PeopleCare District League Round 15 Preview

Oak Flats Falcons vs Kiama Quarriers FC @ Keith Bond Oval

The Falcons have been flying in recent weeks, picking up 15 points from a possible 15. Their 5-0 win over Berkeley was their 11^th win of the campaign, allowing them to continue the pressure on Bellambi and Helensburgh at the top of the table. Both Daniel Munilla and Justin Potter picked up a goal against the Goats as they help lead the Falcons frontline with eight and seven goals respectively.

Whereas for Kiama, they picked up their first point in five weeks when they snatched a late draw at the hands of Balgownie last Sunday. The Quarriers led early on against the Rangers but were unable to hold the lead for long when they conceded two in five minutes. The lead could spark some positive signs for Kiama going into this one but will need to tighten up their defensive third should they wish to have a chance at the Falcons.

Five wins in the last five should see Oak Flats ride their form to another victory in this one.

Prediction: Oak Flats

 

Picton Rangers vs Warilla Wanderers @ Hume Oval

The Bushpigs were unable to claim consecutive wins when they fell to an onslaught of Thistle attack to go down 6-2 at Rex Jackson Park. Although they are back at home this week, where they are not shy in finding the net as they have done on every occasion this season. They’ll be hoping that top scorer Benjamin Baxter can find some form again and help the Bushpigs continue their strong attacking form at Hume Oval.

The Wanderers picked up an important and impressive point over Unanderra last week when they held them to a 1-all draw at King Mickey Park. On the end of back-to-back draws, Warilla will be determined to break their habit of sharing the points with other teams- something they’ve done on four occasions this season- which is the equal most to any other team.

This match will be a crucial one for both sides because if Picton win, they will jump the Wanderers to go into seventh but if it’s a Warilla win, they move five points clear of their opponents. This game could go either way and may result in an even, low scoring contest.

Prediction: Draw

 

Helensburgh Thistle FC vs Berkeley Sports FC @ Rex Jackson Oval

The Thistle got back to winning ways last week and continue putting the pressure on Bellambi at the top of the table. The 6-2 win over Picton still sees them planted in second, four points behind the Rosellas. But a positive result with a big margin now sees Helensburgh narrow their goal difference to just two behind Bellambi. Brad Boardman’s men will hope this helps them towards the end of the season should the competition be decided on for and against.

The Goats’ horror season continues as they are still on the hunt for their first win. This clash is their fourth game in a row on the road and it’s still another two weeks before they return to Berkeley Sports and Social Club where they’ve picked up both their points this season.

The last time the two teams met was a 4-1 win to the Thistle, and unless Berkeley perform better than their best, it should see the Thistle with another win here.

Prediction: Helensburgh

 

Bellambi FC vs Balgownie Rangers @ Elizabeth Park

The Rosellas are back at home following their 4-0 win over other top five side, University. Bellambi took their time to get into second gear against the Students but finished off strongly scoring all four in the final 35 minutes. Scott Chipperfield took a rare spot in the starting 11 and impressed with a goal from 20 yards out, something that Andrew Paine will need to consider when picking the team in this one.

Whereas for the Rangers, they will be disappointed that they let three points slip through their grasp against Kiama last week. This didn’t effect where they are on the table as they still sit three points adrift of Shell Cove and Kiama in 10^th and 11^th. Abdullah Chhipa will be the Rangers go-to man in this one as the former University player picked up a brace against Kiama- doubling his overall tally to four this campaign.

The Rosellas look like strong contenders to all but continue their unbeaten streak.

Prediction: Bellambi

 

University FC vs Shell Cove FC @ Kooloobong Oval

The Students will be looking to leave last week’s 4-0 loss to Bellambi behind them when they seek revenge against Shell Cove who beat them back in round four. The gap between them and Thirroul was cut from seven points to four following the Thunders’ win over their opponents this weekend. The Students have picked up seven wins from a possible nine against teams below them on the table, something that is crucial for top teams looking to play finals football come seasons end.

Shell Cove will be confident they can get a result in this one with history on their side. They have beaten the Students on the last three occasions including two 4-0 wins last campaign. They’ll be disappointed with their finish to last week’s game against Thirroul as they were even up until the 70^th minute before the Thunders strong surge home to a 3-0 win.

With Shell Cove’s history against the students, there still is a fair reason not to write them off, however, this may be University’s crucial chance to continue their run into the finals.

Prediction: University

 

Unanderra Hearts vs Thirroul Thunder FC @ Unanderra Oval

The Hearts added another point to their overall tally this season with a one-all draw with the Wanderers. Unanderra have had a handful of close clashes so far as eight of their 14 games have ended either level or been separated by a solitary goal. This was the case last time they played the Thunder with they drew 2-2 at Thomas Gibson Park in round four. Mark Picciolini got back on the scoresheet last weekend and has already scored nine goals in seven games for the Hearts this season.

The Thunder left it late to grab three points with a 3-0 win over Shell Cove- which is the most goals they’ve scored in game in 2019. Robert Gyngell pushed his goal scorers tally up to five- the equal most in the club, along with Angus Nicol- both players offering plenty of serious threats up top and in the midfield.

An interesting match-up with both sides looking for a crucial win. With the Thunder still looking to keep the pressure on University in fifth, it may spark a bit of an upset.

Prediction: Thirroul

 

Preview by Nathan Turner, on Twitter @nathanturner23_

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