Newly crowned 2024 NPL Men’s NSW Premiers Rockdale Ilinden FC continued its breakout season following a 2-1 victory over Sydney FC on Monday at the Ilinden Sports Centre to heap more pressure on the Sky Blues as they now must win on Sunday and hope results go their way to avoid a relegation playoff.
There wasn’t a Premiership hangover in sight for Ilinden as it was business as usual securing three points at their home base. Brendan Cholakian made it 1-0 in the 33rd minute from the spot before they were pegged back via a Jaiden Kucharski goal in the 76th minute.
It wasn’t to be for Sydney FC as Olayinka Sunmola tapped home the match winner for the Premiers in the 86th minute to claim three points.
The first piece of action fell to Cholakian who had the first chance of the game. The experienced attacker pounced on a loose pass and tried to chip Sydney FC keeper Gus Hoefsloot but his effort was off the mark.
Sydney FC then went close through Tiago Quintal. He drove into the box well and had a low shot saved by Rockdale Ilinden FC keeper Ricardo Rizzo.
The Sky Blues thought they had the opener from a set piece. Quintal unfurled a free-kick that Rizzo saved into the path of Kucharski who tapped home but he was ruled offside.
Rockdale Ilinden FC made it 1-0 in the 33rd minute as they struck a blow to the Sky Blues’ chances of staying in the top flight. So Kataoka earned the penalty from a handball which Cholakian coolly converted.
Wataru Kamijo tried to spark Sydney FC after conceding. The ball fell to him on the edge of the box and he blazed it over.
Rockdale Ilinden FC finished the half with the strongest chances. Kataoka had a fierce strike that fell straight to Hoefsloot.
Next, Sunmola drove in a low cross that Brae Ovens flicked over the frame of the goal as the visitors took a 1-0 lead into the break.
Sydney FC authored the first chance of the second half as thy battled to rescue at least a point from the match. Ayouk Mow kept the ball alive then found Kucharski who fizzed wide.
Rockdale Ilinden FC tried to double their advantage from the set piece. Brae Ovens curled in the free-kick which Hoefsloot saved well that kept his troops in the match.
Rockdale custodian Rizzo made a fantastic triple save to keep it at 1-0. He denied Quintal then Kamijo followed by substitute Namory Conde who was also repelled to make a difference.
Sydney FC then should’ve scored on the counter. Pearson Kasawaya started the move that found Conde who threaded it to Kucharski with the FC star slamming it against the bar.
Sunmola then had a chance to put the game to bed. He strolled forward and curled an effort which Hoefsloot pushed wide.
It was game on soon after as Sydney FC made it 1-1 in the 75th minute. Quintal put through a delightful pass for Kucharski who rolled the ball into the net to set up a grandstand finish.
The Sky Blues piled on the pressure for the winner. Kucharski headed over then Conde had an effort punched away.
It was the substitutes who helped make it 2-1 for Rockdale Ilinden. Bai Antoniou and Alec Urosevski combined which Sunmola turned home in the 86th minute much to the delight of the home fans.
Sydney FC threw everyone forward in the hunt for an equalizer. Kucharski rattled the crossbar with a late free-kick while substitute Jacob Brazete poked wide from close range, an opportunity the youngster really should have done better.
It was to be the last play of the match as the referee below for full time with Rockdale rejoicing but it was a dejected Sydney FC who were hanging in the top tier league by a thread.
Ilinden were joyous and as they should, having given starts to players such as Brae Ovens and Jason Cakovski as well as seeing youngsters Paul Kalamvokis, Benjamin Wass and Zachary Nikolovski gaining some game time.
Both Isaac Danzo and Lochlan Constable were missing from the squad as they continue their trials with A-League club Melbourne Victory with the hope of landing a first team contract but will return for their final match against the Mariners on Sunday as well as the finals series.
Post match, Rockdale Ilinden FC’s assistant coach Nick Stavroulakis reflected on a positive game for his side after clinching the Premiership.
“We tested a few things tonight and gave some boys a rest who really needed it,
“I was happy with how things went and was pleased for the players who played tonight.
“The boys we used tonight held their own against a very strong Sydney FC outfit, but now we build and focus for Sunday’s match against the Mariners where we are expecting a big turnout to lift the Premiership title in front of our family and supporters.” said Stavroulakis.
Sydney FC coach Jimmy Van Weeren remained positive despite the defeat as they head into a crucial game this Sunday.
“I don’t know how we didn’t get a point from that game.
“We hit the bar twice and missed a few good chances which is disappointing.
“Our performances suggest we should be getting results so it is about converting chances but we’re remaining positive heading into this Sunday’s match against Sydney Olympic.” said Van Weeren.
Match Stats
Sydney FC 1 (Kucharski ’75)
Rockdale Ilinden FC 2 (Cholakian ’33 Sunmola ‘86)
Monday 19 August 2024
Ilinden Sports Centre
Referee: Joel Crawford
Assistant Referees: Matthew Mcorist & Isaac Riggs
Fourth Official: Jasper White
Sydney FC: 3. Tyler Williams, 5. Will Kennedy (14. Jared Middleton ’77), 8. Lachlan Middleton, 10. Tiago Quintal, 11. Jaiden Kucharski, 16. Pearson Kasawaya, 17. Ayouk Mow (13. Jacob Brazete ’68), 22. Aaron Gurd, 24. Wataru Kamijo (2. Noah Mathie ’87), 30. Gus Hoefsloot, 33. Mathias Macallister (29. Namory Conde ’45)
Unused subs: 26. Aden Green, 40. Alexander Zaverdinos
Yellow cards: Gurd ’45 Kennedy ’52 Mow ‘65
Red cards: nil
Rockdale Ilinden FC: 2. Daniel Collins (33. Paul Kalamvokis ’58), 3. Lachlan Griffiths, 8. Dean Pelekanos (7. Alec Urosevski ’75), 10. Brendan Cholakian (18. Benjamin Wass ’58), 14. Brayden Sorge (32. Zachary Nikolovski ’58), 15. Olayinka Sunmola, 17. Brae Ovens, 19. Jason Cakovski (9. Bai Antoniou ’64), 20. Ricardo Rizzo, 23. Hunter Elliott, 77. So Kataoka
Unused subs: 1. Nicholas Sorras
Yellow cards: Nikolovski ’70 Elliott ‘84
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings:
3: Hunter Elliott (RCFC)
2: Olayinka Sunmola (RCFC)
1: Jaiden Kucharski (SFC)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
