The stage is set as four National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clubs, Mt Druitt Town Rangers, Rockdale Ilinden, Manly United and Sydney Olympic look set to battle for the final two round of 32 FFA Cup spots as round 7 of the Preliminary fixtures hits fever pitch on Wednesday, 16th of June.
Cromer Park will play host to Manly United tackling Sydney Olympic in a huge match-up between two in-form sides in NSW’s top tier competition. The two clubs met way back in round 7 when the Blues defeated Manly United on their home turf thanks to goals from Jason Madonis and Fabian Monge. Could a repeat be on the cards in the Northern Beaches or will Dejan Pandurevic, Sam Gallagher and co spoil the party?
Both teams come into this match-up having won their round 16 matches, Manly defeating APIA 2-1 in a thriller while Olympic doing the same scoring late via Yu Hasegawa to defeat Sydney FC 1-0. Luca Kmet has been in fine form for Adam Griffiths’ squad while the talents of Mo Adam up-front for Ante Juric’s men could also sway the tie.
Finally the always tricky Popondetta Park for any opposing teams will feature hosts Mt Druitt Town Rangers taking on Rockdale Ilinden. The pair met during their round NPL NSW Men’s 10 clash at the same venue as the match ended 1-1 a-piece. Extra-time and penalties perhaps, you never know.
The two sides have had a poor run of form in results recently so both will be looking forward to getting the victory in not only booking themselves an FFA Cup Round of 32 ticket, but a possible switch to reignite their league form.
It will be a battle between two stars up-front, Rangers’ Jack Stewart v Ilinden’s ‘Baker’ Alec Urosevski in who can unlock this match.
Winners of these matches will go on to represent NSW alongside the Wollongong Wolves, APIA Leichhardt, and Blacktown City, with the official Round of 32 FFA Cup draw taking place on Wednesday, July 7th.
Wednesday 16th June
- Mt Druitt Town Rangers (NPL 1) v Rockdale Ilinden (NPL 1) – Popondetta Park – 7:30pm
- Manly United (NPL 1) v Sydney Olympic (NPL 1) – Cromer Park – 7:30pm
*Manly United v Sydney Olympic match will be LIVE STREAMED and broadcast on Manly United’s Facebook and YouTube Channel.
