This week is all about final positions for Campbelltown City and White City, as they go head to head in round 25 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League.

Campbelltown’s position inside the top six has been solidified, with MetroStars seven points behind with two rounds left to play.

However, a 4-0 loss to Adelaide City in round 24 saw the black and whites leapfrog Campbelltown into fifth place on goal difference.

It is now a case of finishing as high as they can for Campbelltown, leaving Lui Ditroia with the goal to take maximum points from the remaining two games.

“The top six is decided, but there’s still two games to go and that’s six points available, so we want to take maximum points from each game and give ourselves every chance heading into finals.
“We want to finish as high as possible.”

With Para Hills breathing down their neck, White City will look to keep some pride intact by avoiding the wooden spoon, despite already being relegated.

White City defender Chahine Noujaim said the final two weeks of the season were still of huge importance, despite their fate being sealed.

“The last two games are huge, obviously not to stay up or anything because that’s done.
“We are professionals and we are weekly playing, not just for ourselves but for the badge, the club and a whole community.”

White City are in the midst of a three game losing streak, but Noujaim maintained that those results weren’t having a big impact mentally on the side.

“It’s more the fact that the last nine games or so, we’ve been better than the majority of the teams we’ve played and usually lead the games.

“Most games we’ve only conceded one goal and they were self-inflicted, mostly because of the pressure of not scoring which takes a massive toll on the defensive unit.

“Mental mistakes have cost us big this season.”

After a red card to Todd McSorley left Campbelltown exposed at the back, Ditroia believes that this needs to be amended in order for the Red Devils to come away with the three points.

“We need to stay tight at the back and not be like we have the last couple of weeks where we have left a few holes and the opposition has exposed that.

“We also have to take our chances up front, but with Michael Matricciani in line to win the golden boot that shouldn’t be a problem, so I think if we do the defensive side of things right we’ll win the game.”
For Noujaim, it’s all about putting in the hard yards.

“Campbelltown are a good side with a good mix of youth and experience.

“We just have to work hard and have some fun also, that’s what this game is all about.

“But at the same time, getting that winning feeling back is also a massive weight off our chests so the boys will be raring to give the Red Devils a good, hard hit out.”

Article by Brendan Simpkins