PeopleCare District League- Round 4 Preview

Saturday 13 April

Shell Cove FC vs University FC @ Barrack Heights Sports Field

Shell Cove couldn’t back up their 5-0 win over Unanderra in the Bampton Cup mid last-week, going down to Thirroul, 2-0. They still sit bottom of the table yet to pick up a point this season.

University top the competition in goals scored despite going down to a dominant Bellambi outfit, 2-0 last weekend. The surprise underdogs thus far and will wish to continue their positive start with a win at Shell Cove.

Shell Cove will come out firing still looking for their first points but with the students forfeiting their midweek FFA Cup game, all eyes will be focused on this fixture.

Prediction: University

 

Berkeley Sports FC vs Helensburgh Thistle FC @ Berkeley Sports and Social Club

Berkeley are the only other team yet to pick up points this season and are coming off a double header on the weekend. A 3-0 loss to the Falcons on Saturday was followed by a 3-1 cup defeat at the hands to Kiama.

Helensburgh are coming off a tight 2-1 away win at Picton. The Thistle were picked as one of the teams to beat this year and will be looking to do a repeat from last year where they beat Berkeley on both occasions.

It may be a tough one for the Goats, especially backing up from two games on the weekend, and with Helensburgh looking to achieve great things in 2019, it may result in a high scoring affair.

Prediction: Helensburgh

 

Balgownie Rangers vs Bellambi FC @ Judy Masters Oval

Balgownie picked up their first win of the season in round three, beating Kiama, 3-2. With a few mixed results already, the Rangers will be hoping for a solid run of results in weeks to come.

Bellambi have continued to show their dominance in the district league so far. Coming off their top of the table win against the students, the Rosellas sit in third on goal difference, still yet to drop any points.

Balgownie have scored six goals in their past two games but coming up against the best defensive team in the competition in Bellambi, they may struggle to find the net.

Prediction: Bellambi

 

Kiama Quarriers FC vs Oak Flats Falcons @ Kiama Sporting Complex

The Quarriers were the only other team to play twice last weekend after their cup win over the Goats on Sunday. This could spark a confidence boost going into this weekend after their league loss to Balgownie on Saturday.

Oak Flats currently sit top of the table after their first three impressive performances this year. The Falcons are three from three after accounting for Berkeley, 3-0 away from home. Morale is high and they will definitely be pushing for a top five finish at seasons end.

The in-form Falcons side will be eager to make it four from four which should be enough to take out Kiama at the Quarry it what could be a high-scoring affair between the sides.

Prediction: Oak Flats

 

Warilla Wanderers vs Picton Rangers @ King Mickey Park

The Wanderers have struggled to score goals this season with their only one coming against Shell Cove in round two. Their 3-0 loss to Unanderra shows worry signs if they don’t start getting results in the next few games.

Picton showed a determined performance last round despite going down to Helensburgh. Currently sitting mid-table with an even for and against, the Rangers will be looking to make a name for themselves since coming back to the district league.

A relatively close encounter at stake here with a lot on the lines for both teams, Picton will be sure of making amends of that tight loss to Helensburgh which should help them drive to a win.

Prediction: Picton

 

Thirroul Thunder FC vs Unanderra Hearts @ Thomas Gibson Park

Thirroul are yet to show their full potential so far this season, a poor second half performance was outweighed by their first following their 2-0 win over Shell Cove. A double to young-gun Josh Bond will show plenty of positive signs going into this fixture.

The Hearts are another surprise package in 2019, beating Helensburgh in round two and backing it up with a 3-0 win over Warilla. Whilst finishing in the regulation spot last year, they have already picked up more than half the points to what they achieved last campaign.

The Thunder still show room for improvement and it may be hard to match an in-form Unanderra side with a few of their new signings getting on the scoresheet already this season.

Prediction: Unanderra

 

Preview by Nathan Turner, on Twitter @nathanturner23_