United 58 continues its course for finals football
Sydney United 58 resumed its strong chances of playing finals football defeating Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2-0 at Popondetta Park on Saturday wrapping up a hectic scheduled which saw Ante Juric’s troops play three matches in the space of a week.
It was a massive blow to the Rangers’ fight for survival as the loss still sees them at the foot of the ladder with only two matches remaining.
The hosts had the first chance of the game as Stevan Stanic-Floody drove into the box and fired a shot right at Sydney United 58 keeper Vedran Janjetovic.
Sydney United 58 found their rhythm quickly and Aidan Milicevic bent an effort past the post in the 8th minute.
Next, Bilal Belkadi tried his luck for the Rangers. He found space and dragged his shot wide of the mark.
Yuta Komura created an opening from the set piece. He put his free-kick right onto the head of Danilo Doce Monteiro who craned wide.
The visitors looked the more likely to open the scoring. Milicevic cut inside his defender on the right and forced Rangers custodian Niski into a plunging save.
Sydney United 58 soon made it 1-0 in the 35th minute as the Rangers caved in. A corner was bundled around the area before Mason Wells turned home.
The Rangers tried for an instant response. It was a slick move which ended with Yuta Komura finding the back of the net but the flag was up for offside.
The hosts started the second half on the front foot. Substitute Thomas Lopez tried to fire them level but his shot faded wide.
Two substitutes combined for the Rangers’ next chance. Shayden Sampow and Lopez worked into the box for the latter to deflect one wide.
Experienced Sydney United 58 substitute Patrick Antelmi soon brought some immediate impact. He spun forward then released Mario Shabow who was denied by Niski.
Next, Milicevic found space on the right side. He glided past a defender then again tested Rangers keeper Niski.
Another Sydney United 58 substitute almost finished the game off as Richie Darko fired an effort which Rangers defender William Rankin headed off the line.
The visitors then sealed the game in stoppage time. Darko put it on a platter for Shabow to tap home for 2-0 in the 92nd minute.
Sydney United 58 saw out the rest of the game to pick up three points as they kept its hopes of playing finals football.
Post match a dejected Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC coach Ben Rollison reflected that a slow start cost his side dearly.
“We had a few half chances but they defended well.
“We started slow and gave them too much respect which let them get a goal.
“I think it was a fair result and every game is big for us, I am focused on performances rather than the table.” said Rollison.
While Sydney United 58 manager Ante Juric was delighted with the performance in what was a tough week for the side.
“It’s been a tough week starting with the Hahn Australia Cup last Sunday then Blacktown City on Wednesday and Mt Druitt so I’m happy to take the points.
“The result is excellent and we move onto a huge clash against Olympic next weekend.
“Every game is a final for us and we’re ready for it,” said Juric.
Match Stats
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC 0
Sydney United 58 2 (Wells ’35 Shabow 90+2)
Saturday 16 August 2025
Popondetta Park
Referee: Danny Horstead
Assistant Referees: Glen Stubbings & James Southon
Fourth Official: Nicholas Farmer
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC: 1. Dylan Niski, 2. Alexander Trajanoski (21. William Rankin ’62), 3. Danilo Doce Monteiro, 5. Theph Theph, 6. Jared Macerola, 10. Yuto Morita, 14. Abraham Majok (20. Thomas Lopez ’35), 15. Caleb Jackson-Brown, 17. Stevan Stanic-Floody (27. Shayden Sampow ’62(25. Joshua Mifsud ’88)), 29. Yuta Komura (56. Kual Mien ’88), 99. Bilal Belkadi
Unused subs: 16. Stefan Giglio
Yellow cards: Lopez ’41 Trajanoski ’61 Belkadi ‘87
Red cards: nil
Sydney United 58: 3. Bailey Rule, 3. Adrian Vlastelica, 5. Anthony Tomelic, 8. Mario Shabow, 10. Carlos De Oliveira (43. Michael Pratezina ’62), 14. Liam Mcging, 17. Michael Glassock, 19. Aidan Milicevic, 21. Vedran Janjetovic, 23. Mason Wells (12. Richard Darko ’82), 30. Marco Arambasic (9. Patrick Antelmi ’62)
Unused subs:13. Finn Ballard McBride, 31. Josip Orlovic
Yellow cards: Tomelic ’38 Shabow ’80 Milicevic ‘84
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings:
3: Mario Shabow (SU58)
2: Aidan Milicevic (SU58)
1: Dylan Niski (MDTR)
By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)
