Round 20 Preview

Shell Cove FC vs Unanderra Hearts @ Barrack Heights Sports Field

The Cove pulled one of the upsets of the season when they defeated third-placed Oak Flats at home last round. Marco Bubanja was the hero when his strike helped them to an impressive 1-0 win which brings them level on points with both Balgownie and Warilla in a tied 8^th spot. It was their fourth clean-sheet of the season, despite conceding the third most amount of goals this campaign (46).

Unanderra on the other hand were on the end of a 1-0 defeat when they fell to top-placed Bellambi last weekend. The Hearts thought they had a point against the Rosellas but were denied they conceded in the 87^th minute. Although, that was their first loss in three games and will definitely be eager on securing finals football should they beat the Cove this weekend.

With both teams putting up inspiring performances last round, this encounter could go either way but with the Hearts’ hopes of a third-place finish in the balance, it could help them drive to the win here.

Prediction: Unanderra

 

Balgownie Rangers vs Helensburgh Thistle FC @ Judy Masters Oval

The Rangers picked up their first win in just under two months last weekend when they accounted for Berkeley, 1-0. It was a crucial three-points too as the Warilla loss and Shell Cove win mean the three sides all become level on points with the Rangers edging in front with a better goal differential. They picked up just their second clean-sheet of the season but their defence will no doubt have to be at their best against the Thistle who put six past them in the reverse fixture.

As for the Burgh, their 2-0 win over University was enough to keep their titles hopes alive for yet another week. They still trail the Rosellas by six points who they play in round in round 22. First-half goals to Cody Cuthbertson and young-gun Kade Kinsella secured the win at home. Kinsella may be the key to their attack going into this one with the midfielder picking up six goals in his last four outings- an impressive statistic for someone playing youth-grade a few weeks back.

But with such good form going into this one it shouldn’t be anything other than a Thistle win.

Prediction: Helensburgh

 

Kiama Quarriers FC vs Berkeley Sports FC @ Kiama Sporting Complex

The Quarriers suffered their fourth straight defeat last round with a 2-0 loss to Picton- their last three points came against their opponents this weekend when they won 3-0 at Berkeley Sports and Social Club back in round nine. They still sit in 11^th place on the ladder, now six points behind Shell Cove who are in 10^th and eight points ahead of Berkeley. The Quarriers still have a chance of finishing bottom but a win this weekend will guarantee safety for this season. Kiama’s attack in recent weeks may be what they need to look at to help them in this one with the Quarriers picking up seven goals in their last five games.

Berkeley are on a big winless run of their own - with their last three points coming against Kiama back in round 20 last season – which may be a bit of positive aspirations when they take on the Quarriers this weekend. They were narrowly defeated by Balgownie last weekend and will be determined in picking up a well-needed win in this one. Also, the Goats’ defence has improved in the last two weeks, as they have only conceded three goals in these games – the equal best for any two games this season.

This game will no doubt turn into a fiery encounter, with both teams’ eager to get off their winless runs. But, the Goats should win at least one this season, and this may just be the game to do so.

Prediction: Berkeley

 

Bellambi FC vs Picton Rangers FC @ Elizabeth Park

The Rosellas picked up an important late win over Unanderra when Ben Ellul scored late to ensure his team kept the six-point buffer over Helensburgh who got the three points over University. Although, it may not be getting any easier for Andrew Paine’s men as they have only won their last four games by one goal, it’s either an indication that the Rosellas are falling off a little bit or the competition is stepping up. But with just four games remaining, Bellambi only play one of the other top five sides, setting up a spectacular finish to an already amazing season.

For the Bushpigs, they move just two points outside the top five following their win over Kiama at Hume Oval last round. They’ve now picked up wins in their last four games, going from 14 to 26 points – and pushing 10 points clear of eighth spot. The next fixtures may be on their side too, with Thirroul needing to play both them and University, it may work in their favour come finals time. But they also play Unanderra and Shell Cove on their run home, making every game matter.

Despite Picton’s great run of form, Bellambi will continue their drive and desire right down to the final game of the season to make it a perfect campaign.

Prediction: Bellambi

 

Oak Flats Falcons vs Thirroul Thunder FC @ Keith Bond Oval

The Falcons suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Shell Cove last weekend, crushing any small hopes of a first place finish as they now have dropped down to 10 points behind the Rosellas. Now, they are in danger of dropping down to fourth as they are only three points ahead of Unanderra – but still have a game in hand over the Hearts. Although, despite where they finish this campaign, they are already 12 points ahead of the seasons total last year, a significant jump from a team that finished fifth to a team now in third.

Thirroul came from behind to slip past Warilla last round when they surged to a 2-1 victory at King Mickey Park. This continues their unbeaten run out to seven games, with their last loss coming back in round 11 to Balgownie. The Thunder have now become level on points with University following their win but will need to be at their best if they wish to beat this Oak Flats coming off a disappointing loss to the Cove.

An even yet crucial game for both sides on the line here but Oak Flats may prove that little bit stronger and should break Thirroul’s good run of form.

Prediction: Oak Flats

 

University FC vs Warilla Wanderers @ Kooloobong Oval

The students dug deep to put in a solid effort against the Thistle but in the end fell out to two early goals. Their finals hopes are standing on thin-ice as both Thirroul and Picton are right on their trails sitting behind them on goal difference and two points respectively. The last time they played Warilla they ran out 3-1 winners with three second-half goals, something that will be a confidence booster when they take them on at home.

As for the Wanderers, they blew a 1-0 lead to go down to Thirroul at home last weekend which pushes their winless streak out to seven games – with the last four ending in losses. In recent weeks they have conceded a total of 11 goals – the worst out of any four games this season. If they wish to push to beat the students, they may need to tighten things up at the back.

With three games to go and their season on the line, University may just pull through to beat the Wanderers in a close encounter.

Prediction: University

 

Preview by Nathan Turner, on Twitter @nathanturner23_