Team of the Week – Round 10 – 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. 
Ladder leaders Sydney United 58 were held to a 1-1 draw after Manly United impressed at home thanks to a man-of-the-match performance from Brendan Cholakian. The Manly captain led his side superbly as the midfield fought well to contain the dynamic Untied 58 attack. An enterprising display from Cholakian gave the home side great direction, as they threatened early on. United 58 can be thankful for a solid display from Tom Manos in goal, the shot-stopper forced into some critical saves as the home-side piled on the pressure. Manly defender Kieran Paull was energetic at the back, even finding time to crack a shot at goal that unfortunately hit the post. His second-half was just as strong as the first, staying poised in the defending line and setting up the equaliser in the dying minutes with a great cross.
Across town, it was a clash of the cellar dwellers as Spartans hosted Sutherland in Blacktown, with each side desperately needing a win. Both teams traded shots throughout the game, each missing crucial chances to open the scoring. Hard-working midfielder Tomohiro Kajiyama was everywhere for Sutherland, pressing well in attack and setting up his strikers with clever balls. The Japanese import almost latched onto a cross as he attempted a header in the dying minutes, but was unlucky to see the ball fly over his head. By full-time, no side had been able to break the 0-0 deadlock.
An entertaining match at Hensley Athletic Field saw Bonnyrigg White Eagles topple Hakoah Sydney City East, as Robbie Younis again showed maturity and composure in front of goal. After a scoreless opening 30 minutes, the striker was called up to the penalty spot and executed beautifully. After clawing their way back to 2-2 in the second-half, Hakoah continued to be troubled by Younis’ skill set as he forced the keeper into a spectacular save. Despite hitting a free-kick that sailed just past the post, Younis’ side scored two late goals to record a 4-2 victory.
Blacktown City held on to secure the three points in a 1-0 win over APIA. A second-half fightback from the Tigers almost pegged the lead, as Jordan Murray tried desperately to score the equaliser. The striker’s tireless running was mainly foiled by City’s off-side trap, as he proved difficult to contain when in range of goal. His powerful header in the 88th minute beat the keeper but crashed into the post, as APIA suffered a third straight loss. Earlier, Danny Choi lit up the filed with an electric display, hitting home a free-kick in the 36th minute that left the keeper stranded. The Korean midfielder consistently found space in attack and deservedly picked up man of the match honours.
A dominant performance from Rockdale City Suns comfortably secured the three points at home, as Sydney Olympic struggled to keep pace. The ever-reliable Toufic Alameddine again excelled in attack, as he caused havoc down the left wing. Chances flowed for Rockdale at the end of the first half, as Alameddine lifted his intensity. After toiling away for over an hour, the winger scored a deserved goal after pouncing onto a through ball and smashing it into the net, with the match ending in a 3-0 win for the hosts.
Parramatta rocketed up the ladder after coming out on top in a high-scoring affair with Wollongong. A resilient display at the back from Darcy Madden ensured the Wolves would skip out to a 2-0 lead, as he helped to keep the away side scoreless. The defender was equally impressive with the ball, some darting runs up the sideline forcing Parramatta onto the back-foot. But a late first-half goal to Tomislav Mijic gave Parramatta a sniff, the centre-back nailing a classy header to flip the momentum. Luke Grima was on fire in the opening exchanges of the second half, bagging a brace within 15 minutes. The striker’s second goal was particularly stylish, a half-volley that curled into the goal. Off the back of Grima’s efforts, Parramatta fought well to snatch a 4-3 win.

GK – Tom Manos – Sydney United 58 FC      
LB – Kieran Paull – Manly United                               
RB – Darcy Madden – Wollongong Wolves 
CB – Tomislav Mijic – Parramatta FC                     
LM – Tomohiro Kajiyama – Sutherland Sharks    
CM – Danny Choi – Blacktown City                     
CM – Brendan Cholakian – Manly United   
RM – Toufic Alamaddine – Rockdale City Suns                    
ST – Jordan Murray – APIA Leichhardt Tigers            
ST – Robbie Younis – Bonnyrigg White Eagles 
ST – Luke Grima – Parramatta FC