Normal service resumed in the PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 as Blacktown City finally got back to winning ways after three consecutive draws.
It was a spirited Manly United that suffered the wrath of Danny Choi as the diminutive attacker got back among the goals with a well-taken brace.
The chasing pack did not let up, however, as APIA Leichhardt and Bonnyrigg White Eagles both picked up wins to remain second and third respectively.
The rest of the round was relatively quiet as matches in Parramatta and Rockdale were both rained out.
ROUND 18 REVIEW
Manly United 1-2 Blacktown City FC, at Cromer Park
Danny Choi was back to his best to get Blacktown City FC back on the winners list after a frustrating month with three consecutive draws.
Three points was crucial for Mark Crittenden’s side as the league leaders looked to stay at the top of the tree under increasing pressure from APIA Leichhardt and Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Choi struck twice in the first half against a strong Manly side that seldom deserved to be behind at the break.
A fine strike from United’s star man and captain Brendan Cholakian gave United some hope in the second half, but it was not enough to give his side the point it probably deserved.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers 2-0 Sydney United 58 FC 0, at Lambert Park
APIA Liechhardt Tigers did not let complacency become and issue for a second week running when they welcomed Sydney United 58 FC to Lambert Park on Sunday.
A two-goal lead was not enough last week against Sutherland Sharks, but the Tigers ensured they did not let the same lead slip against United.
Mark Rudan’s side continued its terrible run at the back with the concession of another two goals.
Nathan Elasi and Adrian Ucchino were the men on target for the Tigers, as brave showings from Panni Nikas and Chris Triantis weren’t enough to turn the tide in United’s favour.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 3-1 South Coast Wolves, at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Another week, another win for Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Beyond that, there was another unbelievable goal for the White Eagles to savour as David Vrankovic stepped up to the plate with his own contender for goal of the year with a first-time 20-yard blast into the top-corner.
His goal put the White Eagles 2-1 up following Robert Younis’ opener and David Stojic’s equaliser for the Wolves.
Jacob Timpano’s men were more than worthy of parity at the time, and probably should have lead at half-time, but their failure to convert proved costly as the White Eagles turned in a much-improved second-half performance to keep their premiership hopes alive.
Marconi Stallions 0-2 Sydney Olympic FC, at Marconi Stadium
The Marconi Stallions just cannot buy a trick at the moment.
The Stallions put in another credible performance at home, this time at home to Sydney Olympic, but were again left empty-handed.
Two late goals for Grant Lee’s men sealed a much-needed three points for the previously free-falling Olympic.
Harris Gaitatzis and Dimitri Hatzimouratis notched the goals in the final few minutes to save the day for Olympic and break Marconi’s hearts.
The result leaves the Stallions rooted to the bottom of the table, with maximum points needed to lift them from their current league standing.
Parramatta FC v Blacktown Spartans – WASHED OUT
Rockdale City Suns v Sutherland Sharks – WASHED OUT
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