Stallions back on top following gritty victory over United 58
Amidst treacherous conditions at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon, a stoic Marconi Stallions FC regained top spot after a hard fought 1-0 victory over Sydney United 58 FC
There was plenty on the line on a rainy afternoon at Sydney United Sports Centre as Sydney United 58 FC hosted a high flying Marconi Stallions FC.
For the Stallions, a chance to go two points clear atop the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s ladder was on offer compared to the home side who would needed to secure a victory to stay amongst the race for a finals spot.
With heavy rain falling just minutes after getting underway, both sides engaged in an early arm wrestle in midfield as they attempted to acclimatize to the slippery conditions.
Due to the weather, it took until the 28th minute for either side to conjure any real chance, with the first of the contest falling to Marconi who broke via winger Domenic Costanzo.
Heading towards the by line his lofted ball into the area fell perfectly into the path of Christopher Hatfield however, Sydney United 58 was on hand to intervene and clear the danger.
In the 35th minute, United created their first meaningful chance after some neat work on the left hand side by Chris Payne.
The forward’s cutback found Jordan Roberts on the edge of the area, who, with no one around him, blazed his strike over the bar much to the dismay of the home crowd.
No more than 30 seconds later, Marconi failed to find the back of the net from a golden opportunity.
Moving down the right hand side, Brandon Vella released a powerful low drive that was saved well by United keeper Daniel Nizic however, the ball spilled to Marconi’s Hatfield whose half volley from 12 yards was fired straight into the chest Nizic.
In the 45th minute, United came the closest of either side in the half.
After a pinpoint Andreas Agamemnonos through ball, winger Taisei Kaneko was left clean through on goal.
Setting himself, the Japanese native released a left footed strike from inside the are that crashed against Nenad Vekic’s crossbar and away from danger.
The second half of the contest began much like the first with the heavens opening up and releasing an immense amount of rain.
However, unlike the opening 45 minutes, we only had to wait 10 minutes for the first chance.
It was Marconi’s Costanzo who was played through down the left and once setting himself, was made to deal with an onrushing Nizic inside the area.
The winger reacted quickly playing a ball across to Marko Jesic however on a fast, wet pitch, the ball was just out of reach of the forward.
Four minutes later, the visitors had their opener and again, it was Costanzo at the centre of it all.
Picking up the ball outside the area, he cut inside and released a low drive that was helped on from six yards by Jesic, leaving Nizic no chance to react.
After hitting the front, Marconi, with confidence in their veins, began to stamp their authority on the game and control the ball in the middle of the field.
In the 66th minute another Marconi attacking raid saw Nathan Millgate brought down in the area however referee Stephen Lucas waived away any complaints as the home support began to grow restless.
Six minutes later, United had Nizic to thank for keeping them within one goal.
After yet another Marconi move, Costanzo found himself free inside the area. Firing a ferocious half-volley, Nizic reacted expertly to deny the winger from near point blank range and keep his side in the contest.
With just over 10 minutes left to play, United emptied their bench in an attempt to find an equalizer.
However, the stoic Marconi refused to let anything through in the closing stages and as such came close to a second in extra time after a lung-busting Vella run resulted in a Costanzo strike that saved once again by Nizic who had an outstanding afternoon in goal.
Moments later, Stephen Lucas sounded the final whistle and as result, saw Marconi return to the top of the table.
For Sydney United 58, their finals hopes now hang by a thread and will now require a remarkable run home after today’s defeat however do have one eye on the 2022 Waratah Cup Final against NWS Spirit FC.
Match Stats
Sydney United 58 FC
Marconi Stallions FC 1 (Jesic 59’,
Sunday, 10th July, 2022
Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park
Referee: Stephen Lucas
Assistant Referees: Brodie Merchant and Amber Morris
Fourth Official: Jackson Mackie
Sydney United 58 FC:1. Daniel Nizic, 3. Jordan Roberts (16. Jason Poscoliero 78’), 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 5. Anthony Tomelic, 6. Chris Payne, 7. Taisei Kaneko (9. Patrick Antelmi 64’), 8. Kyle Cimenti, 11. Yianni Perkatis (10. Bailey Callaghan 78’), 14. Andreas Agamemnonos (36. Adrian Knez 71’), 15. Tariq Maia (21. Mihael Marcic 78’), 17. Matthew Bilic.
Substitutes Not Used: 8. Kyle Cimenti, 11. Nicholas Zdrilic, 55. Goran Palecek
Yellow Cards: 6. Chris Payne 43’,
Red Cards: Nil
Marconi Stallions FC: 1. Nenad Vekic, 2. Nathan Millgate, 3. Giorgio Speranza, 4. Roberto Speranza, 6. Domenic Costanzo, 7. Christopher Hatfield, 8. Connor Evans, 10. Marko Jesic, 16. Liam Youlley, 22. Taylor McDonald, 23. Brandon Vella.
Substitutes Not Used: 5. Justin Vidic, 9. Thomas James, 13. Samuel Gulisano, 17. Martin Fernandez, 19. Zach Cairncross, 20. Dion Shaw,
Yellow Cards: 2. Nathan Millgate 20’, 4. Roberto Speranza 25’, 16. Liam Youlley 71’,
Red Cards: Nil
