Round 12 Review – NPL NSW Men’s
The first round of the second leg of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition is now complete and there was plenty of entertainment with a huge 26 goals over the six games this weekend.
With some movement on the league ladder, the fight for finals is well and truly alive with every point counting for almost every side.
Here’s everything you need to know about this weekend’s action:
APIA Leichhardt FC 4 – Mt Druitt Town Rangers 1 at Lambert Park
A double strike from Argentine striker Diego Celis set APIA Leichhardt on the road to a 4-1 victory against a determined Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Lambert Park in round 12 of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition on a wet and drizzly Friday night in Sydney’s Inner West.
Further goals to Jason Romero and Sean Symons completed the rout before a late Solomon-Johnn Monahan-Vaiika consolation for the visitors.
Manly United FC 0 – Sydney Olympic FC 0 at Cromer Park
It was a hard-fought battle between Manly United and Sydney Olympic at Cromer Park on Friday evening as the two teams shared points in a 0-0 draw.
Despite both sides creating plenty of chances in an entertaining end-to-end match, neither side could get the ball into the net to secure the valuable three points on offer, settling for one point each as they remain locked on the ladder.
Sydney FC 6 – Northbridge Bulls FC 2 at Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney FC have retained top spot in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition, emphatically beating Northbridge Bulls 6-2 on Saturday afternoon at Sydn ey United Sports Centre.
Prior to kick off you’d have thought that the Bulls were in with a golden chance to rattle FC with the likes of Macarthur Bulls’ senior youngsters Moudi Najjar, Alhassan Toure, Lachlan Sepping, Lachlan Rose and Jake Hollman all gaining starts.
The visitors got off to an incredible start, with three goals in the first 12 minutes almost sealing the result early on.
Rose gave the Bulls a lifeline in the 33rd minute, but it was quickly ruled out by Kucahrski who secured a brace.
Clayton Taylor and Sapsford combined for the final two goals, as Sydney went into the break up 6-1.
Rose gave the Bulls a deserved second goal in the 67th minute, however it would only be a consolation for the hosts.
Marconi Stallions FC 2 – Sutherland Sharks FC 1 at Marconi Stadium
A ten-man Marconi Stallions triumphed over Sutherland Sharks in Round 12 of the National Premier Leagues Men’s competition, with a 2-1 victory at Marconi Stadium on Saturday night.
Going down to ten men following the sending off of Nathan Millgate, Marconi breathed a sigh of relief when ‘keeper Nenad Vekic saved a penalty just before the half-time break, but Sutherland were quick to pounce when the game recommenced, taking the lead in the 47th minute through James Baldacchino
The Stallions managed to equalise through Domenic Costanzo in the 49th minute and then extended their lead through captain Marko Jesic in the 57th.
The hosts dug in and managed to hold out Sutherland to gain a valuable three points before they face up with the league leaders, Sydney FC, next week.
Blacktown City FC 3 – Rockdale Ilinden FC 0 at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
Blacktown City secured a huge 3-0 victory over Rockdale Ilinden at the Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon, with a Dakota Askew brace and a clever Mitch Mallia strike settling the score as Mark Crittenden’s men celebrated three massive points in Round 12’s ‘Match of the Round’.
Askew’s first was mishit but had enough to get over the line and a wickedly deflected second near the end sandwiched a wonderfully quick thinking and well executed strike from Mallia.
Wollongong Wolves 3 – Sydney United 4 at Sir Ian McLennan Oval
Sydney United 58 found themselves on the right side of a seven-goal thriller at Ian McLennan Park with a 4-3 victory against Wollongong Wolves on Sunday night.
Patrick Antelmi’s brace gave the visitors an early lead however, goals to Leroy Jennings and Lachlan Scott saw the South Coast side go into the break level.
Scott scored his second early in the second half to put the Wolves in front, but two goals to Christopher Payne in the remainder of the game ensured Sydney United 58 took the points.
