Picture: Football NSW.
Photo: Football NSW
First plays third in the biggest of this week’s clashes in round six of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 competition, writesMATTHEW LOPEZ.
The match of the round will be at Bonnyrigg Sports Centre this Sunday afternoon when Bonnyrigg White Eagles host traditional rivals and neighbours Sydney United 58 FC.
Kick off is 2pm.
Bonnyrigg – with new keeper James Chronopoulos between the sticks – have proven a tough nut to crack and have only conceded three goals this season, two of them in the 2-2 draw with Sydney Olympic.
United’s attack, meanwhile, has plundered 15 goals in their opening five games this season and they carry a goal threat all over the park, whether it be from Robbie Mileski up top, or from Ante Tomelic, Anthony Tomelic or Matthew Bilic further back.
Panny Nikas’ gradual return from injury has added more spark to Mark Rudan’s side, and he is the game changer that could break this game open for the Reds.
For Bonnyrigg, the partnership of Robbie Younis and Aaron Peterson will ensure Reds defender Ibrahim Haydar has his hands full in central defence, and goalkeeper Justin Pasfield will be on red alert whenever one of them has the ball.
* You must purchase a ticket through the Bonnyrigg Social Club to gain access to this match
♦ The third south west Sydney club of the competition, Marconi Stallions, will host Blacktown Spartans at 7.30pm on Saturday.
Stallions have won only once this season, against Rockdale City Suns, and are coming off a 2-0 loss at home to Manly United.
Their indifferent start to the season can be attributed to a loss of important players, but with the competition entering its sixth week, those that remain need to start showing their quality.
Milorad Simonovic is always good for a goal and the midfield has occasionally been bright, but others need to stand up to be counted this weekend.
The rest of the games are:
Manly United v Sydney Olympic, 3pm Sunday at Cromer Park;
Rockdale City Suns v Blacktown City, 3pm Sunday at Ilinden Sports Centre;
Parramatta FC v South Coast Wolves, 3pm Sunday at Melita Stadium;
APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Sutherland Sharks, 4.15pm Sunday at Lambert Park.
