United 58 continue winning form with late winner over White Eagles
A late Patrick Antelmi strike has helped Sydney United 58 to victory against fierce rivals Bonnyrigg White Eagles at Sydney United Sports Centre on Saturday.
Antelmi’s winner stretched third placed United 58’s undefeated streak to five matches and cuts the gap to second placed Sydney Olympic to only one point.
An early goal to Adrian Vlastelica had the home side in front inside the first 10 minutes.
Bonnyrigg found a way back into the match through their captain Ray Miller before substitute Patrick Antelmi found the winner in the dying stages of the game.
It was the fifth straight win for Miro Vlastelica’s side as they continue their push for the premiership.
After only 10 minutes United hit the front after a Matt Sim corner found the head of Vlastelica who powered home the ball at the back post.
It was his first goal for his new club United 58 as the big defender made his presence felt early in the match.
Bonnyrigg went the other way and almost equalised through Tynan Diaz but Thomas Manos made a fine save low to his right.
Tariq Maia then had a chance on 18 minutes but a strong hand from Chronopoulos kept the midfielder’s effort out.
On 25 minutes it was the away side’s turn to threaten, Aaron Avery this time let fly, forcing Manos into another big save.
Four minutes later Shervin Adeli should’ve had Bonnyrigg level.
Again, Avery had a shot from distance with the ball falling at Adeli’s feet. The White Eagles striker couldn’t sort his feet out in time as Manos held easily.
Yianni Perkatis had a shot for United but Chronopoulos was up to the task.
On 33 minutes the White Eagles threatened again, this time Avery got onto the end of a Sam Gallaway cross. The midfielder’s effort seemed destined for goal before a goal line clearance from the United defence.
Only two minutes later Panni Nikas should’ve doubled the home side lead but he scuffed his effort wide.
The White Eagles came out pumped up for the second period and Jewook Woo went close, shooting just over the goal.
Nikas was in the thick of it a minute later but he couldn’t beat Chronopoulos with his header.
Again, the White Eagles pushed forward as midfield wizard Ray Miller weaved his way through
Miller had the goal his performance deserved on 65 minutes.
A neat flick by substitute Asmir Kadric had Bradie Smith crossing a delightful ball to the back post for the Bonnyrigg captain who headed home.
Five minutes later and Chris Payne should’ve had United back in front.
One on one with Chronopolous, he shot poorly, allowing the Bonnyrigg custodian to make a good save.
In the 73rd minute United threatened again, this time Patrick Antelmi forcing Chronopoulos into a save.
Five minutes from the end Antlemi had United level.
Fine work by Christian Gonzalez down the left saw him beat two defenders before finding Antelmi at the far post who tapped the ball home.
A deflated White Eagles couldn’t find their second equaliser of the game in the final moments.
Match Stats
Sydney United 58 2 (Vlastelica 9’, Antlemi 85’)
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 (Miller 65’)
Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Sydney United 58: 1. Manos, 2. Gonzalez, 4. Vlastelica (Fragogiannis 61’), 6. Payne, 8. Sim, 11. Perkatis, 12. Cole, 13. Perre (Rahimi 71’), 15. Maia (9. Antelmi 65’), 18. Trifirro, 23. Nikas.
Substitutes: 20. Sadaka, 3. Roberts.
Yellow cards: Cole, Vlastelica
Red cards:
Bonnyrigg White Eagles: 1. Chronopoulos, 2. Avery (9. Peterson 59’), 3. Vrankovic, 7. Diaz (11. Kadric 59’), 10. Adeli, 13. Mckenzie, 14. Smith, 15. Miller, 16. Gallaway, 20. Tosi, 22. Woo.
Substitutes: 21. Bradasevic, 4. Krljar, 18. Gil.
Yellow cards: Vrankovic, Adeli.
Red cards:
–by National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Nikola Pozder
