Team of the Week: Round 18
With rain threatening to cause havoc in round 18 of the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 competition, only two games were deemed wash outs.
The four games of football were enough to pick out 11 players for this week’s Team of the Week.
Sydney Olympic welcomed back veteran goalkeeper Paul Henderson after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The keeper put in a fantastic performance for his side as they kept a clean sheet and got back to winning ways.
Marc Warren has found some good form of late, busting down the left wing as well as completing all his defensive duties. His hard work saw his team’s goal stay untouched, picking up another victory.
Despite the South Coast Wolves going down on Saturday night, James O’Rourke led his defence by example. O’Rourke has been an important part of the Wolves push for a finals spot, being ever-present in the heart of defence.
Along with central defensive partner Matty Lewis, Blacktown City captain Zach Cairncross has been irreplaceable for his side. A strong performance from Cairncross ensured that Blacktown held off a late charge from Manly United as they registered a massive three points in the march toward the Premiership.
Yianni Spyrakis finds himself in this week’s team of the week after Sydney Olympic picked up a valuable three points. The defender was a constant threat going forward on Saturday night.
Ray Miller has found his feet well at the Bonnyrigg White Eagles this season and the midfielder has been one of the clubs best players this year. He was one of the side’s standout performers on Saturday night as the White Eagles continue their pursuit of first place.
The enigmatic talisman Franco Parisi has been fantastic for APIA Leichhardt Tigers this season with much of the team’s success due to his great form. He assisted both APIA goals on the weekend as well as playing in constant threatening balls.
David Vrankovic showed his class on Saturday night for the Bonnyirgg White Eagles, scoring an absolute bomb to help his side to three points. Since his return from overseas, the former Hyundai A-League player has been one of the first names on the White Eagles team sheet.
Manly United captain Brendan Cholakian has been on fire in front of goal this season, picking up his 11th goal of the season on Sunday. Despite his goal, Manly still went down by the odd goal and Cholakian will need to be firing in the final rounds if they’re to sneak in the top five.
Danny Choi has been a revelation for Blacktown City this season and the pacey winger was at it again on the weekend, scoring a brace which was enough for all three points. Choi has now picked up seven goals this season along with numerous assists.
Nathan Elasi made it two goals in two weeks as he picked up the opening goal for the APIA Leichhardt Tigers in their victory on Sunday afternoon. Elasi’s pace has been a danger to defenders across the league throughout the whole season.
