Stallions back on the winner podium with victory over Manly
The Marconi Stallions returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Manly United at Marconi Stadium on Saturday night.
While Manly United netted the first goal through Brazilian striker Bruno Mendes, the Stallions responded with goals to Domenic Costanzo, one of the goals of the season, and Jordan Swibel, with an own goal from Kieren Paull that sealed the victory for the hosts.
Fans didn’t have to wait long for the goal-scoring action to take centre stage as Mendes opened the scoring in the 13th minute.
Japanese ace Seiya Kambayashi made a dangerous run down the left flank and played a well-timed ball to Mendes, who delightfully chipped Marconi ‘keeper Jack Gibson.
Manly goalkeeper Levi Kaye made an impressive save in the 16th minute as Marconi went in search of an equaliser.
Following a free kick, Stallions defender Roberto Speranza snatched at a shot inside the penalty box which Kaye managed to get an outstretched hand to, in what was a great reflex save by the Manly number one.
A hungry Marconi retaliated just five minutes after Manly’s goal, as Costanzo evened the score in sensational fashion in the 17th minute from the resultant corner kick.
Hirokai Aoyama sent the corner into a central position in front of the goal, which was deflected out to Costanzo on the edge of the 18-yard-box and the young gun sent an impressive half-volley firmly into the top left corner.
There were massive scenes that took place following that goal from one of the league’s most talented stars as Costanzo was mobbed by his fellow teammates and coaching staff in what was an outstanding goal.
Swibel then came agonisingly close for the hosts in the 29th minute after receiving the ball from Aoyama, but his effort rebounded off the crossbar.
It wasn’t long until he was able to get a goal on the scoreboard, taking the lead for the hosts in the 31st minute.
Giorgio Speranza played a ball off Costanzo, then sent a cross in from the left to Swibel, who nodded the ball into the nett past a diving Kaye.
Manly were knocking on the door in the 37th minute as Kambayashi dribbled through several Marconi players to let off a shot, but it was calmly collected by Gibson.
Swibel nearly bagged a second in the 44th minute as he attempted a bicycle kick in front of the goal, but it flew just above the crossbar.
Mendes started strong in the second half, firing a shot towards the target in the 50th minute but Gibson was able to retreat back to collect as Manly went on the hunt for more goals.
Despite plenty of movement back and forth and opportunities for both teams in the opening stages of the second half, the next goal didn’t come until the 71st minute.
Marko Jesic sent a shot towards the goal, and while it was slightly off target, it deflected off Manly defender Kieren Paull and made its way into the goal.
Marconi used the momentum to apply more pressure and came close in the 74th minute as Aoyama sent a blistering strike towards the goal, but Kaye was able to deflect.
Costanzo made a forward run minutes later but, after shrugging off the Manly defence, his shot was collected calmly by Kaye.
As Manly tried to turn the game around, Marconi continued to mount pressure but neither team was able to make more impact as the match ended with a 3-1 victory to the hosts.
Marconi coach Peter Tsekenis was pleased his team was able to pick themselves back up and get the result after a lacklustre performance last week.
“We probably started a bit like we finished off last week and the boys showed some character.
“It’s the first time we’ve sort of come from behind and it was a good, tough performance,” Tsekenis explained.
“We got our goals, probably could have scored a few more to make it a little bit easier.
“That’s what we can do, that’s how we can play and when we keep the ball in certain areas, we hurt teams and today just showed where we should be at.
“We can improve on keeping possession in certain areas a little bit more instead of turning it over, which gives the other team an opportunity to come back in the game.
“If we can keep that level of competitiveness and intensity then all the rest will come.”
Match Stats
Marconi Stallions FC 3 (Costanzo 17’, Swibel 31’, Paull 74’OG)
Manly United FC 1 (Mendes 13’)
Saturday 25th March, 2023
Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park
Referee: Nathan Shakespear
Assistant Referees: Jackson Tippett and Cameron Wright
Fourth Official: Declan Woods
Marconi Stallions FC: 20. Jack Gibson, 2. Nathan Millgate, 3. Giorgio Speranza, 4. Roberto Speranza (5. Liam McGing 55’), 6. Domenic Costanzo, 8. Hirokai Aoyama, 9. Jordan Swibel (21. Justin Vidic 82’), 10. Marko Jesic, 16. Liam Youlley (12. Daniel Gulisano 65’), 19. Kyle Cimenti (11. Daniel Bouman 65’), 23. Brandon Vella
Substitutes Not Used: 1. Nathan Foster, 22. Taylor McDonald
Yellow Cards: Swibel 43’, Bouman 67’, Giorgio Speranza 91’, Gibson 95’
Red Cards: Nil
Manly United FC: 2. Kieren Paull (18. Lucas Rainbird 72’), 4. James Oates, 5. Thomas Fay, 7. Seiya Kamayashi, 8. Dominic Ferguson (6. Finn Ashton 82’), 10. Bruno Mendes, 12. Kristian Santich, 19. Alen Aganovic, 20. Levi Kaye, 23. Harry McCarthy (9. Benjamin Koop 72’), 31. Marcus Lal (11. Matthew Sim 45’)
Substitutes Not Used: 1. Jack Greenwood, 15. Nick Rainbird
Yellow Cards: Ferguson 11’, Oates 92’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Domenic Costanzo (MS)
2 – Hirokai Aoyama (MS)
1 – Giorgio Speranza (MS)
-By Madeline Riley
