Round 8 rolls on this weekend with some big encounters to whet the appetites of football enthusiasts across the state.
Sydney Olympic v Rockdale City Suns, Saturday 4th of May, 7:00 pm Belmore Sports Ground
Last Week:
Sydney Olympic 5 Manly United FC 1
South Coast Wolves 1 Rockdale City Suns 1
A ‘red hot’ Sydney Olympic welcome Rockdale City Suns to Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday evening in the round’s pick of the matches this weekend. The Blues returned to their ruthless selves last time out, handing Manly United FC a 5-1 hiding after somewhat of a lean run over the first month-and-a-half of the competition.
Coach Peter Tsekenis has benefited from the return to full fitness of captain Phil Makrys, meanwhile the Blues’ leader has been ably assisted by Kingsley Williams in the middle of the park, forming what is constantly becoming a force in the competition.
The task at hand for the Blues will by no means be an easy one with a Rockdale City Suns outfit that is fast becoming a true contender for finals football.
Branko Culina’s influence is more and more evident with each passing weekend, and the side certainly does possess the weapons to turn some heads this season.
Two passionate sides with great ambition for this campaign, fireworks are expected on Saturday evening as Richard Cardozo lines up against Ibrahim Haydar and Brett Studman, meanwhile Askin Oygur will have his hands full with Elsid Barkhousir looking the goods since joining the Blues at the start of the season.
Blacktown Spartans v Central Coast Mariners Academy, Saturday 27th of April, 7:00 pm Blacktown Football Park
Last Week:
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers 0 Blacktown Spartans 2
Central Coast Mariners Academy 0 Marconi Stallions 2
At Blacktown Football Park, the Spartans will be looking to keep its impressive run of form on track when the new boys to the competition visit on Saturday evening.
The Spartans started the season with a bang following the opening round defeat of Marconi Stallions, though a ‘lull’ of sorts followed. To the credit of coach Ben De Haan and his players, the side has sprung back to life with successive victories against Sydney Olympic and APIA-Leichhardt Tigers over the past fortnight, giving the side the chance, this weekend, of moving into the top-five with a win.
Midfielder Andre Carle has enjoyed a successful April, and the Blacktown talent will hoping for more of the same in May – his goals to-date have been instrumental in the side’s successes thus far.
The visiting Mariners have a tough trip this weekend, though Mark Jones has definitely drilled his troops in this early part of the season, and the side is due a win soon.
Tomislav Cirjak and James Monie may well be targeted as the greatest threats in this Mariners side, meanwhile youngster Louis Bozanic is another player to keep a close eye on for the Mariners as we reach the midway point of the competition.
An interesting fixture ahead at Blacktown Football Park with the Spartans, without a doubt, starting as the firm favourite.
South Coast Wolves v Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Saturday 27th of April, 7:00 pm John Crehan Park
Last Week:
South Coast Wolves 1 Rockdale City Suns 1
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 Blacktown City FC 1
The league leaders face a tough away trip in the ‘gong’ this weekend when they line up against South Coast Wolves on Saturday evening.
After a blistering start to the campaign, it is somewhat surprising that Bonnyrigg enter this fixture on the back of consecutive draws – Rockdale City Suns (away) and Blacktown City FC (home).
Brian Brown’s men welcomed back striker Robbie Younis from injury last weekend, though his presence wasn’t enough to seal maximum points against Blacktown City.
The trip to the South Coast is a dreaded one for most clubs, though the White Eagles boast a very decent record at John Crehan Park.
The Wolves’ season has failed to ignite as of yet, though there is no better chance than proving its ability than getting one over the table toppers this weekend.
Coach Richard Lloyd will need more of the same form from Mitchell Del Turco witnessed last weekend, meanwhile the constant development of John Martinoski remains a positive point amongst the squad and the supporters.
The Wolves will need to get on top in the middle of the park if there is going to be any thought, or hope, of a victory against Bonnyrigg, with the defensive line marshalled to perfection by captain Jacob Timpano.
Blacktown City FC v Sydney United 58 FC, Saturday 4th of April, 7:00 pm Lily Homes Stadium
Last Week:
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 Blacktown City FC 1
Sutherland Sharks 1 Sydney united 58 FC 1
Another cracker is expected at Lily Homes on Saturday when Blacktown City FC line-up against Sydney United 58 FC. The home side, still reeling from the 3-4 loss against the Sharks last time at home, where the side squandered a 3-0 lead, bounced back with a good showing against Bonnyrigg White Eagles to take a point from the league leader.
Sydney United 58 FC has been another one of the front-runners thus far, the side dropping its first points last weekend in the draw at Sutherland.
Two teams with a lot of pride, and high expectation of claiming silverware this season, gives us a mouthwatering prospect this weekend.
A win for the home side will see the side close the gap on the top-three sides, meanwhile victory for the Reds will add further pressure to the White Eagles with Mark Rudan’s men still holding a catch-up match under their sleeve.
A very difficult match to pick with two very capable sides in search of maximum points, to further strengthen their position on the ladder.
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers v Manly United FC, Sunday 28th of April, 3:00 pm Lambert Park
Last Week:
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers 0 Blacktown Spartans 2
Sydney Olympic 5 Manly United FC 1
Both APIA-Leichhardt Tigers and Manly United FC are in search of a win to get their respective campaigns on track, the Tigers the more desperate at this point with only three-points to show from the opening seven rounds this season.
The Tigers were forced to reshuffle things after Gary Ward left the club, with Nicola Rizzo now looking to implement his own style of play on the group. APIA-Leichhardt was extremely unlucky to lose against the Spartans last weekend, a match that the side dominated for large spells.
Despite the dominance of possession, the side conceded two late goals to go down to yet another defeat.
The visiting Manly United FC enter the encounter off the back of a big loss against Sydney Olympic. The Northern Beaches side have enjoyed a decent start to the season with some good results, and a win on Sunday could ultimately send the side into the top-five.
Craig Midgley’s men will need to quickly forget about the loss to the Blues, and the likes of Matthew Sim and Colin Iley will need to lead proceedings from the front. More than capable of scoring goals, the visitors will need to master the bumpy surface to have a chance of getting a result, and inflicting further pain to the Tigers.
Marconi Stallions v Sutherland Sharks, Sunday 4th of May, 3:00 pm Marconi Stadium
Last Week:
Central Coast Mariners Academy 0 Marconi Stallions 1
Sutherland Sharks 1 Sydney United 58 FC 1
Fourth host third at Marconi Stadium when the Stallions welcome Sutherland Sharks to Bossley Park on Sunday afternoon.
Marconi has been riding a very positive wave with some hard fought victories in recent weeks, lead marvellously by Milorad Simonovic and Anthony Proia.
The challenge this weekend comes in the form of Sutherland Sharks, another side riding a positive moment of form following a tremendous come-from-behind win against Blacktown City FC, and a dominant display against Sydney United 58 FC.
The Sharks have found tremendous talent Nicholas Olsen, already with his name on the lips of many as the potential goal of the year award winner. Olsen’s speed, composure on the ball and fierce shot already stand him in good stead for a very successful career.
These two sides always produce exciting encounters, and this Sunday’s clash should be no different. Both goalkeepers can be expected to be busy with attacking flair on both sides – both squads with a good eye for goal.
A win for the Sharks will keep the side on the heels of the Reds and White Eagles, meanwhile a Stallions victory will add Jean-Paul De Marigny’s men to the fight at the top of the ladder.
-By Joseph Carlucci
Archives for April 2013
AUDIO: Ucchino flying under the radar at Bonnyrigg
Bonnyrigg White Eagle’s unsung hero Adrian Ucchino has been quietly flying under the radar with the 2012 Premiers.
The 20 year old midfielder went one on one with Football NSW Media Manager Mark Stavroulakis and discussed his time in Italy, the White Eagles of course, his future prospects and the team’s round 9 clash against the South Coast Wolves this Saturday.
AUDIO: Mark Rudan’s Sydney United 58 FC undefeated in six
Mark Rudan is quickly becoming a household name as a coach in the IGA National Premier Leagues NSW Mens 1 competition by simply being the best that he can be.
Having had the opportunity to start from scratch this season with his team line up, Rudan has focused on making the first team fight for positions and is enjoying the selection headache before each game.
Football NSW’s Pete Nowakowski caught up with the former ‘Big Blue Man’ Mark Rudan to talk about his team’s unbeaten run, the battle between Liam Reddy and Jordan Jennings and also Rudan’s aspirations as a coach..
IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Round 7 Preview
Some mouth-watering encounters to come this weekend with Sutherland Sharks and Sydney United 58 FC the pick of the bunch on Saturday evening.
Bonnyrigg’s match against Blacktown City FC should be another blockbuster, meanwhile the battle between APIA-Leichhardt Tigers and Blacktown Spartans could provide both sides with the ‘kick-start’ they need this season; even though the Spartans will be still riding high after the fabulous win against Sydney Olympic.
Central Coast Mariners Academy v Marconi Stallions, Saturday 27th of April, 6:30 pm Pluim Park
Last Week:
Central Coast Mariners Academy – Sydney United 58 FC (Washed out)
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers 0 Marconi Stallions 1
The Young Mariners will be looking for its first win in the state’s top-flight competition this weekend when it takes to the field for the second time this season in-front of its home supporters. The Mariners enter this match, against Marconi Stallions, well-rested after the Round 6 clash against Sydney United 58 FC was washed out due to the rain.
Mark Jones will have his players primed for a big performance, and the side will need to be at its best as the reigning champions visit Pluim Park.
The Stallions started the campaign very slowly, though coach Jean-Paul De Marigny’s hand has certainly started to show. The former Marconi player, once more at the helm of the Stallions, has instilled his well-recognised attacking football philosophy that has become more and more obvious with each passing week. Despite the difficult conditions against the Tigers last Saturday, the side showed it is growing in confidence as it recorded a 1-0 win.
The most impressive of the Stallions’ group thus far has been Milorad Simonovic, and the attacking midfielder was again in good nick last weekend. The Stallions will, however, be without match-winner Damien Travis who received two yellow cards, meanwhile Anthony Proia will again carry the weight of expectation in the front-third in what has been a good three weeks for the striker.
South Coast Wolves – Rockdale City Suns, Saturday 27th of April, 7:00 pm John Crehan Park
Last Week:
Manly United 58 FC 4 South Coast Wolves 2
Rockdale City Suns 0 Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0
At John Crehan Park, the Wolves have a tough match-up against a fast-improving Rockdale City Suns. The Wolves have had a difficult start to the campaign this season, not helped by the sixteen goals Richard Lloyd’s men have conceded from the opening six matches.
The task at hand will be far from easy with Branko Culina’s men starting to find their feet with some very good showings over the past three-weeks. Richard Cardozo has continued to grow in confidence, as has Alec Urosevski who returned from suspension.
A win for the Wolves will see the side cut the Suns lead on the ladder to only one-point, meanwhile should the Suns return from the ‘gong’ with maximum points, the team from Rockdale could find itself in the top-five.
Sutherland Sharks v Sydney United 58 FC, Saturday 27th of April, 7:00 pm Seymour Shaw Park
Last Week:
Blacktown City FC v Sutherland Sharks (Washed out)
Central Coast Mariners Academy v Sydney United 58 FC (Washed out)
Sutherland Sharks will be out to end Sydney United 58 FC’s 100% start to the season, and consequently close the gap on the top-two sides on the ladder, when it faces the Reds at Seymour Shaw on Saturday evening.
The Sharks started the season like a house on fire, though a draw away to APIA-Leichhardt in Round 3 appeared to slow down the side’s impressive start.
Coach Robbie Stanton has an impressive array of talent at his disposal, and the side will be hoping to be ‘full of beans’ against the Reds. The Round 6 encounter against Blacktown City FC was washed out last weekend, though the match-up has been re-scheduled for this Wednesday evening, making the next five days a very busy period for the Seymour Shaw side.
The Reds on the other hand have grown from strength-to-strength, confirming the good work of coach Mark Rudan.
The Reds hold a 100% record this season, and the fine form of captain Luka Glavas stands the side in good stead to keep that record in place. The weekend off will ensure a fresh playing group for the Seymour Shaw encounter, and action aplenty is expected in arguably the pick of the Round 7 fixtures this weekend.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Blacktown City FC, Saturday 27th of April, 7:00 pm Bonnyrigg Sports Ground
Last Week:
Rockdale City Suns 0 Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0
Blacktown City FC v Sutherland Sharks (Washed out)
Another intriguing battle awaits us at Bonnyrigg Sports Ground when the White Eagles play host to Blacktown City FC.
Two of the most consistent sides in recent seasons, both teams will be eager to score maximum points. Bonnyrigg’s 100% start to the season came to an end last weekend as the side was held to a draw at Rockdale City, meaning Brian Brown’s men will be out for blood this weekend. The side will still be without Robbie Younis who may well make a return next weekend, with Aleksander Canak and Tynan Diaz to play an important role up-front.
The visitors will have a tough home match against Sutherland Sharks on Wednesday, making the coming days a very busy affair. Coach Mark Crittenden’s men have played some great football thus far, though some indifferent results – due largely to a few disciplinary problems – sees the side occupy fifth-spot. A good few days, with two wins, could well see the side sky-rocket into the top-three, with the likes of Travis Major, Matthew Mayora and Harris Gaitatzis more than capable of turning it on for the 2010 champions.
Sydney Olympic v Manly United FC, Sunday 28th of April, 3:00 pm Belmore Sports Ground
Last Week:
Blacktown Spartans 4 Sydney Olympic 2
Manly United FC 4 South Coast Wolves 2
It certainly isn’t panic stations for Sydney Olympic at the moment, though there are some raised eyebrows following the unexpected ‘stop-start’ opening to the season. The Pre-Season Cup winners looked the goods in the early part of the season, though a recent drop in form sees the side sitting in eighth-spot on the ladder. The visit of Manly United FC provides the Blues with a massive challenge at Belmore this weekend, however should Peter Tsekenis’ men score a win, the side will be back on track for the top-five.
There is no questioning the talent at the disposal of Tsekenis, and the 2011 champions remain one of the serious contenders for silverware this season.
The visitors will still need to perform on Sunday to stand a chance against the Blues, though the recent victories – including last weekend’s 4-2 defeat of South Coast Wolves – will provide the side with a mountain of confidence.
Matthew Sim continues to provide supporters with delight following his goals, and performances, meanwhile new signing Brendan Cholakian continues to grow from strength-to-strength, further confirming Craig Midgley’s decision to bring the player to the Northern Beaches.
With a lot at stake on Sunday, both teams will be desperate to secure points and venture north on the League ladder.
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers v Blacktown Spartans, Sunday 28th of April, 3:00 pm Lambert Park
Last Week:
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers 0 Marconi Stallions 1
Blacktown Spartans 4 Sydney Olympic 2
At Lambert Park, APIA-Leichhardt Tigers are still in search of their first win of the campaign when Blacktown Spartans visit the Inner West.
The Tigers have been affected with a coaching change, though the ‘youthful exuberance’ of young coach, and experienced player, Nicola Rizzo stand the side in with a very good chance of turning its fortunes around this season.
The Tigers have played all six of the first six rounds at home, making for a number of difficult away matches to come; making this weekend’s encounter all the more important for the side to notch up its first three-pointer.
Rizzo will be hoping playmaker Franco Parisi continues to improve from the hamstring injury he has been suffering with over the past month, meanwhile youngster Nikola Taneski speed and good finishing ability in-front of goal remain fundamental to the side’s chances of a turnaround.
The visiting Spartans will be buzzing after the remarkable 4-2 defeat of Sydney Olympic last weekend, and so the team should be following the fine performance of Ben De Haan’s men. Luke Austin and Andre Carle were exceptional in the win, and more of the same will be expected of the duo at Lambert Park.
With points vital to both sides’ respective campaigns – the Spartans could move as high up as fifth in case of a win, meanwhile a win for the Tigers could signal the starting point for the club this season.
-By Joseph Carlucci
Panny Nikas: Scoring and setting goals
Sutherland Sharks midfielder Panny Nikas is a rare breed and a valuable commodity.
A dynamic goal scorer from deeper positions, Nikas’s partnership with Nick Stavroulakis in the centre of Sutherland’s midfielder has been the fulcrum on which the Shire side has built it’s success.
Robbie Stanton’s side are currently sitting in the top three and have high hopes for this season, after a disappointing 2012 where they missed out on the finals, despite winning the Waratah Cup.
Nikas is a crucial cog in the Sutherland machine and his expectations are also high.
"We want to win the Premiership," Nikas said. "Since Robbie (Stanton) has been here, it’s the only thing we haven’t won.
"In the last couple of years, we’ve set high standards.
"We also want to place an emphasis on good football. So number one: we want to win the Premiership and number two: we want to do it playing good football."
Nikas was previously part of the A-League at the now defunct North Queensland Fury and prior to that, at the Central Coast Mariners.
Despite regularly being among the top performers in the State League, Nikas has continued to be overlooked at National League level.
At the age of 24, Nikas’s desire to return to the A-League still burns brightly.
"I’m not sure why I keep getting overlooked," he said,
"I have to keep working hard. I had a good year last year and I’ve had a good start this season. If I can keep scoring goals from midfield then hopefully I can get to the next level.
‘I’m really training hard and to get back into the A-League would be an honour."
It is no surprise that a midfielder as skillful as Nikas can translate his skills to other forms of football, but beach soccer is a relatively new phenomenon in Australia. Nikas was part of the Beach Socceroos recently, and looked back fondly on the experience.
"It was a great experience," Nikas said. "We didn’t have the amount of preparation as teams like the UAE and Japan, who have professional leagues. Hopefully from this experience though, we can improve football as a whole.
"It’s competitive, but it’s a different atmosphere. It’s very serious every minute that you’re on the beach, but it’s all about enjoyment and that’s something I try and take back to outdoor.
"That approach where you’re working hard but enjoying it – that’s what makes you value the game."
– by Matthew Connellan