MEN’S PREVIEW: ST GEORGE CITY v MANLY UNITED

On Saturday, the Manly United Men’s 1st Grade team will play their first ever competitive game at Penshurst Park. St George City are our next opponents, and Manly will be hoping to do the double over City after a 2-0 triumph against them in Round 6.

Sixth placed St George City have failed to find the back of the net in their last two outings. However, they have the fourth-highest scoring attack in the league, so there will be plenty for the Manly defence to think about on Saturday night. Brothers Kosta and Maki Petratos have combined for 13 goals this season, while Pedro Ferrari adds plenty of speed to their defence.

For Manly, spirits will be high after last weekend, when Seiya Kambayashi’s set piece double (one goal from a free kick, one goal direct from a corner kick) earned a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sydney United 58. Dom Ferguson always brings a calm presence when he plays in midfield and he could be key against City, while Kristian Santich is another player who can be relied upon to win battles in the centre of the park. Given how prolific City’s attack has been this season, we can be thankful that Levi Kaye has been in good form between the sticks.

Manly’s U20 side are undefeated in their last five games. They head into this weekend occupying sixth place on the table, and victory could take Manly to as high as third place in the U20s if other results go their way. Marcus Lal scored his tenth goal of the U20 season in last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Sydney United 58 – Stefano Rossello and Saxon Hillyer were also on the scoresheet.

If you can’t get to the ground for our Men’s 1st Grade clash, tune in on NPL.TV .

St George City v Manly United

Saturday 24 June, 7pm (U20s kickoff at 5pm)

Penshurst Park