PeopleCare District League Round 6 Preview

Saturday 27 April

Balgownie Rangers vs Unanderra Hearts @ Judy Masters Oval

Balgownie picked up their second win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Shell Cove which sees them jump just one point outside the top five. They also went down 4-3 to Kiama in the Bert Bampton Cup on Monday, a team who they also beat a few weeks’ prior. The Rangers had taken four points away from the Hearts last season but may struggle to grab the maximum in this clash.

Unanderra are still impressing with their undefeated start following their 3-2 win against University on Good Friday. The Hearts currently sit in second spot on 13 points, just two points off top placed Bellambi, something that may not have been believed at the start of season. They are still defying expectations leading into this match.

Balgownie may struggle against this impressive Unanderra outfit which should see the visitors leave with all three points.

Prediction: Unanderra

 

Oak Flats Falcons vs Bellambi FC @ Keith Bond Oval

The Falcons suffered a heartbreaking last minute loss to Helensburgh last Friday. They then backed this up with a loss to Warilla on Monday in the Bampton Cup. There will still be plenty of positives coming out of both fixtures, as they held the lead right up to the 75^th minute and went down in penalties to the Wanderers. Despite their first loss of the season, Oak Flats are still planted five points inside the top five.

Bellambi are continuing their perfect start in 2019, including an 11 goal smashing of Kiama. Ex-Socceroos player, Scott Chipperfield also netting his first of the season, coming off the bench for the Rosellas. The big win moves their goal difference to +21 after just 5 games, while only conceding one goal in the process. A successful cup win against Shell Cove also sees the Rosellas go into this game in fine form.

With Bellambi flying high at the top of the table and Oak Flats sitting in third, this encounter could shape up to be a big one.

Prediction: Bellambi

 

Kiama Quarriers FC vs Shell Cove FC @ Kiama Sporting Complex

Kiama will be looking to leave last week behind them, after their 11-0 drubbing from Bellambi. The Quarriers have now had a string of four losses in a row and have conceded the league’s most of 26 goals. Although there may be some positive signs going into this one, coming off a 4-3 cup win over Balgownie on Monday.

Shell Cove couldn’t back up their win over University with another at home to Balgownie, going down 2-0. Like their opponents, the Cove suffered a big loss at the hands of Bellambi in a cup tie on Monday. They still sit just two points off the bottom, following a Berkeley draw, and will be determined in grabbing their second win to lift them away from the bottom.

Both sides needing a win here, and coming off losses last round, it may be hard to find a winner.

Prediction: Draw

 

Warilla Wanderers vs Helensburgh Thistle FC @ King Mickey Park

The Wanderers are another team coming off a double header last weekend. They had to settle for a one-all draw with Berkeley in the league on Friday but stood out in a penalty shootout win against Oak Flats on the cup on Monday, which they won 7-6. Still yet to find their full potential so far this season, the uplifting result from Monday could drive the Wanderers to an upset against the Thistle.

Helensburgh are another side sitting in the top group of the ladder after the first five rounds. They have picked up 12 points from a possible 15 and gave Oak Flats their first loss of the season courtesy of a Luke Van Zyl brace at Rex Jackson park last Friday. There will many high expectations to take the three points in this one, as they are also coming off a 2-0 cup win over Picton.

Both sides won at each of their homes against each other last season, however, Thistle may break this trend on the back of three straight wins.

Prediction: Helensburgh

 

University FC vs Picton Rangers @ Kooloobong Oval

University were unlucky to grab point against Unanderra, coming from two goals down only to lose 3-2. The students have dropped off since their opening two wins and have now slid out of the top five to cater for their opponents this weekend. This will be an important game for them, looking to get back to winning ways.

Picton have impressed at times this season and are coming off a high after their 2-0 win over Thirroul. Although their Easter Monday cup loss to Helensburgh continues the up and down start. The Rangers are sitting on seven points so far, finding it hard to get a couple wins after one another, something that could change this round.

The students are three losses on the trot and will definitely be eyeing out a win at home following three weeks away, but with a Picton side with renewed confidence, it may be hard to accomplish.

Prediction: Picton

 

Thirroul Thunder FC vs Berkeley Sports FC @ Thomas Gibson Park

The Thunder are another side yet to find top gear. The side is known for finishing high in the table, and only time will tell to see when that is. They went down to Picton last Friday in a game that could have pushed them as high as fifth. A win here could see them move up a couple spots closer to that top five.

Berkeley’s draw with Warilla was their first point of the campaign. Still sitting at the foot of the table, there is a potential for a win against an inconsistent Thirroul side, but may have to be at their absolute best if they wish to do so.

The last meeting between the two was a shock 1-0 win to the Goats, but on this occasion, it may not be such a similar result.

Prediction: Thirroul

 

Preview by Nathan Turner, on Twitter @nathanturner23_

File Photo: Noel Wynn