Saturday 11 May

Bellambi Rosellas vs Unanderra Hearts @ Elizabeth Park - 3 pm

This game features the last two unbeaten sides in the division with just two points separating them going into this weekend’s matchup. Bellambi currently sit top of the division with just two points dropped so far.

Unanderra will have a tough time shutting out a Rosella's attack which has scored 31 goals so far this season, with the Hearts holding the worst defensive record of any side in the top five - conceding 12 goals over the first seven rounds. However, Unanderra have had a fantastic start to the season and already have three more points than they gained in the entirety of the last campaign.

Unanderra showed great character last round to stage a late comeback against Kiama, with a brace to new signing Mark Picciolini helping the Hearts to a 3-2 win. Picciolini was in rare form when he last faced the Rosellas in the preliminary final of last season’s District League, picking up a double for former club Coniston to help them progress to the grand final. The Hearts will be hoping that he can continue to make an impact against Bellambi and potentially push Unanderra into top spot with a victory over Andrew Paine's men.

Another factor to consider is that Bellambi back up their District League commitments on Saturday with a Bert Bampton Cup round of 16 fixture against Wollongong United on Sunday. This another dilemma for Andrew Paine to deal with, having to manage his squad across a difficult weekend of fixtures. This is something the Hearts do not have to worry about as they were knocked out in round one by Shell Cove.

This is a tough one to call but Bellambi’s 100 per cent record at home and free goal scoring attack suggest the Rosellas will stay at the top of the division for another week.

Prediction - Bellambi

 

Kiama Quarriers vs Picton Rangers @ Kiama Sporting Complex - 3 pm

Kiama have had a strange start to the season, showing the occasional glimpse of quality that could see them rise higher than their current 9th place position suggests. This was showcased in their most recent loss, against Unanderra. Finding themselves leading 2-1 with just a minute of regular time to play.

However, inconsistency and defensive lapses mean the Quarriers are unable to progress up the ladder. Their opponents this weekend Picton have also had a mixed start to season winning just two games so far.

Picton will be hoping to take advantage of Kiama's leaky defence - with the Quarriers having conceded 30 goals to date this campaign. But, Kiama's two wins this season have come at the Kiama Sporting Complex, including their 2-0 victory over Thirroul which has been the Quarriers' only clean sheet this season.

With a win, Kiama could go above their opponents and potentially into sixth place if other results go their way. This will be a hotly contested affair with a stalemate being the most likely result.

Prediction - Draw

 

Oak Flats Falcons vs Shell Cove @ Keith Bond Oval - 3 pm

Oak Flats have dropped just four points so far this campaign and have conceded the second fewest goals in the league at seven. This majorly contrasts the form of Shell Cove who sit second from bottom with only one win so far this season. Shell Cove most recently were defeated 7-1 by topside Bellambi.

Oak Flats have shown great attacking impetus scoring on average three goals a game and will be relishing going up against a defensive line which is conceding on average 3.3 goals per game. This coupled with Shell Cove’s struggles in front of goal with just five goals this season, suggests another difficult weekend for Rob Mihajlov’s men.

Oak Flats will be looking to make it back to back wins against a goal-shy Shell Cove.

Prediction - Oak Flats

 

University of Wollongong vs Helensburgh Thistle @ Kooloobong Oval - 3 pm

Both of these sides sit inside the top five with the Thistle sitting six points above the Students and only one point behind Bellambi at the top of the league. Both teams picked up wins in round seven. Helensburgh with a 5-2 win against Thirroul and the Students with a 4-1 victory at Berkeley.

With Bellambi and Unanderra going head to head, it provides an opportunity for both sides playing at Kooloobong Oval to gain points on the sides around them providing great motivation to go all out for the three points.

This will be a very tight match, but the Thistle will be gunning to keep the pressure on the top spot.

Prediction - Helensburgh

 

Thirroul Thunder vs Warilla Wanderers @ Thomas Gibson Park - 3 pm

It's been a season of growing pains so far for Warilla, with the Wanderers struggling to fully adjust to the departure of the majority of last season's squad including coach Barney King who inspired them to multiple grand final appearances.

The Wanderers have only found the net on three occasions this season, making them the lowest scorers. They will travel to Thirroul who have had similar problems this season having scored just nine times. The Thunder sit two points above their opponents on Saturday and will be looking to gain a valuable three points which could send them to just two points off of the top five places.

With both sides in desperate need of a win and in goal scoring trouble, it is likely that there will only be a goal in it. With Thirroul playing at home, they should be able to grab a win against a side who have gained just five points from a possible 21.

Prediction - Thirroul

 

Sunday 12 May

Berkeley Sports vs Balgownie Rangers @ Berkeley Sports and Social Club - 3 pm

Berkeley are currently at the foot of the table and are the only side in the division without a victory, with their most recent outing being a 4-1 defeat to University. They will play host to a Balgownie side who are unbeaten in their last three games.

The Rangers have had a tough start to the season, playing four of the current top five in the opening seven rounds. On paper, it looks like Balgownie will get their third win of the season on Saturday but, historically, fixtures against sides below them in the league have been a potential slip up for the Rangers.

It will be interesting to see the outcome of this game. Balgownie should have the quality to take all three points against a winless Berkeley side.

Prediction - Balgownie

 

Preview by Timothy Gibson, on Twitter @Timg123_

 File Photo