Team of the Week – Round 6 – 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.
Off the back of a stellar man-of-the-match performance from Panni Nikas, Sydney United 58 condemned Spartans to another loss at Blacktown Sports Park. In a physical encounter, it was Nikas who proved to be the difference in the second half with a goal and an assist to set up the 3-0 win. United 58’s left midfielder Yutaro Shin also proved to be a handful for the Spartan defence, providing some lovely crosses and cutbacks to apply pressure to the home side’s goal.
A second half rally powered the Bonnyrigg White Eagles to an impressive 3-1 victory, sparked by some classy plays from midfielder Mun-Soo Gil. The Japanese import had the ball on a string with some deft touches and ball control, the highlight being a run that started in the Bonnyrigg half and finished with Gil setting up a wonderful goal. Captain David Vrankovic provided a strong defensive performance, limiting the chances of the Sutherland attack in the first half and controlling possession on the offensive.
A clinical attacking effort from Captain Neil Jablonski inspired Hakoah to an upset win over Blacktown City, handing the competition front-runners their first loss of the season. The Scotsman proved to be difficult to contain for City’s defence, consistently finding space in attack before nailing the match-winner in the 70th minute. Not even a goal from super-sub Joe Gibbs could pull back the deficit, as Hakoah recorded a 3-1 win to delight their home ground crowd.
Some heroics in-goal from Parramatta keeper Luke Turnbull proved decisive in his side’s 3-1 win over Sydney Olympic. The shot stopper had a busy first-half as the Olympic attack threatened dangerously, forcing Turnbull into some spectacular saves. A steely display from Ibrahim Haydar also assisted in keeping the Olympic strikers at bay, with a late goal capping off a great night for the Parramatta defender.
Sunday’s match between Rockdale and APIA was a high-scoring affair, with both sides sharing the points in a 3-all draw. Young Rockdale midfielder Blake Ricciuto demonstrated class and skill in a great first half that saw him thread some neat passes through APIA’s defence. His efforts were rewarded with a goal in the second half that gave his side a two-goal lead. However a resolute APIA outfit was able to snatch a draw in the closing stages.
Manly continued their rise up the ladder with a 2-0 win thanks to man-of-the-match Sam Galagher. The former Olyroo was magnificent in defence, delivering good ball to his midfielders and bailing his side out of trouble when the Wollongong attack pressed. A Dejan Pandurevic rocket from outside the box broke the deadlock right on half-time, the striker consistently troubling the home sides goal-keeper with an array of shots.
GK – Luke Turnbull – Parramatta FC
LB – David Vrankovic – Bonnyrigg White Eagles
RB – Sam Galagher – Manly United
CB – Ibrahim Haydar – Parramatta FC
LM – Yutaro Shin – Sydney United 58 FC
RM – Mun-Soo Gil – Bonnyrigg White Eagles
CM – Panni Nikas – Sydney United 58 FC
CM – Blake Ricciuto – Rockdale City Suns
ST – Dejan Pandurevic – Manly United
ST – Joe Gibbs – Blacktown City
ST – Neil Jablonski – Hakoah Sydney City East
