If Northern Tigers felt good following last weekend’s win over Hill Brumbies, they could probably have wished for an easier match this weekend than having to travel to Lynwood Park.
The Tigers are very keen to kick start their comeback, and after last week’s victory, the tightness of the competition means that they are only two wins outside the top five. But they can’t afford any slip up and will need to be at the top of their game to get something off Macarthur. The Rams had a tough but rewarding match last weekend against Granville Rage, coming away with a valuable point but in a game they slightly shaded. Striker Steve Lloyd has been a welcome addition to the squad, the tall front man scoring in each of the past two games. One to watch.
But while this match may be the pick of the bunch, there are four other games being held on Saturday which will keep the keen fan interested.
West Sydney Berries and Central Coast will meet at Lidcombe with both sides coming off midweek matches. The Coast had perhaps the harder of the two, meeting Spirit FC in Super League while the Berries took advantage of playing a cup game by resting a few first teamers for their clash against Mounties. It went against them though as they went down to the first division high flyers 3-1 after extra time. An injury to keeper George Bouropoulos didn’t help either. The Berries should be back to full strength on the weekend as they seek the victory they desperately want. It has been an improved Berries in recent weeks, notwithstanding Wednesday’s loss, and while they took some time to settle in Super League, their performances in recent times show that they have come to grips with the competition and now mean business.
Central Coast, after drawing 1-1.against Spirit on Wednesday, will want further points on Saturday so they can keep up their challenge. They started off the season with a bang but some mixed results lately has seen a slide down the table. Which side remains fittest after their midweek exertions may be the telling factor.
Another club who has slipped a little recently is St George. Despite a win away to Macarthur, they have only taken four points from the past twelve, a somewhat surprising return considering their good early season form. They can ill afford any more dropped points at the moment, as they seek to keep top spot within reach. With Spirit’s draw on Wednesday, the Saints are now six points off first, not disastrous of course, but a win now against near neigbours Fraser Park is imperative. But Fraser of course, have a new coach, and as we know, new coaches can lift a side. David Perkovic has had a couple of weeks now to place his signature on Fraser Park, an improved performance would not be a surprise. They did suffer a 3-0 loss to Manly in the cup midweek though, so there is still work to be done.
A couple of kilometres up Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill entertain Blacktown Spartans. Dulwich Hill still remain only one win off the bottom and unless some points come very soon, they seem likely to have a relegation battle on their hands. The bottom three, including Fraser Park and the Brumbies, simply must start gaining points if they wish to avoid that scenario. The Spartans are in the top half and can be very pleased with their efforts so far and with a couple of home games up their sleeve, their intentions are clear. They progressed in the cup on Tuesday after dispatching of Northbridge FC so their season is coming along very nicely. But this one will be difficult, and if Dully can remain focussed for the entire game, they can get the points.
Also on Saturday is Sydney University versus Granville Rage at Hensley. After a hectic schedule, it was somewhat ironic that Uni’s match last week was postponed but they may well have appreciated the extra time to recover. Currently in ninth spot, a win here is vital to stay in touch, and likewise for the Rage, who will want the points to keep the pressure on the top. They knew that they were in a game last weekend and the spirit within the team is top notch. A strong defence is their forte, so keep watching the Rage.
With no Sunday game, it is a holiday special on Monday when Hills Brumbies take on Spirit FC at Lily Homes Stadium. It has been a difficult introduction for the Brumbies to Super League and this game won’t give them any respite. They may enjoy the extra day to recuperate from their cup game against Sydney United on Wednesday, as Spirit will after their game against the Coast, but they will need to avoid their defensive lapses if they wish to come away with anything here. Their win over Sydney United was impressive, and to keep a clean sheet after some heavy recent losses is all the more remarkable. If they can reproduce their cup form in the league, the Brumbies will get the points they need but Spirit, after moving back to first, are determined to stay there. They won’t accept anything less than three points here, especially with a tough month or so ahead of them.
Spirit FC v Central Coast
While the Waratah Cup may have taken centre stage on Wednesday, it was all go at Christie Park as Spirit FC and Central Coast played out their rescheduled round seven fixture.
Spirit needed only one point to go back to the top of the league and they duly got that against a determined Central Coast. Juan Chavez is back in form and it was his header from a Paul Nicolau corner which put Spirit in front, after a scoreless first half.
But the visitors got the reward for the efforts, an attack down the left resulting in Jamie Lobb netting the equaliser. The point for the Coast moves them into sixth spot, above the Spartans on goal difference.
Spirit FC (Juan Chavez) v Central Coast 1 (Jamie Lobb)
-By Peter Rowney
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