District League Round 3 Preview

Despite two matches being washed out due to the ongoing wet weather, there was a number of intriguing results in round 2 of the District League season. The headline result being Fernhill's dominant win over Helensburgh. Elsewhere, Warilla managed to turn around a 2-0 deficit to earn a point at Oak Flats and Coniston narrowly avoided dropping points away to Kiama. Now we look ahead to the round 3 fixtures.

Match of the round

Warilla Wanderers vs Thirroul Thunder at King Mickey Park - kick off 3 pm, Saturday 8th of April

The Wanderers had a rough preseason due to a number of factors and that seemed to carry over to their opening match against Oak Flats. But, down 2-0 with 15 minutes to go, Barney King's troops were able to rally and earn a morale boosting point.

Thirroul, who had a thumping 5-0 win over University in the opening round were able to consolidate their position at the top of the table with a 1-0 win away to Berkeley.

Both sides have flirted with promotion pushes in recent seasons and this early in the season matchup could be a telling yardstick for their successes this season.

Prediction - Draw

Saturday 8th of April

Berkeley vs Bellambi Rosellas at Berkeley Sports and Social Club, kick off 3 pm

Berkeley has had a rough start to the season with three straight defeats by a one-goal margin. Their round 2 1-0 defeat to Thirroul shows the pedigree of their defence, something coach Paul Mears will be looking to maintain.

Bellambi's round 2 fixture against University was washed out giving boss Tim Hooker time make adjustments to his side after their heavy opening round defeat. I expect a stronger showing against Berkeley but it is hard to back a team coming off an 8-1 loss.

Prediction - Berkeley

Coniston vs Helensburgh Thistle at JJ Kelly Park, kick off 3 pm

This clash comes 11 days after Coniston beat Helensburgh 3-2 in the Bert Bampton Cup. The win came at a cost for Coniston with their number 1, Alex Makin sustaining an injury ruling him out for a number of weeks.

Coniston managed to secure the emergency signing of Jorge Alarcon, the brother of coach Willy Alarcon. Jorge was also a key figure in Coniston's Community League title win in 2016. Despite this, Coniston shipped 2 goals against an unfancied Kiama side but they still walked away with a 3-2 victory.

Helensburgh put in a spirited performance against Coniston in the aforementioned cup match however they were blown off the park by a determined Fernhill outfit three days later. The 5-0 defeat looms large over this fixture with Coniston possessing a similar level of quality to the Foxes.

Prediction - Coniston

Kiama Quarriers vs Balgownie Rangers at Kiama Sporting Complex, kick off 3 pm

Despite an underwhelming preseason, Kiama kicked off their season with a credible 2-3 defeat at home to title contenders Coniston. Kiama will hope this strong performance can turn into points when that host Balgownie who also lost to Coniston in round 1.

The Rangers round 2 match with Wests Illawarra was washed out. On their day, they have the players to trouble any side, the main concern will be the lengthy two week turnaround.

Prediction - Draw



Fernhill Foxes vs Oak Flats Falcons at Ray Robinson Field

After having their opening round match washed out, Fernhill started their campaign with a comprehensive 5-0 win over Helensburgh. The all round performance highlighting why many have tipped them as favourites for the title.

The Falcons recorded to impressive wins in their opening league and cup matches but they let a two goal lead slip with 15 minutes to go against Warilla. The physical Joshua DeGouveia and his link up with wingers Jay Mason and Michael Wilson will be key if they are to get a result here.

Prediction - Fernhill

Sunday 9th of March

University FC vs Wests Illawarra at Unaderra Oval, kick off 3 pm

University's round 2 match against Bellambi was washed out. It will be interesting to see how the long turnaround is dealt with by Brod Crighton's team. This game has been reversed and is nowplayed at Unanderra Oval.

Wests round 2 match against Balgownie was also washed out, denying them of the chance to win three games in a week. Wests only league game was an 8-1 smashing of Bellambi and given the Students' leaky defence, Wests' boss, Arthur Kinnas should be pushing for a solid win.

Prediction - Wests

Report by Dylan Arvela.