South Coast local boy Joshua Macdonald was the hero for Wollongong Wolves as Jacob Timpano’s side came from behind and a man down to salvage a 1-1 draw with Bonnyrigg White Eagles at Bonnyrigg Sports Club in a riveting PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s affair.
Wollongong Wolves were reduced to ten men following David Stojic’s first half red card and fell behind instantly via Yuta Kokado’s deflected strike but restored parity midway through the second half when club new recruit Macdonald sliced through the area to poke home his first goal in hometown colours – his first since making the move from the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Macdonald’s equalizer provoked a frantic reaction from Bonnyrigg who created chance after chance in a one-way second half but were somehow unable to force the ball over the line with goalkeeper Justin Pasfield and the Wollongong outfit atoning for their languid first-half boilover to secure a heroic point on the road.
Midweek exploits in the Westfield FFA Cup may have worn thin on both sides who stuttered through a meagre first half, with Bonnyrigg’s patient approach failing to bear immediate fruit – although talisman Robbie Younis was close to latching onto several aerial deliveries.
Wollongong’s latest recruit Macdonald looked to provide the visitors the attacking spark the affair sorely craved with several darts infield, and the former Western Sydney Wanderer set up David Stojic with a sweet reverse pass midway through the first half for the Wolves midfielder to sting the palms of James Chronopoulos.
The turning point of the match occurred only minutes after Stojic had enjoyed ostensibly the encounter’s sole shot on goal, when the midfielder was handed a straight red card for a dangerous lunge on White Eagles craftsman Bo Hyun Chun.
Emotions threatened to spill over following the dismissal of Stojic and the visitor’s frustration was compounded when Bonnyrigg opened the scoring through a heavily deflected effort from Yuta Kokado.
It took an excellent save from Chronopoulous to deny Timpano’s men a vital equalizer on the stroke of half-time, with the Bonnyrigg custodian producing a fine diving save to keep out Ben Zucco’s daisy-cutter from outside the area – and undoubtedly refuting the ten-men a significant boost in morale heading into the sheds at the break.
But the visitors summoned a herculean second-half showing to remain at the heels of their hosts and Wolves custodian Pasfield was at his best on the hour mark to thwart the White Eagles with a succession of reflex stops in what was a pivotal spell in the encounter.
Having narrowly rode out several waves of Bonnyrigg pressure with Robert Younis uncharacteristically wayward in front of goal, Wollongong astonishingly restored parity through Macdonald, who provided an ice-cool finish inside the box after a well-crafted counterattacking raid.
The forward’s first goal in Wollongong colours sparked euphoric celebrations from the travelling faithful, who faced an almighty onslaught from the home side in the game’s final stages but held resolute to secure a point that felt like three.
“It was probably the best second-half performance I’ve ever seen from the boys and something to be very proud of,” Jacob Timpano said
“We had to really dig deep and it was the perfect reaction to last week’s showing”.
Match Stats
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 (Kokado 35’)
Wollongong Wolves 1 (Macdonald 69’)
Saturday 21st May 2016
Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg White Eagles: 1. CHRONOPOULOS James, 21. CHUN Bo-hyun, 16. GALLAWAY Samuel, 17. GIL Mun-Soo, 10. KOKADO, Yuta, 15. MILLER Raymond, 19. PETERSEN Aaron, 4. ROBINSON Michael, 3. VRANKOVIC David, 9. YOUNIS Robert (13. MCKENZIE James 80’), 7. KONDEK, Greg (11. JOVOVIC Aleksander 56’)
Substitutes not used: 36. KADRIC Asmir, 2. MANSUETO Alexander, 20. SAVICIC, Stevan
Yellow Cards: N/A
Red Cards: N/A
Wollongong Wolves: 1. PASFIELD Justin, 5. BALDACCHINO James, 2. KAWASE Kota, 18. BERNAL Nicolas, 19. MACDONALD Josh, 6. MACKENZIE Zachary, 3. MADDEN Darcy, 23. MATTHEWS Samuel, 7. PRICE Christopher, 10. STOJIC David, 16. ZUCCO Ben
Substitutes not used: 12. COLLISON Daniel, 8. GRIFFIN Brendan, 15. LAZAREVSKI Danny, 17. ZUCCO Ricky, 4. LOMBO Jack,
Yellow Cards: 23. MATTHEWS Samuel 25’, 6. MACKENZIE Zachary 30’, 3. MADDEN Darcy 35’, 16. ZUCCO Ben 62’, 19. MACDONALD Josh 83’
Red Cards: 10. STOJIC David 34’
Player Ratings
3 – Justin Pasfield (WOL)
2 – Zachary Mackenzie (WOL)
1 – Josh Macdonald (WOL)
-By PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Jacob Windon
Round 11 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s
It’s Round 11 in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition with another six exciting fixtures on the cards this weekend.
A draw against Manly United last week was Sydney United 58’s first slip up since round one and it provided Blacktown City FC the opportunity to cut the gap to top spot to only one point.
This week Blacktown City will be out to continue its winning was when it hosts Manly United in Match of the Round on Sunday.
Match of the Round
Blacktown City v Manly United FC, 3pm Sunday at Lily’s Football Centre
Blacktown City is in striking distance to Sydney United 58 in first place with the gap to top spot now only one point.
However, it’s not going to be easy for Mark Crittenden’s side with Manly United finding form and looking for another high profile scalp.
Manly comes into the match with the big name signing of Richie Cardozo who returns to the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition after playing in Armenia and Malta.
The addition of Cardozo will give plenty for the Blacktown City defence to think about.
Blacktown is hard to beat at home but the high energy of Manly could be enough to pip the home side.
Sutherland Sharks v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 6.30pm Saturday at Seymour Shaw
Sutherland ended its losing streak last week with a 0-0 draw against Blacktown Spartans but it has still been a long time between drinks since Seymour Shaw saw a win from the Sharks.
APIA won’t be an easy customer and if its attack fires up it could be a tough day at the office for Sutherland.
The Sharks fast paced style can be a headache for any opposition so APIA could be in line for an upset if they don’t bring their best.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Wollongong Wolves, 7pm Saturday at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
After an inconsistent start to the season Bonnyrigg has found its groove and this week they will be looking to claim another victory when they host Wollongong.
Robbie Younis was once again on target as the White Eagles secured a 4-2 win against Hakoah last round. The prolific striker is always dangerous and could create problems if the Wolves don’t keep an eye on him.
Wollongong was pipped 4-3 by Parramatta FC in a seesawing game at WIN Stadium last week.
Jacob Timpano’s side has lacked the clinical edge to closeout matches this year despite playing plenty of quality football.
If Wollongong can bring its best for 90 minutes they are in with a big shot against the might of Bonnyrigg.
They will also unleash new signing and former Western Sydney Wanderers youth player Josh MacDonald.
Sydney Olympic v Blacktown Spartans, 3pm Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground
It has been a tough start to the season for Blacktown Spartans with only two wins from its first ten matches.
This week they travel to Belmore Sports Ground to take on a fired up Sydney Olympic.
Sydney Olympic has been another side that has struggled to find form this year with 2 wins, four draws and four losses so far.
Grant Lee’s team will be hoping the home ground advantage can help them to victory against the struggling Spartans.
Parramatta FC v Rockdale City Suns, 3pm Sunday at Melita Stadium
Parramatta FC has been one of the surprise packets of this season and they will be out to cause another upset when they host Rockdale City Suns on Sunday.
Franco Consentino’s side fought back from 2-0 down to beat Wollongong 4-3 in Round 10 but it won’t be any easier this week.
Rockdale has been scoring goals for fun during their past few matches with the talents of Peter Makrillos, Alec Urosevski and Toufic Allameddine combining to full effect.
Lead by the experienced Ibrahim Haydar, Parramatta’s defence will have its work cut out if they are to make it back-to-back wins.
Sydney United 58 FC v Hakoah Sydney City East, 4pm Sunday at Sydney United Sports Centre
Mark Rudan’s Sydney United 58 will be determined to once again stretch its lead at the top of the table with a comprehensive win when they host Hakoah Sydney City East on Sunday.
Last week’s 1-1 draw away to Manly United allowed Blacktown City to gain territory on United 58 with the gap between first and second now only one point.
Competition new boys Hakoah has not been easy beats and will be determined to cause an upset.
Panni Nikas has been one of the competition’s form players this year and will need to once again lead the charge for United 58.
Thomas Manos in goal has been another big contributor to the Edensor Park based side with the shot stopper in career best form.
Hakoah will look to frustrate its opposition but if the goals flow freely at Sydney United Sports Centre they could be in for a long day against the high-powered attack of the home side.
Team of the Week – Round 10 – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s
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.
Ladder leaders Sydney United 58 were held to a 1-1 draw after Manly United impressed at home thanks to a man-of-the-match performance from Brendan Cholakian. The Manly captain led his side superbly as the midfield fought well to contain the dynamic Untied 58 attack. An enterprising display from Cholakian gave the home side great direction, as they threatened early on. United 58 can be thankful for a solid display from Tom Manos in goal, the shot-stopper forced into some critical saves as the home-side piled on the pressure. Manly defender Kieran Paull was energetic at the back, even finding time to crack a shot at goal that unfortunately hit the post. His second-half was just as strong as the first, staying poised in the defending line and setting up the equaliser in the dying minutes with a great cross.
Across town, it was a clash of the cellar dwellers as Spartans hosted Sutherland in Blacktown, with each side desperately needing a win. Both teams traded shots throughout the game, each missing crucial chances to open the scoring. Hard-working midfielder Tomohiro Kajiyama was everywhere for Sutherland, pressing well in attack and setting up his strikers with clever balls. The Japanese import almost latched onto a cross as he attempted a header in the dying minutes, but was unlucky to see the ball fly over his head. By full-time, no side had been able to break the 0-0 deadlock.
An entertaining match at Hensley Athletic Field saw Bonnyrigg White Eagles topple Hakoah Sydney City East, as Robbie Younis again showed maturity and composure in front of goal. After a scoreless opening 30 minutes, the striker was called up to the penalty spot and executed beautifully. After clawing their way back to 2-2 in the second-half, Hakoah continued to be troubled by Younis’ skill set as he forced the keeper into a spectacular save. Despite hitting a free-kick that sailed just past the post, Younis’ side scored two late goals to record a 4-2 victory.
Blacktown City held on to secure the three points in a 1-0 win over APIA. A second-half fightback from the Tigers almost pegged the lead, as Jordan Murray tried desperately to score the equaliser. The striker’s tireless running was mainly foiled by City’s off-side trap, as he proved difficult to contain when in range of goal. His powerful header in the 88th minute beat the keeper but crashed into the post, as APIA suffered a third straight loss. Earlier, Danny Choi lit up the filed with an electric display, hitting home a free-kick in the 36th minute that left the keeper stranded. The Korean midfielder consistently found space in attack and deservedly picked up man of the match honours.
A dominant performance from Rockdale City Suns comfortably secured the three points at home, as Sydney Olympic struggled to keep pace. The ever-reliable Toufic Alameddine again excelled in attack, as he caused havoc down the left wing. Chances flowed for Rockdale at the end of the first half, as Alameddine lifted his intensity. After toiling away for over an hour, the winger scored a deserved goal after pouncing onto a through ball and smashing it into the net, with the match ending in a 3-0 win for the hosts.
Parramatta rocketed up the ladder after coming out on top in a high-scoring affair with Wollongong. A resilient display at the back from Darcy Madden ensured the Wolves would skip out to a 2-0 lead, as he helped to keep the away side scoreless. The defender was equally impressive with the ball, some darting runs up the sideline forcing Parramatta onto the back-foot. But a late first-half goal to Tomislav Mijic gave Parramatta a sniff, the centre-back nailing a classy header to flip the momentum. Luke Grima was on fire in the opening exchanges of the second half, bagging a brace within 15 minutes. The striker’s second goal was particularly stylish, a half-volley that curled into the goal. Off the back of Grima’s efforts, Parramatta fought well to snatch a 4-3 win.
GK – Tom Manos – Sydney United 58 FC
LB – Kieran Paull – Manly United
RB – Darcy Madden – Wollongong Wolves
CB – Tomislav Mijic – Parramatta FC
LM – Tomohiro Kajiyama – Sutherland Sharks
CM – Danny Choi – Blacktown City
CM – Brendan Cholakian – Manly United
RM – Toufic Alamaddine – Rockdale City Suns
ST – Jordan Murray – APIA Leichhardt Tigers
ST – Robbie Younis – Bonnyrigg White Eagles
ST – Luke Grima – Parramatta FC
Round 11 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s U20
With only five points separating fifth-placed Bonnyrigg White Eagles and tenth-placed Parramatta – a side who spent the opening eight rounds of the competition languishing at the foot of the table, the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Men’s U20 competition could not get any tighter.
The landscape is bound to shift once more in a Round 11 that will see the top six in action against their nearest rivals with Sutherland Sharks hosting APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Bonnyrigg White Eagles welcoming Wollongong Wolves and Blacktown City facing Manly United.
The latter is the highly anticipated first versus second Match of the Round at Lilys Football Centre.
Match of the Round
Blacktown City v Manly United, Sunday 1.00pm at Lilys Football Centre
All eyes will be on Lilys Football Centre on Sunday afternoon when Blacktown City host Manly United in a mouth-watering top of the table encounter.
Having nailed their title ambitions to the mast early on in the season the last three weeks have seen Manly United suffer a series of setbacks, with back to back losses to APIA Leichhardt and last round’s shock 2-1 defeat to Sydney United 58 relinquishing their lead at the top of the table.
A clinical Blacktown City side has taken advantage of Manly’s slump and although the Ben Wright coached side were held to a 0-0 draw by APIA Leichhardt Tigers in Round 10’s Match of the Round at Lambert Park, Blacktown have picked up 13 points from an available 15 in an excellent turn of form that has seen the side overtake Sunday’s second-placed opponents on the ladder.
Last Sunday’s stalemate with APIA was the third time this campaign Blacktown have been held scoreless, indicating that whilst the reigning champions look like favourites to defend their 2015 crown at this point in time there’s still plenty of improvements to be made.
And although it seems any side could challenge for the highest honours this season, a win on Sunday for Blacktown would cement their reputation as the team to beat once more in season 2016.
Saturday
Sutherland Sharks v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 4.30pm at Seymour Shaw
Round 11 of the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Men’s U20 competition kicks off at Seymour Shaw on Saturday afternoon with fourth-placed Sutherland Sharks taking on third-placed APIA Leichhardt Tigers.
It’s sure to be an enthralling encounter when the two championship dark horses meet for the first time this season, with Allan Edmondson’s Sutherland coming off the back of three successive victories and George Sidis’ APIA Leichhardt firing on all cylinders having lost just once of their last six.
Only goal difference will separate the two sides prior to the matches’ commencement and it’s sure to go down to the wire when the two face off in Saturday’s contest.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Wollongong Wolves, 5.00pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg lost for the first time in six matches when Stephen Sigmund’s outfit slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Hakoah Sydney City East in Round 10 and revenge will be firmly on the minds of the White Eagles when Wollongong Wolves come to Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
The South Coast outfit come into the clash in fine fickle having dismantled Parramatta 4-0 at WIN Stadium last Sunday, a match that saw first team usual Ricky Zucco net a hat-trick.
It’s another crucial fixture in a round brimming with decisive encounters – fifth versus sixth at Bonnyrigg Sports Club, with Wollongong trailing their hosts by a single point.
Bonnyrigg have tasted victory in their last three outings at home, and it will be a tough test for the travelling Wolves who must break down the competition’s meanest defence in order to secure what would be a crucial victory – one that would see them leapfrog the White Eagles on the competition ladder.
Sunday
Sydney Olympic v Blacktown Spartans, 1.00pm at Belmore Sports Ground
Sydney Olympic host Blacktown Spartans on Sunday afternoon with the boys from Belmore looking to fight their way into the top six.
A mixed bag of results for Olympic with two 1-1 draws against Wollongong Wolves and Rockdale City Suns in as many weeks has lifted the importance of three points against a struggling Spartans side who are winless in their last five matches.
Samuel Jacob’s team lost their fourth match of this winless spell at home to Sutherland Sharks last Saturday, a result that saw the Blacktown side slip to ninth in the table. With Sunday’s opponents leading a host of finals hopefuls who have all captured form at the time of the Spartans’ malaise, another setback for Blacktown could have significant ramifications on the top six at the end of the season.
Parramatta v Rockdale City Suns, 1.00pm at Melita Stadium
A 4-0 defeat to a rampant Wollongong Wolves on Sunday brought Parramatta crashing back to earth after Mark Zecchin’s side had stunningly put themselves within a point of the top six with a midweek hammering of competition heavyweights APIA Leichhardt Tigers.
Although it was the Melita Stadium side’s sixth defeat of the campaign, the manner of the loss will come as a great disappointment to Parramatta who have consistently mixed it with the best despite their lowly standing on the competition ladder.
They will hope to make further enhancements to their finals hopes when they tackle bottom-placed Rockdale City Suns at Melita Stadium on Sunday.
With only three points separating the two sides, Rockdale will need no motivation to claim all three points as they search for their first win since Round Four.
Sydney United 58 v Hakoah Sydney City East, 2.00pm at Sydney United Sports Centre
Following a sensational 2-1 upset win over Manly United in Round Ten, Sydney United 58 welcome Hakoah Sydney City East to Sydney United Sports Centre hoping two achieve back to back wins for the first time this season.
Davor Bajsic’s ranks will no doubt be buoyed by one of the standout results of the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Men’s U20 campaign so far would do their finals hopes a major boost if they can repeat a similar feat on Sunday.
Standing in their way is a Hakoah Sydney City East outfit also coming off the back of a major upset victory with the 2-0 defeat of in-form Bonnyrigg White Eagles placing the league newcomers within striking distance of the top six.
-By Jacob Windon
NPL Men’s match ready for all female officials line-up
As the profile of women’s football continues to grow ahead of the Matildas’ long-awaited return to the Olympics, Football NSW is proud to announce a historic news piece.
For the first time in the competition’s history, a match in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition will be officiated by an all-female contingent, with well-renowned and respected Westfield W-League referee Kate Jacewicz set to oversee proceedings.
Signifying the increasing message of equality for all that Football NSW is promoting in the sport, the four women will become a part of history when they officiate the round 11 match between Blacktown City and Manly United at Lily Homes Stadium on Sunday.
“I think it’s a fantastic step by Football NSW to allow us the opportunity to have an all-female officiating team,” said Jacewicz.
“It’s definitely in line with FIFA’s new philosophy in terms of men and women being equal.
“Just because we’re female it doesn’t take way from our experience level or our ability,”
Recently recognised as the Westfield W-League Referee of the Year, Kate is one of the country’s best referees. This will be the first time she has officiated alongside a team of female referees in a National Premier League competition, and is looking forward to the match. It will be a highly experienced officiating team that takes to the field on Sunday, with assistant referee Sarah Ho having attended multiple FIFA and Olympic tournaments. Joining Ho will be fellow Westfield W-League assistant referee and Melbourne born Joanna Charaktis and Kelly Jones.
Apart from bridging the gap between men and women’s status within the football community, Kate is also hoping this week’s match will encourage young officials to become professional.
“If we could inspire other young females referees and even male referees to reach NPL level I’d be really happy. It’s a very exciting opportunity for myself.”