MEN’S PREVIEW: MANLY UNITED v NWS SPIRIT
The Manly United Men’s 1st Grade team are at home on Saturday night for a crucial game against NWS Spirit. With Manly trailing Spirit by only three points heading into this weekend, victory will see us leapfrog them on the table.
Manly are aiming for a league double over Spirit after a 3-1 triumph at Christie Park in Round 7. That evening, goals from Bruno Mendes and Benjamin Koop, plus an own goal, ensured a successful trip to Macquarie Park. Mendes was also on target in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against St George City and the number 10 could well be another key attacking option on Saturday.
Spirit have had mixed results recently, with a win, a loss and a draw in their last three games. In the previous round, Spirit were convincing 3-1 winners over Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Christie Park, with former Manly United player Ollie Wiggin opening the scoring that evening. Manly’s defence will have to watch out for the Spirit attacking duo of Richard Darko and Matthew Cahill, who have combined for 13 goals in 2023.
Late heartbreak for Manly on Saturday meant we had to settle for a 1-1 draw against St George City. However, the team are on a decent run, with only one defeat in the last six games. As always, 1st Grade captain Jimmy Oates was immense at the back, and Levi Kaye’s goalkeeping performance earned him a spot in the NPL NSW Men’s Team of the Week for Round 21.
Manly’s U20 side come into the weekend occupying fifth place on the table and they are only three points off league leaders Marconi Stallions. Last weekend was a great success for the U20s, with Marcus Lal’s hat trick and Olly Burden’s goal taking the side to a comfortable 4-0 win over St George City, while Adam Shaheen also received praise from the coaches for his performance on Saturday. Our U20s were triumphant when they travelled to Christie Park in March, winning 1-0 courtesy of a Jack Mason strike.
If you can’t get to the ground for our Men’s 1st Grade clash, tune in on NPL.TV .
Manly United v NWS Spirit
Saturday 1 July, 7:15pm (U20s kickoff at 5pm)
Cromer Park
