Picture: Football NSW
THERE is no more time for dusting off any cobwebs, as we head into round 2 of the PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1, writes MARK STAVROULAKIS in his review of the three south west teams:
Plenty of goals was a feature of the first round and there is the promise of much of the same in the second week of the competition.
Preseason Cup winners Sydney United 58 host the Sutherland Sharks in the Match of the Round at Sydney United Sports Centre, 3pm kickoff.
The Reds won the Preseason Cup final at home a fortnight ago against Sydney Olympic, but they came unstuck last week, going down to Blacktown City at Lilys Football Centre. That match in Seven Hills was a tough test first up, but United will face another on Sunday afternoon against Sutherland Sharks.
It will be an odd day for United’s Nick Stavroulakis, who will face the club which he served so well for so many years and seeing the midfielder in red rather than sky blue will take some adjustment. His partner in crime, Panni Nikas, is still out injured though and will be spared playing his former club this time around.
Sutherland were excellent in beating Blacktown Spartans in round one and the early signs are that Steve O’Connor has a side that he can mould to his liking.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Marconi Stallions, 7.30pm Saturday at Bonnyrigg Sports Centre:
Bonnyrigg flexed their competitive muscle against Manly United, scoring a 3-0 win at Cromer Park. With Aaron Peterson and Robbie Younis likely to be paired together, it makes for a potent mix in this local derby.
Marconi Stallions were on the receiving end of a 2-1 loss to Parramatta. The newly promoted Eagles took a 2-0 lead thanks to a brace of free kicks from David Gullo, and the Stallions never really recovered. The onus is on them to get it together, but they couldn’t be facing tougher opposition second up.
