Bulli v South Coast United

Balls Paddock

Kick-off: Saturday, 2:30pm.

Referee: Steve Bozic

South Coast United have a chance to seal a finals berth this weekend when they travel to take on Bulli at Balls Paddock on Saturday.

If Albion Park White Eagles lose or draw their game on Saturday against Tarrawanna, South Coast will need a solitary point against Bulli to confirm their place in this year’s postseason.

Despite the challenge of facing the Illawarra Premier League leaders, United boss Alan Paine has his team focussed on the task at hand.

“We just approach each game on a one off basis and we just need one point now,” said Paine.

“If we want to be in the finals then we have to play games like this so it’s probably really good for us.

“They’re a beautifully coached team who like the move the ball around and this is the sort of team that we expect to play well against.

“The thing with us this season is that we seem to be good one week and then poor the next, so we’ll beat the top sides and then struggle against the weaker teams.

“I’m pretty excited because Ben [Smith] has them playing nice football and I enjoy games against teams that play like that so we’ll have a crack and see where we are.”

After a disappointing loss to Wollongong Olympic last weekend, South Coast will need to lift their game in order to challenge Bulli.

The task will be made all the more difficult with Chris Valic set to the miss the game after picking up two yellow cards in the game against Olympic.

Bulli, meanwhile, bounced back from their loss to Wollongong United with a tough win over Tarrawanna last Saturday.

Ben Smith’s men face another tricky outing against the southern suburbs club and the boss knows it will be no easy match.

“Another tough game, South Coast are having a really good season so it’s a good challenge for us,” said Smith.

“They’ll be up for it, if they can seal semi-final football it’ll be really good for their season so they’ll be keen.

“On the flipside we’re very keen as well to put our best foot forward and try to win the game so it should be a good contest.

 “It’s just business as usual for us, we have to keep winning and stay focussed on the game at hand by getting out on the pitch and playing well.”

There’s a potential milestone on hand for Bulli this weekend as well with an opportunity to wrap up the League Championship if results go their way.

With only two games there is still a lot to play for and both teams will be working for a positive result so fans can expect an entertaining fixture.

Around the League

 Elsewhere, Albion Park host Tarrawanna while Dapto Dandaloo kick off their double header weekend with a trip to Woonona. Wollongong Olympic face struggler Fernhill while Bellambi travel to take on in-the-hunt Port Kembla. Cringila Lions host Wollongong United on Sunday to round out the Round 21 fixtures. As an added bonus, Dapto Dandaloo and Port Kembla will play their postponed Round 20 game on Sunday as well in an enticing top five matchup.

 

Julian Keith

FSC Reporter