Perkatis Screamer Sends United 58 Past Northbridge.
A Yianni Perkatis’ world-class volley has secured an important victory for Sydney United 58 over Northbridge Bulls at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon.
Perkatis stood out above the rest in a man of the match performance that was highlighted by the winning goal which was his maiden goal for the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s campaign
The sides went back and forth in a thrilling first half, before United 58 found themselves ahead in the second half.
It was Perkatis that got the only goal of the afternoon with a Goal of The Year contender, picking out the roof of the net with an incredible volley from outside the area.
Northbridge started off the game strongly, looking likely in attack and came close on a few occasions early on.
Jed Drew had the first real chance for the Bulls, bending free kick his free kick on target and forcing a great save from Danijel Nizic
Drew began to make his presence felt in attack as he provided a golden chance for Stephan De Robillard with his dangerous shot being deflected away for a corner.
United 58 were unable to find the final touch when given the opportunity, but came agonisingly close to an opener, after Patrick Antelmi played Jordan Roberts through with his effort desperately being denied by Levi Kaye’s foot.
The back and forth nature of the game continued and Drew was sensationally denied by the woodwork as his effort from a set-piece came crashing back off the bar.
Nizic was undoubtedly the hosts most valuable player in the first half after making numerous saves from close range and frustrating the Bulls attack in the process.
United 58 found some attacking success in the late stages of the first half and thought they had found the opener when Adrian Vlastelica’s header found the back of the net, however the goal was subsequently ruled out for handball.
After an entertaining and close first half the teams went into the break tied at a deadlock.
The hosts started the second half rapidly and put the Northbridge defence under an immense amount of pressure.
Tariq Maia came within inches of an opener after Chris Payne sent him through on goal with his efforts smashing against the side netting.
United 58 wouldn’t have to wait much longer for an opener, as Perkatis sensationally powered the ball into the roof of the net with a perfectly placed volley from outside the box.
The Bulls looked for a reply immediately and it was Drew who was left stunned again as his curling effort once again hit the woodwork, this time just narrowly bouncing away from the line.
Shortly after conceding, Kaye managed to keep his side in the game after stopping a powerful effort from Antelmi in a one on one situation.
The Bulls’ were once again denied by Nizic as he stopped a powerful effort from De Robillard, shortly before Anthony Krillic’s close range efforts were also stopped by the keeper.
Northbridge pushed hard in the final minutes and were asking plenty of questions from the United 58 defence, however they proved to be up to the task and continually turned defence into attack.
Jordan Ivancic found himself with a golden opportunity to ice the game in the final moments but powerfully sent his shot wide from close distance.
United 58 held off the late surge of attacks from Northbridge to secure three crucial points and a clean sheet.
Northbridge coach Mile Sterjovski admitted his disappointment in the result and wanted his players to learn from the game.
“We deserved a lot more from the game, especially in the first half where we hit the post a few times, but the goal they scored was a good one,” he said
“I said to the boys at the break to just keep trying because I thought we did really well in the first half, but we came out a bit slow and I feel like that’s the way the season has been going for us.
“As long as the boys learn from a game like this, then at least we can help them develop going forward.”
United 58 coach, Miro Vlastelica noted his pride in the second half outing but still has plenty of room to improve.
“It was a scrappy game, there were a lot of transitions, our midfield didn’t see the ball that much and we have some key players in that position,” he said.
“We made a few tactical changes at the break and we looked a lot better, there’s still room for improvement in particular in the front third because we are squandering chances, but now we have to focus on the cup game on Wednesday.”
Match Stats
Sydney United 58 FC 1 (Perkatis 52’)
Northbridge Bulls FC 0
Saturday 12th June 2022
Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park
Referee: Christian Verdicchio
Assistant Referees: Emma Kocbek and Patrick Teleki
Fourth Official: Hadi Al-Nakeeb
Sydney United 58 FC: 1. Danijel Nizic, 3. Jordan Roberts, 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 5. Anthony Tomelic, 6. Christopher Payne (13. Jordan Ivancic 89’), 9.Patrick Antelmi, 11. Yianni Perkatis 15. Tariq Maia (14. Bailey Callaghan 76’), 17. Matthew Billic, 18. Glen Trifiro (36. Adrian Knez 82’), 22. Yianni Fragogiannis
Substitutes not used: 16. Ante Vojvodic, 55. Goran Palecek.
Yellow Cards: Perkatis 47’, Antelmi 57’
Red Card: Nil
Northbridge Bulls FC: 20. Levi Kaye, 2. Jack Mcoughlin , 3. Nathan Dimou, 9. Diego Bonilla, 11.Stephan De Robillard (7. Mason Wells 89’), 12. Marcus Sparacino (4.Anthony Sparacino 80’), 13. James Cakovski (5. Anthony Krilic 70’), 15. Eddie Caspers (18. Sebastian Hernandez 89’), 16. Oliver Jones, 17. Jed Drew, 21. Matthew O’Donoghue.
Substitutes Not Used: 19. Jacob Maniti, 22. Griffin Barry.
Yellow Cards: Sparacino 40’
Red Card: Nil
Written by National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter, Dominic Criniti @DominicCriniti
