After every round of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Men’s season Team of the Week brings to focus the best players from that weekend.
Sutherland Sharks have continued their late season resurgence with a strong win over Wollongong to stay in the hunt for the finals. Young gun Chris McStay was impressive in midfield, undaunted by the responsibility to control the Sharks engine room. Despite copping a nasty head injury, McStay was able to craft a beautiful through ball to set up the opener. Nick Littler again showed why he is one of the competition’s most versatile defenders, a clinical performance at the back matched by his attacking prowess up front. Littler ghosted into the penalty area and headed home the Sharks second in the 55th minute, proving to be crucial in setting up the 3-1 victory.
A Manly United master class in attack has sounded a warning shot to the rest of the competition, routing the Spartans 5-0 on Sunday. Adam Parkhouse was unstoppable in the first half, bagging a brace and running riot on the left wing. He was unlucky to miss out on a hat trick just before half-time when a scrambling Spartan defender cleared Parkhouse’s goal bound shot. Having recently played for the Mariners in a trial, Parkhouse certainly did his A-League credentials no harm.
Teammate Luke Giverin had turned out in the same trial match, and showed off his class and composure in defense with a clearance off the line when a Spartan goal beckoned. Up front, Manly were just as deadly thanks to a brace from local junior and Young Socceroos trialist Dejan Pandurevic. The talented youngster scored his first from 25 yards with a thunderous shot, before stepping up a gear in the second half to terrify the Spartans defence and pick up a well deserved brace.
A comfortable 3-0 win has kept Blacktown City on track for another finals campaign, whilst their opponents Rockdale struggled to maintain their lofty ambitions. With both sides sitting in the top four, the stage was set for a classic arm wrestle, but City proved too strong thanks to a stand out display from Danny Choi. The Korean striker was electric in the opening stages, setting up countless chances, with a few almost resulting in goals had it not been for the linesman’s offside flag. After his excellent set-up work in the first half, Choi showed off his finishing skills in the second term with a superb chip to bring up City’s third.
City was just as ruthless in defense, with Giorgio Speranza showcasing some great skill and resilience against his former team to hold them scoreless. His ball control proved just as potent, shifting the ball to his midfielders with ease when under pressure. City shot stopper Nenad Vekic was outstanding in goals, pulling off some spectacular saves in the later stages of the match to deny Rockdale any chance of a goal.
An exhilarating finish between Sydney Olympic and Hakoah Sydney City East sent the fans wild at Belmore Sports Ground, the home side scoring in the dying minutes courtesy of hat trick hero Joshua Gaspari. The Olympic striker was on fire in the first 20 minutes, securing an early brace through sheer strength and a hunger for goal. His precision seemed to go astray in the second half as Hakoah clawed their way back into the contest. But Gaspari had the final say with a clinical volley in the 92nd minute to seal a 4-3 win.
Ladder leaders Sydney Unite 58 looked on track for another win before dynamic APIA midfielder Nick Olsen clinched a thrilling draw. The former Young Socceroo caused headache for the United 58 defense, as he continually probed around the penalty area. When United 58 began to click into gear, Olsen refused to back down and his second half double ultimately proved to be enough to snatch a point. Earlier, Panni Nikas displayed his enormous talent with a great free kick to open the scoring. The classy midfielder almost scored the winner in the dying stages with another free kick, but could only watch his shot sailed just wide.
GK – Nenad Vekic – Blacktown City
LB – Luke Giverin – Manly United
CB – Nick Littler – Sutherland Sharks
RB – Giorgio Speranza – Blacktown City
LM – Adam Parkhouse – Manly United
CM – Chris McStay – Sutherland Sharks
CM – Panni Nikas – Sydney United 58 FC
RM – Nick Olsen – APIA Leichhardt Tigers
ST – Dejan Pandurevic – Manly United
ST – Joshua Gaspari – Sydney Olympic
ST – Danny Choi – Blacktown City
Round 20 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s U20
It couldn’t be much tighter in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 20’s competition with three matches remaining as leaders Manly United enter the weekend two points clear of Sutherland Sharks.
Meanwhile, there are do or die battles for the likes of Sydney Olympic and Hakoah Sydney City East as the top five edges closer towards formation.
Match of the Round
Rockdale City Suns v Sutherland Sharks, Sunday 3.00pm at Ilinden Sports Centre
Sutherland Sharks know a slip up will likely prove terminal to their premiership chances when the travel to Ilinden Sports Centre to take on bottom-placed Rockdale City Suns.
Having dropped points at home to finals-chasing Wollongong last weekend, second-placed Sutherland now trail leaders Manly United by two points with three rounds remaining and another failure to take all three points at Illinden Sports Centre would potentially open the door for their Shire rivals to seal the premiership next weekend.
With Sutherland’s leading marksman Jeremy Cox drawing a blank last weekend after five goals in his previous two matches, it could be an opportunity for lowly Rockdale to claim a rare win as they look to move off the bottom of the competition ladder.
Rockdale were consigned to their fourth consecutive loss with a 3-0 defeat to Blacktown City in Round 19 and unless they can muster a mammoth response at home to the competition heavyweights the City Suns will be on course to end what has been a frustrating campaign with the wooden spoon.
Saturday
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Sydney United 58, 5.00pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg host Sydney United 58 at Bonnyrigg Sports Club with the White Eagles keen to maintain their outside chance at the premiership.
With wet weather postponing last Saturday’s fixture at eleventh-placed Parramatta, Stephen Sigmund’s side can bolster their odds tremendously by claiming an important victory over a Sydney United side with very little to play for.
But Bonnyrigg will be wary of a fixture that looks like a home banker on paper – the fourth-placed outfit were shocked 3-1 by cellar dwellers Rockdale City Suns in Round 12 and only narrowly edged Davor Bajsic’s Reds when the two sides met in Round Nine.
Hakoah Sydney City East v Parramatta, 5.00pm at Hensley Athletic Field
Hakoah Sydney City East face a must win encounter when Parramatta come calling at Hensley Athletic Field on Saturday afternoon.
The league newcomers picked the worst possible time to lose two consecutive matches after breaking into the top five on the back of a 5-2 triumph over Blacktown City in Round 17. Back to back defeats against Sydney Olympic and Sutherland Sharks now see Hakoah six points off fifth spot.
And although Hakoah still have a game in hand in the form of an away venture to Rockdale City Suns, the Donato D’Agrosa and Patrick Darvill-coached side are in danger of slipping further away from the pecking order should they falter at home to a Parramatta side who have failed to register a win since Round 11.
Sunday
Blacktown Spartans v Blacktown City, 1.00pm at Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans may have seen their finals hopes fade away with a 2-1 defeat to Manly United last weekend but they will relish jeopardizing the chances of their rivals Blacktown City when the two rivals clash at Blacktown Football Park on Sunday.
The reigning champions notched their first win in eight games when they beat Rockdale City Suns 3-0 at Lilys Football Centre last Sunday and with the likes of Wollongong, Sydney Olympic and Hakoah Sydney City East breathing down their necks, Ben Wright’s men face a crucial match in their championship defence.
The Spartans won’t make it easy for their neighbours however – Samuel Jacob’s side have been valiant in defeat against competition heavyweights Manly United and APIA Leichhardt Tigers for the past fortnight and are sure to seek revenge for their 4-1 defeat in this season’s earlier Blacktown derby.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Manly United, 2.15pm at Lambert Park
Manly United face the sternest examination of their championship credentials yet when they take on APIA Leichhardt Tigers at Lambert Park on Sunday.
Andrew Christiansen’s league leaders kept their title tilt rolling with a 2-1 grind over Blacktown Spartans last weekend, Manly’s fourth consecutive win and one that opened up a two point gap over second-placed Sutherland.
And while APIA Leichhardt Tigers are still yet to concede defeat in the premiership race, George Sidis’ side know only a win will keep them in contention with Sunday’s opponents as the Lambert Park outfit also cast a glance at their position on the club championship ladder.
Wollongong Wolves v Sydney Olympic, 3.00pm at WIN Stadium
It will be a top five playoff of sorts for both Wollongong Wolves and Sydney Olympic when the two sides do battle at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Wollongong collected a crucial point away at Sutherland last weekend but it wasn’t enough for Alfredo Esteves’ side to maintain their position in the top five after Blacktown City beat Rockdale 3-0 the following day.
The South Coast outfit are now two points away from fifth-placed Blacktown with three matches remaining, while Sunday’s opponents Olympic are hunting a victory that would keep their hopes of a top five finish alive.
–By Jacob Windon
Sharks flex muscles over Wolves
Sutherland Sharks has added another chapter to their second half of the season resurgence with a comprehensive 3-1 win against Wollongong Wolves at Seymour Shaw Park on Saturday.
Goals to Matthew Gordon, Nick Littler and Jack Press ensured back to back PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition victories for Sutherland.
Nicolas Bernal managed to hit the back of the net in the 76th minute however it was a night of one-way traffic in Miranda with the Sharks attacking football a sight a to be seen.
The Carlos VIllazon coached Sharks went on the offensive from the opening whistle.
Tomohiro Kajiyama hit a sweetly struck volley in the opening minute when the ball came in from the left that whistled just past the Wolves’ upright.
The embattled Wolves were finding it difficult to break out of their half, but when Ricky Zucco played in Josh Macdonald on the right he fizzed a shot just off target in a very slick counter-attacking move.
It was a high tempo affair from as two pacy sides pushed to outdo each other.
Ben Griffin was next to show for the visitors when looping a shot wide after the ball came back of the box from a Macdonald free-kick.
Daniel Collinson pulled off a decent save after 21 minutes when James Andrew went on a solo weaving run. Cutting in from the left he fired towards goal but a diving save from Wolves keeper Daniel Collison had it covered.
Josh Da Silva was sent through with a raking ball over the top two minutes later and cut into the box, this time from the right, only for Kajiyama to take the ball off his toe at the vital moment and skew an effort wide.
Sutherland were enjoying long spells of possession, putting the tall timber of the visiting back four under plenty of pressure, however the home side needed to turn it into goals.
Andrew went on anther amazing run into the box but tried to take on one player too many before the ball came out to Da Silva whose first time effort wasn’t far off the target and brought gasps from the crowd.
Chris McStay, pulling the strings in midfield and looking comfortable on the ball, had to leave the field for the Sharks after an accidental clash of heads left blood streaming down his face and reduced the Sharks to 10-men for many minutes. He was to return wearing the number 26 jersey some minutes later, his head wrapped in bandages.
Ricky Zucco picked up the ball and fired in from 35-yards out that had Denham scrambling to make a save.
It was McStay threading the needle to set up Matt Gordon to fire home the opener in the 42nd minute in a move of sheer quality. The through ball was exquisite, the finishing clinical. It had been coming but the manner in which it was executed was beyond expectation.
It was a deserved lead for the Sharks who went to the half-time break one goal to the good.
Wolves coach Jacob Timpano added Nicolas Bernal to the attack at the start of the second half as the visitors went on the search for an equaliser.
It was a much tighter contest in the opening stages of the second stanza as Sutherland pushed and probed without the same gusto of the first-half. The Wolves started to push on with a little more adventure in their attack.
A second goal for Sutherland arrived courtesy of a well-placed Nick Littler header.
Littler somehow gliding in unnoticed at the near post to nod home and double the Sharks lead to 2-0.
Once again Wollongong were turning in a tremendous performance but looked to be coming away with nothing for their efforts.
Substitute Bernal had claims for a penalty waved away when going in for a high ball with Denham in the 62nd minute. Wollongong peppered the Sharks area but were unable to connect and reduce the deficit.
Jordan Figon replaced the lively Da Silva with little more than 15 minutes to go, Coach Carlos Villazon looked to inject aerial power and even more pace to the home side’s attack.
Wollongong immediately struck back when Bernal needed several attempts to sweep past the hapless Denham to bring the visitors back into the game.
The visitor sensed they may be able to rescue at least a point from the match and battled, chased and hurried harder than they had all match as the match entered its penultimate stages.
It wasn’t to be when Jack Press, guilty of some glaring misses earlier, finally found the net to restore Sutherland’s two goal cushion in the 83rd minute.
Carlos Villazon was a happy coach after the match
“We deserved the win and the players are now getting my philosophy on the football I want us to play,” he said.
“I want the fans to see good attacking football and a winning team and the guys know I want us to finish this part of the season strongly whether we make the finals or not.
“We maybe could have had a few more tonight but we knew we had to be strong at the back. When we got the ball deep my players want to get forward and that is what I want my teams to do.
“We are very happy with the result tonight.”
For Jacob Timpano it was déjà vu when again his side showed much promise but came away with nothing.
“Yes, again we played well but have nothing to show for it when are in tight games,” he said.
“We didn’t get enough ball into the box but when we did we scored. Once again we’ve given away soft goals and that is frustrating.
“It has been a frustrating match and a frustrating season but we are close to being where we want to be. We need to cut out the sleeping at the back at crucial points during the games.”
Match Stats
Sutherland Sharks 3 (Gordon 42’, Little 55’, Press 83’)
Wollongong Wolves 1 (Bernal 76’)
Saturday, 23rd July, 2016
Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda
Referee: Chris Young
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields & Jack Bell
Fourth Official: Jarryd McFarlane
Sutherland Sharks: 1. DENHAM Nathan ©, 3. MURUYAMA Takuya, 4. KAYES Stephen, 5. LITTLER Nicholas, 6. GORDON Matthew, 7. PRESS Jack (12. STERGIOU Lucas 87’), 8. MCSTAY Chris, 10. DA SILVA Joshua (9. FIGON Jordan73’), 15. MOUSTAKAS Perry, 17. ANDREW James (16. GOMES-CASTRO Laureano 79’), 35. KAJIYAMA Tomohiro
Substitutes Not Used: 14. O’SHEA Patrick, 21. LOE Nikolas
Yellow Cards: Press 29’, Gordon 85’, Moustakas 90+2’
Red Cards:
Wollongong Wolves: 12. COLLINSON Daniel, 2. KAWASE Kota, 3. MADDEN Darcy, 5. BALDACCHINO James, 6. MCKENZIE Zachary, 7. PRICE Chris ©, 8. GRIFFIN Brendan (16. ZUCCO Ben 85’), 15. LAZEREVSKI Danny (10. STOJIC David 64’), 17. ZUCCO Ricky (18. BERNAL Nicholas 46’), 18. MACDONALD Josh, 20. HRISTOVSKI Steven,
Substitutes Not Used: 13. DIMOVSKI Stefan, 1. ARCARO Daniel
Yellow Cards: Baldacchino 27’, Hristovski 79’
Red Cards:
-By PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition reporter Micky Brock
APIA snatch points off United 58
In an exciting end-to-end PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s clash at Edensor Park, Sydney United 58 and APIA Leichhardt Tigers shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw on Sunday.
APIA’s Nick Olsen proved to be a thorn in United’s side with a Man of the Match performance for the visitors, while Panni Nikas again showed his class for the home team.
A Nikas free kick opened the scoring for United 58 early in the second half before Olsen struck back moments later.
Chris Payne gave the home side the lead with 30 minutes left to play but Olsen once again played the role of party pooper to perfection scoring his second in the 83rd minute to ensure his team went home with a point.
It wasn’t a great performance from Sydney United 58 as they dropped the chance to clinch the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s Premiership with three weeks to play as rivals and Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 opponents Blacktown City have kept their hopes alive in possible snatching it off the Reds.
United had a golden opportunity to open the scoring inside the first minute when a pinpoint Nikas free kick was headed just wide by sharpshooter Chris Payne.
Despite the early opportunity, it was APIA who dominated the first half, creating enough chances to win three matches let alone one.
But try as they did, Danial Cummins’ side just couldn’t find the back of the net. United meanwhile seemed to be in a state of perpetual hibernation, possibly playing their most uninspiring football of the season.
For APIA the ever-dangerous Nick Olsen found Tasuku Sekiya in front of goal, but the linesman raised his flag for offside. Olsen was at it again in the 19th minute, but Corey Biczo blasted his shot over the bar. APIA strung together some accurate passes and created several opportunities. Biczo was upended just outside the box, while Elasi eventually headed wide.
In the 23rd minute Chris Payne again went close, this time heading a cross onto the bar.
But such was APIA’s dominance that for every opportunity created by United, the visitors created three.
Sekiya set up Zane Sole only to see his shot fly over the bar. The visitors at times opened the United defence at will, a scenario that would have caused coach Mark Rudan a serious case of indigestion. But despite their dominance, the visitors failed to capitalise and were unable to find the back of the net. Elasi missed a sitter in the 38th minute while another chance went begging just as referee Ben Abraham blew for halftime.
“Come on United! Wake up!” shouted someone in the crowd.
His urging seemed to work as United started the first half with the intensity they lacked in the opening 45 minutes.
And as always it was that man Nikas who came to his side’s rescue. First of all, he unleashed a rocket that went just wide and in the 55th minute he finally broke the deadlock with a brilliant free kick that left APIA keeper Ryan Norval grasping at thin air.
But despite the setback, APIA refused to back down, with Nick Olsen being causing all sorts of dramas in the United defence. First of all he wriggled his way past two defenders only to shoot straight at the keeper. But just past the hour mark, he drove home the equaliser after a brilliant run down the right flank by Corey Biczo.
United hit straight back, with Tratt missing a golden opportunity to give his side a lead. But a few minutes later Chris Payne did what he does best and in a one-on-one with Norval, slipped the ball home to give United a 2-1 lead.
In the 73rd minute APIA’s Sekiya hit a volley just wide and 10 minutes later it was that man Olsen who again came to his side’s rescue, slotting home the equalizer from close range.
Just a minute shy of fulltime, Nikas went agonizingly close to scoring the winner with yet another brilliant free kick. The ball beat Norval but sailed wide of the near post. APIA had a golden opportunity themselves but United 58 keeper Thomas Manos came to the rescue, diving at the feet of the APIA attacker, before parrying a rocket from Olsen. In the end, a draw was probably a reasonable outcome.
“We didn’t lose and that’s a bonus,” said Sydney United 58 coach Mark Rudan.
“Individually APIA’s a fantastic side and they’re fighting for survival. The club is in relegation mode and it was important that we matched their aggression, intensity and desire because you could see from the outset that they were hungry to pick up all three points.
“I wasn’t entirely happy with the first half but (in the second half) we took the lead on two occasions but we weren’t good enough to hold on.”
Meanwhile, APIA coach Danial Cummins rued an opportunity missed but was still proud of his team’s efforts.
“Definitely an opportunity missed,” Cummins said.
“They’re on top of the table for a reason, they’re a very good side. I’m very proud of my boys, we showed a lot of character and probably showed that we’re capable but just not consistent enough.
“The first half I thought our structure was quite good. But throughout the game we didn’t go wide quick enough. But when we did get wide and got the crosses in, we created opportunities.
“There was a lot on the line for us reputation-wise tonight and we needed to back up that (great) first half and put in a good shift in the second half. I feel like we did that.”
Wednesday will see the home side tackle Blacktown City FC in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 at Lily Homes Stadium with kick off set for 7:30pm – a match not to be missed by anyone.
Match Stats
Sydney United 58: 2 (Nikas 55’, Payne 66’)
APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 2 (Olsen 62’ 83’)
Sunday 24 July 2016
Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park
Referee: B Abraham
Assistant Referees: N Wotton, R Osborne
Fourth Official: T Harris
SYDNEY UNITED 58: 21. Thomas MANOS (GK), 4. Eddy BOSNAR, 6. Chris PAYNE, 8. Peter TRIANTIS, 10. Robert MILESKI (7. Shin YUTARO), 14. Nick STAVROULAKIS, 18. Glen TRIFIRO, 19. Matthew BILIC (33. Nathan SHERLOCK), 20. Tomislav USKOK (17. Theo KOFINAS), 23. Panny NIKAS, 24. Jacob TRATT.
Unused Subs: 11. Nikola TANESKI, 40. Gabriel KOLIOMIHOS
Yellow Cards: 6. Chris PAYNE, 14. Nick STAVROULAKIS, 17. Theo KOFINAS, 23. Panny NIKAS,
Red Cards:
Coach: Mark RUDAN
APIA LEICHHARDT TIGERS: 92. Ryan NORVAL (GK), 6. Luke AUSTIN, 8. COREY BICZO, 9. Nathan ELASI (11. Jordan MURRAY), 15. Themba MUATA-MARLOW, 16. Sean SYMONS, 18. Adrian UCCHINO (10. Franco PARISI), 19. Brandon LUNDY, 20. Tasuku SEKIYA, 22. Zane SOLE, 23. Nick OLSEN
Unused Subs: 4. Bradley BARTELS, 5. Brendan HOOPER, 50. Blake TUXFORD (GK)
Yellow Cards: 8. COREY BICZO, 19. Brandon LUNDY, 9. Nathan ELASI, 18. Adrian UCCHINO, 23. Nick OLSEN.
Coach: Danial Cummins
By Derek Royal, PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s reporter
Blacktown City steam past Suns
As the saying goes, speed kills and that was the story at Lily’s Football Centre on Sunday as Blacktown City put on an attacking masterclass to win its Round 19 PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition clash 3-0 against Rockdale City Suns.
Sasa Macura, Danny Choi and Joey Gibbs hit the back of the net in a match which could’ve easily featured six or seven Blacktown goals.
The attack was relentless all game from the Mark Crittenden coached side with Choi and Mitchell Mallia at times unstoppable.
Rockdale had its moments with Blake Ricciuto and Dylan Macallister were some of only few bright spots for the side which has claimed only one point from its last four games.
The result was the perfect confidence builder for Blacktown City ahead of their do or die FFA cup Round of 32 clash with Sydney United 58 FC on Wednesday evening at 7:30pm as the Reds dropped points to APIA Leichhardt Tigers.
It was a scintillating start from the home side with the Seven Hills based outfit taking no prisoners from the opening kick-off.
Danny Choi and Travis Major were almost unplayable in the early stages of the match as Rockdale failed to lock down the prolific attackers.
The flag of the assistant referee proved to be Rockdale’s best defence against a potent Blacktown attack.
Major had two goals called back for offside within the first five minutes, both the result of slick build up play from Choi. The striker unlucky to not be on the scoreboard after a dominant start to the match
A goal seemed ominous for Blacktown and it arrived in the 11th minute courtesy of an incredible curling shot from Joey Gibbs who unleashed from 20 yards out.
There was no relenting from Blacktown who looked to kill off the game in the first 20 minutes as the home side created chance after chance. The home side could’ve easily had five or six goals had their finishing been more clinical.
A slick counter attack resulted in Rockdale’s first chance of the game.
Dylan Macallister’s cheeky chip had Nenad Vekic beaten but the ball sailed wide.
Seconds later Blacktown was up 2-0.
Sasa Macura was in the right place at the right time to finish a slick movement out of midfield as the number eight tapped home from the penalty spot.
Mitchell Mallia began to impose himself on the match and forced a diving save from Rockdale keeper Andrew Bazi with a rasping free kick.
Toufic Alameddine tried to spark some attack for the Suns and showed flashes of brilliance as Rockdale slowly worked its way into the match.
The whistle for halftime came at the wrong time for Rockdale with the break killing the momentum the visitors had built up in the final stages of the half.
It was more of the same in the second half with Blacktown taking charge from the restart.
It took only 11 minutes into the half for the home side to add to its lead.
A deft pass from Gibbs unlocked the defence with Choi finishing from 18 yards out with a perfectly weighted chip.
Choi was creating headaches for his marker and was unlucky not to have doubled his tally when another chip kick went inches wide.
Mallia stretched the defence with his runs out wide opening up chances for Blacktown’s central players.
Rockdale lifted in the final quarter of the match and Nenad Vekic was forced to make big saves to deny Blake Ricciuto and Dylan Macallister, but the result was never in doubt as Blacktown cruised to victory.
Rockdale captain coach Paul Reid commended his side’s ability to create chances but said his players paid the price for a slow start.
“We are a side which likes to attack and had our fair share of opportunities to score. It just wasn’t our day today,” he said.
“We had a sluggish start to the match and Blacktown capitalised.
“As a side we haven’t been collecting the points needed but we are still in fourth and will focus on improving over the final three rounds.”
A jubilant Crittenden praised his team’s complete performance.
“It was a very impressive game from everyone today. I’m really happy with not just the result but how we played,” he said.
“We were unlucky not to be 3-0 up after the first nine minutes but the boys maintained their intensity and dominated proceedings.
“Rockdale are a great side and to get the points today is a real confidence builder.”
Match Stats
Blacktown City: 3 (Gibbs 11’, Macura 20’, Choi 56’)
Rockdale City Suns: 0
Round 19 – July 24 2016
Lily’s Football Stadium, Seven Hills
Referee: Kurt Ams
Assistant Referees: K Robinson & J Adabjou
Fourth Official: P Liaros
BLACKTOWN CITY: 1. Nenad VEKIC, 3. Giorgio SPERANZA, 6. Matthew LEWIS, 7. Travis MAJOR (16. Patrick ANTELMI) 8. Sasa MACURA (21. Riku SASAKI 65’) 9. Joey GIBBS, 10 Connor EVANS, 11. Danny CHOI (12. Jonathan Grozdanovski), 14. Mitch MALLIA, 17. Lewis BUEMIE, 19. Zach Cairncross
Substitutes not used:, 4. Robert SPERANZA,, 20. Dylan NISKI,
Yellow Cards: Sasaki 84’
Red Cards: N/A
ROCKDALE CITY SUNS: 22. Andrew BAZI, 2. PETKOVSKI Daniel, 4. MCCLENAHAN Trent, 5. REID Paul, 6. Blake RICCIUTO, 9. MACALLISTER Dylan, 10. Peter MAKRILLOS (12. Idriss EL HAFIANE 63’), 11. TANOSKI Hristijan (8. Aleksander CANAK 60’), 15. PETRILLO Nicholas, 17. ALAMEDDINE Toufic, 19. Patrick SAVOR
Substitutes not used: 1. David BRADASEVIC, 20. Stefan DUBOCANIN, 16. Isaac SAVOR.
Yellow Cards: Savor 80’, Petkovski 61’,
Red Cards: N/A