There is a new competition leader in the National Premier Leagues NSW competition at the end of the Weekend’s round 9 action.
Sydney Olympic have taken the summit of the league ladder with a comprehensive win against Sutherland Sharks combined with APIA Leichhardt’s slip up against Sydney United 58.
That wasn’t the only big news from the round as Blacktown City claimed victory in a high scoring eight goal thriller against Rockdale, while Wollongong snatched a draw at the death against Manly United.
Hakoah Sydney City East were the only other winners this weekend as they downed Bonnyrigg White Eagles at home.
Sydney FC 2 – Marconi Stallions 2 at Lambert Park
A ten-man Sydney FC has show tremendous character to share the spoils against an upbeat Marconi Stallions in a 2-2 draw at Lambert Park on Saturday
In a first half that had a bit of everything, Jeremy Cox turned home his sixth goal of the season, before he was cancelled out by James Andrew equaliser.
Despite having Jerry Skotadis sent off, the Sky Blues took the lead through a Hassan Jalloh pile-driver in the 38th minute to go into the break ahead.
Marconi pressed on in the second half, substitute Braden Cheng caused headaches for the Sydney FC defence, but it was a touch of class from Sean Rooney, with a curling free-kick that saw the two sides settle for a draw.
Sutherland Sharks 0 – Sydney Olympic 3 at Seymour Shaw
Sydney Olympic has moved to top spot in the National Premier Leagues NSW competition after thrashing Sutherland Sharks 3-0 at Seymour Shaw on Saturday.
A screamer from Radovan Pavicevic and a double from Jason Madonis did the damage for Olympic as they cruised to a comprehensive win on the back of an impressive second half performance.
It wasn’t all one way traffic with the Sharks holding firm for the opening 45 minutes as both teams went into the interval scoreless.
However, Olympic were in too good form to be denied and Pavicevic’s 55th minute strike opened the floodgates as the visitors raced away to secure a vital three competition points and top spot on the ladder.
Sydney United 58 1 – APIA Leichhardt Tigers 0 at Sydney United Sports Centre
Patrick Antelmi’s second half strike helped Sydney United 58 topple competition leaders APIA Leichhardt Tigers 1-0 in a fierce battle at Sydney United Sports Centre on Saturday evening.
The former Wollongong striker clinched his fourth goal of the season twelve minutes after half time when he pounced on a long ball over the top before firing past APIA goalkeeper Blake Tuxford.
NPL NSW frontrunners APIA Leichhardt had scored 15 goals in their previous four matches before the clash at Edensor Park but were unable to muster a response following Antelmi’s opener and were held scoreless for just the second time this campaign.
Despite enjoying the more goal scoring opportunities Sydney United 58 were not at their clinical best, however the Reds will be buoyed enormously by what was a resolute defensive performance and all-round committed showing in the wake of back to back defeats to Hakoah Sydney City East and Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
A third consecutive loss would have mounted concerns for United 58 who parted ways with head coach Jason Culina during the week but now find themselves four points behind the leaders after nine matches played.
Hakoah Sydney City East 2 – Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0 at Hensley Athletic Field
A second-half revival from Hakoah Sydney City East has helped them claim a hard fought 2-0 victory over Bonnyrigg White Eagles at Hensley Athletic Field on Sunday afternoon.
Hakoah struggled to get it together in the first half but found their groove after the break with Michael Kouta netting a sublime free-kick to open the scoring for the home side.
Kiwi international Andre De Jong wrapped up the result with a headed finish as Bonnyrigg were unable to match their solid derby performance from a week earlier.
It was a key win for Hakoah who remain in the mix for finals football only two points outside the top five with 13 rounds yet to play.
Wollongong Wolves FC 1 – Manly United 1 at WIN Stadium
Wollongong Wolves have clawed their way back to a 1-1 draw with Manly United after a spirited late revival at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
A dominant second half display had the Manly on course for three points with Sasa Macura’s beautiful strike from the outside box appearing decisive.
The Wolves, however, refused to roll over, throwing numbers forward to stage a late comeback which allowed Yuzo Tashiro to head his side level in the last minute of normal time.
The hosts went close to snatching a win late on, yet the points were shared in a match that both teams will draw positives from.
Rockdale City Suns 3 – Blacktown City 5 at Ilinden Sports Centre
A sublime hat trick from Mitch Mallia has helped Blacktown City clinch an incredible 5-3 win against Rockdale City Suns at Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday.
An inspired performance from Mallia helped Blacktown to a 3-0 lead lead at the break with the Malta international scoring twice alongside a Joey Gibbs strike to have the visitors seemingly put the contest to bed in the opening 45 minutes.
However, the home side refused to lie down and delivered an inspired comeback with goals to Daniel Petkovski and Jordan Figon bringing Rockdale to only a goal behind at 3-2 only 10 minutes into the second stanza.
Blacktown regathered after Rockdale’s fightback early in the second half with Mallia completing his hat trick and Gibbs a brace to ensure Mark Crittenden’s Blacktown side went home with all three competition points.
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