Minnows Get Their Chance To Advance
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday March 1, 2008
HIGHLANDS United can ensure the District League competition is represented in the elimination stage of the Corrimal Leagues Knockout by beating Helensburgh in the final round of pool matches at Tarrawanna Oval tomorrow.
Fellow second-tier club Helensburgh are also an outside chance of creeping through in a group that also features Picton Rangers and Kiama.After scoring a 6-1 win over Kiama last week, Highlands will start their match against Helensburgh as group leaders and favourites to advance.The six remaining pools should all see Premier League clubs qualify for the quarter-finals.The pick of tomorrow's matches will take place at Tarrawanna Oval when Dandaloo take on Cringila Lions.Both clubs are settling into life under new coaches.Rob Birkin took over at Dandaloo after Peter Beggs won the championship in each of his three years with the club while Icko Atanasoski has taken charge at Crehan Park.Dandaloo need to win by two goals to overcome Cringila's superior goal difference.Another group-deciding match worth watching will be today's clash between Port Kembla and Fernhill at Macedonia Park.Port have scored 12 goals in their opening two matches, with young strikers Matt Sini and Mark Picciolini in fine form.A draw with Wollongong United would be enough to ensure Bulli win their group.The seven group winners will be joined by one wild card in the elimination stage of the tournament.Weekend matches:Saturday.Macedonia Park: Balgownie v Ruse (1pm), Wollongong Olympic v Wests (3pm), Port Kembla v Fernhill (5pm).Sunday.Memorial Park: Corrimal v University (11.30am), South Coast United v Warilla (1.30pm), Albion Park v Coniston (3.30pm).Balls Paddock: Kemblawarra v Shellharbour City (11.30am), Picton Rangers v Kiama (1.30pm), Bulli v Wollongong United (3.30pm).Tarrawanna Oval: Bellambi v Woonona (11.30am), Highlands v Helensburgh (1.30pm), Dandaloo v Cringila (3.30pm).
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury