Marconi Stallions made it three on the bounce with a comfortable 2-0 win against traditional rivals Sydney Olympic FC at a soggy Marconi Stadium on Saturday.
A first half brace from Anthony Frangie was enough to secure the points for the home side.
Marconi Stallions remain unbeaten for the season and were in control across the contest against a downbeat Sydney Olympic FC.
The blows keep coming for Sydney Olympic FC who remains win-less albeit a side made up of a number of new players.
There were bright patches for Terry Palapanis’ side including the performance of new Japanese signing Go Hayama but not enough to trouble Marconi on the night.
Sydney Olympic FC were determined to get their season kick-started and had the first two chances of the contest.
Both fell to Bai Antoniou, the former Sydney FC striker drove both efforts straight at the keeper.
League leaders Marconi Stallions aimed to get a foothold in the game quickly. Anthony Costa nodded wide of the left post from a teasing Giorgio Speranza delivery.
Anthony Frangie has been on fire in the opening fortnight of the National Premier Leagues Mens 1 competition and thrashed home the opener.
The Marconi marksman picked up the ball on the right before he thrashed it into the top corner to make it 1-0.
Marconi doubled their advantage in the 24th minute, as Frangie struck from close range.
Connor Evans’ cushioned pass made its way through to the striker who drove the ball low to make it 2-0 to the rampaging Stallions.
That was Frangie’s second successive brace in two weeks bringing his tally to four for the seasons.
Costa was played in well by Stallions captain Marko Jesic in the 26th but was denied by a superb block from Sydney Olympic FC’s Thomas Whiteside then Mitchell Mallia arrowed wide of the post in the 35th minute.
New signing Go Hayama was a bright spot for Sydney Olympic FC in the first half with some fine touches and combined well with Adam Parkhouse for the visitors best chance of the half but they went in down 2-0 to Marconi at the break.
Looking to put the game to bed, Marconi Stallions had the first chance of the second half when Jesic thundered a shot straight at Olympic shot stopper Anthony Bouzanis who recovered on the second opportunity.
Just after the hour mark, Frangie had the chance to complete his hat-trick from a direct free-kick just outside the area. His confidence was sky high but the ball ended up behind the goals.
The game developed into a midfield battle with chances at a premium. Sydney Olympic FC’s best chance fell to Nicola Kuleski inside the box but his bouncing volley whistled wide of the post.
Stallions substitute Martin Fernandez had a chance to swell the home side’s goal difference in additional time but his curled effort flew just over the bar. Marconi picked up their third straight victory of the season.
Speaking following the result, Marconi Stallions boss and former Olympic skipper Peter Tsekenis was delighted with the application of his side to remain unbeaten.
“We had a slow start much like the previous weeks but once we got a foot on the ball, we got control and a good victory.” He said.
“It’s a good start but that’s all.
“We will build from that with the cup games upcoming.
“The boys are on a high and happy to get a clean sheet.”
Match Stats
Marconi Stallions 2 (Frangie ‘20, ‘24)
Sydney Olympic FC 0
Saturday 14 March 2020
Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park
Referee: Tim Danaskos
Assistant Referees: B Wright & M Allum
Fourth Official: J Katz
Marconi Stallions: 1. VEKIC Nenad, 2. MILLGATE Nathan, 3. SPERANZA Giorgio, 4. SPERANZA Roberto, 8. EVANS Connor, 9. COSTA Anthony (23. VELLA ‘61), 10. JESIC Marko, 11. MALLIA Mitchell (17. FERNANDEZ ‘78), 14. FRANGIE Anthony, 16. YOULLEY Liam, 19. CAIRNCROSS Zach (6. RODIC ‘68)
Unused substitutes: 12. ANDREW James, 20. SHAW Dion
Yellow cards: Mallia, Frangie, Vella, G. Speranza
Red cards: nil
Sydney Olympic FC: 1. BOUZANIS Anthony, 2. WHITESIDE Thomas, 6. KULESKI Nicola, 7. ANGEL William, 9. ANTONIOU Bai (14. KEKERIS ‘56), 10. BENEIT ROMERO Raul (8. MADONIS ‘58), 11. PARKHOUSE Adam, 12. MACKENZIE Zachary, 16. HAYAMA Go, 22. FERREIRA Fabio, 33. TSATTALIOS Nikolas
Unused substitutes: 19. BURGESS Darcy, 20. SORRAS Nicholas, 21. THEPH Theph
Yellow cards: Antonio
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings
3: Anthony Frangie (MS)
2: Marko Jesic (MS)
1: Connor Evans (MS)
By National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
