Round two of the National Premier Leagues NSW 2018 season is in the books with another scintillating weekend of action for fans.
Reigning premiers APIA Leichhardt Tigers have proven that a change of coach has not slowed them down, while Hakoah Sydney City East delivered the upset of the round with an incredible performance against Manly United.
Stifling heat took its toll on the four Sunday games but players battled through to deliver some entertaining results.
APIA finish the week in top spot but there was plenty on display from all teams to prove this season could go down to the wire.
Saturday
Sutherland Sharks 2 – Sydney FC 1 at Seymour Shaw
Sutherland Sharks battled to their first victory of National Premier League NSW season after second half goals from Lachlan Hughes and Nick Olsen handed Grant Lee’s side a 2-1 win over Sydney FC at Seymour Shaw on Saturday evening.
Hughes and Olsen each struck to give the Sharks a two-goal buffer early in the second stanza.
The visitors pulled a goal back through Hassan Jalloh midway through the half but it was who Sutherland held on for a hard-fought home triumph.
Sydney will rue both lapses that allowed Sutherland to strike and the Sky Blues’ failure to capitalise on a dominant opening half display in which returning Sutherland product Jeremy Cox saw a string of opportunities go astray.
Sydney United 58 0 – Blacktown City FC 1 at Sydney United Sports Centre
Blacktown City FC has produced a stout defensive performance to claim their first three points of the National Premier Leagues NSW season as they triumphed 1-0 against Sydney United 58 FC at Sydney United Sports Centre.
A classy chipped finish from Blacktown midfielder Connor Evans was the difference as the visitors clung on despite a fast finishing United 58.
The Reds had a perfect chance to level the scores from the penalty spot just before half time but were denied but a spectacular save from Tristan Prendergast.
Sydney United 58 FC poured on the attack in the second half, straining for an equaliser but a resolute Blacktown City FC defence held firm to open their tally for the new season.
Sunday
Wollongong Wolves FC 1 – Rockdale City Suns 0 at WIN Stadium
Wollongong Wolves picked up their first win of the National Premier Leagues NSW season with a 1-0 victory over Rockdale City Suns at WIN Stadium on a sweltering Sunday afternoon.
Quivui Fowler’s first-half strike proved to be the difference in a match somewhat hampered by the soaring 38°C temperatures.
The heat clearly affected the continuity of the game from the outset, limiting the ability of the teams to match the levels of movement required for a flowing game of football. The players however dug very deep to put on an entertaining display for the fans in between the necessary and merciful drinks breaks.
The result and back-to-back clean sheets clearly pleased Wollongong Wolves’ coach Jacob Timpano while Rockdale City Suns’ player-coach Paul Reid was left disappointed that his side left the game empty handed after a mammoth effort in the second half.
Hakoah Sydney City East 3 – Manly United FC 0 at Hensley Athletic Field
Hakoah Sydney City East’s young guns have sent a warning to the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with a 3-0 win over last years’ Champions Manly United at Hensley Athletic Park on Sunday afternoon.
The home side dominated the match at both ends of the field with the Hakoah defence continually pushing Manly to shoot from long distance.
Despite only being on the field for the first 60 minutes, Andre De Jong was a standout for the home side, scoring Hakoah’s first goal and proving dangerous for the Manly defence before rushing to the airport to travel to Spain to represent New Zealand.
A late penalty to Manly’s Brendan Cholakian gave Hakoah a scare but the result was never in doubt as Hakoah claimed its first win of the season, resigning Manly to its second straight loss.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers 2 v – Sydney Olympic FC 0 at Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt has continued it’s flawless start to the season with a 2-0 win against Sydney Olympic at Lambert Park on Sunday.
A first half George Howard penalty broke the deadlock and Sean Symons doubled the score in the second stanza as the home side claimed all three points despite stifling heat against a tough Sydney Olympic outfit.
The win was APIA’s first home win of the season and builds on their opening round victory against Manly United.
For Sydney Olympic the result was a reality check after their opening week win but coach Abbas Saad will be able to take away plenty of positives from a performance which could’ve been very different if his side had more luck in front of goal.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 – Marconi Stallions1 at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg White Eagles have fought back to clinch their first point of the National Premier Leagues NSW 2018 season after a 1-1 draw with Marconi Stallions at Bonnyrigg Sports Club on Sunday night.
A Jewook Woo strike on the cusp of halftime ensured Brian Brown’s side avoided a second straight defeat after Marko Jesic gave Marconi the lead from the penalty spot only six minutes into the match.
Unlike their first round victory, Marconi’s early advantage wasn’t enough to make it two wins from as many games as Bonnyrigg found their form in the later stages of the clash.
Bonnyrigg will be disappointed to have not found a winner after a dominant second 45 minutes but late heroics from Marconi’s shot stopper Nenad Vekic kept the scoreline locked at the final whistle.
Leave a Reply