Intriguing clashes in store at top and bottom of Division One this weekend

The match-of-the-round in Division One this weekend is at Sandown Park on Sunday when leaders Beachside host second-placed University.

Eight points separate the sides, so even a University win will do little to dent the title aspirations of Beachside.

University are starting to strike form, but it may be too late.

Beachside will include Ben Davis, Adam McGuire, Jason Harvey and David Chadwick in the squad after last week’s victory against DOSA.

“All of our players are looking forward to the challenge of playing University,” said Beachside player-coach, Nathan Robinson.

“Kevan Wright has them playing well and, in the last month, they have travelled to Metro and North Warrane scoring decisive victories.

“We know this will be a difficult game as they have established premier league players in their team.

“It should be a terrific contest and a test of our unbeaten home record.”

Saturday will see a bottom-of-the-table encounter at the Showgrounds when last-placed DOSA take on second-last FFT Under-15s, who have a 3-point lead over DOSA.

“It will be an interesting game,” said DOSA coach, Pedro Ramirez. “I rate the FFT Under-15s as being capable of playing a good game.

“It will be a game of psychological strength for us as we have been playing good football at times, but our problem has been consistency over 90 minutes.

“I have selected two or three older players for this game to give us the best opportunity of making a win.

“I am positive the team will play well together once they mature with the game structure I am trying to implement at the club.

“Patience is a must with a very young side at DOSA. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain out of this game, so we will go for a win.”

Third-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs host fourth-ranked Metro at North Warrane on Saturday in a game that is important to both sides.

The winner can close the gap on the leading pair, so there is a lot riding on the outcome.

Nelson will be without midfielder Cody Flynn, who is unavailable. Midfielder Pat Lenck is on holiday and will be another absentee.

Cameron Rush has work commitments and Craig Stockdale is injured.

Recent signing Elliott Weitnauer will make his senior debut after coming up through Division 3 and the reserves.

Striker Tom Gordon, who withdrew from the squad last week at the last minute due to illness, will play, while Troy Hoppitt and Nick Roberts retain their places in the starting eleven.

Under-19 defenders and midfielders Ollie Ireland and Max Caulfield are on the bench again, as are reserve keeper Ollie Burdon and midfielder-cum-forward Richard Flood.

The remaining match of the round is at Pontville on Saturday when fifth-placed Hobart United entertain sixth-ranked Southern FC.

Hobart United should win this one at a canter.