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Waratah Cup: Round 4 preview

WaratahCup

In the past, for state teams, the Waratah cup has played second fiddle to the National Premier League competition. However, as many of the NPL teams prepare to enter the competition, a new era dawns. The Waratah Cup now provides an exclusive entry route for league teams to qualify for the inaugural FFA Cup. But how does the format work?

Simply put, winning your quarter-finals match-up will see you automatically progress into the nationwide competition. Subsequently, the losers will fight in the play-offs for an additional three positions in the main draw. 

Match of the round: Rockdale City Suns vs Bonnyrigg White Eagles.

Bonnyrigg White Eagles travel to Rockdale in a match featuring two NPL teams. After six rounds of play, both teams sit in a healthy position on the table. Bonnyrigg, who enjoyed a strong campaign last season, last year have gotten off to a slow start by their standards, having lost 3 of their first 4 games in the competition. However after scraping past South Coast and running away with a victory against St George, confidence is definitely on the rise. Key players for the Eagles include Mitchell Long, Adrian Ucchino and Bo Hyun-Chun.

On the other hand, Rockdale, thus far, have been this season’s surprise package. The Suns started the season on a high after winning the pre-season cup under the leadership of Branko Culina. This form has carried on into the season proper, only dropping points in two of their first five games. However this possibly could be their biggest test, with fatigue potentially playing its part. Key players for Rockdale in this tie will be Paul Kohler, Paul Reid and Nikola Taneski.

Elsewhere in the Competition

Apia Leichardt Tigers vs Manly United.

The LeichardtTigers have had a sluggish start to the league with 4 draws and 2 losses. Having been outclassed by Olympic in the league last Friday there is no doubt they will attempt come out firing.

Manly, however, have won two of its first six matches but have struggled to put in consistent performances and look to be heading for another mid table finish this season.

Sydney United vs Spirit FC

Mark Rudan’s Sydney United have had an inconsistent start to the season. The inaugural NPL winners have won only two of their last six games. However, they are coming off a very convincing 5-0 win against the South Coast Wolves and no doubt will be favourites heading into the match. Their opponents, Spirit FC are coming off a much-needed win against Fraser Park in the NPL2 competition and will go in with little expectation.

Central Coast Academy vs Sydney Olympic

Central Coast Academy will play host to Sydney Olympic. Central Coast comfortably accounted for Prospect United to get to this stage of the competition but will come in with little expectation against their heavily fancied opponent.

Sydney Olympic will come into this game on a high given their win over the Tigers and it’s hard to see them not come away with a win.

Blacktown Spartans vs Northern Tigers

The current NPL leaders face a tie against the Northern Tigers. Blacktown so far have looked very convincing in their play as with routs including a round one 6-1 over the Sutherland Sharks. However they will be relieved if they can manage to score goals from open play given they were given three penalties in their previous outing. They face a Northern Tigers outfit who are third in the NPL2 competition. The Northern Tigers qualified after a comfortable win over Western NSW Mariners FC.

Blactown City vs Bankstown City

There is something in the Blacktown water with both Blacktown teams dominating the competition. After a remarkable comeback to overcome Sutherland away from home, they will be heavily fancied to overcome the NPL2 outfit. Bankstown City qualified for this game with a win against Gladesville Ryde Magic.

Bankstown Berries vs St George FC

St George FC have had a far from comfortable start to life in the NPL competition. Sitting in second last and with only the single win, they will be desperate to brighten the team morale with a solid cup run. Bankstown Berries are no different having struggled during the early stages of their season. They progressed to this match after a win against Stanmore Hawks.

South Coast Wolves vs Hurstville FC

NPL cellar dwellers South Coast Wolves host one of the fairytale stories of the competition. South Coast have become the divisions whipping boys and face a rare opportunity to pick up a win. However it won’t come easy over a side who started its campaign in round one of the competition and has beaten Southern Bulls, Glebe Wanderers and Dobroyd FC.

Sutherland Sharks vs Hawkesbury City FC

Sutherland will be desperate to win this game after dropping a 3-1 lead over Blacktown City on the weekend to lose 3-4. The top division team and 2012 winners will consider themselves heavy favourites and will rely again on the exploits of Panny Nikas to overcome Hawkesbury City FC. Hawkesbury FC beat Nepean United to set up this clash.

Other Games:

Marconni Stalions vs Dapto Dandaloo

Macarthur Rams vs Doonside Hawks

Hills Pumas vs San Souci

Hakoah Sydney City FC vs Sydney University

Granville Rage vs Mounties Wanderers FC

Waverly Old Boys vs Fraser Park

The full draw for the Waratah Cup can be found here.

Article by Justin Smith: @smithj_43