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 resounding 5-1 win for the Bonnyrigg White Eagles kept them in the hunt for the finals, thanks to a late brace from Aaron Peterson. The classy striker struck late in the match to seal the result for the home side, and condemn Hakoah Sydney City East to their fourth straight loss. With the match locked at 1-1 at the hour mark, Peterson stepped up a gear and appeared goal-bound before being hacked down by Remy Wolanski. Bonnyrigg then sprang to life and ran riot over the 10-man Hakoah outfit, Peterson bagging his brace in a matter of minutes. Teammate Samuel Gallaway was a rock in defense, scrambling well to halt the Hakoah charge. The former Newcastle Jets player showed off his experience with some strong runs up the left edge.
Wollongong ended Parramatta FC’s hopes of a finals appearance with a late goal to Joshua MacDonald. The talented young striker, who previously had a stint with Western Sydney Wanderers youth side, challenged the Parramatta defense on numerous occasions, but couldn’t find the final touch. However a deflected volley in the closing stages of the match found its way into the goal, handing Macdonald his well-deserved prize. Parramatta can count themselves unlucky after midfielder Ante Tomic played a fantastic second half, narrowly missing the goal from a sublime free kick. A resilient Tomic again went close late in the half when his shot bounced off the bar in a frustrating night for Parramattta.
It wasn’t pretty but Sutherland kept themselves in finals calculations with a narrow 1-0 win over Blacktown Spartans. In a match lacking attacking flair, it was the defenders who had to find another level. Sharks centre back Perry Moustakas showed plenty of heart and determination, leading his troops at the back with aplomb. With the experience of first division football in Cyprus under his belt, Moustakas was calm and composed as his side struggled to gain momentum. Stephen Kayes was a workhorse in midfield for Sutherland, desperately trying to spark his side as the match tempo slowed. Kayes created numerous chances in the second half, with the Spartan defense finally cracked by a Jack Press goal in the 66th minute.
Rockdale Suns secured their spot in the top five with a 2-0 victory that keeps their Sydney Olympic opponent’s finals ambitions on a knife-edge. In a fiercely fought contest, Olympic shot stopper Paul Henderson was run ragged by a relentless display from the Suns attack. The veteran was magnificent in the first half, keeping the Suns scoreless at half time after they had dominated possession. Suns midfielder Blake Ricciuto kept the pressure on the Rockdale engine room, moving the ball across the park with skill and precision. As a key cog in his sides counter attacks, Ricciuto had a hand in Rockdale’s final goal that sent the crowd into raptures.
A stunning upset in Blacktown saw the City outfit crash to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of APIA Leichhardt. A master class from Japanese import Tasuku Sekiya bamboozled the City defense as APIA halted City’s impressive winning streak. Sekiya was switched on from the opening whistle, forcing the City keeper into a desperate save after two minutes. The dazzling striker continued to menace the home side, some dogged defense keeping him at bay. But Sekiya unleashed from just inside the 18-yard box in the 38th minute to give his side the lead. A goal 60 seconds later doubled APIA’s lead, as the visitors held on to record a thrilling win.
Hat-trick hero Adam Parkhouse shocked Sydney United 58 as his Manly outfit spoilt the party for the 2016 PS4 NPL NSW Premiers. The 4-2 result will now certainly strengthen Manly’s credentials as Championship contenders. Manly defender Sam Gallagher performed brilliantly at the back, taking down the highly fancied United 58 attack and scoring the opener with a classy volley. Parkhouse netted his first on the stroke of half time before exploding in the second term, nearly scoring a marvelous goal after beating numerous defenders with a combination of skill and speed. With Western Sydney’s Tony Popovic watching on, Parkhouse scored his third in the 73rd minute to cap off an outstanding win for Manly.
GK – Paul Henderson Sydney Olympic
LB – Samuel Gallaway Bonnyrigg White Eagles
CB – Perry Moustakas Sutherland Sharks
RB – Sam Gallagher Manly United
LM – Ante Tomic Parramatta FC
CM – Stephen Kayes Sutherland Sharks
CM – Blake Ricutto Rockdale City Suns
RM – Adam Parkhouse Manly United
ST – Aaron Peterson Bonnyrigg WE
ST – Josh MacDonald Wollongong Wolves
ST – Tasuku Sekiya APIA Leichhardt Tigers
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