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.
A goal from striker Jordan Figon helped Sutherland Sharks to a 2-0 win over APIA, thanks to an inspired first half from the talented youngster. Having failed to secure the three points in their last five games, the Sharks turned in a fine display, with Figon and former Tigers player Stephen Kayes particularly damaging. Delivering some clever passes and regularly troubling APIA’s defence, the high tempo game of Figon saw his side pepper the away team’s goal. After scoring the opener in the 32nd minute, the young forward could have had a brace in the second half, with only a clumsy foul from APIA’s defence denying him the chance
Playing against his former club, Kayes picked up man-of-the-match honours through a dominating display in midfield, applying great pressure off the ball and feeding some smart passes to his strikers. Sutherland’s Nick Littler again proved his status as one of the competition’s premier defenders with a sold game at the back, snuffing out any chance of an APIA goal to ensure his side kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 win.
Hat-trick hero Chris Payne was the main destroyer in Sydney United 58’s commanding win over Hakoah. Payne needed little time to warm-up, finding the goal in the 7th minute. The former Olyroo combined superbly with Panni Nikas in a flurry of quick passes, with Payne eventually delivering the finishing touch to secure his brace. Payne kicked up a gear in the second half, causing headaches for the defence. Even after claiming his hat-trick on the hour mark, Payne’s hunger for goals continued and he was unlucky not to have a fourth – his tally has now been brought to 13 for the year. Defender Theo Kofinas played a strong game at the back, aerially dominating play and consistently foiling the Hakoah attack as his side look towards a top-of-the-table showdown with Blacktown City next week in Heritage Round.
This upcoming clash looks set to end the winning streak for one of the sides, after a 10-man Blacktown City powered over Manly in a thrilling 2-1 comeback. The dynamic Danny Choi was everywhere for City, setting up countless chances through some electrifying runs down the left edge and pressuring United relentlessly. After a quick-fire goal from Sam Gallagher placed the home side on the back foot, Choi dazzled in attack with some fine crosses and boundless energy. His efforts were rewarded when he set-up Blacktown’s equaliser, before a 73rd minute penalty presented Choi with an opportunity to give his side the lead; which he executed without fault. Gallagher impressed for Manly late in the match as he tried desperately for a second, but could’t find the goal.
Despite a late fightback from Spartans, the Sydney Olympic outfit held on for a tough 2-1 win which saw young Jacob Boutoubia secure man-of-the-match honours. In the 11th minutes, the Olympic striker put his side ahead when the ball bounced his way in the penalty area. Boutoubia fired off an array of powerful shots throughout the rest of the match, with one unfortunately hitting the cross bar. Team mate Will Angel was composed in defence, keeping the Spartan attack at bay. Even when a late Spartan surge threatened to undo Olympic’s hard work, Angel was on hand to shut down the raids.
An outstanding performance in goal from seasoned veteran Justin Pasfield bailed Wollongong out of trouble, after they were reduced to 10 men for nearly an hour of their match against Bonnyrigg. Holding a slender one-goal lead in the second half, the White Eagles pressed relentlessly as they looked to out muscle the 10-man Wolves outfit. However some heroic from Pasfield kept his side alive, the former A-league star pulling off some excellent reflex saves in the 60th minute. By snatching a goal a few minutes later, the Wolves held on for a dramatic 1-1 draw.
The final match of the round saw Rockdale grind out a 1-0 away win over Parramatta. A goal to Blake Ricciuto proved to be the difference, the talented midfielder nailing the only goal of the match. Ricciuto worked tirelessly throughout the game, controlling play in midfield with some composed touches and good vision. Having won their last four games now, Rockdale will be looking to maintain their good form in next week’s highly anticipated Heritage Round clash with Bonnyrigg.
Be sure to check out next week’s HERITAGE ROUND Team of the Week!
-By Harry Easton
HERITAGE ROUND: Zdrave Joseski spreading the love at Rockdale
It takes a special man to be involved with a football club for over three decades and Zdrave Joseski is no exception.
Joseski’s connection with the Rockdale City Suns began in the 1970’s when he signed on as a player in the St George District.
Since then he has been a permanent fixture at the Suns including a stint playing in the club’s first grade side through to his current role as a groundsman.
“I’m a groundsman but also about everything else in the club,” he told Football NSW.
“Anything that breaks down at the club I will fix it, painting and cutting grass anything.
“I have been here over 30 years and I love it.”
The 68-year-old’s devotion to Rockdale is something to admire with majority of his work for the club being in a voluntary capacity.
Club officials state Joseski has stood the test of time at the club, seeing a plethora of presidents, committee members and players come and go – and he has no plans to change it.
“I love to be out on the fields watching the kids playing football, that is what I enjoy,” he said.
“I’m not a drinker and don’t gamble so this is my hobby and I love it.
“The young people who know run the club are also very good to me as were the older guard so I will do this for as long as I can.”
As recognition of his immense services to the club in 2014 he was awarded the Club Person of the Year award.
Although he plans to go on a holiday in a fortnight’s time, Joseski said he will keep a keen eye on the competition.
“This year we do not have a bad side and so far we are doing well,” he said.
“When I am overseas I will be checking the scores always because this is what I love, football is my passion.”
– By Chris Georges
Tickets are available at the gate of all venues this weekend. Attend your local Heritage Round fixture and use #NPLHeritageRound on social:
Heritage Round – Saturday 28 May 2016
6:30pm – Sutherland Sharks v Manly United – Seymour Shaw
7pm – Bonnyrigg WE v Rockdale City Suns – Bonnyrigg Sports Centre
7pm – Hakoah Sydney City East v Wollongong Wolves – Hensley Athletic Field
Heritage Round – Sunday 29 May 2016
3pm – Sydney Olympic v APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Belmore Sports Ground
3pm – Parramatta FC v Blacktown Spartans – Melita Stadium
4pm – Sydney United 58 v Blacktown City – Sydney United Sports Centre
HERITAGE ROUND: Col May – Manly United man through and through
Manly United may only have one PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men’s title to their name, but they remain a crucial part of the makeup of the New South Wales’ football tradition.
The product of a number of amalgamations over the year, Manly has come to represent the proud region of Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Former first team manager Col May was there through all the amalgamations and was on hand to do whatever was needed to assist the first-team coaches with whatever the needed.
The club came into existence as it is known today at the end of the 1991 season and changing its name to the current Manly United in 2004 when it was promoted back to the state Premier League.
“I’m not the team-manager this year, I’ve given it up, but I’m still around to help them out,” May said.
“It was a lot of just helping out the coach on match day, sorting the drinks for the players and making sure they have the right numbers in the match book and make sure the player are wearing the right numbers.”
May first got involved in football for his kids, but he has stayed even beyond their involvement in the club.
“I’ve just stayed on. It’s something in the blood,” May said.
“I don’t have the kids involved anymore, but I just wanted to stay involved. It’s been an outlet for me, it’s something to do.
“I’ve been in Manly for 14 or 15 years and it is where I am going to stay.”
Among May’s favourite memories at the club are the team’s on-pitch successes.
They won the championship in 1995 and most recently a Waratah Cup in 2011.
“The premiership was great. I remember we won it at Marconi stadium against Blacktown,” May said.
“But really, it’s just the nice people that are there.
“It’s like a little family. There’s not many of us but we’re a family and we all appreciate each other.”
May said he was delighted to see the club start the season in a positive fashion.
“We don’t spend a lot of money on players and we try and develop what we have in the club,” May said.
“It seems to be working this season, as some of the results have shown.”
– By Matt Galea
Tickets are available at the gate of all venues this weekend. Attend your local Heritage Round fixture and use #NPLHeritageRound on social:
Heritage Round – Saturday 28 May 2016
6:30pm – Sutherland Sharks v Manly United – Seymour Shaw
7pm – Bonnyrigg WE v Rockdale City Suns – Bonnyrigg Sports Centre
7pm – Hakoah Sydney City East v Wollongong Wolves – Hensley Athletic Field
Heritage Round – Sunday 29 May 2016
3pm – Sydney Olympic v APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Belmore Sports Ground
3pm – Parramatta FC v Blacktown Spartans – Melita Stadium
4pm – Sydney United 58 v Blacktown City – Sydney United Sports Centre
Round 12 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s U20
We’re past the halfway mark of the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s U20 competition and it couldn’t be tighter with just nine points separating first placed Blacktown City to tenth placed neighbours Blacktown Spartans.
And with each team demonstrating that they can beat anyone on their given day, there are sure to be several surprises in store in an action-packed Heritage Round.
Match of the Round
Sydney Olympic v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 1.00pm at Belmore Sports Ground
Two sides with top six ambitions meet in an important Sunday afternoon clash at Belmore Sports Ground with sixth-placed Sydney Olympic hosting fifth-placed APIA Leichhardt.
Only goal difference separates the two traditional rivals on the competition ladder and in one of the tightest competitions in recent memory, there is arguably no better reflection of the nature of this season’s league than the respective positions and fortunes of Olympic and APIA.
Tied on 17 points alongside fourth-placed Wollongong Wolves, the loser of Sunday’s encounter could potentially slide as low as eighth with Hakoah Sydney City East, Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Parramatta and Blacktown Spartans all within striking distance of the top six.
With the season edging into its final half this could prove to be a decisive affair in the context of the finals race and is sure to be an entertaining contest with plenty of exciting talent on display.
Olympic’s Michael Loupis netted a hattrick against Blacktown Spartans last weekend and has been a shrewd operator in the final third for John Theodoropoulos’ side this campaign whilst APIA profess no shortage in the firepower department with the likes of Duncan Stewart and Dominic Cox offering consistent sights of their calibre in APIA Leichhardt’s season to date.
Saturday
Sutherland Sharks v Manly United, 4.30pm at Seymour Shaw
Sutherland Sharks have risen to third place on the competition ladder after securing four consecutive wins and they will put their premiership credentials to the test when Allan Edmondson’s side host second-placed Manly United at Seymour Shaw.
Manly produced one of campaign’s standout results in their comprehensive 3-1 defeat of competition leaders Blacktown City when the Cromer Park outfit put the heavyweights to the sword in their own backyard on Sunday.
It broke a run of three games without a win for Manly who, having steadied the ship in such emphatic fashion, will fancy their chances at toppling their cousins in one of the round’s most anticipated fixtures.
Manly ran out 2-1 victors in the reverse fixture on the opening round of the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Men’s 20’s tournament with Sipan Berti at the double, and it will no doubt be another close encounter as the two sides keep the heat on Blacktown City at the top of the table.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Rockdale City Suns, 5.00pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Back to back losses have seen Bonnyrigg drop out of the top six after a run of five wins in six games had the White Eagles soaring at the front of the table.
But Stephen Sigmund’s side will still remain a challenge of the highest order for bottom-placed Rockdale, who are running out of time to keep their finals hopes alive.
With the best defensive record in the league, Bonnyrigg will hope to banish memories of last week’s 3-1 defeat at home to Wollongong in order to kick-start their campaign once more.
And it could very well be a match that places last-placed Rockdale into the last chance saloon – although the Ilinden side do have time on their hands, and evidence above them on the ladder in Parramatta and Bonnyrigg has shown that achieving a small run of results can go some way in reigniting a faltering season.
Hakoah Sydney City East v Wollongong Wolves, 5.00pm at Hensley Athletic Field
Wollongong Wolves enjoyed a fine away day at Bonnyrigg Sports Club last Saturday to propel the South Coast side into fourth position but that could easily be swept away when Alfredo Esteves’ men take on Hakoah Sydney City East at Hensley Athletic Field.
A stunning second half comeback saw Hakoah Sydney City East come from two goals down at half time in last weekend’s 4-2 win against Sydney United 58, and with the side snapping at the heels of Sydney Olympic, APIA Leichhardt Tigers and their Round 12 opponents Wollongong Wolves another win could see Hakoah restore their position in the top six.
It will be a tough ask against a Wolves side who have added a strong defensive resilience to their game in recent fixtures and their capacity to call upon the likes of Ricky Zucco could prove to be crucial against Hakoah on Saturday.
Sunday
Parramatta v Blacktown Spartans, 1.00pm at Melita Stadium
A huge three points are at stake when ninth placed Parramatta host tenth placed Blacktown Spartans at Melita Stadium
Blacktown have been in freefall with just one point from their last fifteen and although they beat Mark Zecchin’s side on the opening day in a 4-3 thriller the momentum is certainly with their opponents.
Parramatta have been growing in confidence and momentum over the last month and in Nicholas Chymiak possess a man in form who must be relishing the chance to meet the Spartans again, having scored a brace at Blacktown Football Park in Round 1.
Sydney United 58 v Blacktown City, 2.00pm at Sydney United Sports Centre
Blacktown City will look to get their championship campaign back on track when they visit 11th placed Sydney United at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday.
The match precedes what looms to be the match of the 2016 PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Men’s season so far where the two first grade Sydney and Blacktown teams have been standout challengers.
But this is sure to be match capable of offering highlights of a similar calibre with Blacktown City sensing an opportunity to regain ground at the top knowing second placed Manly travel to third placed Sutherland the day before.
Similarly there is a lot on the line for Davor Bajsic’s Sydney who demonstrated their quality when they raced to a 2-0 half-time lead against the competition frontrunners back in the first round of the season; they will hope to finish the job for a crucial win should they be offered a second chance.
-By Jacob Windon
Heritage Round to headline NPL this weekend
THE glittering history of our PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clubs will be celebrated with the second successive Heritage Round taking shape this weekend.
Round 12 will see all six matches celebrate the wealth of history behind NSW football, and the contribution which those clubs have made to the football landscape since the start of the last century.
As part of Heritage Round, Football NSW will be promoting the clubs and telling the stories which have made them household names.
WATCH "MEET RAY", A SHORT CLIP ABOUT A LONG SERVING VOLUNTEER AT SYDNEY UNITED 58 FC
Club legends and epic matches will be celebrated during the week leading into Heritage Round, as well as on the match days themselves.
Some clubs will be playing in special "retro" jerseys as the whole of the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition gets behind Heritage Round, which is sure to become a much loved date on the football calendar.
Football NSW CEO Eddie Moore was vocal about the important role these clubs have played in the overall development and promotion of the game.
“It’s great that we honour these clubs who have given the game so much here in Australia and NSW, with this week’s Heritage Round.
“Each club has played a pivotal role in the development of our game and we have seen so many past and present Socceroos stars come through these ranks.”
The 12 clubs will each look back at their history including:
- APIA Leichhardt Tigers, founded in and 1954 winners of the 1987 National Soccer League, under the guidance of Australian football legend Rale Rasic.
- Blacktown City, founded in 1953 and winners of the NSW Premier League Championship in 2003, 2006, and 2007 – they’ve also taken out the 2016 PS4 National Premier Leagues Championships.
- Blacktown Spartans, founded in 2002, and winners of State League 2 in 2005, and the NSW Super League in 2011.
- Bonnyrigg White Eagles, founded in 1968, and winners of the "treble": the NSW Premier League premiership, championship, and Waratah Cup in 1992, and NSW Premier League champions in 2001, 2013 and 2015.
- Hakoah Sydney City East, founded in 1939, a foundation member of the NSL, Hakoah won four titles including three in a row from 1980 to 1982. Since 1988, the club have competed in the NSW State Leagues which has seen them win a combined total of eight Premierships, Club Championships and Championships.
- Manly United, founded in 2004, and winners of the Waratah Cup in 2011, and runners up in 2007, 2009, and 2014.
- Parramatta FC, founded in 1956 and winners of the NSW Premier League championship in 1985, 1988, 1989, 1996, 1997, and 2002.
- Rockdale City Suns, founded in 1969, and NSW Super League champions in 2002 and 2006, and NSW Premier League champions in 1984.
- Sydney Olympic, founded in 1957, and National Soccer League champions in 1990 and 2002, and NSW Premier League champions in 1980 and 2011.
- Sydney United 58, founded in 1958, and National Soccer League premiers in 1986, 1997, and 1999, and champions of the inaugural PS4 National Premier Leagues in 2013 – Also crowned 2015 Waratah Cup Champions
- Wollongong Wolves, founded in 1980, and National Soccer League champions in 2000 and 2001, and NSW Premier League champions in 1987 and 2008.
- Sutherland Sharks, founded in 1930, and NSW Premier League champions in 1978, 1986, and 2009.
Heritage Round – Saturday 28 May 2016
6:30pm – Sutherland Sharks v Manly United – Seymour Shaw
7pm – Bonnyrigg WE v Rockdale City Suns – Bonnyrigg Sports Centre
7pm – Hakoah Sydney City East v Wollongong Wolves – Hensley Athletic Field
Heritage Round – Sunday 29 May 2016
3pm – Sydney Olympic v APIA Leichhardt Tigers – Belmore Sports Ground
3pm – Parramatta FC v Blacktown Spartans – Melita Stadium
4pm – Sydney United 58 v Blacktown City – Sydney United Sports Centre
The official Heritage Round hashtag – share it at this weekend’s matches:
#NPLHeritageRound