First plays last in Cooma on Sunday, with Tuggeranong United making the trip down the highway to meet a fresh Tigers FC.
Saturday 25th July
FFA COE v Woden-Weston FC
(AIS, 3pm)
FFA COE will host Woden-Weston FC at the AIS in the only Saturday fixture of Round 15. FFA COE produced another decent performance against Belconnen in Round 14, taking a 2-0 lead against the champions through goals to Nicholas Panetta and Cameron Joice.
The Blue Devils eventually clawed their way back to salvage a point, but FFA Coe continue their push for the premiership plate. Woden-Weston FC on the other hand suffered another heavy defeat, conceding five goals to Canberra Olympic in an underwhelming performance. Adding to the woes for this fixture will be the loss of Aaron Cashman to suspension.
The visitors will aim to emulate their last performance against FFA COE, where they played sensationally to take a 1-1 result. However, if current form is anything to go by, it could be another long day at the office for the boys from the Valley.
Sunday 26th July
Canberra FC v Gungahlin United
(Deakin Stadium, 3pm)
The Match of the Round takes us to Deakin Stadium on Sunday to see Canberra FC host Gungahlin United. Jetlag certainly wasn’t an issue for FC in round 14, exhibiting a ruthless display against Tuggeranong and netting on six occasions, including a cracker from Daniel Bennett.
FC still have two games in hand from their time abroad and are in the prime position to take top spot if they play like they did on the weekend. In their way will be a Gungahlin team that continues to get results and is peaking at the right time of the season. Their first half against Monaro was brilliant, scoring three goals and showing their class.
The second 45 minutes probably wasn’t their best and will be something they will need to fix to draw points this weekend. Still outside the top four on goal difference, the Gunners need a result to keep up with FFA COE, as well as keep Olympic below them.
Tigers FC v Tuggeranong United
(Nijong Oval, 3pm)
Tigers have enjoyed two weeks off from football, with a bye in Round 14 following the competition bye. They have done so well this season though, that they still find themselves sharing the competition lead with a game in hand.
Conversely, Tuggeranong put in another lacklustre performance against a rampant Canberra FC team to continue their winless run. The Tigers run the risk of being in holiday mode after their extended break and will need to settle in their strides early to make sure they don’t harm their own chances. Tuggeranong will need a fast start to put pressure on Cooma early, otherwise it’s hard to see United flip the 2-1 score line from the last time these two met in Round 6.
Monaro Panthers v Canberra Olympic
(Riverside Stadium, 3pm)
The final match of the round takes Canberra Olympic across the border to Riverside Stadium to face the Monaro Panthers.
Monaro had a great showing in Round 6 against Olympic, taking away a valuable point after frustrating Olympic for ninety minutes. It hasn’t been a kind season since though, only earning another four competition points.
The Panthers showed heart in the second half of their round 14 clash with Gungahlin, scoring twice and upsetting the flow of the game. Unfortunately for Graham Plath’s men, the damage had already been done. A full 90 minute performance is essential against Olympic if they are to get a result this time round. Olympic dominated WWFC last start, putting five goals in the net, including a double from midseason transfer Jordan Tsekenis. The striker looks far more comfortable in the number nine role since his move from Belconnen.
Canberra Olympic are still outside the top four coming close to season’s end. Expect them to continue to apply pressure to the top four with another strong performance in Queanbeyan.
Click here to view the ladder and the leading scorers heading into Round 14.