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Macarthur FC announce partnership with Northbridge FC for NPL Season

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Macarthur FC are pleased to announce an agreement with current NPL top tier club Northbridge FC for the upcoming 2021 NPL season and beyond.

The agreement will see the Northbridge NPL Boys & Girls Youth, as well as the NPL Men’s & Women’s team become part of the Macarthur FC family.

The agreement will see all teams play as Northbridge FC Bulls with playing kits incorporating both the Northbridge and Macarthur FC logos respectively.

Current Northbridge NPL Boys and Girls youth programs, together with the NPL Women’s programs will remain based in the north metro area.

The arrangement will provide additional career progression opportunities for players into the A-League & the eventual Macarthur FC W-League team.

As a part of the collaboration, Macarthur FC will provide access to coaching development and educational programs through clinics and seminars for Northbridge coaches.

The agreement with Northbridge FC was initiated in accordance with the current Football NSW League and Licence structure.

Macarthur FC are also in final discussions with a number of local South West NPL clubs as to how best assist their own independent NPL programs. These initiatives will be announced shortly.

The agreement between Macarthur FC and Northbridge FC has been ratified by Football Australia (FA), The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Football NSW and is a critical step for Macarthur FC’s AFC accreditation.

Sydney United 58 prevail on penalties in Grand Final epic

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It well and truly rained goals at a torrential Marconi Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Sydney United 58 broke their 14-year Grand Final hoodoo with a 4-3 triumph on penalties against 2020 Premiers Rockdale Ilinden. 

The shootout came after they played out a pulsating 3-3 draw with premiers Rockdale Illinden over 120 minutes.

The Edensor Park boys were seeking redemption for their extra-time heartbreak in the 2019 big dance and achieved exactly that in dramatic fashion.

Marconi’s famous palace provided a worthy backdrop for a top-quality contest which saw six different scorers find the back of the net.

It only took ten minutes for Rockdale to draw first blood through a familiar source.

Mickey Neill, who opened the scoring in last weekend’s semi-final triumph, rose highest to divert Tomoki Wada’s set-piece beyond Danijel Nizic.

United 58 looked to strike back immediately as Matt Sim sent a sighter over the bar and a Devante Clut effort flicked a Glen Trifiro cross narrowly wide of the mark.

Minutes later, they restored parity in spectacular fashion.

With 16 minutes played, Trifiro stood over a free kick from the edge of the area and guided it expertly beyond David Bradasevic into the top left corner.

The match then settled into a tight arm-wrestle for the remainder of the first period as the rain began to heap down.

However in the second half it was Rockdale who sprung out of the blocks with only three minutes on the clock.

The soggy conditions played their part as young marksman Jaden Casella capitalised on a defensive slip-up to find himself in behind before unleashing an impressive finish into the top corner.

The contest remained finely poised on a knife’s edge as Sydney United pushed on in search of an equaliser.

Sydney United soon turned to their bench in search of salvation.

A double substitution with 15 minutes to play proved to be a masterstroke almost instantly.

A 77th minute Trifiro corner found Vlastelica unmarked at the back post and his header looped into the path of Adrian Vranic, who nodded home his first touch of the afternoon.

Three minutes later, United 58 turned the contest entirely on its head.

Jackson Khoury picked up the ball well outside the area and produced a stunning strike that sailed beyond Bradasevic to send the United faithful into raptures.

The youngster’s wonder-strike may have been worthy of winning any final, but Rockdale had other ideas.

It was the Illinden skipper Daniel Petkovski who stood up when his side needed him most in the 84th minute, driving a thunderous strike into the far corner.

Nikola Taneski scored the winning penalty for Manly United in the 2017 decider and almost proved to be the hero yet again as he poked an effort into the side netting with two minutes remaining.

Referee Adrian Arndt’s whistle soon sounded around Marconi Stadium, all but confirming the big dance would go the distance.

Both squads gave their all during a frantic thirty minutes but there would ultimately prove to be no further twists to the tale.

During a dramatic penalty shootout both Bradasevic and Nizic pulled out a save each before Jake Trajkovski blasted Rockdale’s fifth penalty over the bar, ensuring that for the first time since 2006, the NSW top flight championship would finally head back to Edensor Park.

Post-game, United 58 skipper Adrian Vlastelica was elated with the outcome.

“It was a crazy game in crazy weather after a crazy year,” he reflected.

“To come out with the win after 120 minutes and a penalty shootout is a great feeling.

“We went down early but we kept fighting and pushing.

“When we took the lead I thought ‘this could be it’, but at Sydney United we always do it the hard way.

“We won it last time here at Marconi so after a 14 year wait, to win it here again was perfect.”

In true big game fashion Trifiro was named Player of the Match in what was a sterling performance from the commanding midfield maestro.

In the 20s decider which took place at Valentine Sports Park on Saturday night, Blacktown City enjoyed a 2-1 triumph over Sydney FC to take home the title and continue their proud tradition of success at the youth level.

The Sky Blues opened the scoring inside eight minutes through Antonio Saracino but a Thomas Bienasz equaliser and Suleyman Bangura winner on the hour mark was enough to turn the tides decisively in favour of Andrew Montgomery’s side.

Match Stats

Rockdale Ilinden FC: 3 (Neill 10’, Casella 48’, Petkovski 84’)

Sydney United 58: 3 (Trifiro 16’ , Vranic 77’, Khoury 81’)

Sydney United 58 won 4-3 on penalties

Sunday, 25 October 2020

Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park

Referee: Adrian Arndt

Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields, Emma Kocbek

Fourth official: Craig Fisher

Rockdale Ilinden FC: 1. David Bradasevic, 16. Mohamed Ahmed (11. Nikola Taneski 70’ (9. Dimi Petratos 110’), 20. Jaden Casella, 10. Marie Gauthier (18. Samuel Gulisano 68’), 6. Banri Kanaizumi, 3. Michael Neill, 2. Daniel Petkovski, 19. Patrick Savor, 14. Brayden Sorge, 4. Mitchell Stamatellis, 8. Tomoki Wada (7. Alec Urosevski 61’), (5. Jake Trajkovski)

Substitutes not used: 39. Andrew Di Blasio,

Yellow cards: Kanaizumi 7’

Red cards: Nil

Sydney United 58: 1. Danijel Nizic, 17. Matthew Bilic, 10. Devante Clut (20. Adrian Vranic 75’), 2. Cristian Gonzalez (99. Joshua Macdonald 60’), 22. Yianni Fragogiannis (15. Tariq Maia 23’), 11. Yianni Perkatis (23. Luke Vlastelica 110’), 3. Jordan Roberts, 8. Matthew Sim (14. Jackson Khoury 75’), 5. Anthony Tomelic, 18. Glen Trifiro, 4. Adrian Vlastelica

Substitutes not used: 21. Thomas Manos

Yellow cards: A. Vlastelica 57’, Clut 66’, Stamatellis 91’

Red cards: Nil

–  By Football NSW reporter Chris Curulli (Twitter handle @ChrisCurulli)

NPL NSW Men’s 2020 Grand Final Ticketing Information

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Football NSW has confirmed with Grand Finalists Rockdale Illinden and Sydney United 58 the decision to allocate 500 tickets to each club to be then be distributed to their players, sponsors and fans for Sunday’s big clash at Marconi Stadium.

In accordance with the strict COVID policies which have been followed during the course of the 2020 Football season, it means that there will be no tickets sold to the general public or at the entry to the venue, with both clubs responsible for distributing its allocation of match tickets.

Instead fans are encouraged to watch the Grand Final via Football NSW’s NPL.TV.

For more information to pre-purchase Rockdale Ilinden tickets at a cost of $15 email: https://www.facebook.com/rockdalecitysunsfc

For more information to pre-purchase Sydney United 58 tickets at a cost of $15 email: [email protected]

Spectators attending the match on Sunday are advised that due to COVID safe regulations, no signs, banners and flags will be allowed at the venue.

Kick off for the match will be 3pm.

The Grade 20’s Grand Final match between Sydney FC v Blacktown City has since been moved to Valentine Sports Park to be played on Saturday 24th of October with kick-off scheduled for 5pm.

Don’t forget you can catch all the drama and excitement of this crucial NPL NSW Men’s Grand-Final clash exclusive only to NPL.TV, download the APP or register online today.
The mobile apps are available for iOS and Android mobile devices and allow for connectivity to TV’s via Apple TV and Chromecast.
Download the NPL.TV app:

To access the premium digital pass offer, head to the Subscription page on the NPL.TV website

NPL NSW Men’s 2020 Grand Final Preview: Rockdale Ilinden v Sydney United 58

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After 12 weeks, the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition all comes down to this. The Big dance. The decider. The grand final. 

The biggest game of the season has arrived to decide the season’s biggest prize with two fierce rivals in Rockdale Ilinden FC and Sydney United 58 going head to head for championship glory.

Rockdale Ilinden FC have qualified for the club’s first grand final in seven season’s and will look to clinch the championship and premiership double when they take on a United 58 team returning for their second decider in as many seasons.

It was a historic season for Rockdale as they finished the season in first place to end a 51-year wait for a premiership title, while United 58 finished the year in third before stunning second-place Wolves last week to earn their place in the grand final.

Both teams have been in top form for the majority of the 11-week reboot season with each side coming back stronger after the enforced 20 week COVID shutdown.

Neither Rockdale or Sydney United has tasted grand final success this decade with United 58’s last win coming 14 years ago when they defeated Blacktown City in 2006.

For Rockdale, the wait has been even longer with the Ilinden Sports Centre based outfit last winning the championship in 1984.

It has been a very different path to Marconi Stadium for Rockdale and United 58.

Ilinden turned on a masterclass in both attack and defence to easily account for the high-powered offence of Sydney Olympic with a 3-0 drubbing at Ilinden Sports Centre

Goals to Mickey Neill, Tomoki Wada and Jaden Casella was the difference as the Steven Zoric coached outfit carried on from where they left off in the regular season to secure their place in the final.

It was a win which Zoric said was the culmination of a season built on hard work

“The semi-final win against Sydney Olympic was the perfect showcase of what this team can do,” he said.

“Olympic expected us to play it safe and try to stifle their attack but we took the game to them from the opening whistle and showed we can take it to any team in this competition.

“This grand final means everything to this club and I know the boys are ready to give their biggest performance of the year to bring the trophy home.”

United 58 had a more dramatic path with a 3-1 win against Wollongong Wolves in a match which included both team’s playing more than a half of football a man down after an all-in brawl that led to two straight red cards.

As a result the Red’s will be without their superstar striker Patrick Antelmi for Sunday’s clash as he serves his suspension for being sent off.

Coach Anthony Crea praised his side’s resilience after they battled their way to victory despite testing circumstances.

“No matter what was thrown at the boys they had an answer for it. They kept their composure when the pressure was on and found a way to win against tough opposition,” he said.

“Yes, Patrick has been a big part of our attack this season but our success was more than just one player and we will prove that again.

“This group of players know what it takes to win these big games and they’re determined to make the most of their opportunity.”

On the park both teams are bristling with talent.

Rockdale is packed with talent on every line with their team unity and balance across the park one of their biggest strengths.

The Ilinden midfield is the powerhouse which drives the team with Japanese import Tomoki Wada at the centre of everything they do.

Coach Steven Zoric has helped mould the side’s defence into a miserly unit which gives very little away. Captain Daniel Petkovski alongside Banri Kanaizumi marshall the centre of the backline with authority and will be a tough unit to break down.

The transformation of Mickey Neill from defender to goalscoring winger has been another Zoric masterstroke with the talented wide man playing a pivotal role in his side’s attack.

And the ace in the hand is Rockdale’s talismanic striker Alec Urosevski who would have to be the most talented super-sub to play in an NPL NSW grand final. His involvement off the bench could very well decide the match.

United 58 are not short on talent themselves.

The midfield is where the Red’s shine with Yianni Perkatis, Glen Trifiro, Devante Clut and Anthony Tomelic all boasting their own unique skillsets which when combined can dominate the opposition.

Veteran wide man Matt Sim gets better with age and continues to leave defenders struggling to stop his mazy dribbling and savvy runs into the box.

The absence of Antlemi creates the biggest selection headache facing coach Anthony Crea. Who will replace the man responsible for nearly 50 per cent of the team’s goalscoring output in the regular season?

This game presents a number of key matchups which will surely play a big part in deciding who will be triumphant at the final whistle.

Will Rockdale’s lack of big-game experience come back to hurt them against a United 58 team which has been a regular fixture at this point of the season?

Will United 58 suffer the grand final yips yet again or can they end their streak of six defeats from their past six grand final appearances?

Can Anthony Crea find a way to fill the absence of Antelmi and keep the United 58 attack firing on all cylinders?

Rockdale and Sydney United have faced off only one other time this season with the boys from Ilinden fighting back from 2-0 down to snatch a 2-2 draw.

It was a result which proved vital in their successful premiership title chase, while also scuppering United’ 58’s in the process

United 58 have proven they fear nobody and have the ability to beat anyone on the day. However, will they have enough left in the tank to beat premiers Rockdale Ilinden FC in the biggest match of the season?

Whatever the outcome, one thing for sure is that there will be plenty of foals excitement and entertainment on the menu.

Because when it’s all said and done, only one team can be crowned champion.

Don’t forget you can catch all the drama and excitement of this crucial NPL NSW Men’s Grand-Final clash exclusive only to NPL.TV, download the APP or register online today.

The mobile apps are available for iOS and Android mobile devices and allow for connectivity to TV’s via Apple TV and Chromecast.

Download the NPL.TV app:

To access the premium digital pass offer, head to the Subscription page on the NPL.TV website.

Probable Lineups:

Rockdale Ilinden: Bradasevic, Ahmed, Casella, Gauthier, Kanaizumi, Neill, Petkovski, Savor, Sorge, Stamatellis, Wada

Sydney United 58: Nizic, Bilic, Gonzalez, Fragogiannis, Perkatis, Roberts, Sim, Tomelic, Trifiro, Vlastelica, Macdonald

Neill Chasing Championship glory with Rockdale

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COVID-19 may have forced a very different season in 2020, but Rockdale Ilinden FC flyer Mickey Neill is adamant victory will be no less special if his side clinches grand final glory this Sunday.

It has been a historic season for Rockdale as they clinched their first Premiership in 51 years after narrowly edging Wollongong Wolves in a dramatic final day of the regular season.

Now making their first grand final appearance in seven years, defender turned winger Neill says it has been the sacrifices made off the pitch by his teammates which has made their successes extra special.

“With all the challenges faced by the players this season it really goes to show the passion of everyone in the team,” he said.

“With everything going on in the world with this pandemic it would’ve been very easy to take it easy and coast through this season.

“But that is not what this team is about and it has really been evident at training and in matches. It has been the hardships which have not only brought us closer together but they are also the reason why success will be even sweeter if we get the job done.”

Neill has been one of Rockdale’s outstanding performers this season after returning to the squad following a three-month stint with A-League outfit Newcastle Jets earlier this year.

The 26-year-old said working under former Jets coach Carl Robinson has been one of the best learning experiences of his career and has given him extra motivation to push for an A-League return next season.

“I’m a very hungry player and I’ve been working towards this (an A-League contract) for the past three years,” Neill said.

“It was great to be given the opportunity to return to playing the game professionally, albeit only for a few months,

“I have never learnt as much in a short period of time as I did during my time working under Carl Robinson at the Jets.

“Hopefully that experience and my form with Rockdale will keep me on the radar of A-League clubs ahead of next season when they are looking to fill their roster.”

While his A-League dream may be a driving force, Neill said his immediate focus is clinching a historic premiership and championship double with a grand final win against Sydney United.

“Playing in a grand final is the big occasion you look forward to as a player and you want to give everything for the team and the club,” he said.

“The feeling around the place since we won the premiership has been electric and as a team we’ve been feeding off that.

“Rockdale is a very special club so as a player it has been very special to deliver the success the fans have craved for so long.

“It has been an incredible season and we all want to cap it off with grand final success.”

Don’t forget you can catch all the drama and excitement of this crucial NPL NSW Men’s Grand-Final clash exclusive only to NPL.TV, download the APP or register online today.

The mobile apps are available for iOS and Android mobile devices and allow for connectivity to TV’s via Apple TV and Chromecast.

Download the NPL.TV app:

To access the premium digital pass offer, head to the Subscription page on the NPL.TV website.