Round 7 Review – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s
THERE was goals galore in Round 7 of the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition as Sydney United 58 strengthened its grip on top spot.
Mark Rudan’s side flexed it’s attacking muscle against Parramatta FC on Sunday to notch its sixth straight win while Blacktown City ensured the battle at the summit was as fierce as ever with a 3-0 win against Wollongong Wolves.
APIA and Blacktown City went head to head in an eight goal shootout on Sunday while Manly and Rockdale faced off in a duel of third versus fourth for this week’s match of the round.
Match of the Round
Manly United FC 1 – Rockdale City Suns 1 at Cromer Park
A wasteful Manly United were left pondering what may have been after Rockdale held on for a 1-1 draw at Cromer Park in its PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash on Sunday afternoon.
Alec Urosevski gave Rockdale the lead after only five minutes but Jamie Lobb’s 45th minute goal was enough to rescue a point for Paul Dee’s Manly side.
Manly will be disappointed not to take more away from the match after having the better of the attacking chances throughout the match.
The result ensures Rockdale and Manly remain at third and fourth on the competition ladder ahead of Round 8.
Sutherland Sharks 1 – Hakoah Sydney City East 3 at Seymour Shaw
After defeating Blacktown City last week, Hakoah Sydney City East continued its good run in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition after scoring three second half goals, downing Sutherland Sharks 3-1 at Seymour Shaw.
It was the quintessential game of two halves with the hosts taking the lead through Japanese import Tomihiro Kajiyama’s fine first-half strike after controlling the early action.
But there was no stopping a resurgent Hakoah in the second half who romped to victory with goals to Lee Jones, and a double to Kevin Lopes.
The win has Hakoah in seventh position on the table while Sutherland finish the round in tenth.
Sydney Olympic FC 0 – Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0 at Belmore Sports Ground
Veteran shot stopper James Chronopoulous was the star performer as Bonnyrigg clung on for a 0-0 draw in its PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash against Sydney Olympic FC at Belmore Oval on Sunday.
Chronopoulous showed why he is routinely mentioned as one of the top keepers in the competition with save after save to ensure the White Eagles took away a point from the Round 7 clash.
Poor finishing in front of goal cost both sides with multiple chances going begging.
The result leaves Bonnyrigg in fifth spot while the point helps Olympic jump off the foot of the table.
Blacktown City FC 3 – Wollongong Wolves 1 at Lily’s Football Centre
Blacktown City FC has secured a convincing 3-0 win against Wollongong Wolves in its PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash at Lilys Football Centre, Seven Hills on Sunday afternoon.
A first half goal from Mitchell Mallia followed by two second-half goals from substitute Danny Choi was enough for the home team to walk away with all three points.
It was a tough day at the office for Wollongong who were up against a Blacktown side desperate to put its Round 6 shock loss to Hakoah in the past.
Wollongong were tough competition but never truly threatened Blacktown as Mark Crittenden’s men kept the pressure on Sydney United 58 FC at the peak of the competition ladder with another three point haul.
Sydney United 58 FC 5 – Parramatta FC 1 at Sydney United Football Centre
Sydney United 58 FC has secured its spot at the top of the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with a comprehensive 5-1 win against Parramatta FC at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday.
Three penalties in the first half virtually eliminated all hopes for Parramatta as Sydney United 58 FC cruised to victory on the back of goalscoring doubles to Chris Payne and Robbie Mileski as well as a strike to Panni Nikas.
A goal to Parramatta’s Ante Tomic proved to be a mere consolation goal it did however mark the end of United 58’s incredible run of four consecutive clean sheets.
The win stretched United 58 FC’s winning streak to six games with the side’s only defeat occurring in round one to Blacktown City.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers 5 – Blacktown Spartans 3 at Lambert Park
THERE was action, excitement and plenty of goals as APIA Leichhardt Tigers cruised to a 5-3 win against Blacktown Spartans in its PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash at Lambert Park on Sunday.
An incredible opening 20 minutes featured five goals as APIA bounced back from going 1-0 down after 60 seconds to leading 4-1 before the midway point of the opening stanza.
A hat-trick to Tasuku Sekiya as well as goals to David D’Apuzzo and Nick Olsen ensured victory for the home side despite Futa Nakamura’s double and Anthony Praia’s goal for Blacktown.
Although the fans loved the bevy on goals which were on offer, both sides will need to improve defensively if it hopes to play finals football in 2016,