New boys NWS Spirit FC claimed a maiden National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s victory with a 2-0 result over Bulls FC Academy at Christie Park on a balmy Saturday.
After being under the pump for a large portion of the first half, the hosts took the lead through a Matthew Cahill goal early before Michael Konestabo doubled the advantage in injury time.
The action kicked off early as a save from Christopher Marques was quick to deny Sunday Yona who found space between centre back and fullback.
This chance was followed shortly after by another opportunity for the hosts, Simon Nicholas with a ball from deep finding Luiz Lobo whose shot sailed over the bar.
The visitors were having joy down the right, Ante Krilic started a move on 22 minutes in which he found Yona in a wide position who centred it to Rhys Youlley – Youlley’s shot was denied before the follow up was skied over the bar.
While at the other end, Spirit responded when Lobo was found by Konestabo after ball worked right to left. Lobo shooting with his left foot this time, saw his effort palmed away by the keeper.
After their best period of the game, Spirit were rewarded on 40 minutes. A chance from virtually nothing saw Cahill round the keeper before finishing into the net.
Chances became sparser in the second half, despite the fact the tempo was still intact.
Bulls had their best chances on the right in a familiar pattern, Yona forcing a diving save before Youlley’s follow up was comfortably saved down low, ten minutes in.
Spirit came home strong though and had a chance to seal it with five minutes remaining, Cahill skied his effort from inside the six-yard box from the set piece. Followed up soon after by a Mitch Davidson header which suffered a similar fate.
The game was sealed in injury time with Spirit scoring their second. Cahill getting to the left by-line before squaring it to Konestabo who finished home from close range.
Speaking after their victory, Spirit coach David Perkovic was delighted with his newly promoted side picking up their first three points of the 2023 season.
“I’m obviously happy with the result.
“It was our first game in the higher division, there were a few nerves early. Some games you need that bit of luck to stay in the game and we took advantage of it with the first goal.
“It was a difficult first game, but we got the three points, and we’ll build from it leading into next week.”
While Bulls FC academy coach Zeljko Kalac was pleased with his side’s performance.
“We lost, but look we could’ve won, we created a lot of chances but we’ll learn from it
“Its been a good week, there’s a lot of room for improvement, we have 29 games left and we look forward to next week.”
Match Stats
NWS Spirit FC 2 (Cahill 40’, Konestabo 90’)
Bulls FC Academy 0
Saturday 4 February, 2023
Christie Park, Macquarie Park
Referee: Hassan Jomaa
Assistant Referees: Alessandro Llana and Arinath Gobinath
Fourth Official: Mitchell Clark
NWS Spirit FC: 1. Christopher Marques (GK), 3. Musashi Kokubo, 4. Kota Odakura, 5. Jordan Gomez (10. Louis Bozanic 64′), 6. Corey Kavanagh, 11. Ollie Wiggin, 13. Simon Nicholas, 17. Matthew Cahill, 20. Jared Lum, 21. Luiz Lobo (9. Mitchell Davidson 75′), 23. Michael Konestabo (2. Blake Ilitch 90′)
Substitutes Not Used: 12. Jacob Madden (GK), 18. Federico Gagliano, 22. Abuzar Awaz.
Yellow Cards:
Red Cards: Nil
Bulls FC Academy: 1. Alex Robinson (GK), 2. Ante Krilic, 3. Isaac Hovar (13. Jordan Ivancic 60′), 8. Mason Wells (21. Lachlan Macdonald 68′), 9. Diego Bonilla (10. Ayman Gulasi 60′), 14. Sunday Yona, 16. Ollie Jones, 17. Rhys Youlley, 20. Adrian Knez (23. Flynn Madden 60′), 22. Eddie Caspers, 35. Theph Theph (12. Charlie Ragg 45’)
Substitutes Not Used: 40. Griffin Barry
Yellow Cards: Knez
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings:
3 – Simon Nicholas (NWS)
2 – Sunday Yona (BFA)
1 – Matthew Cahill (NWS)
By NPLNSW reporter Justin Smith (@smiththejustin).
