NPL1 Round 6 Preview
Riverina Rhinos v Canberra FC | Saturday, 18th May – 3pm @ Solar Mad Stadium
The winless Rhinos will face another big test this weekend as they welcome Canberra FC to Solar Mad Stadium. The Rhinos managed to score last weekend against Tigers, albeit an own goal, but need to be more consistent up top to hang with the teams around them. They had good moments against Tigers but some lapses at the back cost them dearly and that will be something that needs tidying up here against a team whose potent forward line appears to maybe be clicking finally. They remain pointless and in danger of falling further behind those around them if Tuggeranong and Gungahlin pick up points. This is still a talented side and at home they can be strong too, so Gabriel Abdala will be looking for a renewed showing from this team on Saturday to keep them in the fight.
There is a chance that come the end of the season Canberra FC’s cup win over Canberra Olympic may be looked at as a turning point. While it was only a 1-0 win, it was their first clean sheet of the season and the follow-up 4-1 win against Woden-Weston was a sign that maybe things are returning to normal at Deakin. All four of their goals were created in a similar manner as a player dived towards the byline before cutting back for a player waiting in the area. They will get opportunities against this Riverina backline that has shipped 13 goals so far, and need to make sure they take them. A win here would be a big boost ahead of taking on 1st placed Tigers FC next weekend, while any other result would be a big blow if fellow top four chasers pick up points.
Woden-Weston v Gungahlin United | Saturday, 18th May – 4:30pm @ Melrose Synthetic
Woden-Weston started their season strongly with a win over Belconnen United and then the Riverina Rhinos, but since then have lost their past two in the league and a game in the cup to Tuggeranong. They now sit sixth on the table, albeit level with fourth and fifth, but will need to begin picking up points again to remain in touch with the top four. Outside of their penalty last weekend they struggled to create clear-cut chances, and were unable to take them if they did. They’ll want to be a bit more ruthless here against a Gunners side that has conceded just once in their past three outings and will need to use all their pace and trickery. At home on the Melrose Synthetic they may feel some advantage and need to ensure they do not waste it with away games against Olympic and Monaro on the horizon.
Gungahlin were looking for three wins in a row last week and had chances to beat Belconnen United but had to settle for a share of the points. They will rue a missed penalty that stand-in keeper Sam Whithear saved, but otherwise Gungahlin looked strong across the park and they will be up for this game. The loss of Lachie Griffiths early hurt them in that clash and caused some reshuffling, and it remains to be seen if he will return to the backline for this clash. Now back in the positive after their sanction at the beginning of the season, United are in clear air and a win here could bring them right back on the tail of the top four race dependent on other results. A win here would be important momentum ahead of a treacherous stretch incorporating the Rhinos, Tigers and Canberra FC.
Monaro Panthers v Tuggeranong United | Saturday, 18th May – 5:30pm @ Riverside Stadium
Monaro Panthers caused an upset last weekend when they beat Canberra Olympic at O’Connor, and will look to carry that form into this weekend against Tuggeranong United at Riverside. Josh Gulevski continued his strong form and scored twice against his former side, and will be important this weekend against United. A win here would be a huge boost for the Panthers and put them squarely in the mix for a top four spot heading towards the halfway mark of the season. With the bye next week followed by a clash against Belconnen United, three points here would give them an important push up the table and leave them six points ahead of Tuggeranong.
For Tuggeranong, they had the weekend off after an important FFA Cup win against Woden-Weston and will receive an important boost this for this clash with the expected return of livewire forward Aisosa Ihegie. He will add some much needed energy to their attack as they chase an important second win in the league. They have dropped back to seventh in the league ahead of only Gungahlin and the Rhinos, and Mitch Stevens will be hoping to begin their push back towards the top four now. This clash precedes games they should regard as winnable against Belconnen, Woden-Weston and the Rhinos, so it’s imperative they close the first half of the season strongly starting now.
Canberra Olympic v Belconnen United | Sunday, 19th May – 3pm @ O’Connor Enclosed
Frank Cachia and Canberra Olympic can make some ground back on Tigers this weekend as they look to bounce back from their defeat at home to Monaro last round. Nik Popovich equalised for the hosts after they went behind early, but they were eventually overrun and fell 3-1 to leave them six points behind the ladder leaders. They remain second though and have a game in hand on Tigers, so this week’s result will give a firmer indication of where they lie in the league. It remains to be seen whether Kofi Danning and Tim Bobolas will make their returns from injury this week after missing the loss last weekend, and new signing Dane Milovanovic will likely have a big role to play once again. They will however be boosted by the return of Stephen Domenici from suspension up top to add some firepower.
A big effort in the second half from Belconnen last week helped them to a share of the points against Gungahlin United and they will need to be at their best this weekend against the rebounding Olympic. They are only two points behind Sunday’s opponents and can jump to second with a win, but risk being overtaken by as any as three teams if they don’t pick up points, dependent on results elsewhere. After this weekend they take on Tuggeranong and Monaro, two of the sides right by them in the battle for top four and will need to pick up points against those teams as well. Starting that job this weekend will put a bit less pressure on those outings as the season rumbles towards it’s halfway mark.
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