The National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition has a new league-leader after six hard-fought battles over the weekend.
Marconi Stallions snagged the top spot as a result of their defeat of Sydney FC while several other teams managed some surprising results to keep the Premiership and finals race tight.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC 1 – Blacktown City FC 1 at Popondetta Park
Blacktown City have dropped valuable points in their race for the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s Premiership following a hard-fought 1-1 local derby draw against Mt Druitt Town Rangers at Popondetta Park on Friday.
The visitors scored the opener from a cracking Dakota Askew free kick, but weren’t able to find a way past the dogged Mt Druitt Town defence in an engrossing contest with Jack Stewart equalising in the first half to make it 1-1.
There were two late chances for Fumoto Kamada and Bul Juach, giving the Rangers a great chance at a win, but the points were ultimately shared in the battle.
Wollongong Wolves FC 2 – Northbridge Bulls FC 3 at WIN Stadium
A first half goal-glut saw Northbridge Bulls prevail 3-2 against Wollongong Wolves at WIN Stadium on Friday night to record only their second victory in 2022.
The Wolves took the lead 14 minutes in through Peter Simonoski, however, a quickfire double midway through the half from Alhassan Toure and Stephan De Robillard put the Bulls in front.
In the final 10 minutes of the half, Banri Kanaizumi equalised for the home side, but on the stroke of halftime, Northbridge took the lead and wrapped up scoring in the match, courtesy of Lachlan Rose.
Marconi Stallions FC 5 – Sydney FC 3 at Marconi Stadium
The Marconi Stallions secured their position at the top of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s ladder with a 5-3 defeat of Sydney FC at Marconi Stadium on a magic ‘Match of the Round’ Saturday night.
The high-scoring game saw both teams create plenty of action across the park, but the experienced Marconi squad came out on top as they converted their chances to secure five goals in the game.
Star of the show Domenic Costanzo opened the scoring in the 27th minute, but the visitors kept the Stallions on their toes, equalising in the 32nd minute through Luka Smyth.
Costanzo took back the lead for the hosts, completing a brace in the 42nd minute before Taylor McDonald further extended their lead in the 65th minute.
Roberto Speranza took the Stallions to three goals in the 78th minute and captain Marko Jesic converted a penalty in the 80th minute, giving the home side a 5-1 lead with just 10 minutes left to play.
The young, spirited Sydney FC didn’t give up with Adrian Segecic scoring in the 87th minute and again in the 91st, giving the visitors a late chance at redemption.
Despite the continued pressure in the final stage of the match, the young sky blues couldn’t recover from the emphatic display from Marconi and the hosts moved to the top of the ladder with a big victory.
Manly United FC 4 – APIA Leichhardt FC 1 at Cromer Park
Manly United secured a convincing 4-1 victory over APIA Leichhardt at Cromer Park on Saturday night which sent a message to the remaining NPL NSW Men’s clubs that the Northern Beaches side will be pushing for a finals series spot.
A very early goal to Manly’s Brazilian ace Bruno Mendes set the standard for the match, with Thomas Fay extending the lead for the hosts in the 24th minute.
Fay came back for a second after the break, taking the lead to three in the 53rd minute before captain Jimmy Oates completed the four-goal haul for the Northern Beaches outfit in the 56th minute.
One consolation goal to APIA’s Diego Celis in the 80th minute was all that the Inner West side could muster from the match as they struggled to replicate the impressive performances they have had so far this season.
Sydney United 58 FC 1 – Sutherland Sharks FC 0 at Sydney United Sports Centre
A last-minute Patrick Antelmi goal gave Sydney United 58 a second-straight win, as they defeated Sutherland Sharks 1-0 at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
After a stale first half, the sides began to flow in attack and open their opposing defences up in search of a goal.
With some golden chances being missed by both sides throughout the match, it seemed inevitable that the game would end in a draw.
The home crowd waited 90 minutes, but were eventually treated to a dramatic ending with Antelmi powering home the winner in the last minute of play.
The win gives United 58 crucial points to keep them among the tight pack fighting for the Premiership on the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s ladder.
Rockdale Ilinden FC 1 – Sydney Olympic FC 3 at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
Sydney Olympic secured a 3-1 victory over local rivals Rockdale Ilinden at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday evening.
The two sides faced up in Round 13 of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition to renew battle in one of the leagues more traditionally lively fixtures.
Ilinden were down to the bare minimum on the playing roster through injuries, including inspirational skipper Danny Petkovski, to the squad but it would prove no excuse in a full blooded game that promised and delivered plenty.
The visitors got off to a flyer after Irish striker Roy O’Donovan netted a brace by the 11th minute of the tie before Alec Urosevski reduced the deficit with a thumping left-footed drive in the 20th.
The goals kept coming in the opening half when Oliver Puflett found the net with a sumptuous curling effort from the edge of the box.
It proved the final goal of an end-to-end fixture and a vital three points in the chase for final’s football.
