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.
Sydney Olympic extended Bonnyrigg White Eagle’s winless run with a 2-0 victory on Saturday evening to keep their final’s hopes alive. Olympic’s youth brigade stepped up for the team against the reigning PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s Champions, with the likes of promising young guns James Madonis and Jake De Marigny impressing. After a scoreless first half, Madonis broke the deadlock with a sublime run past the defensive line before hitting an unstoppable strike into the net. De Marigny also showed maturity beyond his years with an eye-catching display in defence. The son of former Socceroo Jean-Paul de Marigny, the crafty left back took the fight to the Bonnyrigg attack and remained calm and composed under pressure.
A tight 1-0 win for Sutherland has seen them leapfrog their Hakoah opponents on the ladder. Japanese import Tomohiro Kajiyama was a constant threat for the Sharks, turning in from the wing on numerous occasions to unleash some imposing strikes. Although the Hakoah defence kept a lid on Kajiyama’s early efforts, they could do nothing to stop his search for goal as he volleyed home a fine save from Hakoah’s goalkeeper to give Sutherland a 1-0 lead. Sharks defender Nick Littler again showed his versatility at the back for Sutherland, with some excellent tackles in defence to deny Hakoah a goal, whilst setting up some great attacking chances for his midfield.
Two quick-fire goals in the first half was all red hot league leaders Sydney United 58 needed to keep them on course for the 2016 PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s Premiership. Although star striker Panni Nikas was suspended, the United 58 attack was still as ruthless as ever, with the competition’s leading goal-scorer Chris Payne leading the way up front. Parramatta FC kept their opponents at bay for 15 minutes before former tricky Central Coast Mariner midfielder Glen Trifiro struck with a clinical finish to give United 58 a 1-0 lead. It only took a couple of minutes for the lead to double, with Payne effortlessly lifting the ball over the goal keeper’s head to score a classy goal. Payne continued to threaten in the second stanza but a resilient defensive effort from Parramatta kept the score line at 2-0.
A pulsating match at Blacktown Football Park resulted in Blacktown Spartans recording their first win at home this season, upsetting APIA 3-2 on Sunday. Jordan Crighton was on fire in midfield, his darting runs up the wings keeping the APIA defence on the back foot as his side attacked with a renewed hunger not seen for much of the season. Despite being 1-0 down at half time, the home side stormed back into the match with a blisteringly display to open the second-half. Crighton led the charge with some excellent ball movement and his side soon rocketed out to a 3-1. A spirited fight back from APIA threatened to undo Spartan’s efforts but the home side held on for an entertaining win.
A thrilling finish between Manly United and Rockdale City Suns capped off a remarkable game that saw the travelling Manly outfit snatch a win at the death. An intense battle between Manly striker Brendan Cholakian and Suns ‘keeper David Bradasevic kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Bradasevic was outstanding for the home side, pulling of a superb save to stop Cholakian’s free kick in the 34th minute. The two players again faced off on the stroke of half time, with Bradasevic making an incredible diving save to deny Cholakian from the penalty spot. But a long range effort from the Manly skipper in the 84th minute left Bradasevic with no answer, Manly clinching the match 2-1.
Blacktown City held off a spirited challenge from Wollongong to seal a 3-2 victory, with club stalwart Travis Major producing a fine performance up front. The former Mariner proved to be difficult to contain for the Wolves defence, but his final touches couldn’t crack the net. Wolves’ defender Zac Mackenzie worked tirelessly at the back, shutting down numerous chances to keep his side in touch for much of the first-half. However City stamped their authority on the match in the closing stages of the half, with Major’s header finding the net to give his side a 3-1 lead. Despite their scoreless second half, City held on to record a solid win on the road.
GK David Bradasevic – Rockdale City Suns
LB – Jake De Marigny – Sydney Olympic
CB – Nick Littler – Sutherland Sharks
RB – Zac Mackenzie – Wollongong Wolves
LM – Jordan Crighton – Blacktown Spartans
CM – Glen Trifiro – Sydney United 58
CM – Brendan Cholakian – Manly United
RM – James Madonis – Sydney Olumpic
ST – Travis Major – Blacktown City
ST – Tomohiro Kajiyama – Sutherland Sharks
ST – Chris Payne Sydney – United 58
-By Harry Easton
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