New Boys St George Saints humbled by ruthless Manly

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Manly United FC opened the 2024 season with a 3-0 win against newly promoted National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW side St George FC at Cromer Park on Friday night.

It was a well-deserved win for Manly United who turned the heat on in the second half scoring all three goals against the competition’s new boys who found out just how tough the top tier NPL Men’s NSW competition is.

Benjamin Koop made an instant impact from the substitute bench assisting Stefano Rossello for the opener then helping himself on the scoresheet. Harry McCarthy capped off the win with a stunner for the third that sent a great crowd at the Northern Beaches into raptures.

St George FC didn’t have their ideal return to the top grade since 2014 but did show some patches of attacking football in the first half. Their best chance fell to Evangelo Souris while keeper Daniel Axford provided some big saves.

It was a cagey start between the two sides which was expected in Round 1. Manly United FC had a speculative effort which fizzed over the bar.

St George FC found their rhythm and had their first chance. Souris was found in the box and his effort was deflected bravely by Manly defender Alen Aganovic.

Manly United FC put together a full field move for the best chance of the first half. Jesse Piriz released Connor Rose who combined with McCarthy to find Ezra Palombini who shaped his shot wide.

Once again, Palombini who signed from the Jets Academy, found space in the 20th minute then unfurled a strike which deflected over the bar.

The hosts almost snatched the lead in the 31st minute. Aganovic rose highest and nodded the ball towards goal before Axford denied him and the game went to the break at 0-0.

Benjamin Koop was brought on at half-time for Manly United FC and made an instant impact. The attacker cut inside in the box and found Rossello who placed his shot in the bottom corner and made it 1-0 in the 49th minute.

It was double delight for Manly United FC in the 60th minute.

Saxon Hillyer rounded his defender then cut it back for Koop to touch home for 2-0.

Manly United FC were in the mood after the second goal and wanted more. Bilal Belkadi strode forward flying through the midfield before he found Koop who fired over.

The hosts confirmed the three points in the 85th minute.

McCarthy spied the keeper off his line and added another fantastic strike to his highlight reel for 3-0.

St George FC had a late chance through Troy Danaskos but his strike was deflected away by the dogged Manly United FC defence.

Speaking post-match, Manly United FC coach Patrick Zwaanswijk reflected on the comfortable win for his side.

“I was very pleased, first match at home in front of a huge crowd and it was a big win.

“Both teams were getting back to the official game environment but we both tried to play in such humid conditions.

“Second half, we changed things and dominated the game getting the goals then Harry McCarthy had good vision to chip the keeper for the third.

“Our 20s and First Grade squads are close which allows the boys coming in to do a solid job on debut.” said Zwaanswijk.

For St George FC captain Troy Danaskos, he reflected on a tough entrance into the top division.

“It was disappointing tonight after coming up from League One Mens.

“We had high expectations, and it is a disappointing result.

“They say the NPL is a transition game and we got caught in that way for all three goals.

“We have to learn from that and move onto next week.” said Danaskos.

Match Stats

Manly United FC 3 (Rossello ’49, Koop ’60, McCarthy ‘85)

St George FC 0

Friday 16 February 2024

Cromer Park

Referee: Eric Saba

Assistant Referees: Patrick Teleki & Arinath Gobinath

Fourth Official: Charbel Geha

Manly United FC: 1. Levi Kaye, 3. Zac Sfiligoi (25. Rocco Pelle ’75), 4. Jesse Piriz, 6. Saxon Hillyer, 8. Joseph Fox (9. Benjamin Koop ’45), 10. Harry McCarthy, 11. Connor Rose (7. Peter Kekeris ’65), 13. Ezra Palombini (16. Zayne Ahluwalia ’65), 19. Alen Aganovic, 39. Stefano Rossello (34. Jack Mason ’65), 45. Bilal Belkadi

Unused subs: 31. Jay Coates

Yellow cards: Fox ‘28

Red cards: nil

St George FC: 2. Caio De Godoy (17. Thomas Brown ’67), 3. Troy Danaskos, 5. Nicholas Kalogerou, 6. Patrick O’Shea, 7. Jesse Sprang, 8. Connor Quilligan (9. Peter Grozos ’57), 18. Mark Rodic, 20. Daniel Axford, 23. Evangelo Souris (19. Nikola Skataric ’67), 27. Jayden Seeto, 30. Justin Poon (14. Alexander Malfara ’80)

Unused subs: 1. Andrew Di Blasio, 15. Mitchell Heapy

Yellow cards: nil

Red cards: nil

Player Ratings

3: Benjamin Koop (MUFC)

2: Bilal Belkadi (MUFC)

1: Harry McCarthy (MUFC)

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)