Round 21 Preview

Berkeley Sports FC vs Bellambi FC @ Berkeley Sports and Social Club

The Goats came agonisingly close to grabbing another point for their disappointing campaign, when they fell to Warilla 2-1 away from home last weekend. Jarryd King picked up their only goal as he took his tally up to two – the equal most in the Berkeley camp. They now just have two more games to pick up their first win of the season but may need a miracle this round when they take on the team who is the complete opposite to them, with the Rosellas still undefeated in the league. This is before they travel to Shell Cove for round 22.

Bellambi need just one point in this encounter to be crowned District League champions, putting it beyond the reach of Helensburgh in the last game of the season. They comfortably won their catch-up last Saturday with a 5-0 win over Kiama – with five different goal scorers finding the net on the day. Compared to last year, Bellambi have equalled their overall points tally with two games to play. With Coniston finishing on 58 in 2018, they have the chance to beat that total if they pick up maximum points in the next two weeks, capping off a stellar campaign.

It’s a first vs last place game and undoubtedly should be a Bellambi win to give them the title with one game to play.

Prediction: Bellambi

 

Warilla Wanderers vs Balgownie Rangers @ King Mickey Park

The Wanderers picked up their first three points since round 11 last weekend when they accounted for Berkeley, 2-1. Captain, Martin Castelli led them to the victory when he picked up his first goal this season to help them push back up into eighth spot on the ladder. A win here would see them secure that position at seasons end should Shell Cove fall to Picton, with the Wanderers having the chance to finish on a total of 25 points. But a loss could see them drop below the Rangers into ninth.

Balgownie picked up their second draw in as many weeks when they settled for a point with Shell Cove. Abdullah Chhipa scored the only goal for them as he took his tally up to four for the season. Despite their attacking qualities, the Rangers have been strong in defence in recent weeks. With the team conceding one goal on average in their last three outings – the best of any three games they’ve played this season. Last time against the Wanderers, they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at King Mickey Park back in round 10.

If the Rangers can continue to keep it tight at the back, they should be able to keep this Warilla side at bay this time round.

Prediction: Balgownie

 

Thirroul Thunder FC vs University FC @ Thomas Gibson Park

In perhaps one of the games of the round, the Thunder will be looking to leave the massive defeat to Picton behind them as they missed the chance to jump into the top five when they lost 5-0 at home last Saturday. A disappointing result for the Thunder as they now have to win this one should they wish to play finals football. A win is a must because if they fail to get past the students, they would all but certainly be out of finals contention due to their poor goal differential.

The students will be eager to comeback after the week off as they played their catch-up round game against Unanderra a few weeks prior. They were given a huge boast when Picton beat Thirroul and now have the chance to all but secure their fifth spot on the ladder. A win could see them push three points ahead of Thirroul and four points ahead of Picton should the Bushpigs go down to Shell Cove. But a loss could see them drop as low as sixth and potentially make it a mountain climb to get back into the five on the last day of the season.

It was a poor way to end an eight-game undefeated run and it may just be the perfect time for University to push past the Thunder and have one foot inside the finals.

Prediction: University

 

Picton Rangers vs Shell Cove FC @ Hume Oval

Picton continue their end of season surge towards the finals, picking up their fifth win in six games – going undefeated since round 14. Their impressive 5-0 win over Thirroul shows everyone that they mean business and they will not be written off. They verse both ninth and tenth spot in the next two weeks – giving them the perfect chance to sneak into the finals. A win here and a draw between University and Thirroul could see the Bushpigs jump above both teams into fifth, but a loss could potentially see them out of the hunt for finals.

Shell Cove are another team not to be written off, with some impressive results in the last month. Despite a draw with Balgownie last weekend, their narrow losses to both Unanderra and Bellambi shows the competition they can hold out games – even a win against Oak Flats in round 19 shocked everyone. But with eighth spot to be play for – the Cove may be very keen on finishing as high up the table as they can come seasons end.

Despite some positive results, the Cove may fall to the onslaught of Picton attack that will help guide them even closer to fifth spot.

Prediction: Picton

 

Helensburgh Thistle FC vs Kiama Quarriers FC @ Rex Jackson Park

Helensburgh outclassed fellow top five team Oak Flats last weekend when they won 3-1 away from home. It was three separate goal scorers finding the net in the windy conditions at Keith Bond Oval as Addison Grinham continued his season high tally which now takes him up to 20 goals in 2019. Kade Kinsella also put his name on the team sheet with the young-gun scoring his seventh goal in six games. Despite the guaranteed second placed finish, the Burgh will need to hope Berkeley pull off a miracle and beat Bellambi should they still have a chance at the title.

As for Kiama, their catch-up game didn’t end as good, going down to Bellambi 5-0 at home. They still have a chance on moving up a spot on the table in the next two weeks but will need to get a result on both occasions. Versing the two top sides in consecutive weeks isn’t what any team would like to face but should they have a chance in this one, they may need to fix up their defence- after pushing back to the worst in the competition after the drubbing from the Rosellas.

Last time the two teams met ended in a 6-0 Thistle win, something that shouldn’t be any different this time round either.

Prediction: Helensburgh

 

Unanderra Hearts vs Oak Flats Falcons @ Unanderra Oval

In another crucial clash this round, the battle for third place would all but be settled this weekend. Unanderra’s recent run of good performances has seen them win four of their last five games to move equal with Oak Flats on points in third spot – falling behind in goal difference. They enjoyed the weekend off as they beat University a few weeks’ prior, giving them a well-earned rest. A win against the Falcons would see them push into this position giving them the benefit of a second-chance in the finals series.

As for the Falcons, it’s the complete opposite in form. Four losses from their last five games has seen them blow a nine-point lead over the Hearts as they have dropped from title contenders to potentially an elimination final. Their 3-1 loss to Helensburgh sees them drift eight points behind them and could get worse this weekend should they go down to the Hearts. Kyle Hazebroek-Southgate picked up his second goal since joining the club in round 17 and will definitely be looking at his attacking qualities to help them through this one.

The battle for third is on, with the winner potentially one foot in the door of a preliminary final, giving them a second chance if they lose in the first week of finals. However, based on recent form, Unanderra should be able to come through stronger to secure the vital spot.

Prediction: Unanderra

Preview by Nathan Turner, on Twitter @nathanturner23_

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