Lethal Sydney Olympic prove too strong for Manly
Sydney Olympic made it two from two to kick off the 2023 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season with a professional 3-1 victory over Manly United at Cromer Park on Saturday night.
All of the goalscoring action unfolded mid-way through the first half, as Seiya Kambayashi opened his account for the season before Olympic fired back with three quick-fire strikes.
Despite plenty of Manly pressure in the second stanza, earlier goals to Fabio Ferreira, Roy O’Donovan and Nick Fitzgerald ensured Labinot Haliti’s men would continue their perfect start to the campaign, taking a valuable three points back to Belmore.
After a rather even opening, the match burst to life on the 25th-minute mark.
It all kicked off as Seiya Kambayashi created something out of nothing, pouncing on a loose ball and powering his first-time strike home, to the delight of the home fans.
They were left stunned moments later, as Olympic went up the other end Ferreira found himself on the end of a cut-back, making no mistake in tapping home and restoring parity almost instantly.
Just two minutes later Manly so nearly regained the advantage, as Alen Aganovic headed an effort narrowly wide of the mark.
It would prove to be a costly opportunity wasted as the away side turned the contest on its head shortly after.
A loose challenge from Jimmy Oates saw Olympic awarded a spot-kick, which last season’s Golden Boot winner Roy O’Donovan made no mistake in converting after 31 minutes.
In the 37th minute, Haliti’s men extended their advantage, as Jack Simmons capitalised on a costly turnover, laying it on a platter for Nick Fitzgerald to slam in his second goal in Olympic colours.
While Patrick Zwaanswijk’s outfit applied plenty of pressure during the second half, they did not manage to find the back of Sorras’ net once again.
Manly’s best opportunities came via defenders Jesse Piriz and Aganovic, however in the end they were ultimately unable to break through their resolute opponents.
Post-game, Sydney Olympic boss Labinot Haliti was pleased with the result away from home.
“It was a good game, they’re a good side and we came here wanting to put in a good performance,” he said.
“I thought we were good value for the points, they’re obviously a good side that you have to give respect.
“It was a good match to watch; a bit too open for me in the second half but that’s what happens sometimes.”
Match Stats
Manly United 1 (Kambayashi 25’)
Sydney Olympic 3 (Ferreira 26’, O’Donovan 31’, Fitzgerald 37’)
Cromer Park, Cromer
Saturday 11th February 2023
Referee: Nathan Shakespear
Assistants: John Garcia and Arinath Gobinath
Fourth Official: Jackson Tippett
Manly United: 20. Levi Kaye, 2. Kieran Paull (15. Nick Rainbird 61’), 3. Jesse Piriz, 4. Jimmy Oates (C), 5. Tom Fay, 6. Finn Ashton (9. Ben Koop 72’), 7. Seiya Kambayashi, 12. Kristian Santich, 19. Alen Aganovic, 23. Harry McCarthy (32. Saxon Hillyer 78’), 31. Marcus Lal (8. Dom Ferguson 45’)
Subs not used: 1. Jack Greenwood, 12. Lucas Rainbird
Yellow Cards: Piriz 39’
Red Cards: Nil
Sydney Olympic: 1. Nicholas Sorras, 3. Michael Neill (C), 4. Benjamin van Meurs, 5. Ziggy Gordon, 6. Jack Simmons (14. James Georgaklis 81’), 10. Darcy Burgess (8. Sam Mcillhatton 71’), 11. Adam Parkhouse, 12. Matthew Buettner, 22. Fabio Ferreira (9. Oliver Puflett 71’), 29. Nick Fitzgerald (23. Jakob Cresnar 71’), 99. Roy O’ Donovan (24. Hagi Gligor 84’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Christopher Parsons
Yellow Cards: Simmons 54’, Sorras 69’, Gligor 87’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Jack Simmons (SOL)
2 – Nick Fitzgerald (SOL)
1 – Benjamin van Meurs (SOL)
By Football NSW Reporter and Commentator Chris Curulli (@ChrisCurulli on Twitter)
