Modbury welcome Playford to Smith Partners Stadium on Saturday 3 August for their 3:00pm Round 20 State League 1 fixture.
The Jets are one win away from clinching the 2019 State League 1 title and with it, automatic promotion to the Premier League in 2020. Last week’s narrow victory away to Birkalla means that three more points from the last three matches will be enough to secure that outcome. Getting the job done at home in a northern derby against the Patriots would be a welcome result.
Modbury will not underestimate Playford who are coming off back-to-back wins against fancied opponents Western Strikers and Sturt. The Jets will be wary of a Playford side who has already beaten them this season – in second round of the Cup – one of only two teams to do so. The Patriots are in reach of the top six and will be fighting hard to gain a spot in the finals series.
Another solid defensive performance from the Jets will be necessary but with Shaun McGreevy and Josh Farrell battling it out for the Golden Boot, and other players chipping in regularly with important goals, Modbury should have enough firepower to overcome the Patriots. If they can get the job done, it will be a memorable day for the Modbury faithful, capped off with a night of celebration. A reunion of past players celebrating the Jets 1999 Federation Cup win will add to the atmosphere.
It will also be an opportunity for the Modbury Reserves to celebrate in front of home supporters after wrapping up the title last week. In an extraordinary season, they have yet to suffer a league defeat while racking up an impressive 85 goals for. And the U18s will be looking to consolidate their position in the top two while preparing themselves for a strong run in the finals series.
Modbury has faced Playford twice in 2019, suffering a 3-1 defeat in Round 2 of the Cup before bouncing back two weeks later to grab a 4-0 away league victory in Round 9 thanks to a goal apiece from the Farrell brothers, together with contributions from Kur and Veart.
