The 2016 PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s U20 competition is slowly edging into formation as we approach Round 4.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers are welcomed back into the fold after returning from their Italian tour, whilst frontrunners Manly United and Blacktown Spartans face two tricky tests away from home. Meanwhile, Sydney United 58 travel to Illinden searching for their first win of the season.
This week’s match of the round sees Parramatta return to Melita Stadium for the first time this campaign to host Blacktown City.
Match of the Round
Parramatta v Blacktown City, Saturday 5.00pm at Melita Stadium
The opening month of fixtures hasn’t smiled too fondly upon Parramatta. Mark Zecchin’s side are still looking for their first points of the season after trips to Blacktown Spartans and Manly United saw the Eagles handed 4-3 and 3-0 defeats respectively.
With their Round 2 fixture with APIA Leichhardt postponed, the Eagles’ season has commenced in an unusual stop-start fashion which has inhibited their progress thus far. They were arguably good value for a result on their opening day venture at Blacktown International Football Park only to be denied a point by a sensational late winner by Spartans midfielder Adrian Epifanino, whilst Zecchin’s men kept pace with the competition leaders Manly on Easter Friday before two-second half goals ultimately ended the contest. Parramatta must lift themselves again with the reigning champions on their doorstep.
After opening the season with a dominant 4-2 victory over Sydney United, Ben Wright’s Blacktown City suffered a hiccup against Sutherland in Round 2 where they were defeated 1-0 at Seymour Shaw. But the side looks to have hit their stride after dismantling Sydney Olympic 4-0 at Lily’s Football Centre last weekend and will be eager on establishing some consistency as they pursue their trophy-winning feats of last campaign.
Saturday
Sutherland Sharks v Sydney Olympic, Saturday 4.30pm at Seymour Shaw
After conceding eight goals in the last two matches, including a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Blacktown City on the weekend, Harry Paras’ Olympic face another stern examination with what looks a daunting away trip to face an in-form Sutherland.
Consecutive 1-0 triumphs over Blacktown City and Sydney United 58 have Sutherland Sharks turning heads and Allan Edmonson’s have the perfect opportunity to make it three wins on the bounce when they host Olympic.
Narrowly defeated by Manly United on the opening day, Sutherland have looked impregnable since then and have utilized their defensive organisation to sublime effect. Edmonson’s team are beginning to carve an eminence as potential dark horses and will look to continue their momentum when they host an Olympic side that have looked out of sorts in the last fortnight of action.
Harry Paras’ side have endured a miserable start to the season and missed key forward Adrian Vranic last weekend with the former Dinamo Zagreb U19 prospect promoted to the first team. Should Vranic return, and should Olympic harness the flow and resolve the side displayed in the first half of their Round 2 clash against Manly it should be an enthralling contest at Seymour Shaw.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Manly United, Saturday 5.00pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Manly United lead the competition in its early stages and will arrive at Bonnyrigg Sports Club high on confidence after beating Parramatta 3-0 at Cromer Park on Easter Friday.
Andrew Christiansen’s side have made a hugely impressive start to the season and possess a frontline brimming with attacking verve with the likes of Dylan Whitlock and Sipan Berti amongst the goals in the opening rounds. The latter has been rewarded with two call-ups into the first team this season, scoring on both occasions.
Bonnyrigg have endured a frustrating beginning to the campaign with two narrow defeats at the hands of Rockdale City Suns and Blacktown Spartans leaving Stephen Sigmund’s men at the foot of the table.
Their defeat to Blacktown in Round 2 was a particularly bitter pill to swallow after the visitors mounted a late comeback to stun Bonnyrigg Sports Club and escape with the points.
Hakoah Sydney City East v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Saturday 5.00pm at Hensley Athletic Field
Hakoah Sydney City East welcome APIA Leichhardt Tigers back into the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Men’s 20’s fold when the two sides meet on Saturday afternoon at Hensely Athletic Field.
Danial Cummins’ side have spent several months in Italy competing in the Vioreggio Cup, most recently clashing horns with an Inter Milan team but it will be back to business for APIA Leichhardt who will look to kick-start their campaign on a positive note.
League newcomers Hakoah have made a promising start to life in the top flight with convincing wins over Wollongong and Rockdale but were dealt something of a reality check last weekend in a 2-1 loss to Blacktown Spartans.
Hakoah frontman Richard Blanco netted despite the loss, continuing a fine early stint of form that has seen the striker claim four goals in his opening three matches.
Sunday
Wollongong Wolves v Blacktown Spartans, 3.00pm at WIN Stadium
Having picked up their first win of the season against Rockdale City Suns last weekend, Wollongong Wolves return to the South Coast to entertain a flying Blacktown Spartans side at WIN Stadium.
Alfredo Esteve’s Wolves’ only managed a solitary point from their opening pair of fixtures but the manner in which the side dismantled Rockdale 4-1 away from home should ensure confidence is high coming into Sunday’s blockbuster.
Meanwhile, Blacktown Spartans are beginning to turn heads after three wins on the bounce. Samuel Jacob’s side have managed to come from behind on each occasion to achieve victory and the way the team have found their attacking rhythm so early in the season will delight the Blacktown custodian.
Rockdale City Suns v Sydney United 58, Sunday 3.00pm at Illinden Sports Centre
With just one win between the two sides combined both Rockdale City Suns and Sydney United will be desperate for the points when the teams clash at Illinden Sports Centre.
Rockdale began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bonnyrigg White Eagles but since the victory they have conceded eight goals for one reply. Now set for their fourth consecutive match at home, Rockdale need a result to arrest their slide.
Sydney United 58 have also withstood a vexing couple of weeks after surrendering leads at Blacktown City in Round 1 and at home to Wollongong Wolves in Round 2, before succumbing at home to Sutherland on the weekend. With just a single point to their name so far, Davor Bajsic’s side will know the importance of a result here with a blockbuster against Sydney Olympic to come next round.
Archives for March 2016
Team of the Week – Round 3 – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s
After every round of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Men’s season Team of the Week brings to focus the best players from that weekend.
A clinical Manly United attack spearheaded by midfielder Travis Cooper resulted in a 5-1 thumping of Parramatta to kick-off the Easter long weekend. The ex-Newcastle Jet netted a brace while goal-keeper Dylan Mitchell earned man-of-the-match honours for an outstanding display that included two penalty spot saves in as many minutes.
Despite a spirited display in attack from Japanese signing Tasuku Sekiya, APIA couldn’t keep pace with Bonnyrigg, going down 2-1. Sekiya’s relentless energy in front of goal forced Bonnyrigg to scramble in defence, with Sekiya rewarded for his efforts with a goal in the 49th minute.
However a man-of-the-match performance from Bonnyrigg defender Sam Galloway was the difference between the two sides. His outstanding defensive work as well as his dynamic running game saw him nail a stunning goal in the first-half. After being subbed on in the 20th minute, Bonnyrigg striker Aaron Peterson sealed the win in the final stages with a powerful shot from close range.
After a slow start, Hakoah’s attack clicked into gear to record a solid 4-0 win over Spartans on Saturday. Young striker Kevin Lopes gave a stellar man-of-the-match performance that saw him set up a goal and score two himself, sounding a warning shot to the rest of the NPL NSW competition.
Easter Sunday saw reigning NPL champions Blacktown City cement their place as competition leaders, with former Sydney FC national youth league player Giorgio Speranza proving unstoppable. After his clinical defensive play ensured a half-time clean sheet, Speranza sparked a goal spree in the second half. His intensity in attack was rewarded when he latched onto a cross to score a stylish goal in City’s 4-2 win.
Rockdale midfielder Toufic Alamadene continued his rich vein of form, a shot in the opening minutes that rattled the crossbar showcasing his attacking prowess. His equaliser in the 48th minute was well deserved, and he soon turned provider when he set up Rockdale’s second goal. Defender Trent McClenahan had a strong game as well, limiting the Wolves scoring opportunities throughout the match.
A dominant Sydney United outfit capped off the Easter long-weekend with an emphatic 4-0 win. Yianni Fragogiannis was a rock in the defensive line, as he easily accounted for Sutherland’s attack. Nick Stavroulakis proved just as potent in defence, controlling the midfield all game as well as playing an integral part in some impressive United 58 attacking raids.
Team of the Week – Round Three
GK – Dylan Mitchell – Manly United
LB – Sam Galloway – Bonnyrigg White Eagles
CB – Yianni Fragogiannis – Sydney United 58 FC
CB – Trent McClenahan – Rockdale City Suns
RB – Giorgio Speranza – Blacktown City
LM – Travis Cooper – Manly United
CM – Nick Stavroulakis – Sydney United 58 FC
RM – Toufic Allamadene – Rockdale City Suns
ST – Aaron Peterson – Bonnyrigg White Eagles
ST – Kevin Lopes – Hakoah Sydney City East
ST – Tasuka Sekiya – APIA Leichhardt Tigers
Round 4 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s
The PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition is warming up with sides beginning to hit top gear going into this weekend’s Round 4 action.
April 2 will be a super Saturday for football fans with four matches taking place across the competition including an exciting matchup between reigning PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Champions Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Manly United.
This weeks match of the round will feature Sutherland Sharks taking on Sydney Olympic at Seymour Shaw.
Sutherland Sharks v Sydney Olympic FC, 6.30pm Saturday at Seymour Shaw
New Sutherland coach Carlos Villazon has preached the virtues of attacking football this season and has turned the Sharks into one of the competition’s most exciting teams.
However the boys from Seymour Shaw are still a work in progress with two straight losses after a comprehensive win in Round 1.
Sydney Olympic has surprised many this season with its strong performances despite a major turnover of players in the offseason.
The pressure will be on the sharks to return to the winners circle but Grant Lee’s side will be ready for a big performance.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Manly United FC, 7pm Saturday at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
The shock round two loss against Blacktown Spartans for Brian Brown’s Bonnyrigg side is well and truly in the past as the reigning PlayStation 4 Champions prepare to go head to head with Manly United.
Bonnyrigg were back in form last week against APIA and will be desperate to make it two wins from as many games.
It is a similar scenario for Paul Dee’s Manly side who claimed a dominant win against Parramatta in Round 3.
Bonnyrigg will need to keep their eye on Manly’s star players Dejan Pandurevic, Brendan Cholakian and Luke Giverin.
Hakoah Sydney City East v APIA Leichhardt, 7pm Saturday at Hensley Athletic Field
Confidence is sky high among the Hakoah Sydney City East squad after last week’s comprehensive thrashing of Blacktown Spartans.
Mark Robertson’s side will have a much tougher challenge this week when APIA Leichhardt come to town.
Injury has torn through the APIA squad but coach John Carnevale is confident his players will be ready to perform.
APIA is yet to win a match this season and the pressure is building on the side which was touted as a premiership favourite before the season.
Parramatta FC v Blacktown City FC, 7pm Saturday at Melita Stadium
Blacktown City has been almost unstoppable this season with Mark Crittenden’s side out to make it four wins from four games when they take on Parramatta FC on Saturday.
Parramatta has been much improved from the relegation battling side of 2015 but there is still a long way to go for the boys from Melita Stadium.
Blacktown has been guilty of sluggish starts so far this season so keep an eye out for how Franco Consentino and his Parramatta side take advantage.
Rockdale City Suns v Sydney United 58 FC, 5pm Sunday at Ilinden Sports Centre
Paul Reid’s Rockdale side has proven itself as a tough competitor so far this year and their mettle will be definitely tested on Sunday when they face off against Sydney United.
Rockdale is undefeated this year and has played attractive football during the opening three rounds of the competition.
Despite a loss to Blacktown City in Round 1, Sydney United 58 FC have impressed with solid performances against Sutherland and Wollongong.
The winner of this match could easily be Blacktown City’s biggest challenger for the premiership.
Wollongong Wolves v Blacktown Spartans, 5pm Sunday at WIN Stadium
A return to the comforts of home is just what the doctor ordered for the Wollongong Wolves after two tough losses on the road.
Jacob Timpano’s side has displayed incredible ability on the counter attack so far this season with the speed of Blake McGinn, Brett Wilson and Nicholas Bernal a constant threat to opposition defences.
Spartans fans will hope the inspired performance their side showed against Bonnyrigg in Round 2 returns after Blacktown’s listless display against Hakoah Sydney City East last week.
Ben De Haan’s Spartans side possesses plenty of quality but they will need to find their composure if the goal of a finals spot is to be achieved.
Round 3 Review – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s
A mammoth four days of football in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition delivered the goods during the Easter long weekend as clubs were on the hunt for competition points instead of chocolate eggs in Round 3.
Fans would be excused for feeling a sense of Déjà vu with Blacktown City winning the first three games of the season to sit top of the competition. A comprehensive 4-2 win against Sydney Olympic on Sunday ensured the Seven Hills based side repeated its feat from the 2015 season.
There was plenty of excitement elsewhere around the grounds, none more so than at Lambert Park for Match of the Round where a galant APIA Leichhardt fell narrowly short in a 2-1 loss to Bonnyrigg white Eagles.
Match of the Round
APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC 1 – Bonnyrigg White Eagles 2 at Lambert Park
It wasn’t a Good Friday for APIA as the John Carnevale coached side succumbed to defeat and injury despite a galant performance in its 2-1 loss to Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Goals to Aaron Peterson and Sam Galloway were enough for the White Eagles to hold off its fast finishing APIA opposition.
It was a disastrous start to the match for APIA who were forced into a double substitution only seven minutes into the match with Brett Studman and Sean O’Connell both going down.
A defensive mix up cost the hosts the lead in the 27th minute when former Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers defender Sam Galloway hit the back to give Bonnyrigg a 1-0 advantage.
Tasuku Sekiya levelled the scores just after the break to bring APIA back into the match when he clinically finished a passage of slick passing from the home side.
However, it wasn’t to be for APIA as substitute Peterson’s volleyed goal with 10 minutes remaining ensured Bonnyrigg went home with all three competition points.
Manly United 5 – Parramatta FC 1 at Cromer Park
Parramatta FC’s dream start to the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition finally came to an end on Friday thanks to a clinical Manly United FC outfit.
Paul Dee’s men were ‘on’ from the outset and thanks to a brilliant display from goalkeeper Dylan Mitchell, thoroughly deserved their first win of the season.
First half goals to Adam Parkhouse and Travis Cooper gave Manly a 2-0 lead at the break while second half strikes for Dejan Pandurevic, Sipan Berti and Cooper ensured victory for the Cromer Park side.
A late consolation goal to Josh Symons was all Parramatta could muster on a night Manly was at full flight.
Blacktown Spartans 0 – Hakoah Sydney City East 4 at Blacktown Football Park
PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition new boys Hakoah Sydney City East has shown they will not be easy beats this season with a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Blacktown Spartans at Blacktown Football Park on Saturday.
A brace for Kevin Lopes as well as goals to Neil Jablonski and Nathan Bowden-Haase were the difference as the Mark Robertson coached Hakoah side completely outclassed an erratic Blacktown Spartans.
It was another average performance from the Spartans who appeared nothing like the side which upset the reigning PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Champions Bonnyrigg in Round 2.
Blacktown City FC 4 – Sydney Olympic FC 2 at Lily’s Football Centre
A clinical Blacktown City FC has further cemented its place at the top of the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with a 4-2 win against Sydney Olympic at Lily’s Football Centre on Sunday.
Mark Crittenden’s Blacktown side bounced back from a sluggish start to come alive in the second half and secure victory against a persistent Sydney Olympic outfit.
Goals to Riku Sasaki, Giorgio Speranza, Mitchell Mallia and Travis Major ensured victory for the Seven Hills based side.
Despite goals to Michael Cindric and Nik Tsattalios, Sydney Olympic paid the price for poor finishing with many first half chances going to waste.
Blacktown has three wins from its first three game. It is repeat of the club’s start 2015 season in which it went to claim the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Premiership title.
Rockdale City Suns 2 – Wollongong Wolves 1 at Iliden Sports Centre
Rockdale has continued its strong start to the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with a come from behind 2-1 victory against Wollongong Wolves at Illinden Sports Centre on Easter Sunday.
Second half goals to Toufic Alameddene and Alec Urosevski were the difference as Rockdale extended its undefeated run to three matches.
Rockdale paid the price for sloppy play in front of goal in the first half and were forced to fight back from 1-0 down when Peter Simonoski gave Wollongong the lead after 33 minutes.
The addition of former Stoke academy player Peter Makrillos made all the difference for Paul Reid’s Rockdale side as they came alive in the second stanza.
It was all one way traffic after the break as goals to Alameddene and Urosevski did enough for Rockdale to collect all three points.
Sydney United 58 FC 4 – Sutherland Sharks 0 at Sydney United Football Centre
Sydney United 58 FC put in its best display of the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season so far to record a 4-0 victory against a disappointing Sutherland Sharks side.
A brace to Chris Payne as well as goals to Nikola Taneski and Panni Nikas helped the Mark Rudan coached side to its second win of the season.
It was all one way traffic for United 58 as Sutherland struggled to find its way into the match.
It could’ve been worse for the Sharks if it wasn’t for the efforts of goal keeper Nathan Denham who was a stand out performer in a beaten side.
Sublime United 58 FC crush Sharks
Sydney United 58 FC put in its best display of the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season so far to record a 4-0 victory against a disappointing Sutherland Sharks side.
The home side dominated the early stages of the contest as Yutaro Shin combined with former Manly United man Christopher Payne to force Nathan Denham in the Sutherland goal into action.
It took Sutherland until the tenth minute to register its first shot of the game.
Tomohiro Kajiyama stung the palms of former Wolves custodian Thomas Manos with a fierce shot.
Most of the action happened around the Sharks penalty box as Payne and Panni Nikas tried to break the deadlock.
Payne was unlucky not to give Sydney United 58 the lead after he was played into space with only Denham to beat.
He rounded the keeper but a desperate lunge from a Sharks defender saved the day.
Despite their domination, United 58 took 40 minutes to finally get on the scoresheet.
A robust challenge from Steven Hayes gave Nikas the perfect angle to fire his free-kick effort past Denham and into the net for a 1-0 lead.
Sutherland Sharks came out hard in the second half and looked to draw level with two gilt-edge chances foiled by Manos.
Two goals to Chris Payne in three minutes gave the upper hand to United 58.
Payne and Shin combined as the Japanese winger cut-back and allowed the former to make it 2-0 after 53 minutes with a rasping shot.
A penalty two minutes later was comprehensively dispatched by Payne to make it 3-0 after Shin was taken down in the box.
The game drifted as Sydney United 58 FC continued to press the Sharks defence.
The midfield was also marshaled comfortably as Nick Stavroulakis gave it his all breaking up a number of the Sharks play along with his partner in crime Peter Triantis.
Nikola Taneski rounded off the display for the home side after neat work in the box.
The former Rockdale man clipped the ball past Denham and it spilled across the line to make it 4-0.
It was a professional performance from United which pleased their coach Mark Rudan.
"I was extremely impressed with our opening 45 minutes. It was probably the best I have witnessed in my four years here at Sydney United 58 FC," he said.
"We were totally in control, it was good but we can always improve. It is good to keep a clean sheet and score goals but can always improve.”
Sharks coach Carlos Villazon admitted his side were thoroughly outplayed.
"Sydney United were better than us over the 90 minutes especially after the first goal. We lost our structure much like last week," he said.
“My team was in shock after the first goal but players react in different ways and we lost the game.”
Match Stats
Sydney United 58 FC: 4 (Nikas ’40, Payne ’53, ’56 and Taneski ’84)
Sutherland Sharks FC: 0
Referee: Kurt Ams
Assistant Referees: Nick Backu and Kearney Robinson
Fourth Official: Andreas Lynch
Sydney United 58 FC: 21. MANOS Thomas 2. VLISMAS Kristopher, 6. PAYNE Christopher, 7. SHIN Yutaro, 8. TRIANTIS Peter, 11. TANESKI Nikola, 14. STAVROULAKIS Nick, 17. KOFINAS Theo, 19. BILIC Matthew, 22. FRAGOGIANNIS Yianni, 23. NIKAS Panni.
Substitutes: 1 DEPTA Andrew, 10. MILESKI Robbie, 12. VRILIC Ante, 18. DONATIELLO Marcus
Yellow cards: Payne 45’, Nikas 80’
Red cards: nil
Sutherland Sharks FC: 1. DENHAM, Nathan, 3. MURAYAMA, Takuya, 5. LITTLER, Nicholas, 6. GORDON, Matthew, 9. FIGON, Jordan, 10. DA SILVA, Joshua, 12. STERGIOU, Lukas 15. MOUSTAKAS, Perry, 17. ANDREW, James, 23. HAYES, Steven and 35. KAJIYAMA, Tomohiro
Substitutes:4. KAYES Stephen, 7. PRESS Jack, 11. JOVOVIC Alex, 19. FITZPATRICK Callum, 21. LOE Nikolas
Yellow Cards: Kayes 38’, Moustakas 40’, Gordon 80′
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings
3 – Nick Stavroulakis (SU)
2 – Yianni Fragogiannis (SU)
1 – Tom Manos (SU)
-By Justin Davies, at Sydney United Sports Centre