Apollo v Centrals
After a disappointing defeat at the hands of International Apollo’s season is hanging on by a thread as it approaches the preliminary final against reigning premiers Gambier Centrals.
The mighty Lions kept their season alive last weekend with an extra time win over Blue Lake, but now its faces a much tougher competition in Apollo.
The two sides have met three times this season with every match being a closely fought battle.
Apollo won the first two encounters by a goal, however the last time the sides met, Gambier Centrals claimed a comfortable 3-0 win.
The match could go either way with both sides’ best being enough to go all the way but its best will need to turn up on the day.
Gambier Centrals will be hungry for a chance for a three-peat and will be desperate to go through to the grand final.
Apollo is a side that has been starved of success in recent seasons and will know that if it can get into the grand final then anything can happen.
While the Lions do not quite look like the side of the past two seasons, it still has a real ability to win and Apollo cannot expect the result to go its way.
All season Sam Shoemark has been a standout for Gambier Centrals, netting two goals last week to go with his terrific season already.
The Lions will be much less threatening if Apollo’s defence can manage to shut their opposition goal-sneak Shoemark down.
Centrals’ defence has also had a better season than Apollo, conceding less goals during the minor rounds.
Centrals have managed well without captain Jake Blackwell due to injury, however big matches like this one are when a leader such as Blackwell is missed the most on the pitch and it will be up to the experienced players to stand up and fill the void.
Apollo finished second for a reason though and Centrals will be wary, the blue and white have pushed hard all season and have continued to find ways to win.
Gay Nay Say Ler and Say Say Wah have been the danger men for Apollo, the pair have combined for 21 goals this season as the main attacking threat for Apollo.
Apollo is slightly more balanced in attack than Centrals, however Centrals’ firepower is extremely dangerous and Apollo’s defence will have to work overtime to get the result.
With a spot in the grand final up for grabs both sides will need to be at their best, Apollo will be hoping to outrun a tired Gambier Centrals side that had to play extra time last week, while the Lions need to capitalise on Apollo coming off a big defeat and being low on confidence.
Whoever shall claim the final spot in the grand final has a big task ahead, but for now both teams will be keen to focus on what’s in front of them and attempt to book a date with International in the decider.
