Round 14 Preview – NPL Men’s NSW
Round 14 of the NPL Men’s NSW competition promises to be a belter, with an array of exciting clashes promises plenty of goals, drama and intrigue.
Manly United FC vs Rockdale Ilinden FC
7:30pm, Friday 9 May, Cromer Park
In a joint opening to Round 14, Manly United will take on Rockdale Ilinden in an exciting top-six clash at Cromer Park.
Manly have experienced mixed form in recent weeks, winning twice and losing three times, with their last match seeing them lose 3-0 to league leaders Marconi Stallions at home.
Now only in the top six on goal difference, and with six teams behind them by a gap of three points, a win will be required to keep their spot for another weekend.
However, they will be coming up against the high-flying Rockdale Ilinden, coming off the back of their fourth league win in a row.
Having not lost since Round Eight, Rockdale will go into this match as favourites as they look to keep second spot for another week, but will be pushed strongly by a Manly side who need a win to keep their finals position.
St George FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC
7:30pm, Friday 9 May, Barton Park
One of the sides looking to capitalise on a possible slip-up from Manly is St George FC, who will host Western Sydney Wanderers in the other Friday night fixture.
St George are currently three points from the top six after stagnating following a strong run of form, with two losses and one draw in their last three matches.
With their most recent match postponed, St George will be itching to take to the field again and return to winning ways when taking on bottom-of-the-ladder Wanderers, who have suffered a difficult few weeks.
After receiving a three-point deduction earlier in the week, the Wanderers lost 4-0 to Blacktown City, as a strong start was hindered by their opponent’s clinical ability and two early second-half red cards.
Having received four red cards in their last three games, the Wanderers need to remain disciplined at Barton Park, and with plenty of quality in their side, should not be counted out of this Friday fixture.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC vs Sutherland Sharks FC
5:00pm, Saturday 10 May, Popondetta Park
In what could prove to be a crucial relegation clash come the end of the season, third-bottom Mt Druitt will face off against fourth-bottom Sutherland Sharks at Popondetta Park.
These two sides have hit a roadblock in recent weeks, with neither of them managing a single point within their last five matches.
For either side, a win would be crucial, not just for the rare points, but as a marker to set upon some better form, making this match-up a nailbiter at Popondetta Park.
Sydney Olympic FC vs Sydney United 58 FC
5:00pm, Saturday 10 May, Jubilee Stadium
In another Saturday 5pm game, NPL Men’s NSW giants Sydney Olympic and Sydney United 58 will face off in an exhilarating match at Jubilee Stadium.
Both sides have had a mixed campaign so far, but it’s the away side who will come into this fixture in better form, with three wins in their last five, compared to Olympic’s two.
In their last two fixtures, Olympic have suffered heavy defeats, going down 5-2 and 4-0 to Manly and Rockdale Ilinden respectively, and will need to find form early in this match to compete with United 58. With a talented player roster at coach Labinot Haliti’s disposal, you’d be expecting more from the Blues and this match is just the tonic to change the club’s fortunes around for the remainder of the season.
After a difficult start to the season, the away side have found their groove, and are now just outside the top six on goal difference.
With plenty of quality and history to this fixture, it looks set to be a sensational match at Jubilee Stadium.
Marconi Stallions FC vs Wollongong Wolves FC
7:00pm, Saturday 10 May, Marconi Stadium
League leaders Marconi Stallions will take on Wollongong Wolves on Saturday night as they aim to keep their extraordinary winning streak going.
Still yet to lose this season, Marconi made it eight league wins in a row with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Manly last weekend.
When including Cup competitions, they’ve won their last 10 in a row – an extraordinary achievement – and haven’t lost a league game since August 2024.
As usual, their opponents – this time Wollongong Wolves – will have a mighty task ahead to take points off the reigning Champions, but the away side will have to come into this match with confidence, knowing that three points could see them enter the top six if other results go their way.
St George City FA vs APIA Leichhardt FC
7:15pm, Saturday 10 May, Penshurst Park
In another exciting Round 14 match-up, St George City will host APIA Leichhardt at Penshurst Park.
Following a barren start to the campaign, St George City have found form, now unbeaten in four with three wins on the bounce.
Just one point off the top six, they have plenty to gain heading into this match, but will be facing a stern test in APIA Leichhardt.
APIA are 10 points off Italian rivals Marconi, currently in fifth position, and need to get consistent results on the board to keep up with the likes of Rockdale and Blacktown City ahead.
This match has a lot on the line for both sides, and promises to feature plenty of exciting football and drama on Saturday night.
Blacktown City FC vs Sydney FC
3:00pm, Sunday 11 May, Landen Stadium
After brushing aside an A-League academy team last week, Blacktown City will be aiming to do the same to Sydney FC in a home match at Landen Stadium.
However, Sydney are currently in different circumstances to the Wanderers, currently four games unbeaten and just three points off finals.
But Blacktown are one of the form sides in the competition, having won their last five league matches, and are looking somewhat unstoppable with their sensational attack, featuring Mitch Mallia, Danny Choi, Travis Major and others.
Central Coast Mariners FC vs NWS Spirit FC
3:00pm, Sunday 11 May, Pluim Park
In the other Sunday 3pm match, the Central Coast Mariners will take on NWS Spirit FC as they search for their first points since round six.
The Mariners have moved off the bottom of the ladder thanks to the Wanderers’ recent points deduction, but have struggled all season in the league, albeit putting together a more promising performance against St George City last weekend.
They will be hard-pressed once more against fourth-placed Spirit on Sunday, but will look to give it all in front of their home fans, with a victory potentially taking them out of the bottom two.
