Parramatta FC has found its winning ways once again with an impressive 3-1 victory in its PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash with Sydney Olympic at Melita Stadium on Saturday.
Goals to Gosue Sama, Marco Sama and Ibrahim Haydar helped Parramatta come back from 1-0 down and end its recent run of defeats.
The star of the night though was Parramatta shot stopper Luke Turnbull who made a number of huge saves for the home side to keep them in the match.
Despite being on the road, Sydney Olympic was not going to sit back and defend.
Nick Tsattalios and William Angel sparked the crowd in the fourth minute with a slick one two before being foiled by Parramatta keeper Turnbull.
Albeit an open match, Olympic and Parramatta resorted to long balls with the middle of the park becoming a battle of attrition between each side’s midfield.
After 18 minutes a massive roar went up when Mitchell Stamatellis appeared to bring down Marco Sama inside the box but play was waved on.
Lead by Ibrahim Haydar and Tom Mallet, Parramatta’s defence was impenetrable as Olympic attempted to play through the middle of the park.
It was the visitors who nearly took the lead in the 29th minute after a mix up in the Parramatta defence.
Shot stopper Turnbull attempted to take hold of a looping ball into the box only for Mallett to head it past him with Parramatta fans nervously watching on as the ball trickled wide.
It was Turnbull who kept the game scoreless when he denied Angel with 10 minutes to go in the first half.
Olympic broke free and chipped the ball onto to the eager head of Will Angel who looked to the sky in disbelief when Turnbull tipped it over the bar.
Turnbull’s heroics saved Parramatta again seconds later when he made a reflex stop with his legs to once again deny Angel.
It wasn’t all one-way traffic as the Eagles returned fire immediately when Ante Tomic centred the perfect ball for Andreas Vais to head agonizingly wide in the 41st minute.
Olympic keeper Paul Henderson pulled off a magnificent save in the dying stages of the first half when he palmed a headed effort over the bar to ensure both sides went to the sheds locked at 0-0.
The addition of Jacob Boutoubia sparked Olympic in the second Stanza and the front man forced Turnbull into another amazing piece of keeping early in the half.
In the 58th minute it was Boutoubia who broke the deadlock when he angled his shot past the outstretched arms of Turnbull to make it 1-0 for Olympic.
Less than two-minutes later Parramatta were back on level pegging thanks to a classy header from Gosue Sama.
Aram Tayebi-Derezkala skipped a tackle on the left and delivered a delicious cross for Gosue Sama to head expertly past an exposed Henderson.
Olympic never recovered and found themselves under increasing pressure.
Ten minutes later and Parramatta took the lead courtesy of Marco Sama.
Sama superbly found space inside the box before firing home with his left peg to make it 2-1.
The turn-around was completed with an early birthday present for Ibrahim Haydar.
Haydar kept his cool to finish from inside the penalty area after being set up by a slick Marco Sama pass to ice the game and secure the victory for Parramatta.
A shell shocked Olympic coach Grant Lee said his side needed to display more intensity after scoring.
“After we scored we stopped playing. We threw the game away,” he said.
“We thought we had done enough. All the pressure we built up was worth nothing because we stopped playing after we scored.
“It seems that some players don’t know how to hang on to a lead and how to grind out a result when you need to. The way we switched off tonight was criminal.
A relieved Frank Consentino said conceding early in the second half was the wake-up call his players needed.
“Their goal was probably the best thing for us,” he said.
“When we hit our first goal the boys grew in confidence because we haven’t been finding the net too often this season.
“This is a good bunch of lads who are working hard for me week-in and week-out and I’m proud of their performance tonight.”
Match Stats
Parramatta Eagles 3 (G.Sama 60’, M.Sama 67’, Haydar 84’)
Sydney Olympic 1 ( Boutoubia 58’)
Saturday, April 16 2016
Melita Stadium, Granville
Referee: Ben Abraham
Assistant Referees: Daniel Horsted & Joon Park
Fourth Official: Adam Vanauskus
Parramatta FC: 1. TURNBULL Luke, 4. SYMONS Joshua ©, 6. GULLO Dan, 8. REZO Daniel (19. BROWN Blair 90’), 9. SAMA Gosue 10. SAMA Marco (17. GERSBACH Joshua 88’), 11. TOMIC Ante, 13. VAIS Andreas (7. MARTEY Frank 74’), 18. MALLET Tom, 20. HAYDAR Ibrahim, 23. TAYEBI-DEREZKALA Aram
Substitutes Not Used: 14. GRIMA Luke, 23. DIACONO Jayden
Yellow Cards: 9. SAMA Gosue 73’, 10. SAMA Marco 79’,
Red Cards:
Sydney Olympic: 1. HENDERSON Paul, 2. SORGE Brayden (5. MADONIS Jason 66’), 3. TOMELIC Anthony, 6. STAMATELLIS Mitchell, 7. ANGEL William, 8. FONDYKE Howard © (4. EGGER Leigh 83’), 9. TRIANTIS Chris, 10. GAITATZIS Harris, 16. GREEN Oliver, 22. GATATZIS Michael, 33. TSATTALIOS Niko (11. BOUTOUBIA Jacob 46’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. CRICKMORE Denver, 37. MONTFORD Eoin
Yellow Cards: 3. TOMELIC 44’,10. GAITATZIS Harris 80’
Red Cards:
Player Ratings
3 – Luke Turnbull (PE)
2 – Ibrahim Haydar (PE)
1 – William Angel (SO)
-By Micky Brock
Archives for April 2016
Hakoah end Blacktown City’s unbeaten streak
Fairy tales do come true and it is exactly what happened on Saturday night for Hakoah Sydney City East as they claimed a shock 3-1 win against Blacktown City FC during the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash at Hensley Athletic Field.
David overcame Goliath as the bottom of the table Hakoah put on a well-rounded performance against the previously unbeaten and top of the table Blacktown.
An early screamer to Hussein Akil as well as second half goals to Neil Jablonski and Jordan Mundell helped Sydney City East to only its second win of the season.
From the opening kick-off Hakoah were determined to prove they would not be push overs and it took only 10 minutes for the home side to make their mark.
Akil sent the crowd at Hensley Athletic Field into raptures when the left winger unleashed a stinging shot from 25 yards out which cannoned into the back of the net past the outstretched arms of a diving Tristan Prendergrast in the Blacktown City goal.
Blacktown City refused to let the goal affect their attacking drive and only moments later Mitch Mallia missed a golden opportunity in the 15th minute.
The winger found open space after he beat his defender and made a 25 yard run but could only hit his shot right into the arms of Hakoah goalkeeper Matthew McKenzie.
It would be a turning point in the match as Mark Robertson’s Hakoah side took control of possession and field position.
City keeper Prendergrast was kept busy as wave after wave of Hakoah attacks had the Blacktown defence on the back foot.
Aaron D’Mello and Neil Jablonski were the biggest threats for Hakoah as they searched for a second goal.
Connor Evans was left ruing a missed opportunity in the 35th minute as Blacktown spurned a rare first half opportunity.
A looping ball into the box was headed down by Sasa Macura into the path of Evans who could only air-swing from five yards out when he had only the keeper to beat.
At the other end of the field Hakoah had a missed chance of their own when Jablonski headed wide from six yards out after a pin point delivery from Lee Jones.
The visitors had a burst of energy in the dying moments of the half but it wasn’t enough as Hakoah Sydney City East took a 1-0 lead in to the half time break.
Strong words from Blacktown City coach Mark Crittenden inspired his side to find an extra gear in attack when they return from the break.
Travis Major had the first chance of the second half when Patrick Antelmi delivered a free kick from the western sideline but the striker sailed his header over the crossbar from only six yards out.
While Blacktown City held the upper hand in the second half, Hakoah were the first to score.
An incredible counter attacking move from the home side in the 55th minute was finished by Jordan Mundell to make it 2-0 after he received a classy assist from Jablonksi.
It sparked Hakoah into an incredible attacking run with Lee Jones unlucky to have not scored when his volley from 25 yards out ricocheted off the crossbar and onto the goal line before being cleared by the Blacktown City defence.
Crittenden looked to his substitutes bench in a desperate attempt to kick start a Blacktown City fightback.
The addition of Joey Gibbs made an instant impact with the lanky striker scoring Blacktown City’s first of the game with a tap in at the near post in the 65th minute.
But as soon as Blacktown City thought they were in with a shot, Hakoah captain Neil Jablonski quickly reminded them it was not going to be their night.
The burly striker cooly side footed past a diving Prendergrast after Blacktown lost possession at halfway
Hakoah defender Bradley Walker went inches away from adding a fourth goal.
The defender volleyed high over the crossbar from only metres out from goal with only the keeper to beat.
Over enthusiastic goalkeeping nearly cost Hakoah dearly in the 84th minute when shot stopper McKenzie handled the ball outside the 18 yard box.
From the ensuing free kick Joey Gibbs broke free of his marker but once again couldn’t control his header as it sailed high from close range.
It would be Blacktown’s last real chance as Hakoah held on for a historic win for the newly promoted side.
Hakoah Sydney City East coach Mark Robertson and his squad were on cloud nine after the match.
“The game was always a potential banana skin for Blacktown City and our boys executed our game plan perfectly to get the win,” Robertson said.
“It has taken a few weeks for the squad to gel and find our combinations, I have said since day one that we would be a side which would fire after round five.
“This win marks the start of our season.”
Poor finishing and poor discipline was the deciding factor according to Blacktown City coach Crittenden.
“We were very sloppy at times and paid the price,” Crittenden said.
“Too many opportunities went begging while Hakoah was able to hit the back of the net.
“We will go back to the drawing board and get ready for a big game next week.”
Match Stats
Hakoah Sydney City East: 3 (Akil 10’, Mundell 55’, Jablonski 70’)
Blacktown City FC: 1 (Gibbs 65’)
Saturday, April 16 2016
Hensley Athletic Field, Eastgardens
Referee: S. Lucas
Assistant Referees: A. Giev and R. Osbourne
Fourth Official: T. Harris
Hakoah Sydney City East: 40. MCKENZIE Matthew, 4. WALKER Bradley, 5. BOWDEN-HAASE Nathan, 7. HUSSEIN Akil (23. DEJONG Andre (31. LOPES Kevin 56’), 9. JABLONSKI Neil (12. ABBOTT Steve 72’), 11. RAE Gavin, 14. JONES Lee, 15. BANDUR Jacob, 16. ANDRICOPOULOS Costa, 17. MUNDELL Jordan, 18. D’MELLO Aaron
Substitutes not used: 3. BLUMBERG Dylan.
Yellow Cards: Matthew Mckenzie 3’, Aaron D’Mello 50’, Jacob Bandur 75’
Red Cards:
Blacktown City FC: 20. PRENDERGRAST Tristan, 3. SPERANZA Giorgio (9. GIBBS Joey 60’), 4. SPERANZA Roberto, 6. LEWIS Matthew, 7. MAJOR Travis 8. MACURA Sasa, 10. EVANS Connor (18. ASKEW Dakota 66’), 11. CHOI Danny, 14. MALLIA Mitchell, 16. ANTELMI Patrick (21. SASAKI Riku 60’) , 19. CAIRNCROSS Zach
Substitutes not used: 1. VEKIC Nenad, 12. GROZDANOVSKI Jonathan.
Yellow Cards: Giorgio Speranza 23’, Patrick Antelmi 59’, Roberto Speranza 69’, Zachary Cairncross 89’
Red Cards
Player Ratings
3 – Neil Jablonski (HSCE)
2 – Matthew McKenzie (HSCE)
1 – Joe Gibbs (BC)
Sydney United 58 snap up Uskok
Former Central Coast Mariners defender Tomislav Uskok will call Sydney United 58 FC home as the 24-year-old was snapped up by Mark Rudan for the remaining PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season.
Uskok caught the attention of the Reds after impressing with Victorian outfit Melbourne Knights where the big defender made over 80 appearances.
Uskok will make his debut for the club when Sydney United 58 FC take on the Blacktown Spartans tomorrow night at Blacktown Football Park.
Giverin on the charge at Manly
ONE goal doesn’t tend to change a season, but it could prove to be crucial for Luke Giverin.
The English import broke his duck for Manly United against Hakoah Sydney City East last Sunday afternoon with a scorching left foot strike late in the first half.
He followed that up with a quality assist from a free kick soon after the break.
Giverin feels he finally found his feet in what has been a challenging introduction to the PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s one competition.
"To be honest, the weather took its toll on me,” the midfielder said.
"Luckily it is cooling down now, it was tough playing in (hot) conditions.
"It is certainly different to back home."
The Manchester United youth player arrived in Australia back in January seeking a new challenge in football.
On the books of the Red Devils from the age of seven, he wasn’t getting the on field opportunities he craved.
"I just wanted to play as often as possible,” Giverin said.
"I had a mate playing for Northbridge FC and he had (Manly coach) Paul Dee’s number.
"Once I was settled, I went down for a trial and signed on a week later."
Giverin admitted he was surprised by the playing ability of his new teammates.
"It was obvious very early on they could all play,” the 23-year-old said.
"All the lads welcomed me from day one, which made things easier.
"My focus is playing well for Manly in every game – beyond that who knows what will happen, my visa is only for 12 months.
"I’m very happy at the club and I think we have the squad to give the competition a real shake and hopefully also go on a big run in the Westfield FFA Cup."
Round 6 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s U20
A much anticipated Round 6 of the 2016 PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s U20 competition takes place over the coming weekend and given the unpredictably entertaining nature of the league so far it’s difficult to pick winners in all six contests.
Fresh from their 4-0 rout of reigning champions Blacktown City, Bonnyrigg White Eagles host Sutherland Sharks at Bonnyrigg Sports Centre, whilst there’s a top of the table clash on the south coast where an in-form Wollongong Wolves host competition leaders Manly United.
But this week’s match of the round is at Blacktown Football Park where the high-flying Blacktown Spartans entertain a Sydney United 58 side still searching for the first win of the season.
Match of the Round
Blacktown Spartans v Sydney United 58, 5.00pm at Blacktown Football Park
Second-placed Blacktown Spartans have enjoyed a fine start to the season and welcome strugglers Sydney United 58 to Blacktown Football Park in Saturday afternoon’s match of the round.
Samuel Jacob’s men have been in formidable form at home so far, netting nine goals in three matches whilst notching victories over Parramatta, Hakoah Sydney City East and Rockdale City Suns and with first-placed Manly United facing a difficult away venture to Wollongong Wolves on Sunday, Blacktown could find themselves atop the competition ladder with victory on Saturday.
They face a Sydney United 58 outfit who have struggled thus far this campaign and having suffered their fourth loss of the season to Sydney Olympic at Sydney United Sports Centre last weekend, Davor Bajsic’s side will be desperate for the points at Blacktown Football Park.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Sutherland Sharks, 5.00pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg produced a sensational 4-0 away win against Blacktown City last weekend, a result that sees the White Eagles entering their home clash with Sutherland on the back of two morale boosting victories.
It comes in stark contrast to Bonnyrigg’s opening two matches of the season where defeats to Blacktown Spartans and Rockdale City Suns left Stephen Sigmund’s side at the foot of the table, but two huge victories over premiership heavyweights Manly United and Blacktown City will no doubt have the rest of the competition turning heads.
Although the side are on the precipice of breaking into the top six for the first time this campaign, Sigmund’s Bonnyrigg must confront the threat of Sutherland Sharks who steadied the ship themselves following last fortnight’s loss at home to Sydney Olympic with a 2-1 victory over Parramatta.
Allan Edmonson’s Sutherland came from behind against Parramatta to register their third win of the campaign and with midfield duo of Thomas Papa and Pat O’Shea in particularly impressive nick for the Sharks, in addition to the considerable goal threat of Jack Press who has claimed three in his past two, it’s sure to be a fascinating encounter at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
Hakoah Sydney City East v Blacktown City, 5.00pm at Hensley Athletic Field
Blacktown City’s demise against Bonnyrigg will have sent shockwaves through the competition and Ben Wright’s team know they must seek a strong response against Hakoah Sydney City East when the two meet on Saturday afternoon.
The reigning champions face a Hakoah Sydney City East side who are now winless in three having most recently succumbed 3-2 to Manly United at Cromer Park, and despite a strong start to the season the Dino D’Agrosa coached side are in danger of slipping out of the top six should their winless stint extend this weekend.
Hakoah’s Brad Paikin and Emilio Manos have contributed to Hakoah’s last four goals scored and after a shambolic afternoon at the back against Bonnyrigg, Blacktown must remain wary of the goal scoring threat Hakoah provide – who have yet to be shut out so far this campaign.
Parramatta v Sydney Olympic, 5.00pm at Melita Stadium
Parramatta were denied their first point of the season by Sutherland’s 84th minute winner last weekend, a goal which spelled a fourth consecutive defeat for Mark Zecchin’s luckless side who remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Returning to Melita Stadium to host a Sydney Olympic side fresh from consecutive wins over Sutherland Sharks and Sydney United 58 presents Parramatta with another good chance to get off the mark if they can finally capitalise on a catalogue of opportunities created thus far this season.
However, it won’t be easy against an Olympic side who have hit form following a rocky start to the campaign that saw eight goals conceded in their opening two matches. Harry Paras’ men were a much improved defensive unit in their 2-1 victory over United last Sunday and with star striker Adrian Vranic netting another two goals (his sixth and seventh of the season),
Parramatta must keep a close eye on Olympic’s pair of fleet-flooted attackers in Michael Loupis and Sebastian Malfara who have been a regular source of attacking profit for the visitors.
Sunday
Rockdale City Suns v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 3.00pm at Ilinden Sport Centre
Rockdale City Suns host APIA Leichhardt Tigers at Ilinden Sport Centre with both sides looking for wins to prop up their stop-start campaigns.
APIA Leichhardt have been given a pair of tricky assignments on their return to action with a draw with Hakoah Sydney City East and a loss against Wollongong Wolves puncturing Danial Cummins’ side’s start to the season.
But they will fancy their chances against a Rockdale City Suns side who have leaked eleven goals in five matches and are coming off the back of a 3-0 away defeat against Blacktown Spartans.
Wollongong Wolves v Manly United, 3.00pm at WIN Stadium
The season may still be young but Wollongong Wolves’ third-versus-first clash with Manly United at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon is one that feels every inch a finals battle.
Since opening day defeat at home to Hakoah Sydney City East, Alfredo Esteves’ Wolves have won three and drawn one in a run of fine performances that has seen the Wollongong side climb to third in the table.
Manly have meanwhile staked an early claim as the competitions team to beat with a loss to Bonnyrigg in Round 4 the only blot on Andrew Christiansen’s side’s books. The likes of Dylan Whitlock and Edward Rinaldi have made an impressive start to the campaign and with the chance to move further ahead at the top, the visitors will surely be vigilant against the in-form Wolves.
-By Jacob Windon