In-form Antelmi looking to lead United 58 up the table

After his stunning hat-trick last weekend, legendary Sydney United 58 striker Patrick Antelmi spoke to Football NSW about the season so far, their clash with Blacktown City this weekend and his love for his club.

Compared to their usual standards, United 58 haven’t made the best of starts to the campaign, sitting in eighth place on 15 points, one point off the top six.

Adapting to life under new coach Ante Juric, United 58 have shown flashes of brilliance, but have struggled for consistent form so far in 2025.

“I think we didn’t start like we wanted to, said Antelmi on the season so far.

“I do think a few results haven’t gone our way.

“I think, more than anything, we haven’t been clinical enough in the front third compared to how our midfield and defence have been performing.

“We haven’t really been up to scratch up top to help them out with how solid they’ve been, and there’s only so much pressure they can take on before we concede goals.”

However, United 58 has found more of a groove recently, winning three of its last five league matches.

The most recent of which was a gutsy 4-2 victory over St George FC, where, despite a 30th-minute red card with the scores level at 2-2, the NPL Men’s NSW giants held on, scoring twice to secure an invaluable three points away from home.

It was Antelmi who, like many times before, emerged as the hero for his beloved club, netting three of the four goals, including both after the red card.

When asked about the hat-trick, Antelmi remained ultra-humble, saying: “Going into that game, we knew, at this time of the year, it’s a critical time to stick with the pack for what’s ahead.

“I’ve been a bit up and down with my form – I’ve gotten married, gone on a honeymoon and had a suspension which didn’t help, so I’m trying to now help the team in taking off in the right direction in looking to achieve silverware.”

United 58 will have a strong chance to build on their form this weekend when taking on rivals Blacktown City, who are currently fourth on the ladder, six points ahead of Antelmi’s side.

“We’re starting to show what we’re about and also what Ante’s trying to implement into the team and club,” said Antelmi when asked about the match.

“Blacktown’s always been competing since I was a kid and they’re always strong and know how to get the job done.

“But United 58’s the biggest club in Australia, and going into this game, we know it’s not going to be easy.

“They’re in good form at the moment and we’re starting to head in the right direction – I think it will be an exciting game with two exciting teams and I’m looking forward to it.”

United 58 will once more be looking to lean on club legend Antelmi this weekend, who is in his eighth season at the club.

When asked about what his side meant to him, he delivered a considered, apt response.

“I think you have this perception of Sydney United 58 that isn’t truly real until you become part of the club,” he said.

“It’s NPL level, but they still let you know what club you’re at and the expectation they have of you to deliver and deliver for the community.

“The amount of love and support that they give to you week in, week out – it’s beautiful and surreal.

“But there’s a flipside to it where when you aren’t performing or giving your heart to the jersey, they let you know about it.

“For me, in having football as such a big part of your life, you don’t just go through the motions, you have to turn up and play for yourself and the club.

“You play for people that come and watch and love the club, who were watching long before I was there and will be watching long after I’m gone.

“It’s my eighth season and I’ve loved every minute of it so far.”

Watch Antelmi and his side in action take on Blacktown City at 3pm on Sunday afternoon, live at Landen Stadium or on Football NSW’s YouTube channel.