SW Premier League Finals Series Week 1 Preview
03.08.10 08:29

Blacktown City FC will be looking towards the goalscoring form of Tolgay Ozbey in their Major Semi-Final clash against Sydney United on Sunday (Photo by Damian Briggs)
2010 NSW Premier League finals series kicks off this weekend with elimination football the theme of the day at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.

Fourth meets fifth when A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers face stern rival Marconi Stallions in Leichhardt, where the loser will bid farewell to their title aspirations for 2010.

The Tigers have been in tremendous form since the midway point of the season, with the side collecting eleven wins, two draws and one loss since Round 8. The Franco Parisi led outfit has overturned the disastrous start to the campaign, and will use their high-flying finish to the season as motivation for a real shot at glory in 2010.

A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt’s basis for a fine turnaround in form has certainly revolved around the presence of experienced campaigners Parisi, Robbie Younis and Nick Rizzo, though the defensive unit has really shaped up well with the likes of Mark Byrnes and Michael West performing consistently well. Many observers raised question marks over the Tigers title aspirations following Japanese import Hirofumi Moriyasu’s departure (now at Sydney FC), though with the likes of Andrew Vitucci, Anthony Hartshorn, Stephen Kayes and John Kelso lifting their games, the side is arguably the form side out of the finals serious participants.

Marconi Stallions’ run into the finals series has been far less convincing with the side needing a last day victory to secure fifth-spot, after holding top-spot on the ladder for a large spell of the season. Lee Sterrey’s team has played some good football, though defensive lapses, and some wayward finishing saw the side struggle to secure a finals berth.

Marconi stalwart Nahuel Arrarte and captain Matthew Gordon will carry much expectation on their shoulders, with the two men key to guiding the younger stars through the elimination campaign. On a positive note for the Stallions, their record against A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt in competitive football in 2010 has been exceptional, two wins in the home-and-away fixtures in the regular season, along with the Round 4 victory in the McDonald’s Cup – where the Stallions ended up lifting the trophy for their first piece of silverware in fifteen seasons of football.

At Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday afternoon, Blacktown City FC will be eager to make the most of home ground advantage to setup a shot at Bonnyrigg White Eagles the following weekend, when Sydney United visit Seven Hills.

Aytek Genc’s men were unyielding against Bankstown City last weekend, scoring a 6-1 victory against the Lions. Blacktown’s run in 2010 has been impressive, and despite a midseason slump in-terms of results, the players have really hit their straps in the run home.

Young guns Joel Chianese and Travis Major have been great value for the team, as has prolific goalscorer Tolgay Ozbey with a phenomenal second-half of the season. Ozbey’s goals will be vital in this finals series, if the side is to have a serious shot at title glory in 2010.

Sydney United enjoyed a victory in their last match of the regular season against Manly United FC, albeit in a rather nervy showing. The side has played some very positive football in 2010, though points dropped against the so called ‘lesser sides’ have been a slight concern. Player/coach David Zdrilic has a very experienced backline in the likes of Damon Collina and Joe Vrkic calling the shots, meanwhile Ivo Bosnar and Petar Markovic will be of vital importance out of midfield. The side’s goalscoring options are very impressive, with Elsid Barkhousir and Luka Glavas two very seasoned campaigners in the goalscoring stakes.

This encounter will certainly provide much emotion for those present at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

NSW Premier League Finals Series Fixtures

Major Semi-Final

Sunday August 8th – 3pm – Lily Homes Stadium

Blacktown City FC v Sydney United

Under 20s Sydney United v Sydney Olympic – 12.30pm

Minor Semi-Final

Sunday August 8th – 3pm – Leichhardt Oval

A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers v Marconi Stallions

Under 20s Bankstown City v Sutherland Sharks – 12.30pm

-By Joseph Carlucci

http://www.nswpl.com.au/index.php?id=554&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=4268&tx_ttnews[backPid]=537&cHash=b4d3ef946f

Unfortunate they're playing at the same time

why would you go to both?

you would only go to the one wereby you support or have an interest in

mabye the interest lies in both games. Whats wrong in wanting to see both?

im not going to either my club aint playing why would you go?

Perhaps to see a good game of football?

I might pop along to Leichhardt Oval for the APIA game providing iv'e done some uni work.

thought about going to the Blacktown Match but I'm scared that the United lads are gonna get me. :lol:

Nah seriously though, I'm saving my coin for Newcastle Next week. I'll always have a soft spot for Blacktown but I can't be arsed wasting a Sunday afternoon in Sevo when I could be hanging out with the wife to make up for the lost Friday nights and Wdnesdays and Saturdays and Sundays over the next 8 Months.

I know this might be hard to understand, but have you considered he might be a football fan? ](*,)

Spot on :)

I wouldn't go to every game in the regular season but the finals are shaping up to have some interesting games involved.

Plus I get paid for it

They're paying the ball boys now? ;)