Mounties Wanderers FC v Hakoah FC, Saturday 19 March, 7:30pm (U20: 5:30pm), Valentine Sports Park No. 2
The recent rain means that the Mounties tour of Western Sydney’s synthetic venues continues: this weekend will see them pitch up at Football NSW headquarters for an intriguing game against Hakoah.
After the struggles Mounties had last season, a first up win against a strong Bonnyrigg side is just what they need to fill the squad with confidence. Brad Bartels is the kind of player who will run for the full 90 minutes, and his late winner on the weekend is just reward for all that effort. The unmistakable Bruno Pivato will be pulling the strings in midfield, and forwards such as Mathew Khalil could benefit from Pivato’s playmaking abilities.
Luiz Lobo was Hakoah’s attacking all-star on the weekend, with his brilliant free kick proving to be the difference at Ilinden Sports Centre. Lobo has the trickery to unlock any backline and Mounties need to be wary of the Brazilian number 10. In what is expected to be a tight game, defence will be key, so Hakoah will lean on the pair of Yianni Spyrakis and Daniel Alessi as they look to keep another clean sheet.
Why you should watch this: both teams are trying to maintain that winning feeling after wins in Round 1 and we can expect this game to go right down to the wire.
Head down to Valentine Sports Centre or watch the game live and free on NPL.TV.
