Round 16 Catch-Up Preview

*University FC vs Unanderra Hearts: This round fixture was played on 24 July and finished 2-0 to Unanderra.

 

Oak Flats Falcons vs Helensburgh Thistle FC @ Keith Bond Oval

The Falcons suffered another surprising loss last round when they went down to Thirroul, 2-1 at home. This marks back-to-back losses to teams below them on the table and their second loss to the Thunder this year. They have now lost three of their last four which doubles their overall tally of losses – which is now five. This week isn’t any better either, as they take on the team that gave them one of those losses back in round five. A win here could see them move three points above Unanderra into third – giving them them a second chance come finals.

For Helensburgh, they missed the chance to close the gap on Bellambi to four points as they succumbed to a one-all draw with Balgownie away from home. They still sit six points away from top spot with three games to play and will need to be at their best when they take on this Falcons side who are looking to nab third spot on the ladder. The Burgh failed to find the net more than once against the Rangers – something they’ve only done on three other occasions in 2019.

Despite the Falcons’ desire for a third placed finish, their recent form may be their downfall when they take on such a dominant Helensburgh outfit looking to continue their devastating attacking form.

Prediction: Helensburgh

 

Warilla Wanderers vs Berkeley Sports FC @ King Mickey Park

The Wanderers slumped to a fifth straight defeat when they went down to University 4-0 at Kooloobong Oval last weekend. It was a very poor start for Warilla when they conceded all four goals inside the first 45 minutes but improved in the second half, keeping it scoreless. Despite an improved second-half performance, they have now conceded 15 goals in their last five games – an average of three goals per game.

It’s a fairly similar scenario for the Goats, with their 5-0 loss to Kiama taking them up to 17 losses this season, making it mathematically impossible to finish higher than the relegation spot. With just three games to go in the competition, it’s now or never for Berkeley as they still search for their first three points – something that could be achievable this weekend when they take on the Wanderers outfit who have lost five on the trot.

Although the Goats have nothing to lose, the Wanderers would definitely want to finish the season on a high and may prove that little bit stronger.

Prediction: Warilla

 

Balgownie Rangers vs Shell Cove FC @ Judy Masters Oval

The Rangers picked up a huge result last round out when they took away a one-all draw with Helensburgh at home. Zac Craw scored their only goal on the day as he took his overall tally out to four for the campaign – including two in his last two outings. A solid performance against a top side could just be the spark the Rangers need in finishing their season with a couple more wins – with games against Shell Cove and Warilla still yet to come.

As for the Cove, they’ve been the resurgent and surprise outfit in the last couple of weeks. First, a tight loss to Bellambi was followed by a win against Oak Flats. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t snatch a point against another top five side when they went down to Unanderra 2-1, at home. A win here could see them jump above both Warilla and Balgownie into eighth spot with just two games to go.

With both teams virtually done for the season, all eyes will be on their highest possible finish – in this case, eighth spot. With both teams finding some rare-form, it could pose for an interesting and close encounter that could spin either way.

Prediction: Shell Cove

 

Kiama Quarriers vs Bellambi FC @ Kiama Sporting Complex

The Quarriers picked up their first win in just under three months last weekend when they beat the same team on both occasions in Berkeley. Kiama ran out to a 5-0 win with top goal-scorer for the club, Shinya Yamanaka picking up a hat-trick to take his tally out to eight this season. The win confirms the club will be sticking in the District League as they pushed 11 points away from 12^th placed Berkeley.

Bellambi were held to a one-all draw in their final stretch towards their premiership and missed the chance to all but seal it after Helensburgh’s draw with Balgownie. The Rosellas couldn’t break the tight Bushpigs backline as they ended level at home last weekend. Ben Ellul continued his fine-form since becoming a regular to the starting 11 as he picked up his 11^th goal in the league, including his second in as many games. There is no doubt that he is the one to watch in this one.

With one hand practically on the trophy, it shouldn’t be anything other than a Bellambi win here.

Prediction: Bellambi

 

Thirroul Thunder FC vs Picton Rangers @ Thomas Gibson Park

In one of the games of the round, Thirroul will want to continue their impressive run of unbeaten games which they just extended out to eight following a 2-1 win over Oak Flats. Lachlan Dunn and Daniel Arthur put their names on the scoresheets for the first and second time this season as the Thunder continue to build the pressure on fifth placed University. And with the students having already played this fixture and lost, this is the chance the Thunder have to jump them and sit in a finals spot for the first time this season.

The Bushpigs are on an unbeaten run of their own when they continued their streak into five games with their one-all draw with Bellambi – following four wins in a row. They sit just four points outside the top five and a win this weekend could really liven things up around the playoffs spot as they will push just one point outside it – behind both Thirroul and University. Picton will be looking at their fine attacking form to help them in this one as they have scored 13 goals in their last five games.

A tough one to decide on as both teams offering plenty of qualities towards a win. With the power to end Picton’s campaign, the Thunder may come out just that little bit stronger and continue their streak into nine games.

Prediction: Thirroul

 

Preview by Nathan Turner, on Twitter @nathanturner23_