PeopleCare District League Round 18 Preview

Bellambi FC vs Shell Cove FC @ Elizabeth Park

The Rosellas overcame the Falcons at home last week with an important 2-1 win that sees them continue their unbeaten run this campaign. They also potentially prevented the Falcons from chances at the title as now they sit seven points clear of third. First half goals to Matt Passlack and Dale White secured the win as they look down the home-stretch for the trophy.

The Cove got back to winning ways with an impressive 4-1 victory at the hands of Kiama. This now sees them push three points clear of the Quarriers in 11^th and now become equal with Balgownie. Shell Cove had four different goal scorers last weekend as they look to find some attacking form going into one of the hardest games of the season.

Last time out, Bellambi ran away as comfortable 7-1 winners and it shouldn’t be anything other than another Rosellas win this time round.

Prediction: Bellambi

 

Oak Flats Falcons vs Warilla Wanderers @ Keith Bond Oval

The Falcons undoubtedly fell out of title contention when they went down to Bellambi last weekend. Although, still mathematically possible to finish anywhere inside the top five or even out, the Falcons will be determined to finish as high as possible with some big games still to come. They take on Warilla at home who they handed a 4-0 drubbing too back in round seven and will definitely be looking at new signing, Kyle Hazebroek-Southgate for some attacking flare following his goal against Bellambi on debut last weekend.

As for Warilla, they were on the end of back-to-back 3-2 losses when they went down to Helensburgh at Rex Jackson Oval. Although, it was a better result from the last time the two teams played when they went down 4-0 at home. The Wanderers have scored five goals in the last three games – which is a third of their current overall tally for the season – so they will be hoping some recent attacking form can help them to their first win since round 11.

This game is leading up to be an interesting encounter following the team’s recent history but the Falcons may come out just that little bit stronger.

Prediction: Oak Flats

 

University FC vs Berkeley Sports FC @ Kooloobong Oval

The students have surrendered a seven-point gap down to a one-point gap after two losses in three weeks. Their shock 3-1 loss to Picton last weekend sees them standing on thin-ice as the Thunder edge closer to them with even Picton still having a shot at the last finals spot. They will be hoping their positive record over the Goats in recent games – two wins from their last three encounters – and also Berkeley’s bad run on form can help them to an important three-points.

As for the Goats, a 5-1 loss to Thirroul last Sunday continues their winless run. Jarryd King picked up their first goal since round 12 with an inch-perfect free-kick. But the captain may need a little help from his team should they try and pick up their first win of the season. Last time against University ended in a 4-1 defeat but may take some positive signs out of that game when they led for majority of the first half. They do have some chance coming into the last six games as they are still yet to verse the three teams in the three places above them on the table.

With everything on the line for the students, it may be the desire to get them over the line to a much-needed three points.

Prediction: University

 

Balgownie Rangers vs Picton Rangers @ Judy Masters Oval

Balgownie narrowly went down last weekend with a 1-0 loss to Unanderra. This continues a string of four losses from five games - all from top five teams. They return home to take on Picton who they had a one-all draw with last time out. A win here can see them push back above Shell Cove on points and above Warilla into eighth should they go down to Oak Flats.

For Picton, they picked up a huge win at home to University to keep their season alive. Benjamin Roberts was the hero with a brace as he took his overall tally to three goals this campaign. They have now picked up consecutive wins to continue their surge to the top five – which is just five points away.

With the Rangers desperate on breaking their winless run, the Bushpigs should have the desire and drive to grab another three points to keep their top five aspirations alive.

Prediction: Picton

 

Kiama Quarriers FC vs Unanderra Hearts @ Kiama Sporting Complex

The Quarriers have only picked up one point from their last seven games. Last weekend’s 4-1 loss to Shell Cove inflicted more pain on a disappointing run of results as they drop three points below them in 11^th. Being eight points clear of last place, Kiama can still mathematically finish bottom but may need to get one more win or draw in the final games to guarantee safety.

Unanderra pushed further above University in fifth when they accounted for Balgownie, 1-0 at home. The Hearts still have to verse the students in a catch-up game taking place next Wednesday night and should they win both then and this weekend, they would be almost assured fourth place come seasons end. Christian Plakias picked up the only goal in the win over the Rangers, scoring his second of the season.

Although the Quarriers will be determined to pick up a win, Unanderra will be too strong and take home the three points in this one.

Prediction: Unanderra

 

Thirroul Thunder FC vs Helensburgh Thistle FC @ Thomas Gibson Park

The Thunder picked up their fourth win from five games last weekend with the other coming in a nil-all draw with Bellambi. They were at their best last round when they put five past Berkeley with five different goal scorers in a 5-1 win. The victory continues their push for finals football as they have now closed the gap to just one point with University – who they still need to play in round 21. A win here will see them continue the pressure on the students and possibly jump them should they go down to Berkeley.

As for Helensburgh, they kept their title hopes alive with a 3-2 win over Warilla at Rex Jackson Oval last round. Kade Kinsella picked up a brace against the Wanderers as the young-gun has picked up four goals in his last two games in the top grade. The Thistle will be hoping for another win over their local rivals, following their 5-2 win back in round seven.

With both teams having it all to play for, finals football for the Thunder and the title for Helensburgh, this could shape up to a huge and interesting encounter. But with recent history on their side - including a 2-1 win in the finals series last year - Helensburgh may prove too strong in this crucial contest.

Prediction: Helensburgh

 

Preview by Nathan Turner, on Twitter @nathanturner23_

File Photo: JC Sports Photography