Round 18 of the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition is in the bag and the premiership race is becoming clearer.
Sydney United 58 is one step closer to claiming the premiership title while the top four of five finals places are all but confirmed.
Blacktown Spartans claimed their first win in over a month with a shock victory against APIA Leichhardt.
In Match of the Round action Manly took on Rockdale at Ilinden Sports Centre.
Rockdale City Suns 1 – Manly United FC 2 at Ilinden Sports Centre
A last gasp Brendan Cholakian goal has helped Manly United snatch a 2-1 win in it’s PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s clash with Rockdale City suns at Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday.
It was yet another heartbreaking result for the home side with Cholakian’s long range strike against the run of play condemning Paul Reid’s side to defeat despite dominating for most of the match.
An early goal to Dylan Macallister after nine minutes set the tone for the opening exchanges before Richie Cardozo’s 39th minute strike tied the scores at 1-1 at the break.
A much more open second half had both sides sharing chances but it was Manly’s clinical finishing which ensured the visitors collected all three points.
Hakoah Sydney City East 0 – Sutherland Sharks 1 at Hensley Athletic Field
A first half goal from Sutherland Sharks’ Tomohiro Kajiyama has all but ended Hakoah Sydney City East’s slim PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition finals hopes in a feisty 1-0 win at Hensley Athletic Field on Saturday.
Kajiyama’s 37th minute strike was all Sutherland needed as Carlos Villazon’s side continued their dramatic reversal of form.
It was a standout performance from Kajiyama who has been the Sharks best in recent weeks.
It was a tough match for Hakoah with the sloppy flow the match hampering both sides.
Hakoah had their chances but couldn’t break down Sutherland who secured another hard fought win.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0 – Sydney Olympic FC 2 at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
A predominately youthful Sydney Olympic side has kept its PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition final hopes alive after a grinding 2-0 victory over an out of sorts Bonnyrigg White Eagles outfit at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
Saturday night’s contest was highlighted by a smashing breakaway goal from Jason Madonis, who surged past the White Eagles backline and blasted a powerful finish past James Chronopolous at the start of the second half as part of a resilient display from the visitors.
It was another frustrating night for the 2015 PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s champions.
Apart from a few dangerous flurries in response to Madonis’ strike, the White Eagles were unable to truly test Olympic gloveman Paul Henderson.
A classy take from Harris Gaitatzis sealed an excellent away victory late as Olympic notched their second clean sheet in as many matches.
Parramatta FC 0 – Sydney United 58 2 at Melita Stadium
Sydney United 58 have moved a step closer to claiming the 2016 PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s Premiership after a comfortable 2-0 win over Parramatta in their Round 19 clash at Melita Stadium.
It was all too easy for the rampant Reds who established their unassailable two goal cushion inside the first twenty minutes of play with midfield maestro Glen Trifrio continuing his excellent United 58 introduction and Chris Payne grabbing his 15th goal of the season to consign Parramatta to a humbling defeat on home soil.
The away side had to contend with the loss of star attacker Panni Nikas who was out due to suspension but the team kicked on with a yet another crucial victory.
Franco Consentino’s side have proven themselves capable giant killers but having already claimed the scalp of competition heavyweights Blacktown City and Bonnyrigg White Eagles, United 58 proved to be a bridge too far for the spirited Melita Stadium outfit.
A week after securing their fifth Waratah Cup triumph, the Reds now seem destined to clinch another piece of silverware after maintaining their nine-point advantage over second-placed Blacktown City with four matches remaining.
Wollongong Wolves 2 – Blacktown City FC 3 at WIN Stadium
A first half flurry has helped Blacktown City FC to a 3-2 PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s win against Wollongong Wolves at WIN Stadium.
First half goals from Patrick Antelmi, Sasa Macura and Travis Major cancelled out strikes either side of half time from Ricky Zucco and Steven Hristovski as the visitors continued their good recent run of form.
It was an unlucky result for Wollongong who pushed Blacktown all the way in a fast paced match.
The win has all but secured Blacktown’s second spot on the ladder.
A slower paced second half allowed Wollongong back into the match but some big saves from Nenad Vekic helped lock down all three points for Mark Crittenden’s City side.
Blacktown Spartans 3 – APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC 2 at Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans have upset APIA Leichhardt Tigers 3-2 in a pulsating, end-to-end PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s encounter at Blacktown Football Park on Sunday.
It was Blacktown’s first taste of victory in more than a month as goals to Jason Trifiro and Andre Carle, as well as an own goal to APIA’s Brandon Lundy ensured the Blacktown Football faithful could celebrate the win.
Franco Parisi and Tasuku Sekiya hit the back of the net for APIA but it wasn’t enough as Danial Cummins side sunk to another heartbreaking loss.
Round 18 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s
There is only five weeks to go in the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Fresh from winning their second straight Waratah Cup Final, Sydney United 58 now have their eyes firmly planted on winning the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s title and will be out to extend their lead at the top of the competition.
Manly travel to Rockdale in this week’s Match of the Round and will be driven to build from their Waratah Cup final loss.
Rockdale City Suns v Manly United FC, Sunday 5pm at Ilinden Sports Centre
Paul Reid’s Rockdale has had a blip in form in recent weeks and will be determined to get their season back on track in front of their home crowd.
A loss to APIA and a draw with Hakoah midweek has allowed Manly to leapfrog the Suns into third position.
Rockdale will get Blake Ricciuto back from suspension after he was forced to sit out their match mid-week, while it could be a the highly anticipated debut for Manly’s new recruit and former Leeds Academy product Shane Cansdell-Sheriiff.
Manly will be driven to make up for their Waratah Cup final loss and could prove to be Rockdale’s toughest opposition so far this season.
There could be plenty of goals in this match with Rockdale and Manly both known for their high flying attack.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Sydney Olympic FC, Saturday 7pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg are clinging onto a finals place and this week has a chance to extend the gap between the chasing pack with a win against Sydney Olympic.
Brian Brown’s side has failed to fire on all cylinders this season and it has cost the reigning PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s Champions.
Sydney Olympic has exceeded expectations this season and are one win outside the top five.
Bonnyrigg have dropped points at home against teams they have been expected to beat more than once this season and it could happen again on Saturday if Olympic are at their best.
Hakoah Sydney City East v Sutherland Sharks, Saturday 7pm at Hensley Athletic Field
Competition new boys Hakoah Sydney City East could cap off an incredible first season in the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition with a finals place as Mark Robertson’s side sit only three points outside the top five.
A clash against an in form Sutherland Sharks poses a tough opportunity for Hakoah to stake their top five credentials.
Sutherland has turned its season around in recent weeks with Carlos Villazon’s masterplan for the club slowly coming to fruition.
Anything could happen in Saturday’s match and it is sure to be a thrilling encounter for the fans.
Blacktown Spartans v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 3pm at Blacktown Football Park
It has been a disappointing season for APIA with the Lambert Park based side struggling to find consistent form.
Despite dominating for most of the match, APIA dropped points in a 1-1 draw against Parramatta last week with frustrations growing at the club.
This week they are on the road against bottom of the table Blacktown Spartans and nothing less than a win will be enough from Danial Cummins’ side.
Blacktown will be determined to notch its first win in weeks in what has been a horror year for the Blacktown Football Park Club.
Both side’s play entertaining football but have lacked the finishing touch required to win in the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition.
With nothing other than pride to play for it could go either way.
Parramatta FC v Sydney United 58 FC, Sunday 3pm at Melita Stadium
Parramatta clung on to keep its finals hopes alive with a last minute 1-1 draw against APIA last round.
This week they take on a much tougher opposition in Sydney United 58.
Parramatta currently sit in sixth position on equal points as fifth placed Bonnyrigg and two points ahead of seventh placed Sydney Olympic.
Sydney United 58 come into the match after winning the Waratah Cup with confidence at an all-time high for Mark Rudan’s side.
Incredibly United 58 are only getting better so it could be a tough operation for Franco Consentino’s Parramatta team.
Wollongong Wolves FC v Blacktown City FC, Sunday 5pm at WIN Stadium
Blacktown City will look to peg back the gap between top spot when they travel to take on Wollongong on Sunday night.
It’s a tough trip for any team in the competition and it will be no different for Mark Crittenden’s side.
Wollongong has flashed moments of brilliance this season but has been unable to put in back to back performances.
Danny Choi has been in great form this season for Blacktown City and will provide plenty of headaches for the Wolves defence.
Nicolas Bernal has been a bright spot for the Wolves this season and will offer the home side’s best option in attack.
While Wollongong is out of finals contention it doesn’t mean they won’t be looking to upset the competitions front runners.
Sydney United 58 FC winning streak continues
Newly crowned Waratah Cup Champions for the second successive year Sydney United 58 continued its push for more silverware after defeating the Wollongong Wolves 1-0 in a round 13 rescheduled fixture at Hooka Creek Park on Wednesday evening.
The game was played at a high octane pace but it was the competition’s in form player in Panni Nikas who once again proved to be the difference scoring the only goal of the match in the 17th minute that gifted the visitors a precious three points and a step closer to sealing a Premiership trophy.
The Wolves causes weren’t helped however in the 23rd minute when striker Nicholas Bernal was given his marching orders from referee Kris Griffiths-Jones for an altercation with Tomislav Uskok which left his side scrambling for the majority of the match.
Things started brightly for the home side as the Wolves had the ball in the back of the net on three minutes via a headed Chris Price goal – Jubilation though turned to agony as the referee disallowed the goal for pushing in a crowded box which left United 58’s Japanese import Masato Mochizuki floored. The talented defender was stretchered off the pitch and was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.
Nikas soon came close to opening the scoring on nine minutes but his shot failed to trouble Wolves custodian Justin Pasfield.
It wasn’t all one-way traffic and United 58’s in form keeper Thomas Manos needed to be brave with a last ditch tackle on Brett Wilson that prevented the Wolves’ striker breaking free on goal.
Then came the moment of pure Nikas magic as his dead ball into a crowded box eluded everyone and nestled in the back of the net to give Mark Rudan’s men the lead.
The goal, his fourteenth of the season, yet again signalled his intention on wanting to once again return to the Hyundai A-League, such has been his performances in 2016.
Even so, Brendan Griffin could have restored parity but blasted a wayward shot well wide of the target before drama hit the home side as Bernal was sent from the field when reacting rashly to a challenge for Uskok.
Sydney United 58 could have increased the lead further when Zach Mackenzie was robbed of the ball in the centre circle that was played in to Chris Payne only for Pasfield to pull of an amazing stop to keep his side in contention.
Wollongong broke on the counter with Danny Lazerevski powering forward on a long run that resulted in his shot being sprayed wide.
The first half whistle blew and with that came a relief for many as the match heated up courtesy of an early goal as well as a send-off that made the second half that more interesting.
Former Sydney FC defender Jacob Tratt played a nifty little flick to get past his marker and bore down on the Wolves goal once more in the 55’ minute however he too was guilty of firing wide of the mark
The Wolves responded immediately when a clipped David Stojic cross from the right was caught by the breeze and had Manos back peddling to see the ball nudge the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
Stojic was guilty of a foul on Nikas shortly after and shown a yellow card before being immediately replaced by Stefan Dimoski.
Manos almost gifted the Wolves a reprieve when spilling the ball and after several attempts by Dimoski, was finally cleared as the home side battled hard to create openings.
From a Griffin corner, Manos pulled off another remarkable stop when the ball was met powerfully by the head of Kota Kawase and the same player might have got on the scoresheet on eighty-three minutes only for Manos to again tip the ball around the post.
It was a tremendous performance by United 58’s number one shotstopper who continued to thwart the home side.
Wollongong battled hard but were unable to find the net and United 58 knew they had been in a real dogfight as the game came to a close with the visitors taking all three points.
The win pushed Sydney United 58 FC nine points clear of second placed Blacktown City FC with the Reds taking on Parramatta FC at Melita Stadium on Sunday knowing a win would give them one hand on that Premiership trophy.
Match Stats
Wollongong Wolves 0
Sydney United 58 1 (Nikas 17)
Wednesday, 13th July, 2016
Hooka Creek Park, Berkley
Referee: Kris Griffith-Jones
Assistant Referees: Nathan Wotton & Joon Park
Fourth Official: Adam Naylor
Wollongong Wolves: 1. PASFIELD Justin, 2. KAWASE Kota, 6. MACKENZIE Zach, 7. PRICE Chris ©, 8. GRIFFIN Brendan (17. ZUCCO Ricky 84’), 10. STOJIC David (13. DIMOSKI Stefan 64’), 11. WILSON Brett, 15. LAZEREVSKI Danny, 18. BERNAL Nicholas, 19. MACDONALD Josh, 20. HRISTOVSKI Steven
Substitutes Not Used: 5. KAMBISIOS Ethan, 12. COLLINSON Daniel, 16. ALLPORT Boden
Yellow Cards: Hristovski 19, Griffin 63, Dimoski 76
Red Cards: Bernal 23
Sydney United 58: 21. MANOS Thomas, 3. MOCHIZUKI Masato (17. KOFINAS Theo 7’), 4. TRIANTIS Peter, 6. PAYNE Chris, 7. SHIN Yutaro, 8. USKOK Tomislav, 10. MILESKI Robert (11. TANESKI Nikola 81’), 18. TRIFIRO Glen, 23. NIKAS Panni, 24. TRATT Jacob, 33. SHERLOCK Nathan
Substitutes Not Used: 2. VLISMAS Kristopher, 5. DIAS Daniel, 30. PERVAN Lukas
Yellow Cards: Nikas 42, Uskok 86
Red Cards:
Points shared at Rockdale in catch-up fixture
Rockdale City Suns and Hakoah Sydney City East have shared the spoils in their rescheduled Round 13 PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s clash at Ilinden Sports Centre on Tuesday.
The home side dominated proceedings for most of the match but were forced to come from behind after Hakoah striker Adrian Vranic scored against the run of play, his fourth goal since signing from Sydney Olympic, in the 14th minute.
A committed defensive performance from the visitors made it difficult for Rockdale to break through but a late penalty kick scored by Toufic Alameddine ensured both sides went home with a point.
It was not the result Paul Reid’s side would’ve hoped for as they battle for third spot on the ladder with Waratah Cup finalists Manly United.
It was a patchy start to the match for Rockdale who set out to attack but were let down by poor touches.
A cheeky quick free kick from sailed over the bar but it was a warning shot to Hakoah not to drop their guard.
The home side’s poor discipline with the ball allowed Hakoah to fight its way into the contest and after 14 minutes the visitors shocked the home support when Adrian Vranic scored the first goal of the game.
Hakoah winger Akil Hussein cut inside from the western side of the ground and blasted a shot at David Bradasevic in between the Rockdale posts. However, The Suns keeper could only parry the shot into the path of Vranic who tucked the ball into the back of the net.
It was a demoralising goal for the home side who struggled to get into gear against a stout and unforgiving Sydney City East defence.
Peter Makrillos wasted an incredible scoring chance for the home side in the 28th minute when he broke through the defence and found himself one-on-one with Hakoah keeper Anthony Costa.
The former Stoke player looked to cut inside the advancing shot stopper but Costa was wise to the attacking midfielders attempts and smothered his shot before the ball was cleared by the defence.
Hristijan Tanoski had two chances to score from free-kicks in the 37th and 40th minutes but both times the midfielder missed the target.
The compact shape of the Hakoah defence was difficult to break down and allowed the visitors to take their 1-0 lead into half-time.
It was a cagey start to the second half with Hakoah happy to sit back and absorb pressure while Rockdale’s attack was not up to its usual standard.
The home side was rewarded for its persistence in the 62nd minute when Tanoski was taken down in the box.
Toufic Alameddine stepped up to convert from the penalty spot and level the scores at 1-1.
Rockdale lifted the intensity after the goal
Paul Reid’s side sent wave after wave of attack as they desperately searched for a match winner.
Dylan Macalister missed a gilt-edged chance in the 73rd minute when he volleyed over the bar with only the keeper to beat.
Toufic Alameddine missed another golden opportunity moments later when the Rockdale winger failed to connect with a pinpoint cross from Tanoski.
Hakoah continued to sit back and cling on but cracks were beginning to show.
The referee’s watch was quickly becoming Rockdale’s biggest enemy as the minutes edged closer to full time.
A final push from Reid’s side was unsuccessful with the final whistle ensuring both sides went home with a point.
Paul Reid said his team failed to fire on all cylinders.
“We expect to win when we play Hakoah and tonight we failed to collect all three points,” he said.
I wasn’t unhappy with how we played. It was one way traffic for most of the match but to concede an early goal against the run of play forced us to chase the game.
“It’s disappointing not have been able to find a winner but that’s football and we will regroup and look for a win on Sunday against Manly,”
Match Stats
Rockdale City Suns: 1 (Alameddine 63’)
Hakoah Sydney City East: 1 (Vranic 15’)
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Ilinden Sports Centre, Rockdale
Referee: Ben Abraham
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields & Andrej Giev
Fourth official: Tristan Harris
Rockdale City Suns: 1. BRADASEVIC David, 2. PETKOVSKI Daniel, 4. MCCLENAHAN Trent, 5. REID Paul, 9. MACALLISTER Dylan, 10. Peter MAKRILLOS 11. TANOSKI Hristijan, 12. Idriss EL HAFIANE, 15. PETRILLO Nicholas, 17. ALAMEDDINE Toufic (8.Aleks CANAK), 19. Patrick SAVOR,
Substitutes not used: 22. Andrew BAZI, 20. Stefan DUBOCANIN, 14. Aleks LEKOSKI, 16. Isaac SAVOR.
Yellow Cards: 15. Nicholas PETRILLO 60’
Red Cards:
Hakoah Sydney City East: 1. Anthony COSTA, 3. Connor SHADDOCK, 4. Bradley WALKER, 7. Akil HUSSEIN (18. Aaron DMELLO), 8. Paul ORGAD, 11. Gavin RAE, 13. Michael RANDALL (10. Deklan GILMARTIN), 14. Lee JONES (9. Neil JABLONSKI), 17. Jordan MUNDRELL, 31. Kevin LOPES 33. Adrian VRANIC
Substitutes not used: 19. Dominic CUTRI, 20. Matthew MCKENZIE,
Yellow cards: 14. Lee JONES 21, 10. Deklan GILMARTIN 61’, 3. Connor SHADDOCK 90’, 33. Adrian VRANIC 45’, 4. Bradley WALKER 42’
Red Cards:
Round 18 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s U20
Only the goals scored column separates competition leaders Manly United and second-placed Sutherland Sharks on the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s U20 ladder and with five games of the regular season remaining the premiership and finals races could not be any tighter.
The leaders Manly will travel to Ilinden Sports Centre looking to avoid what would be a huge upset, while Sutherland face a tricky test at Hakoah Sydney City East. With the top two both in action away from home it could be a big weekend for third-placed Bonnyrigg White Eagles who host Sydney Olympic at Bonnyrigg Sports Club looking to make up a two-point deficit to the tournament frontrunners.
The Match of the Round is at Melita Stadium where Parramatta must win to keep their slim finals chances alive.
Match of the Round
Parramatta v Sydney United 58, 1.00pm at Melita Stadium
A campaign that promised much for Parramatta looks set to end in frustrating underachievement, even if Mark Zecchin’s side defeat Sydney United 58 on Sunday.
The Melita Stadium outfit have underlined their capacity to match the competition heavyweights – even recently with three consecutive draws against Manly United, Blacktown City and Sutherland – but inconsistency has been Parramatta’s downfall leaving the side on course for a mid-table finish in 2016.
Of course, it could all change for Parramatta should results and luck finally swing in their favour, starting against Davor Bajsic’s Sydney United 58 on Sunday. The Reds have won two of their last three including the impressive 4-0 demolition of Wollongong in late June, but old failings returned in Round 17 where United were beaten by an out of form Blacktown Spartans.
Saturday
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Sydney Olympic, 5.00pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Centre
After succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Sutherland Sharks in Round 17’s match of the round, last weekend’s lack of action would have come as a big frustration for Bonnyrigg who will be eager to get their championship assault back on track against Sydney Olympic this Saturday.
Prior to their loss at Sutherland last fortnight Stephen Sigmund’s side presented one of the most convincing cases for the tag of championship favourites, having won four matches in a row, including the 8-0 slaughter of reigning champions Blacktown City in Round 16.
The White Eagles must regroup against an Olympic outfit fighting to keep their campaign alive. John Theodoropoulos’ side have picked up two points from their last five games after defeating leaders Manly United in early June: a result that promised further improvement from the talent-laden Belmore team, but should another defeat fall at the weekend they look set to be consigned to campaign of huge underachievement.
Hakoah Sydney City East v Sutherland Sharks, 5.00pm at Hensley Athletic Field
Hakoah arrive into the weekend’s action on the back of their 5-2 thrashing of Blacktown City and will be out to maintain their impressive momentum when they welcome Sutherland Sharks to Hensley Athletic Field.
The league newcomers have exceeded all expectations during the 2016 campaign thus far with the likes of Richard Blanco, Emilio Manos and Domenic Cutri sharing the goalscoring responsibility but in tournament benchmarks Sutherland Sharks, Hakoah’s will face one of their toughest tests of the season.
Allan Edmondson’s side boast the strongest defensive record across the competition having conceded just 19 goals this campaign and with lead marksman Jeremy Cox in excellent form following a hattrick against Bonnyrigg a fortnight ago, they will be focussed on remaining alongside Manly United at the top of the ladder.
Sunday
Blacktown Spartans v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 1.00pm at Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans have endured broadly differing campaigns across all three senior grades this season, particularly in the Men’s 20’s where Samuel Jacob’s side have brought themselves back on the brink of the finals position following a positive turnaround in recent weeks.
But their credentials will be put the test when the Spartans host fourth-placed APIA Leichhardt at Blacktown Football Park this Sunday. With the side residing only a point behind sixth-placed Hakoah Sydney City East, and with matches against top-tier opposition in Blacktown City, Manly United and Sutherland Sharks to come in the next three weeks, it’s a must win for the resurgent Spartans.
The visiting APIA Leichhardt side are back to their scintillating best after dispatching Parramatta 5-0 and Rockdale City Suns 6-1 in two catch up fixtures played over the past fortnight with competition top scorer Duncan Stewart netting a hat trick and brace.
Rockdale City Suns v Manly United, 3.00pm at Ilinden Sports Centre
Competition leaders Manly United will look to establish their command at the summit of the table when they take on bottom-placed Rockdale on Sunday.
With Rockdale’s finals hopes all but extinguished, the visitors will sense a genuine opportunity to stake a proper premiership bid with five weeks of the regular season remaining.
And while Manly custodian Andrew Christiansen will be satisfied with consecutive victories together following a run of four weeks without three points, he will be eager to watch his charges tighten up their defence with the finals series approaching.
Wollongong Wolves v Blacktown City, 3.00pm at WIN Stadium
Reigning champions Blacktown City are slipping away from premiership contention in calamitous fashion. Having been dismantled 8-0 by Bonnyrigg in Round 16, Hakoah Sydney City East inflicted another heavy defeat on Ben Wright’s side when they won 5-2 at Lilys Football Centre a fortnight ago.
With just one win in their last eight, Blacktown look ripe for the taking for capable opposition and Alfredo Esteves’ Wollongong side have proven themselves nothing but awkward customers during the course of this season’s campaign.
The South Coast side lie outside the top six on goal difference and will need no further motivation to consign the visitors to yet another miserable day at the office as they look to leapfrog Blacktown into the top six.
-By Jacob Windon