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Round 3 Preview – NPL NSW Men’s

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The National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition hits top gear as round 3 rolls into town this weekend.

With a number of mouth-watering encounters on show, the fight for points is on everyone of the 12 clubs as we preview each match.

Wollongong Wolves FC v Sydney FC

7:30pm, Friday 18th March, WIN Stadium

With two wins from two matches so far this season, Sydney FC will be heading into their clash with Wollongong with plenty of confidence.

Zac Sapsford and Jaiden Kucharski have been combining well for Sydney FC’s attacking efforts and will be looking to continue their fine form as they head to WIN Stadium on Friday night.

Aaron Gurd and Adam Pavlesic both performed well in Sydney FC’s defence during their clash with Marconi in Round 2, earning National Premier Leagues NSW Team of the Week selections for their efforts.

After a rocky start to their 2022 season with two red cards in their loss to Sydney United 58, Wollongong managed a big 4-0 win over Northbridge Bulls in Round 2 that will have them feeling elated as they head into Round 3.

Lachlan Scott, Peter Simonoski and Josh Macdonald all got on the scoresheet in the victory and will be hoping to continue to score goals in their matchup against Sydney FC.

Leroy Jennings also proved instrumental in the Wolves’ win, earning a Team of the Week selection alongside Scott.

In their first home game of the season, Wollongong will be leaning on their strong support to buoy them through the match while Sydney FC will be looking to continue their winning ways and take their streak to three.

 

Sutherland Sharks FC v Manly United FC

3:30pm, Saturday 19th March, Seymour Shaw

In their third home game in as many weeks, Sutherland will be hoping they can secure their first win in front of their home fans as they host the boys from the Northern Beaches.

Sutherland have suffered two 3-2 defeats in their opening games and will be hoping to convert their scoring potential into a win against Manly United.

Jason Madonis has been a major positive force for the Sharks so far this season, with two goals in two games alongside James Andrew.

Alongside the two goal scorers, Sutherland have a squad of talented players that have given fans a taste of what they’re capable of during the first two games, including Nick Sullivan, Chris Lindsay, Michael Neill and Mark Rodic.

With several big, new signings, Nick Dimovski will be hoping the chemistry of the team has settled to let the Sharks reach their full potential, while Manly United coach Adam Griffiths will be hoping to return to winning ways in Round 3.

After an opening-round win and a narrow Round 2 loss, Manly United will be looking to regroup as they travel to Sutherland on Saturday evening.

Manly United’s Jimmy Oates saw his second successive Team of the Week selection this week and will be one to watch in the clash, alongside many impressive players including Matt Sim, Kieren Paull, Dom Ferguson and Jesse Piriz.

Will Sutherland score their first win of the season or will Manly United return to winning ways?

 

Sydney United 58 FC v Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC

3:00pm, Sunday 20th March, Sydney United Sports Centre

Sydney United 58 have proved they are a force to be reckoned with this season with two wins from their opening two matches, letting the league know they are real Premiership contenders this season.

Hosting Mt Druitt Town Rangers, who have only played one match due to a Round 1 washout, on Sunday afternoon, United 58 will be buoyed by the home fans as they tackle the Rangers.

Mt Druitt will play their Round 1 clash against APIA Leichhardt on Wednesday evening, which will provide an additional hurdle of recovery time when they line up on Sunday.

Kyle Cimenti has been a successful signing for United 58, along with the number of talented players they retained from last season.

They will be hoping that prolific goal-scorer Patrick Antelmi will be back to full fitness after an injury kept him out of Round 1, to complement and bolster the attacking prowess they have demonstrated so far in the competition.

Stewart Montgomery’s men will be looking to secure their first big win of the season and settle into their team dynamic with a number of new additions.

 

Blacktown City FC v Marconi Stallions FC

3:00pm, Sunday 20th March, Blacktown City Sports Centre

A dominant Blacktown City squad will match up against Marconi Stallions this week in what is set to be a great match.

A nine-man Blacktown City squad still managed to take an opening-round win over Rockdale Ilinden and backed up to secure an entertaining victory over Mt Druitt Town Rangers, with three goals in the final minutes of the match to claim a convincing win.

Jordan Smylie will be looking to continue his form after a two-goal performance and Team of the Week selection, but in a strong and deep Blacktown City outfit, there will be plenty of players to keep an eye on.

Marconi managed to find their attacking form in Round 1 after they struggled to get out of a record-breaking run of draws last season.

With a dynamic attacking line featuring in a strong squad all over the park, the Stallions will be looking to bounce back after a one-goal loss to Sydney FC in Round 2.

Charles Lokolingoy, Connor Evans and Marko Jesic have worked well for Marconi so far and will be ones to watch, along with promising young-gun Dom Costanzo.

In a big clash between two Western Sydney teams, this match is a must-see for NPL NSW fans.

 

Rockdale Ilinden FC v APIA Leichhardt FC

4:00pm, Sunday 20th March, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre

Rockdale will host their first game of the season against APIA Leichhardt on Sunday evening, and after a sensational injury-time goal saw them come away from Round 2 with a draw, will be hoping to use the momentum to secure their first win of the season.

Having bolstered their squad in the offseason, Rockdale have plenty of talent to lean on in the clash and the experience of Mitchell Stamatellis, Alec Urosevski and David Bradasevic will be crucial to getting the most from the team.

Will Mutch and Peter Kekeris have been impressive new additions to the Rockdale squad and will be hoping to bring their A-game against former side, APIA Leichhardt.

APIA will have a short turnaround time between their Wednesday night make-up clash with Mt Druitt but will be hoping the momentum from their win over Manly United at the weekend leads them to another victory.

With dynamic young-gun Nathanael Blair and midfielder Jason Romero featuring in this week’s Team of the Week, they will be two to keep your eye on, alongside several experienced players included Ivan Necevski, Themba Muata-Marlow, Michael Kouta, Adrian Ucchino and Franco Parisi.

Will Rockdale be able to secure an important three points to prove themselves as contenders this season, or will APIA Leichhardt continue their impressive form to take another win?

 

Sydney Olympic FC v Northbridge Bulls FC

4:00pm, Sunday 20th March, Belmore Sportsground

Returning to Belmore Sportsground for their third match in a row, Sydney Olympic will be fired up as they attempt to secure their first win over the young Northbridge Bulls.

Having to settle for a draw after a last-minute goal from Rockdale in Round 2, Olympic will be firing on all cylinders as they look to use their attacking line to cause havoc against the Bulls.

Irishman Roy O’Donovan scored for Olympic in Round 2 and will likely be their focal point in their attacking strategy, while new recruit Mathieu Cordier earned a Team of the Week selection after his strong second-round performance.

The Northbridge Bulls are yet to secure a win this season and will be hoping captain Rory Jordan can reign in the Bulls to stand up against Olympic on Sunday.

With a number of young, talented players, the Bulls have the potential to cause some pain for the hosts, but will the support of their home fans be enough to drive Sydney Olympic to victory?

Follow all the latest news, results, features and videos from the NPL NSW Men’s competition follow our official social channels.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nplnsw/

Twitter: @NPLNSW

Instagram: @nplnsw_official

New South Wales football fans can visit NPL.TV now to register their free account.

The new NPL.TV iOS and Android applications are also available for download to watch each NPL NSW Men’s and 20’s matches for the 2022 season in conjunction with Cluch TV.

 

 

 

 

Nathaniel Blair ready to shine at APIA

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Word on the street is that APIA Leichhardt are set to unleash a promising young attacker in 17-year-old Nathaniel Blair for the 2022 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season and we could see him make his debut against Manly United this evening.

An APIA junior, Blair played for the iconic Inner West club in the Under 13’s, 15’s and 16’s age groups before spending a season at Northbridge Bulls before returning to APIA this year originally signing on with the 18’s squad.

His pre-season performances and efforts at training caught the attention of APIA senior coach Danial Cummins which resulted in promoting the young gun to first grade.

“I got given a chance to train with the first team during the club’s FFA Cup campaign late last year and ended up signing in the early weeks of the January pre-season with the first team which was a big moment for me,” Blair stated to Football NSW.

The big striker has settled in well at Lambert Park as the APIA faithful have made Nathaniel feel right at home.

“It’s been great with the boys who have all been so welcoming to me and willing to take me on and share some of their experience with me.

“I’m aiming to contribute and score as many goals as I can throughout this season and to try and help APIA contest for a top spot.

“Hopefully the boys can pull together against a tough Manly United side and have a strong performance tonight to start the season off with 3 points.”

Blair will no doubt learn a lot from the club’s American import Jason Romero and pending on how Cummins plays, could form a deadly partnership with the well-travelled striker.

All eyes will be on the big clash tonight as Blair and co will face Manly United at Lambert Park at 7pm.

Those not able to watch the match in person can visit NPL.TV and register for their free account in live streaming the round 2 clash.

Domenic Costanzo to follow in his father’s footsteps at the Stallions

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It was a case of like father like son after promising young 20-year-old attacker Domenic Costanzo penned a deal with iconic National Premier Leagues NSW Men side Marconi Stallions, just like his dad famously did in the early 2000’s.

“It’s a privilege to be able to play for a club that my dad played for and evidently did quite well at,” Costanzo stated to Football NSW.

“Marconi has always been an important club to me because while dad was playing here, it was where I was born, so it is a special feeling knowing I’m starting a new chapter of my career exactly where my life had begun.”

Born in NSW, Costanzo relocated to Adelaide with his family at a young age and it was there he developed as a young promising footballer coming through the South Australian football ranks that saw him play for the likes of FK Beograd, West Torrens Birkalla and at Croydon Kings FC where his father was coaching.

The young sharpshooter also spent time with Adelaide United signing a scholarship contract during the 2020/21 A-League season and became the club’s first father and son combination as Angelo wore the Reds jersey on 92 occasions.

In a nutshell the evidence was there to state that his father, famous for his glowing long locks during the NSL and A-League days played a pivotal role in his development as a footballer.

“I have always looked at my dad as my idol and someone I look up to, both on and off the field,” Costanzo stated to Football NSW.

“He has played a big role in my career up till this point, especially when he was coaching me during my time at Croydon Kings in Adelaide which is when I was granted a contract with Adelaide United.

“I honestly feel he has definitely helped me a lot, pushing me to my limits. He has shown full faith in me which has been very helpful as well.

“Even though he is in Adelaide, and I am in Sydney, he is still keeping me on my toes and making sure I am doing everything I can do to be at my best.”

Asked how the move to the ‘Palace’ eventuated, it was thanks to a short stopover in Sydney to visit his sister that brought him to the attention of coach Peter Tsekenis and co.

“I was in Italy trialling and training with a few clubs and it was time to come back home.

“Instead of going straight back to Adelaide I stopped in Sydney for a bit to stay with my sister.

“I got given the chance to train with Marconi and in the end, I was happy with the opportunity that was given to me so I decided to stay and test myself in a different league and step out of my comfort zone a little bit.”

Costanzo has felt right at home since signing with the Stallions who have assembled a quality squad ahead of the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s season.

With the likes of seasoned NPL NSW players such as skipper Marko Jesic, Liam Youlley, Marty Fernandez, Nenad Vekic, the Speranza brothers Giorgio and Roberto, Nathan Millgate and the new inclusions of Charles Lokolingoy and Thomas James to name a few, Costanzo is certainly in some decent company.
“I’ve felt right from the start, I have settled in quite well, and all the players have been extremely welcoming. I was familiar with a few of the players before arriving, more notably Marko Jesic. He played with my dad at the Newcastle Jets, so I met Marko when I was a lot younger.

“I feel as an individual and as a team we are expecting a top 6 finish as a minimum.

“I feel as a player if you aren’t expecting your team to do well collectively, there’s no point in playing, so I feel by looking at the squad and how we have been going in preseason, we shouldn’t be counting ourselves out to be right up there this year.”

The Stallions will kick off its 2022 campaign on Saturday 5th of March when they host the Sutherland Sharks at home with young Costanzo hoping to make a mark on this match.

Don’t forget to check out NPL.TV today as well as downloading the iOS and Android applications to have access to over 524 NSW football matches set to be broadcast live and on-demand on the new Cluch platform, across NPL NSW Men’s, NPL NSW Women’s, NPL NSW U20’s, FNSW League One, Waratah Cup Finals plus highlights of all NPL NSW matches.

Japanese star set to rock Blacktown City

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They’ve been one of the pinnacle National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clubs for quite some time now, Blacktown City FC have announced that they’ve further strengthened its squad for the 2022 season with the prized signing of Japanese import midfielder Hiroaki Aoyama.

The 25-year-old comes with some pedigree to NSW’s elite men’s competition having recently played with J-League 3 outfit Fukushima United.

Blacktown City FC’s brains-trust and Head Coach Mark Crittenden was excited about unearthing Aoyama, a player tipped for huge things in the NPL NSW Men’s competition this year.

“We are delighted to have signed Hiroaki Aoyama for 2022 NPL NSW Men’s season,” Crittenden stated to Football NSW.

“We have had a great history in signing good Japanese players and Hiroaki is just that.

“He is a very exciting player, has great energy on the pitch and has fitted in perfectly around the playing group.

“He reminds me of a former player in Ryuuji Miyazawa and we all know what an impact he had at our football club and in the league.”

Miyazawa was one of the finest players from Japan to grace the football pitches in the NPL NSW Men’s competition several seasons ago and if that’s anything to go by judging from Crittenden’s quotes, the league is in for a treat with the exciting Aoyama set to wow spectators at a ground near you.

Follow all the latest news, results, features and videos from the NPL NSW Men’s competition follow our official social channels.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nplnsw/

Twitter: @NPLNSW

Instagram: @nplnsw_official

New South Wales football fans can visit NPL.TV now to register their free account. 

The new NPL.TV iOS and Android applications are also available for download to watch each NPL NSW Men’s and 20’s matches for the 2022 season in conjunction with Cluch TV.

Prendergast in positive spirits despite injury setback

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No footballers wants to kick off any new year with an injury or operation, but unfortunately for Blacktown City FC’s trusty number one shotstopper Tristan Prendergast, this was the case.

The 26-year-old last week had a shoulder reconstruction at the Sydney Adventist Hospital following a dislocation the keeper had received a few years ago, which will sideline one of the best National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s goalkeepers for up to four months.

“I had a few things that I needed to fix up from a dislocation I copped a few years ago which required a shoulder reconstruction, so it had to be done,” Prendergast told Football NSW.

“I am looking at around four months to be sidelined but I am hoping to return around June but that will all depend on how my rehabilitation goes.”

Mark Crittenden’s reliable number one will be missed but this will gift an opportunity to 22-year-old Dylan Niski who will step into the big shoes left by Prendergast.

“We’ve got Dylan who is more than capable and ready to step into the team. I honestly have no doubts that he will do a fantastic job.

“We’ve also got two young lads Robbo and Hendo who are also ones to watch out for.

“It’s right to say that the keeper’s union at Blacktown City is in safe hands.”

Having signed at City in 2015, the Landscaper by trade, currently in his eighth season with the club, stated that there are many positives hailing out from one of the most feared NPL NSW Men’s clubs with Blacktown set to unearth some huge initiatives moving forward.

“First and foremost I am very confident in the squad we have assembled this year.

“We are here to win the NPL NSW Men’s competition again and we have a quality squad with great depth in every position to do so. It’s an exciting squad to be a part of that’s for sure.

“With the new Board and the changes they’re bringing off the pitch, it’s certainly an exciting time to be a Blacktown City player and supporter.”

Football NSW would like to wish Tristan a speedy recovery.