The Grand Final rematch between Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic headlines Round 2 of the PlayStation 4 NPL Canberra competition.
The pair met in last season’s denouement in which Olympic triumphed with a 3-1 success after conceding inside the opening minute and, as is often the wont when this pair meet, the quality and ferocity made for an absorbing an memorable contest. We expect nothing different this weekend.
Both got their campaigns off to a winning start with the League Champions Canberra FC forced to come from behind twice in defeating Monaro Panthers 3-2 at Deakin Stadium whilst Canberra Olympic defeated Gungahlin United 3-0 at O’Connor Enclosed. Whilst FC dominated large amounts of territory and possession against Monaro they struggled to break down a staunch Panthers’ defensive system. The return of striker Thomas James from suspension may alleviate those concerns and his partnership with Domenic Giampaolo could be crucial.
Olympic has a wealth of talent to choose from, a glance at last weekend’s bench proves that with Michael Reeve, Jeremy Habtemariam and leading scorer Philippe Bernabo-Madrid, recently returned from injury, forming a hefty back-up. They netted three times in their win over Gungahlin, but having scored at the tail-end of each half know that they will need to up their game once more if they are to storm their opponents home ground again – a venue that Olympic have conquered more than anyone in the modern era.
Matchday 2 commences on Saturday evening as Woden-Weston FC meet the FFA COE at Woden Park with a 5.30pm kick-off. Woden-Weston host their first home match of the season after making the long trip to Tigers FC in Round 1, running into a Tigers squad in ruthless form in front of goal. That 1-5 defeat leaves Head Coach Martin Lategui with a bit to do this week but the Wanderers won’t be the only team to suffer at Nijong Oval.
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FIXTURES
Saturday 9th April
Woden-Weston FC v FFA COE (Woden Park, 17:30)
Sunday 10th April
Gungahlin United v Tigers FC (Gungahlin Enclosed)
Monaro Panthers v Belconnen United (Riverside Stadium, 3pm)
Canberra FC v Canberra Olympic (Deakin Stadium, 3pm)
Tuggeranong United v CU Academy (Kambah 2, 3pm)