stewart and Jordan Segreto starring in attack for APIA, and Jak O’Brien, Joey Gibbs and Mitch Mallia on fire for Blacktown, this game promises goals, excitement and plenty of drama.
Hills United FC vs Sydney Olympic FC
7:00pm, Saturday 25 May, Landen Stadium
Hills United will face off against Sydney Olympic in an intriguing match-up at Landen Stadium.
Sydney Olympic will be looking for revenge on their opponents from their Round One matchup, where Hills famously defeated Olympic despite a 33rd-minute red card, with an 89th-minute Eoin Montford penalty giving them a crucial three points to open their season.
The away side for this match have had a mixed first half of the season, and are currently eight points off the top six.
They will be looking for an important three points – and revenge – against Hills United, who themselves will be aiming for a victory to stay clear of the relegation battle.
St George FC vs Manly United FC
7:00pm, Saturday 25 May, Rockdale Illinden Sports Centre
St George FC and Manly United will see 10th face off against 11th on the ladder in an exciting clash on Saturday night.
Both teams have been in strong form as of late – picking up three wins, one draw and one loss each in their last five games.
St George most recently defeated the Sutherland Sharks 3-1, while Manly United picked up a stunning 2-1 victory over Wollongong Wolves thanks to a last-gasp penalty from Peter Kekeris.
Manly will be without Rocco Pelle for this match, who picked up a late red card amidst the chaos of their last match, but it will nevertheless be an exciting clash between two of the most progressive sides in the competition.
Sydney United 58 FC vs Central Coast Mariners FC
3:00pm, Sunday 26 May, Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 will take on Central Coast Mariners as they battle to retain their spot within the top six.
United 58 saw a five-match unbeaten run come to an end last weekend when losing to St George City FA, the side directly below them on the table.
Now they find themselves level on points with St George, meaning a win over the Central Coast Mariners is vital, with only goal difference keeping them in a finals position.
Rockdale Illinden FC vs St George City FA
3:00pm, Sunday 26 May, Rockdale Illinden Sports Centre
Table-topping Rockdale Illinden will face off against St George City in a thoroughly exciting clash at Rockdale Illinden Sports Centre.
Rockdale have now won four matches in a row, and have won eight out of their last nine in the league.
However, they will have to fight hard to retain that top spot this weekend, with a hungry St George City standing in their way of another three points.
St George will be requiring a victory of their own to either keep them in touch with United 58 or see them enter the top six, making this match both crucial and equally exciting.
With attacking firepower such as Jason Romero and Alec Urosevski, as well as the all-round quality of both sides, this is set to be an exhilarating, must watch matchup.
Wollongong Wolves FC vs Marconi Stallions FC
3:00pm, Sunday 26 May, WIN Stadium
Wollongong Wolves will take on Marconi Stallions in yet another interesting match in the NPL Men’s NSW competition.
Marconi secured a major win last round when defeating the Western Sydney Wanderers 5-2, after losing 3-0 to rivals Blacktown City in the previous weekend.
Wollongong, on the other hand, have lost three of their last five games – winning the remaining two – and will be searching for an all-important victory to help move them towards the top six.
WIN Stadium will host a crucial clash, with the second half of the 2024 NPL Men’s NSW campaign beginning in style.
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2024 Golden Boot Tally
15 – Alec Urosevski (Rockdale Illinden)
13 – Ben Gibson (APIA Leichhardt)
13 – Nathanael Blair (Western Sydney Wanderers)
12 – Jak O’Brien (Blacktown City FC)
10 – Luka Symth (Central Coast Mariners)
9 – Roy O’Donovan (Sydney Olympic FC)
9 – Takumi Ofuka (Wollongong Wolves FC)
7 – Adam Bugarija (Western Sydney Wanderers)
7 – Jack Stewart (APIA Leichhardt)
7 – James Temelkovski (Marconi Stallions)
7 – Joey Gibbs (Blacktown City FC)
7 – Mitchell Mallia (Blacktown City FC)
7 – Patrick Antelmi (Sydney United 58)
By Jack George (@JackGeorge0004)
