Thriller at Bonnyrigg
A 90th minute equaliser saw the Bonnyrigg White Eagles reel in a two goal deficit against Blacktown City in a rescheduled round 4 PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 clash.
All four goals came in the second half in what was a highly entertaining clash at Bonnyrigg Sports Ground.
It was a fast paced opening to the game with the under strength White Eagles holding City well.
Giorgio Speranza had the first effort of the match just before the 10th minute, hitting the ball high over the bar.
Mitch Mallia then took a free-kick from just out side the box but his swerving strike was well held by James Chronopoulos.
As the game got on, the White Eagles began to up the tempo and dominate their opponents.
Adam Jenner connected well with a teammate to break into the box. His left footed shot didn’t test Nenad Vekic in the City goal as it bounced wide of the post.
In the 20th minute Alex Canak should’ve had the home side in front. The ball made its way into the box but Canak couldn’t adjust himself quick enough as his attempt went straight at Vekic.
Only minutes later and a Travis Major cross found Patrick Antelmi whose looped header almost beat Chonopoulos.
In the 28th minute, Robbie Younis had an opportunity for Bonnyrigg from just outside the area. His curling free-kick had the home fans off their feet but Vekic regathered well to palm the ball out.
Younis had another opportunity from a dead ball situation in the second minute of stoppage time but his effort dipped just over the bar.
In the 47th minute Alex Mansueto missed the impossible. A great ball in from the right by Tynan Diaz found the White Eagles defender at the far post who scooped the ball high and wide of the goal from only a few yards out.
An error by Alexander Doyle in the middle of the park was capitalised on by the City attack as Sasa Macura stole in. He’s square ball across the box found Gibbs who layed off for Danny Choi who couldn’t miss from a yard out.
11 minutes later and the away side doubled their lead. Gibb’s again was the creator, flicking the ball on for Choi who found it easy to play the ball passed the White Eagles custodian for his second of the night.
Macura then had an opportunity to haunt his former club after connecting with a cut back to the edge of the area but his strike hit the post.
In the 75th minute the White eagles had a lifeline as a ball whipped in by Chris Tadrosse was punched out by Vekic. Substitute Yuta Kokado’s poorly struck shot came to the feet of Aaron Peterson who did well to finish.
Canak should’ve had an equaliser in the 75th but he skewed his volley wide of the right post.
Adam Jenner and Peterson both had chances late but both their efforts missed by inches.
With the seconds ticking to 90, Diaz crossed in another dangerous ball finding Fox who rose highest to head the ball beyond a despairing Vekic and cement the final result.
White Eagles coach Brian Brown had mixed emotions after the full time whistle.
“I think that shows the character of the team to come back from two goals down.
“Really, that was a position we didn’t deserve to be in as the two goals we conceded we defended like children.
“If we go another five minutes we win. Football is about taking your chances and we didn’t.
“I’m happy to get a point but it’s probably three points we didn’t pick up.
“We’re very thin at the moment and missing a few key players so we’ll have to battle until we get some of the boys back.”
The Blacktown City coach was pleased with the point, despite dropping a two goal lead.
“Look disappointing when you’re leading 2-0 but to come to Bonnyrigg and get a point you’d be pretty happy.
“I think they were pretty good tonight and we were second best for the majority of it.
“We had two chances and took them and probably should’ve made it three (Macura chance) and it would’ve been all over.
“Credit to Bonnyrigg, even at two goals down they never stopped fighting and got what they deserved.”
Match Stats
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 2 (Peterson 75’, Fox 90’)
Blacktown City 2 (Choi 50’, 61’)
Wednesday, 27th May, 2015
Bonnyrigg Sports Centre, Bonnyrigg Heights
Referee: Kurt Ams
Assistant Referees: Danny Horstead and Mitch Clark
Fourth Official: Dave Haslett
Bonnyrigg White Eagles: 1. Chronopoulos, 2. Mansueto, 5. Tadrosse, 7. Diaz, 8. Canak, 9. Younis (18. Kokado), 12. Fox, 13. Jenner, 14. Doyle (36. Douglas), 17. Gil, 19. Peterson
Blacktown City: 1. Vekic, 3. Speranza, 4. Fragogiannis, 6. Lewis, 7. Major (12. Araujo), 8. Macura, 11. Choi, 14. Mallia, 16. Antelmi (20. Evans), 19. Cairncross, 21. Perkatis
Yellow Cards: Major, Cairncross
Player Ratings:
3 – Danny Choi (BC)
2 – Tynan Diaz (BWE)
1 – Chris Tadrosse (BWE)
– by Nikola Pozder, PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 Reporter, at Bonnyrigg Sports Centre
