PeopleCare District League Round 16 Preview

Balgownie Rangers vs Shell Cove FC @ Judy Masters Oval

The Rangers almost grabbed points off top side Bellambi as they only fell to the Rosellas, 1-0 at Elizabeth Park on Saturday. They now trail 8^th spot by three points following Picton’s win over Warilla and should they win this weekend, can move six points away from Shell Cove in 10^th. But returning home to Judy Masters this weekend may not be the best sign for them as they have now gone ten league games without a win at home. They’ve picked up three draws in this time and the last three points they grabbed in Balgownie was with a 5-1 win over University back in round 15 last year.

For Shell Cove, some positive signs would come out of their game last weekend against University having led for about a third of the match before conceding in the final stages. Nikola Rusic scored a goal of the season contender with his goal midway through the first half as he took his tally up to four this season- the most at the club. With a win here they could draw level with their opponents, only to be behind on goal difference.

With both sides coming off narrow losses against top five teams last round, this 10^th vs 11^th clash could be a tight encounter. But the Rangers may be too strong and determined to break this hoodoo of winless games at home.

Prediction: Balgownie

 

Kiama Quarriers FC vs Bellambi FC @ Kiama Sporting Complex

Kiama slumped to their fifth defeat in six games last round when they lost to Oak Flats, 3-1. It doesn’t get any easier for them either as they host top of the table Bellambi who handed them an 11-0 drubbing at Elizabeth Park in round five. A bit of positive signs is that they’ve picked up all three wins at home this season- which may be some hope for the Quarriers in this one.

Bellambi picked up a narrow 1-0 win over Balgownie last week and continue their unbeaten run to 15 this season. With just seven games to go, all eyes will be on Andrew Paine’s men as they look to snatch the inaugural unbeaten campaign. Which is something that can definitely be on the cards when they face Kiama. Although their last meeting at the ground came this time last year- where it finished one-all.

Based on this year’s form, it should be nothing other than a Bellambi win in this game.

Prediction: Bellambi

 

University FC vs Unanderra Hearts @ Kooloobong Oval

The students left it late last week as they snatched all three points off a determined Shell Cove outfit when they scored a 90^th minute winner courtesy of substitute, Nelson McLeod. It was an important win for them too as the Unanderra loss to Thirroul saw them close the gap between their opponents to just three points and could jump them on goal difference should they win against them this weekend. University average 3.3 goals a game at Kooloobong, something Jake Howard’s men will be relying on in this one.

As for the Hearts, they were unlucky to get a point over the Thunder when they missed handful of chances in the first half at Unanderra Oval on Saturday. The win could have seen them stay six points ahead of the students but will now look to go back to that margin this weekend. The game against the Thunder was just the second time this season that Unanderra failed to find the net, previously being against Bellambi at home, something that could work in their favour in this one.

An interesting and close 4^th vs 5^th encounter that could go either way. But, at home and with finals to play for, University will be more determined to get the win.

Prediction: University

 

Oak Flats Falcons vs Helensburgh Thistle FC

After six wins on the trot, the Falcons now shape up to a team above them on the ladder. Oak Flats (3^rd, +28 GD) and Helensburgh (2^nd, +47 GD) last met in round five when a late Luke van Zyl goal broke the Falcons’ five game winning run- something that they are wish to avenge at home this time round. This crucial clash could be the difference for placings come seasons end. If Oak Flats win they push three points ahead of the Thistle and into second.

Helensburgh recorded back to back wins when they cruised past bottom-placed Berkeley, 4-0 at Rex Jackson Park. The last three games between the two sides have ended in a draw, Oak Flats win and then a Thistle win- a very even match-up that could go either way. The Burgh will be hoping to rely on their outstanding goal-scoring record this season, having scored 64- which is already 14 more than what they achieved in the whole of last campaign.

Easily being match of the round, this contest could go either way- but based on form and previous results, Oak Flats may be too strong for the Thistle.

Prediction: Oak Flats

 

Warilla Wanderers vs Berkeley Sports FC @ King Mickey Park

Warilla dropped down to eighth following their 3-2 loss with Picton. This now means the Wanderers haven’t won a game in four outings with their last coming against Kiama in round 11. There is definitely potential to bounce back with a win over Berkeley with the Goats poor run of recent results but will need to be careful after their last two meetings have ended in draws.

Berkeley fell to their 13^th loss of the season after a 4-0 loss to Helensburgh. They’ve been held scoreless in six of their last seven games which just shows how rare it is for them to grab three points. Although, one of their draws this season (out of two), was actually to the Wanderers when they snatched a 1-all draw at Berkeley Sports and Social Club in round five. With Warilla having the next lowest goals scored this year, this may be the Goats’ chance of a win.

Despite their last meeting, Warilla may prove they can get back to winning ways over Berkeley.

Prediction: Warilla

 

Thirroul Thunder FC vs Picton Rangers @ Thomas Gibson Park

The Thunder picked up their third win in four games courtesy of a second-half goal to give them a 1-0 victory over Unanderra at Unanderra Oval. With a win over Picton, they have the chance to narrow the gap between them and University to just one point should the students go down to the Hearts. Thirroul have kept a clean sheet in the last three weeks- including over both Bellambi and Unanderra- something that may help them get the edge over the Rangers in this one.

As for Picton, their 3-2 win over Warilla saw them jump the Wanderers into seventh- taking up the top spot of the bottom half of the table. A win over the Thunder this weekend would see them cut their four-point deficit to just one with six games to the students in fifth who they also play in round 17, setting up an interesting finals run for all three sides. The Rangers will hope their attacking flare can help them in this one- with the side scoring on 10 occasions in the last four games.

With their seasons on the line, both sides will come out firing but Thirroul have it all to play for and will scrape through in a game that could be decided on a solitary goal.

Prediction: Thirroul

Preview by Nathan Turner, on Twitter @nathanturner23_