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 49^th 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 20^th 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 48^th 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