A full round of matches takes place on Saturday in the National Premier League with the O’Connor Derby between first -placed O’Connor Knights and third-placed Canberra Olympic headlining a quartet of fixtures that will all have massive ramifications on how the table will look come the end of Round 21.
The Knights increased their led at the top to four points last time out as Regan Walsh thrashed home a late, stoppage-time, equaliser to earn them a draw in the derby. The goal, coupled with a later defeat for the Tigers, meant O’Connor suddenly have a cushion at the summit, but not one that they can rest on.
Olympic have rediscovered some of their form in recent weeks, successive victories ending a poor run of form and suggesting they are getting back on track at the right time of the season. Both teams have secured victories earlier in the campaign, but this is potentially the biggest of the trio of meetings this term.
Tigers FC are suddenly heading in the wrong direction, a return of eight points from the last twenty-one has seen the early pace-setters stumbling somewhat, so they will be seeking a return to form when they welcome West Canberra Wanderers to Greenway Enclosed.
Everything would point to a Tigers victory, the Wanderers have lost all fifteen of their matches played in the NPL in 2023, whilst Tigers, despite their stuttering of later, are still second and only four points off the top-spot.
And yet, the Round 13 match between the teams potentially offers some salvation for the Wanderers, the Woden-based club offering some resistance at Melrose Synthetic before falling to a 4-3 defeat, showing once again that given the right day, they are capable. They need to do so sooner rather than later though as time is running out for the Red and Black.
Canberra Croatia are in a must-win situation of their own, trailing the top four spots, and finals football, by seven points and heading to Kambah 2 to tackle a Tuggeranong United side who have proved to be belligerent opposition to their higher-ranked opponents at stages this term.
The visiting team though will be heavily favourited having battered thirteen goals past Tuggeranong in two outings this term, registering six at Kambah in Round 2 before going one better with seven in Round 13.
United took a massive stride towards potential safety when they beat the Wanderers 2-0 at Kambah in their midweek clash and this fixture, their fourth home match in a row, has often provided some inspiration in the past. Croatia need the win and when they need something they generally find a way to make it happen.
The Super Saturday action concludes at the Riverside Stadium in the evening with a gigantic battle in the jostling for the finals and current incumbents Gungahlin United make the trip to face fifth-placed Monaro Panthers.
Only two points separate these two clubs with the Gunners coming into the match off a 3-1 win over Tuggeranong whilst Monaro eased past Tigers FC off the back of Zac McLaren’s incredible hit from 45 metres.
Gungahlin have drawn on four of their last six visits to play the Panthers away from home, but with go to man Maxx green in career-best form, the striker has scored two goals in nine different matches in all competitions in 2023, they will want a full return.
The Panthers will welcome back some defensive bodies, allowing Roko Strika to move further up the park, which all points to a high-class, hugely entertaining night in Queanbeyan.
FIXTURES ROUND 16
Saturday 29 July
Tigers FC v West Canberra Wanderers (Greenway Enclosed, 15:00)
Canberra Olympic v O’Connor Knights (O’Connor Enclosed, 15:00)
Tuggeranong United v Canberra Croatia (Kambah 2, 17:00)
Monaro Panthers v Gungahlin United (Riverside Stadium, 17:45)