A thrilling climax to the 2016 regular season looms on Sunday with Manly United, Sutherland Sharks, Bonnyrigg White Eagles and APIA Leichhardt Tigers all in the running to be crowned Premiers, while Sydney Olympic and Blacktown City will battle it out for the final position in the top five.
Here’s the permutations for the Premiership contenders on what will be a gripping afternoon of action:
1st – Manly United, 40pts (+16)
The competition leaders will likely seal the Premiership with a win over Blacktown City, but must be wary of second-placed Sutherland who are equal on forty points but trail United by two goals difference.
2nd – Sutherland Sharks, 40pts (+14)
Should Manly collect three points over Blacktown City, Sutherland Sharks will need to bolster their goal difference against fourth-placed APIA Leichhardt to stand a chance of winning the Premiership with the Sharks trailing United by two goals.
3rd – Bonnyrigg White Eagles, 39pts (+20)
The White Eagles are outsiders but hold a significant trump card in their superior goal difference over their rivals. All results falling their way, Bonnyrigg could be crowned Premiers with a win over Wollongong Wolves but will see their hopes crumble with Manly and Sutherland wins. Stephen Sigmund’s side could also finish first with a draw should Manly lose and APIA Leichhardt beat Sutherland by less than four goals.
4th – APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 37pts (+16)
The Lambert Park outfit have a lot of ground to make up but should APIA land a win over Sutherland Sharks, they will finish first if Bonnyrigg and Manly lose. George Sidis’ men could also seal an unlikely triumph if they beat Sutherland Sharks, see Manly lose to Blacktown and Bonnyrigg collect a point against Wollongong – but they would need to beat Sutherland by a four goal margin.
Match of the Round
APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Sutherland Sharks, 1.00pm at Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt might be rank outsiders to claim the 2016 Premiership but the Tigers hold the key in deciding the final complexion of the competition ladder when they host Sutherland Sharks at Lambert Park.
With Sutherland trailing leaders Manly United on goal difference, Allan Edmondson’s side will need to deliver one of the performances of the season to maintain their Premiership bid.
They could hardly have asked for a sterner test – APIA Leichhardt have truly hit peak form in the latter stages of the season, winning four of their last five. Spearheaded by the prolific Duncan Stewart, who last week grabbed his 20th goal of the season against Blacktown City, George Sidis’ fourth-placed outfit will be looking to continue their sterling form into the finals series – and could even seal an unlikely Premiership should results go their way.
Manly United v Blacktown City, 1.00pm at Cromer Park
While the fate of the Premiership isn’t truly in anyone’s hands, Manly United profess the strongest chance of claiming the first trophy of the 2016 Men’s 20’s campaign when they host Blacktown City at Cromer Park.
But following consecutive draws – including the concession of a sensational last-gasp equalizer against Sydney United last weekend, has seen ramped up the pressure on the competition leaders who will have a nervous eye on events unfolding at Lambert Park.
Similarly, Blacktown City will be glancing sideways at Sydney Olympic who leapfrogged the reigning champions into the top five last week with a 1-0 win over Rockdale. Ben Wright’s side trail the Blues by goal difference (-1) and with both Olympic and Blacktown on 31 points it’s shaping up to be a fixture of gargantuan proportions for both the premiers-elect and finals hopefuls..
Wollongong Wolves v Bonnyrigg White Eagles, 1.00pm at WIN Stadium
It will be a tall order for Bonnyrigg to claim the Premiership with the White Eagles banking on a slew of results to go their way but Stephen Sigmund’s side nonetheless seek to enter the finals series on a high when they face Wollongong at WIN Stadium.
Consecutive victories over Hakoah Sydney City East and Sydney United 58 have steadied the ship for the third-placed side ahead of the final round of the season and the White Eagles will hope to leave the South Coast unscathed ahead of the finals.
However, it won’t be a stroll for Bonnyrigg with Wollongong still hunting crucial club championship points.
Blacktown Spartans v Sydney Olympic, 1.00pm at Blacktown Football Park
There’s still plenty at stake for both Blacktown Spartans and Sydney Olympic when the pair face off at Blacktown Football Park.
Olympic will be hoping to secure their position in the top five with a win, with the side only set for finals football on the virtue of one goal difference. The Blues will need to beat the Spartans and hope Blacktown City don’t beat Manly United by a greater goal difference in order to finally secure their spot.
With the Spartans playing for club championship points to retain their position in the top flight, it promises to be another encounter of epic proportions.
Hakoah Sydney City East v Sydney United 58, 1.00pm at Hensley Athletic Field
The first of two dead rubbers that Round 22 has to offer, Hakoah Sydney City East conclude their season back in the top flight with a home fixture against Sydney United 58.
In a campaign that began so promisingly for Hakoah, the side have now slipped to ninth position after a run of four straight defeats. They were held scoreless in three of those losses, the latest being a 3-0 defeat to Bonnyrigg White Eagles last weekend.
Coming up against a Sydney United 58 team buoyed by their draw against the league leaders last weekend, Hakoah will be desperate to avoid a fifth straight defeat – a loss that would see the team potentially slip as far as eleventh.
Rockdale City Suns v Parramatta, 1.00pm at Ilinden Sports Centre
Rockdale City Suns were consigned to the wooden spoon last weekend following a 1-0 defeat to Sydney Olympic and the Ilinden side will wrap up a disappointing campaign at home to Parramatta.
The Melita outfit have begun to demonstrate why the season will go down as a hugely frustrating one for Mark Zecchin’s side, with the Eagles stringing together three wins on the trot against Wollongong, Bonnyrigg and Hakoah in their last three outings.
Parramatta are now on course to finish just outside the finals positions with another win on Sunday afternoon – a situation that will further antagonize the Melita Stadium faithful but offer plenty of renewed promise for next season.
– By Jacob Windon
Archives for August 2016
Grand Final venue announced
Leichhardt Oval will be the venue for the 2016 PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Grand Final.
Following its impressive hosting of last season’s Grand Final that saw the Bonnyrigg White Eagles defeat Blacktown City FC 2-0 as well as hosting last year’s Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 clash between the Balmain Tigers and Melbourne Victory in front of just under five thousand fans, Leichhardt Oval will hold the pinnacle event in the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s competition.
Steeped in history, Leichhardt Oval hosted Sydney Olympic and APIA Leichhardt Tigers in the National Soccer League.
It’s this sort of heritage that drew Football NSW to the boutique venue, following the Heritage Round which ran for the second consecutive year this season.
Football NSW’s Head of Competitions Troy McColl was delighted upon announcing the news of Leichhardt Oval being named as the host venue for 2016.
“We saw during the 2015 Grand Final how great the facilities were especially the condition of the pitch.
“It’s going to be a great day at Leichhardt Oval which will see Football NSW host its showpiece event in the top tier Men’s competition.
“It’s a neutral venue in a central location as well as being held within the Leichhardt community, an area that traditionally love their football, which I am confident will come out and give this Final some support.
“Good luck to all teams vying for those spots on what will be a huge day for Football NSW at Leichhardt Oval.”
Whilst the teams are yet to be decided, preparations are well underway to ensure the showcase event on the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s calendar is not to be missed.
Adults $15, Concession $10 (eligible concession card required at gate), Children U-16 are free. Sunday 11th September, Leichhardt Oval.
Team of the Week – Round 21 – 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.
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
Round 21 Review – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s
With the penultimate round of the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s now completed the finals picture is all but decided.
Parramatta FC’s hopes of post season football were dashed by Wollongong on Saturday night while Sutherland Sharks all but handed Blacktown Spartans the wooden spoon.
Sydney United 58 were handed the competition trophy but they couldn’t take home the win as Manly United came up trumps.
Blacktown City were upset by APIA and Bonnyrigg White Eagles kept its slim finals chances alive with a comprehensive win against Hakoah Sydney City East.
In the Match of the Round Sydney Olympic missed their chance to lock down fifth spot and a finals berth going down to a determined Rockdale City Suns outfit.
Match of the Round
Sydney Olympic 0 – Rockdale City Suns 2 at Belmore Sports Ground
Rockdale City Suns sent Sydney Olympic’s finals hopes spiralling with a 2-0 victory in their PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Mens clash at Seymour Shaw Park on Sunday night.
Olympic goalkeeper Paul Henderson turned in a brilliant man of the match performance but the 75th minute dismissal of defender Jean-Pierre Hakiri enabled the Suns’ Peter Makrillos and Aleksandar Canak to steal the spoils.
The win ended a horror run of results for Rockdale and tied up fourth spot for Paul Reid’s side.
Sydney Olympic must win next week to ensure they can remain in the top five with Bonnyrigg White Eagles hoping to leapfrog Grant Lee’s side on the final day of the regular season.
A boisterous crowd and a place in the finals proved to be an explosive concoction as both teams played with a vigour befitting such a critical match.
Sutherland Sharks 1 – Blacktown Spartans 0 at Seymour Shaw
Sutherland Sharks continued their impressive recent form with a 1-0 win against Blacktown Spartans at Seymour Shaw on Saturday.
A Jack Press goal was the difference between the two sides in a hard fought contest.
It was a mostly dour contest however both teams had their chances to break the deadlock in the first half with the Shark’s Tomohiro Kajiyama and Blacktown’s Futa Nakamura both missing opportunities early on.
it wasn’t until the 66th minute that the fans were finally able to see the ball hit the back of the net.
Press delivered a thunderous strike which was too much for Spartans shot stopper Carlos Saliadarre and helped the Sharks too all three competition points.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 5 – Hakoah Sydney City East 1 at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg White Eagles kept their top five aspirations alive in resounding style following a 5-1 hammering of 10-man Hakoah Sydney City East in their Round 21PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s fixture at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
It was a must win encounter for Brian Brown’s side who found themselves behind fifth-placed Sydney Olympic prior to kick off but last season’s Champions made light work of the visitors following the second-half dismissal of Hakoah defender Remy Wolanski to pile on four goals in the final twenty minutes.
The White Eagles helped their way to a 1-0 advantage at half-time courtesy of Greg Kondek’s strike but tamely relinquished their lead when Kiwi Andre De Jong equalized five minutes into the second stanza.
However, the floodgates opened for Bonnyrigg after the sending off of Wolanski and inspired by the outstanding Aaron Peterson who claimed a well-taken double with his head, the hosts cruised past the league newcomers in their last competitive league match at the Bonnyrigg Sports Club for 2016.
Parramatta FC 0 – Wollongong Wolves 1 at Melita Stadium
The finals aspirations of Parramatta FC have been dashed by a Josh MacDonald as Wollongong clung on to claim a 1-0 win at Melita Stadium.
MacDonald’s mistimed volley in the 73rd minute wasn’t pretty by any means but it was enough for Wollongong as they stepped closer to safety from potential relegation.
It was a cagey match with the ball trapped in midfield for extended periods.
Parramatta had the best of the chances Wollongong were able to make it count when it mattered most.
Blacktown City 1 – APIA Leichhardt Tigers 2 at Lily’s Football Centre
APIA Leichhardt has shocked Blacktown City 2-1 in their PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Mens clash at Lily’s Football Centre on Sunday.
Two goals in under 60 seconds on the cusp of halftime was the big difference as Tasuku Sekiya and Jordan Murray struck for the visitors in the 38th and 39th minute.
A late comeback lead by Danny Choi helped Blacktown avoid the shutout, but it wasn’t enough for Mark Crittenden’s side to avoid an embarrassing loss.
Sydney United 58 2 – Manly United 4 at Sydney United Sports Centre
Adam Parkhouse claimed a sensational hat trick as gate crashers Manly United soured Sydney United 58’s night of premiership celebration with a 4-2 win at Sydney United Sports Centre.
Inspired by former Wigan attacker Parkhouse and the excellent Brendan Cholakian, Paul Dee’s visitors offered a classic counter-attacking showing to stun the Reds in driving rain.
The resounding win underlined Manly’s bid for the 2016 championship as Parkhouse’s treble and Sam Gallagher’s first-half strike demonstrated what the northern beaches side is capable of.
Back in Round 10 Dee’s men gave the competition frontrunners one of the sternest tests of their premiership-winning campaign in a gripping reverse fixture at Cromer Park. While it was a similarly engrossing affair at Sydney United Sports centre, Mark Rudan’s Reds were simply outfought and outclassed by Manly on their coronation night.
Round 21 Review – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s U20s
It was a penultimate weekend to savour in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 20’s with a late Sydney United 58 FC goal setting up an intriguing three horse race for the premiership next weekend.
Match of the Round
Sydney United 58 v Manly United, Sunday 2.00pm at Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 have blown the 2016 Men’s 20’s Premiership race wide open after young promising forward Liam Ivancic struck a dramatic late equalizer in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Manly United.
Ivancic pounced on a quickly taken free-kick from Reds defender Daniel Dias and coolly lobbed Manly shot stopper Shaun Catlin with what was the last kick of the game to ensure the premiership will go down to the wire next Sunday.
While Manly remain top on goal difference ahead of their crunch match with Blacktown City next weekend, it was nevertheless a bitter blow for Andrew Christiansen’s side who were 2-0 up and cruising courtesy of Sipan Berti’s first-half strike and Nathan Separovic’s penalty minutes into the second stanza.
Results on Saturday night saw second-placed Sutherland Sharks and third-placed Bonnyrigg White Eagles maintain the pressure on the competition leaders with a pair of routine victories.
Understandably feeling the pressure, it was a nervous start from the visitors who struggled to muster the formidable poise and cohesion that has been omnipresent in their premiership tilt to date.
Conversely, the eleventh-placed Reds distributed the ball with impressive verve and should’ve taken the lead after just ten minutes when United 58 marksman James Temelkovski raced clear on goal only to thrash his effort over the crossbar.
It was an uncharacteristically wild finish from Temelkovski, the youthful forward being a bright spot in a meagre 2016 campaign for Davor Bajsic’s side, and after failing to capitalize on their promising start Manly punished the visitors in clinical fashion.
Travis Cooper surged down the right and saw his cutback deflected into the path of Berti who guided the visitors ahead with the easiest of finishes.
Manly consolidated their position with an early second half penalty. Cooper was again involved after beating Trent Sierra down the right before his cross was illegally handled inside the box as the Reds fullback attempted to recover.
Nathan Separovic doubled the lead despite the best efforts of United 58 custodian Gabriel Koliomihos, who managed to get a firm hand on the forward’s penalty but could only push it into the side netting.
The spot kick was unconvincing from Separovic, but Manly settled and maintained control of the contest, nearly adding a third when Julian Rinaldi hit the underside of the post after breaking free down the right, while Koliomihos made a solid intervention to prevent a fiercely struck effort from Mitchell Rooke.
But the encounter turned upon the introduction of Reds livewire Jonah Caragher. Injected into the contest late, the United 58 substitute pulled a goal back for Davor Bajsic’s side after tricking his way past a slew of desperate Manly challenges inside the box before finding the bottom corner.
The substitute went agonizingly close to clinching a brace and a timely equalizer minutes later after another wonderful turn inside the box but saw his effort sail inches past the post.
With Manly holding on for dear life, there was time for one last attack for the hosts and with Dias spotting space in behind the visitors’ backline, Ivancic hared after the defenders ball and lifted it over Catlin for what could be the most important strike of the 2016 season.
Match Stats
Sydney United 58 2 (Caragher 74’, Ivancic 90’)
Manly United 1 (Berti 32’, Separovic 47’)
Sunday 7th August, 2016
Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park
Sydney United 58: 38 J. Caragher, 29 D. Dias, 27 M. Donatiello, 40 G. Koliomihos, 25 J. Markovic, 34 T. Patroulias, 39 T. Sierra, 15 J. Stewart, 36 J. Temelkovski, 35 A. Vlismas, 31 A. Vrlic, 26 K. Vlismas, 1 L. Pervan, 32 M. Rizovski, 9 L. Ivancic, 33 A. Trimboli
Yellow Cards: 15 J. Stewart 34’, 29 D. Dias 85’
Red Cards: N/A
Manly United: 26 C. Baker, 16 S. Berti, 20 S. Catlin, 23 H. Galbraith, 12 H. Gallagher, 24 A. Hancock, 27 B. Lemay, 25 A. Partridge, 35 J. Rinaldi, 28 M. Rooke, 36 N. Separovic, 33 R. Spiers, 1 M. Syron, 32 M. Zanon, 13 S. Balderson, 7 T. Cooper
Yellow Cards: 28 M. Rooke 78’
Red Cards: N/A
Saturday
Sutherland Sharks 2-0 Blacktown Spartans, 4.30pm at Seymour Shaw
Sutherland Sharks ensured the 2016 premiership fate would be sealed on the final weekend of the regular season with a routine 2-0 victory over ten-man Blacktown Spartans at Seymour Shaw.
Needing a win to maintain pressure on competition leaders Manly United, Allan Edmondson’s side cruised to a comfortable home win with marksman Jeremy Cox continuing his fine late season form with his sixth goal in five matches, while Matias Da Silva Santos enjoyed his first goal in Sutherland blue to round off the win.
Another disappointing evening for Blacktown Spartans was capped by the dismissal of Connor Powers and with Samuel Jacob’s side missing out on crucial club championship points, the Spartans look destined for relegation unless they can pull off a series of results in next week’s fixtures against Sydney Olympic next week.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 3-0 Hakoah Sydney City East, 5.00pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg White Eagles ensured themselves an outside chance at grabbing the premiership next weekend with a 3-0 drubbing of Hakoah Sydney City East at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
Stephen Sigmund’s side were far too clinical for a badly out of form Hakoah outfit with goal from Hayden Tucker, Luke Ivanovic and Dalibor Malesevic consigning the league newcomers to their sixth straight defeat.
The White Eagles will need to take all three points against Wollongong on the South Coast next week and hope both Manly United and Sutherland slip up in their respective matches in order to maintain their premiership tilt.
Parramatta 2-1 Wollongong Wolves, 5.00pm at Sydney United Sports Centre
Parramatta ended the finals aspirations of Wollongong Wolves with a gritty 2-1 victory at Sydney United Sports Centre.
Goals from Christo Hanna and Michal Rydzewski continued the impressive late season resurgence of the Eagles who leapfrog Wollongong into seventh place as a result of the win.
Justin Ivanovic’s third of the season wasn’t enough for Alfredo Esteves’ outfit to keep their season alive, although Wollongong will still have plenty to play for in the form of vital club championship points in next weekend’s clash with Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Sunday
Blacktown City 1-2 APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 1.00pm at Lilys Football Centre
Duncan Stewart’s 20th goal of the season led APIA Leichhardt Tigers to a crucial 2-1 win over Blacktown City as the Lambert Park outfit sealed their position in the top four.
Goals from Stewart and Matthew Cook proved enough for Blacktown City who netted a consolation through Riku Sasaki.
The reigning champions received a further blow with the dismissal of Jonathan Grozdanovski, and with Ben Wright’s side still yet to confirm their place in the top five they will need to get a result against competition leaders Manly United in next week’s showdown at Cromer Park.
Sydney Olympic 1 v Rockdale City Suns 0, 5.00pm at Seymour Shaw Park
Sydney Olympic kept its slim chances of making the top five after securing a gritty 1-0 victory over the Rockdale City Suns at Seymour Shaw on Sunday.
The only goal coming courtesy of Adam Voloder who gifted the Blues the three precious points leaving them three points adrift of fifth placed Blacktown City FC.