Round 2 Review – NPL NSW Men’s
Another big week of action in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition is done and dusted with some huge results setting the standard for the season ahead.
APIA Leichhardt FC 1 – Manly United FC 0 at Lambert Park
As predicted, APIA Leichhardt FC may have unearthed a new young gun in the making as 17-year-old striker Nathaneal Blair scored the only goal of the match which gifted the Inner West club a 1-0 victory over Manly United.
The historic venue in Leichhardt hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the home side in recent years against the peninsular visitors – in fact, APIA Leichhardt had won only one of their last five encounters against Manly United at their home ground.
Going into the game Danial Cummins’ team was out to turn around that poor run and that’s exactly what they did with a hard-fought and, at times, tough game of football.
After having their Round 1 match washed out, the win gives APIA a valuable victory in their opening game of the season.
Northbridge Bulls FC 0 – Wollongong Wolves 4 at Sydney United Sports Centre
The Wollongong Wolves rebounded from their Round 1 loss and had a stroll in the Saturday sun in a huge 4-0 success against Northbridge Bulls FC, where they dominated the contest.
Goals from Lachlan Scott and Josh Macdonald in the first half started the Wolves off well before Scott completed his brace from the spot to take them to three, then Peter Simonoski completed the rout with a wonderful, curled effort.
The win will be crucial in ensuring that Wollongong don’t fall victim to a lack of momentum after two red cards and a loss in their Round 1 match and gives them fresh hope moving into Round 3.
For the Northbridge Bulls, it was a heavy defeat and although they challenged in the first half, the youngsters were unable to find a way through Wollongong’s defence leaving them stuck to the bottom of the NPL NSW Men’s ladder.
Sutherland Sharks 2 – Sydney United 58 3 at Seymour Shaw
Sydney United 58 secured their second win of the season with a 3-2 victory over the Sutherland Sharks at Seymour Shaw on Saturday evening.
Seymour Shaw Park has been a happy hunting ground for Sydney United 58, having not lost in their last four visits with two wins and two draws, and the latest encounter did little to change that in Round 2 of the NPL NSW Men’s competition.
A late first-half equaliser from James Andrew to cancel out a super Glen Trifiro trademark goal gave the home team hope, but a cool penalty conversion from Chris Payne restored the lead for United 58 and a second-half strike from Kyle Cimenti gave the visitors a two-goal advantage.
Despite Jason Madonis managing to haul the Sharks back into the match from the spot, United 58 proved too strong and took away the three points from the match.
As United 58 proceed to Round 3 undefeated, Sutherland have now suffered two losses at the 3-2 scoreline, proving that they have the potential to score goals but will need to tighten up defensively as they move forward in the 2022 season.
Sydney Olympic FC 1 – Rockdale Ilinden FC 1 at Belmore Sportsground
Rockdale Ilinden FC snatched a sensational last-minute goal to finish with a 1-1 draw with hosts Sydney Olympic at Belmore Sportsground on Sunday afternoon.
A second-half Roy O’Donovan goal was cancelled out by an extra time Lachlan Griffiths strike that sent Rockdale fans into celebrations as the visitors managed to take a point from the tight match.
With end-to-end action and plenty of chances for both sides, particularly in the second half, one goal apiece was all either side could secure by the final whistle as Rockdale stunned an Olympic side that had all but won the game.
The draw gives Rockdale a bit of hope moving forward, while Sydney Olympic will need to move on from the late disappointment as they look for their first win in Round 3.
Blacktown City FC 4 – Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2 at Blacktown City Sports Centre
Local derbies are always hotly contested but nothing prepared the fans for the grandstand 4-2 victory for Blacktown City over Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Blacktown City Sports Centre on Sunday evening.
An early goal from Mitch Mallia opened scoring for the home side, but the visitors were quick to retaliate with first-half strikes to Bul Juarch and Jack Stewart cancelling out City’s opener and giving Mt Druitt a 2-1 lead.
Three incredible late goals to Blacktown City, one from Charles Mendy and two from new recruit Jordan Smylie, saw them take away a sensational 4-2 win over the Rangers.
The Rangers travelled to Blacktown City Sports Centre to open their 2022 NPL NSW Men’s campaign, after being washed out in Round 1, to tackle a buoyant Blacktown City side and it was a thoroughly entertaining contest.
To add extra spice to this hotly-contested Western Sydney derby, as if needed, it was also the first leg of the keenly sought after ‘Mayor’s Cup’ played between the two clubs each season for local bragging rights, with Blacktown City now holding the advantage.
Blacktown City have proved they are real contenders for the 2022 Premiership with two wins in their opening two matches, while Mt Druitt will have to continue to develop to show fans what they are capable of this year.
Sydney FC 1 – Marconi Stallions 0 at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
One goal was all it took for Sydney FC to overcome the Marconi Stallions at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday night.
Having held on to a clean sheet in the first half, the dynamic duo of Jaiden Kucharski and Zac Sapsford impressed for the second week in a row, with Sapsford grabbing his second of the season for the sole goal of the match.
For Marconi, they certainly had their chance but couldn’t break through a brave Sydney defence.
Sydney FC now move into Round 3 of the competition with two wins from two games, while Marconi will be moving forward with one win and one loss and will be hoping to find their form against Blacktown City next week.
