NPL- MUFC vs Mt Druitt preview

By Tobias Canning

This Friday night Cromer Park plays host to the NPL1 season opener as Manly United face off against the Mt Druitt Town Rangers. Kick-off is at 7pm.

Manly United come into this clash after finalising its pre season campaign with a close 1-0 loss to Northbridge Bulls last weekend.

Adam Griffiths men will be looking to get off to a strong start against a side that has struggled in pre season.

New Manly United recruit, Seiya Kambayashi will make his competitive debut for Manly United and face fellow Japanese signings Fumoto Kamada and Takumu Tsujimura in what is exciting sub plot.

Kambayashi has settled in well at Cromer Park and his ability to get forward from left back is key to Griffiths attacking plans.

When these sides last met in Round 10 last season, it was Dejan Pandurevic who scored the encounter’s only goal in what was a 1-0 victory to Manly.

Last weekend, the Manly junior was one of the focal points of the home side’s attack and was heavily involved throughout the match.

Last season in the abbreviated competition, Mt Druitt shipped an average of two goals per match and Manly will be looking to both players to create chances.

Striker Jack Fulton has also looked impressive in pre season and with a year under his belt at Manly is shaping as an important player. His long-range strike against the Northern Tigers two weeks ago was a sign of things to come.

Another player to shine in pre season was 19-year-old defender Lucas Rainbird. His ability to keep possession and find a balance between his defensive duties and work going forward has been particularly impressive.

Mt Druitt will be a tough first up assignment for Manly United.

Get down to Cromer Park on Friday night. Kick off is 7pm.