National Soccer League Preview
Newcastle Herald
Friday April 27, 2001
SOUTH v SPIRIT
Bob Jane Stadium
South secured the minor premiership with an emphatic 6-1 win over the Auckland Kingz on Wednesday night while the Spirit were crushed 4-0 by Wollongong. Robbie Enes is back for the Spirit after recovering from flu, and striker Ben Burgess is back from injury. South will want to finish their regular season in style before the major semi-final in mid-May. They are unbeaten at home and have conceded only seven goals all season at Bob Jane.
COSMOS v GLORY
Bruce Stadium
A shock 1-0 loss to Parramatta on Wednesday night has left the Glory with everything to play for with the double chance going to the second-placed side. A solitary goal separates Perth from the Wolves, who are both second on 58 points. Perth regard themselves as a progressive club yet they topped the table at the end of last season and are now fighting for second place. After losing last year's grand final in a spectacular surrender, Glory fans will only settle for a premiership win.
WOLVES v ADELAIDE
WIN Stadium
The Oceania champions resumed their charge for second place last night with a 4-0 belting of the Northern Spirit and now need a solid win to leapfrog the Glory. However, coach Ron Corry says whatever the outcome it is a tough run home. Paul Reid and Stuart Young return from suspension for the Wolves. City finished their home season with a bang but are three points and nine goals behind the Knights.
STRIKERS v MARCONI
Ballymore
The Stallions will lose nimble striker Archie Thompson for at least two matches after he was sent off against the Knights, while Angelo Constanzo will also be missing after picking up two yellow cards in that match. Coach Eddie Krncevic will rest Dominic Longo, who has accumulated six yellow cards. Kris Trajanovski will replace Thompson. On recent form, Marconi have been just making up the numbers and will struggle up front without Thompson. SYDNEY UTD v KINGZ
Sydney United Sports Centre
As they say, one for the purists only. United finished higher than expected and the Kingz were the big improvers and started to attract good crowds at the tail end of the season. Classy Croatian import Aljosa Asanovic will play his second and last game on loan for the club and that should be worth the entry fee. However, the result is meaningless. All games kick off at 3pm on Sunday. Eastern Pride forfeit to Sydney Olympic.
© 2001 Newcastle Herald
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