It’s Round 16 in PlayStation®4 NPL NSW and with only seven more weeks until finals the time is now for teams to perform.
Sydney United 58 has a four-point lead at the top of the competition but a slip up or two could see a chasing Blacktown City or Rockdale side leapfrog them on the table.
This week’s Match of the Round features a grand final rematch between Blacktown City and Bonnyrigg White Eagles. Their previous encounter this year was one of the best matches of the season with Blacktown stealing victory from the clutches of defeat in the final seconds.
Match of the Round
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Blacktown City FC, Saturday 7pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Another chapter in the burgeoning rivalry between Blacktown City and Bonnyrigg will be written on Saturday night at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
Reigning PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s Champions Bonnyrigg will have a point to prove and will be determined to show they are still a force to be reckoned with.
In Round 5, Blacktown stole victory from the clutches of defeat when Patrick Antlemi scored twice in the dying stages of the match to complete an unlikely comeback.
Blacktown City suffered an unexpected loss to Parramatta FC last round and will be out to redeem themselves.
It is a similar story for home side Bonnyrigg who endured a 3-3 stalemate with Manly.
Aaron Peterson and Robbie Younis will be the ones to watch for Bonnyrigg while Travis Major, Mitch Mallia and Danny Choi are set to be the key contributors for Blacktown
It is sure to be a thrilling match with more than competition points on the line.
Sydney Olympic FC v Sydney United 58 FC, Sunday 3pm at Belmore Sports Ground
Grant Lee’s Sydney Olympic side has earned itself the reputation as a prickly customer for the competition’s top sides this season.
It was the case only two weeks ago when Blacktown City was held to a scoreless draw at Belmore Sports Ground after a determined defensive performance from Olympic.
United 58 has sat at the top of the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition since round six and Mark Rudan’s side is not ready to relinquish its lead just yet.
Panni Nikas and Chris Payne once again led the charge for United 58 against Rockdale last week and are sure to be the danger men in Round 16.
Olympic has shown they know how to frustrate their opposition and it could be the secret to three points on Sunday
Parramatta FC v Sutherland Sharks FC, Sunday 3pm at Melita Stadium
Parramatta sprung the upset of the week in Round 15 and will be out to continue its winning way’s when an inspired Sutherland Sharks side visits Melita Stadium on Sunday.
Franco Consentino’s Parramatta FC team nabbed a 1-0 win against a misfiring Blacktown City team to keep its slim finals hopes alive.
It was a bounce back performance from Sutherland in Round 15 as well with the Seymour Shaw based side notching a 2-1 win against Sydney Olympic.
Luke Turnbull has been in incredible form for Parramatta and the talented shot stopper could be the difference on Sunday.
Hakoah Sydney City East v Manly United, Sunday 5pm at Hensley Athletic Field
Hensley Athletic Field will be the scene as Hakoah attempts to bring a high flying Manly United side back to earth.
Hakoah has impressed in its first season in the NSW state leagues top flight and will not be intimidated by a Manly attack which is scoring goals at an incredible rate.
A 3-3 draw with Bonnyrigg in Round 15 was a lucky escape for Manly with late goals ensuring the Paul Dee coached side took home a point.
Hakoah returned to the winners circle with a 3-2 victory against APIA.
Home ground advantage could be the difference on Sunday with Hakoah determined to make it two wins on the trot.
Rockdale City Suns v Blacktown Spartans, Sunday 5pm at Ilinden Sports Centre
Rockdale was unable to notch an incredible comeback against Sydney United 58 in monsoonal conditions last week, but that will only serve as inspiration when they host Blacktown Spartans on Sunday.
Paul Reid’s side has been a fixture in the competition’s top three but with Blacktown City dropping points in consecutive weeks there could be a chance for the Ilinden Sports Centre based side to jump into second spot.
The struggling Blacktown Spartans could be in for a tough day at the office if the Suns are firing on all cylinders.
While performances have improved in recent weeks for the Spartans, the Ben De Haan coached side has been unable to transform that form into wins.
It will be a big ask for the Spartans to usurp Rockdale at home but anything can happen in the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition.
Wollongong Wolves v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 5pm at WIN Stadium
APIA travels to Wollongong to close out Round 16 in a match both sides would have earmarked as a key fixture for their season.
Wollongong and APIA have struggled to put consistent wins together this year and sit at the bottom of the competition ladder.
A win at this point could be the confidence booster required to close the season out in style.
It will be a big match for APIA striker Jordan Murray who returns home to play his former side for the first time since making the move to the Tigers at the start of the season.
Wollongong claimed a point last week with a scoreless draw against Blacktown Spartans.
With the home support behind them, Wollongong will be tough competition for APIA.