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 standout game from midfielder Gavin Rae has powered Hakoah Sydney City East to a 3-1 win over Sutherland. The Scotsman troubled the home-side’s defence early on, providing the highlight of the opening stanza with a magnificent shot from half-way that almost caught the Sutherland stopper napping, forcing him into a desperate leap. Rae continued to provide good assistance for his strikers in the second half and was rightly awarded man-of-the-match.
Goalkeeper James Chronopolous proved to be the hero for Bonnyrigg as he blocked countless shots in his sides 0-0 draw with Sydney Olympic. Despite having the bulk of possession, Olympic’s attack were thwarted by the safe hands of Chronopolous, the veteran showing all his class and experience with some remarkable saves. The White Eagles can also thank defender Michael Robinson for a stellar defensive effort, which saw him shut down numerous attacking raids and put in a spectacular tackle in the closing stages when an Olympic goal looked certain.
Off the back of some sublime defensive efforts, Manly couldn’t muster a win as they drew 1-1 with Rockdale. Strong performances from the Manly back-line duo of Sam Gallagher and Rhys Williams gave the Rockdale attack little breathing space. Williams also made some blistering runs down the wing but his tireless work wouldn’t be rewarded as Manly squandered some excellent chances. Gallagher almost put his side ahead early in the second half, however the former Olyroos’ clinical header was snatched by Rockdale’s keeper, the score remaining deadlocked for the rest of the match.
Blacktown City eased to a comfortable victory thanks to a brace from super-sub Danny Choi. After entering the game in the final half-hour, Choi had an immediate impact, finding space in the 18-yard box before being brought down in a clumsy tackle. After nailing the spot kick, Choi was at it again a few minutes later when he sealed the match with a lovely curling strike that found the top left corner. Man-of-the-match honours went to City midfielder Mitchell Mallia, who opened the scoring with a fantastic free kick that dipped over the wall and cannoned into the goal. The former Sydney FC player applied relentless pressure to the Wolves defence, leading his side home to a 3-0 win.
A barnstorming Sydney United 58 FC attack wowed their home crowd with a thumping 5-1 win, with striker Robbie Mileski on fire up front. After being brought down twice in the box when a goal looked inevitable, Mileski scored his first in the 33rd minute with a clinical finish. Although more chances went begging in the second-half, Mileski scored a deserved second goal with a stylish volley. Peter Triantis picked up man-of-the-match not only for an excellent display in midfield but for saving two goals in the space of 10 seconds when he blocked the shots with his body, denying Parramatta an early lead.
In a goal-fest at Lambert Park, it was a rampant APIA outfit that ran riot in a 15 minute period that saw four goals scored. APIA’s Tasuku Sekiya put his hand up for goal of the year with a slick run in the 12th minute that saw him beat three Spartan defenders before unleashing a shot that rocketed into the top left corner. The Spartans defence had few answers for the dynamic Japanese striker, who scored again in the in the second half to cap off the 5-3 win. Defender David D’Apuzzo got his name on the goal-scorers sheet as well with a classy finish in the opening half, before putting his body on the line to deny Spartans a goal just after half-time.
GK – James Chronopoulos – Bonnyrigg White Eagles
LB – David D’Apuzzo – APIA Leichhardt Tigers
CB – Sam Gallagher – Manly United
CB – Michael Robinson – Bonnyrigg White Eagles
RB – Rhys Williams – Manly United
LM – Mitchell Mallia – Blacktown City
CM – Peter Triantis – Sydney United 58 FC
RM – Gavin Rae – Hakoah Sydney City East
ST – Danny Choi – Blacktown City
ST – Tasuku Sekiya – APIA Leichhardt Tigers
ST – Robbie Mileski – Sydney United 58 FC
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