James Murphy
INTERNATIONAL v BLUE LAKE
LIMESTONE Coast soccer action returns to the region this weekend following a bye for the long weekend and junior state championships.
The match of the round in the senior men will have International host Blue Lake in a top-of-the-table contest.
A blockbuster is expected, with both sides in red-hot form prior to the break.
Inter comes off wins over both Apollo and Gambier Centrals in its last two outings, while the Rangers have also bested Apollo in their latest game.
A 16-1 victory over Naracoorte was another recent highlight for Blue Lake, with Shar Nay Than showcasing a golden boot in the clash.
He scored a staggering 12 goals on the day and will be one to watch again this Sunday at Casadio Park.
Inter has its own firepower, with Matt Bueti long regarded as a leading striker in the competition.
Sam Bueti is another who has been regularly converting this season, while Dan Allwright enters off a strong performance against Centrals.
Inter sits on top of the ladder with five wins and a loss, while the Rangers are a win behind, with a draw and a loss.
Last time the sides met it was a 5-4 win to Blue Lake and this weekend is expected to be just as thrilling.
GAMBIER CENTRALS v NARACOORTE
After a disappointing loss to International the previous round, Gambier Centrals will be eager to bounce back this week when hosting Naracoorte.
The Lions lost to Inter 2-0, which was a vast improvement on the 10-1 defeat to the same opponent two week’s prior.
Injuries and red card left Centrals short-staffed, with this Sunday’s clash against Naracoorte a good opportunity to put things back on track.
Centrals sits in fourth place and should be safe in finals, but will be out to rise up the ranks on the run towards the post season.
Last time it met Naracoorte, it was a 7-0 win to the Lions.
That is something they will look to replicate, with Centrals in the box seat for the win in front of a home crowd.
