A wet and wild fourth round of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition is in the books and it is Sydney United 58 who remain in pole position.
Extreme weather conditions across Sydney and NSW was the big story over the weekend with only three of the scheduled six matches taking place.
Mt Druitt moved their match to Wanderers Football Park so their game against Sydney FC could go ahead, while Sydney United 58’s match against Blacktown City and the clash between Rockdale and Manly United was also played.
APIA Leichhardt’s game against Sutherland Sharks, Sydney Olympic’s match with Wollongong Wolves and the contest between Northbridge Bulls and Marconi Stallions were postponed due to the torrential rain which inundated the state over the past four days.
If you were unable to make it to any match over the wet weekend, remember you can catch up with the action with full match replays on NPL.TV
Mt Druitt Town Rangers 1 – Sydney FC 1 at Wanderers Football Park
Sydney FC has clung on for a 1-1 draw with Mt Druitt Town Rangers in wild weather conditions at Wanderers Football Park on Saturday night
In a match dominated by gale-force winds and torrential rain, The Young Sky Blues clung on for a point as a wasteful Rangers were unable to make the most of their chances.
Sydney FC looked on track to snatch a shock win as Calum Talbot latched onto a sublime pass from Patrick Yazbek midway through the first half to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.
However, A dramatic reshuffle swung the game in Mt Druitt’s favour after the interval with substitute Jack Stewart finding a crucial equaliser.
It could’ve been three points for the home side but wasteful finishing in front of goal meant they had to settle for the draw.
Rockdale Ilinden 1 – Manly United 1 at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
Manly United proved they’re no pushovers with a dogged display in a 1-1 draw with reigning premiers Rockdale Ilinden at Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday.
It was a valuable point for Manly who kept their undefeated record alive in dreary conditions against a Rockdale side which will be disappointed to have not secured full points from the match.
Manly United attacker Dejan Pandurevic was gifted the opening goal in the 34th minute after a decent spell of sustained pressure when his shot squirmed under the body of David Bradasevic.
The lead was short-lived however when Kyle Cimenti thundered home to restore parity four minutes later. t
Both sides had their chances to snatch a winner but the score remained deadlocked in what was an action-packed clash.
Sydney United 58 4 – Blacktown City 1 at Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 maintain their position at the top of the National Premier Leagues NSW ladder after a comfortable 4-1 success against Blacktown City FC today at Sydney United Sports Centre.
The league leaders were assured throughout the contest as they cruised to their fourth win of the season.
Matthew Sim dazzled the defence with a goal on either side of the break which included a highlight reel free-kick.
Patrick Antelmi and Tariq Maia added the other goals to complete their fourth win of the season.
Blacktown City FC toiled hard but wasn’t able to find the finishing touch tonight.
There was some brief belief in a comeback when Travis Major nodded home. The story of their afternoon was some poor finishing which cost them against the leaders.