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Wolves outgun Olympic in rescheduled fixture

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Wollongong Wolves secured three points with a 1-0 victory over Sydney Olympic on Wednesday night in a round 4 rescheduled NPL NSW Men’s fixture at Belmore Sportsground.

A well-taken penalty from Lachlan Scott in the 20th minute was all it took for the visitors to take away the win, despite a hard-fought battle between the two teams with the win lifting the 2019 Premiers to sixth on the ladder, a point adrift from the top five.

Wollongong dictated play in the opening stages of the match with a great display of attacking prowess from their forward line which saw Olympic’s Jason Madonis forced to make an impressive clearance off the line in just the 15th minute.

Fans didn’t have to wait long for a goal, with a penalty awarded in the 20th minute after a hand ball from Daniel Dias.

Scott stepped up to take the penalty and calmly sent his strike down the middle of the goal and over Olympic keeper Christopher Parsons, who dove to his left to notch up his second of the year.

­­Madonis again pulled off a crucial clearance in the 24th minute after a great combination play from the visitors.

Scott created several opportunities in the following minutes, but Parsons was prepared and managed to keep the dangerous striker at bay.

Olympic had a chance from a free kick in the 31st minute, however Wollongong keeper Hayden Durose managed to reject a terific ball from Brendan Cholakian.

Olympic came out firing in the second half with a cross from Marley Peterson meeting the head of Oliver Puflett in front of goal, however the header hit the post.

Puflett had another chance just moments later after receiving a ball from Michael Glassock, but his header was this time collected by Durose.

Peterson fired a ball towards goal in the 50th minute, but it ricocheted off the woodwork, leaving the home side still without a goal.

The late stages of the second half were an intense battle between both teams as Olympic mounted pressure on a heavily defensive Wollongong, however neither team were able to convert their chances, leaving Wollongong with a 1-0 victory at the final whistle.

Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire was pleased with his team’s efforts after a short break.

“We showed desperation and the fight for the three points,” he said.

“We had to work hard for it in the end but I think it was a very good first half display and a well-deserved three points.

“We played just on Sunday so we had some fresh legs, we’ve had a few injuries, and the boys that have come in did a great job.

Olympic coach Ante Juric was proud of his team’s fight until the final whistle.

“We never gave up,” he explained.

“The first half was very, very disappointing, very poor.

“The second half we came out and we dominated, and we probably should have got a draw out of that.

“We just need to be switched on, we weren’t at the start and that showed and that’s why we were 1-0 down.”

Match Stats

Sydney Olympic FC 0

Wollongong Wolves FC 1 (Lachlan Scott (pen) 20′)

Wednesday 14th April, 2021

Belmore Sportsground

Referee: M. Bailey

Assistant Referees: C. Wright and S. Allum

Fourth Official: S. Quinn

Sydney Olympic FC: 2. Thomas Whiteside, 4. Benjamin van Meurs, 5. Michael Glassock (39. Peter Politis 78’), 8. Jason Madonis, 9. Oliver Puflett (14. Peter Kekeris 74’), 10. Brendan Cholakian, 17. Marley Peterson (22. Fabio Ferreira 65’), 18. Yu Hasegawa (35. Mohamed Adam 45’), 21. Fabian Monge (6. Nikola Kulekski 45’), 23. Daniel Dias, 70. Christopher Parsons

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Luke Kairies

Yellow Cards: Jason Madonis 20’, Nikola Kuleski 55’, Peter Politis 78’)

Red Cards: Nil

Wollongong Wolves FC: 2. Taylor McDonald, 4. Nikola Djordjevic, 6. Ethan Kambisios, 7. Marcus Beattie, 10. Van Elia (16. Fletcher McFarlane 67’), 14. Brendan Low, 15. Daniel Loe, 18. Hamish Lamberton (, 8. Nav Darjani 78’), 20. Liam Wille (17. Jarvis Paterson 58’), 23. Hayden Durose, 24. Lachlan Scott (13. Stefan Dimoski 78’)

Substitutes Not Used: 1. Aidan Munford, 19. Evan Ball

Yellow Cards: Van Elia 30’, Ethan Kambisios 66’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Lachlan Scott (WW)

2 – Taylor McDonald (WW)

1 – Jason Madonis (SO)

-By Football NSW Reporter Madeline Riley (@madelineriley23)

 

Olympic and Wolves ready to clash in rescheduled fixture tonight

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Belmore Sports Ground will play host to a juicy round 4 rescheduled fixture in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition as Sydney Olympic host the Wollongong Wolves with both teams sniffing for maximum points.

Luke Wilkshire’s men in particular will be on the hunt for just its second victory of the 2021 campaign, currently sitting in eleventh position, a win away from the South Coast is a must after a disappointing start to the year.

The Wolves were left frustrated as they failed to capitalise on a ten-men Sydney United 58 outfit last Sunday. Taylor McDonald was once again a standout figure as was Marcus Beattie, but the Wolves will be expecting more from new recruits Leroy Jennings and Van Elia, both of which have failed to hit the back of the net thus far in 2021.

As for Olympic, Ante Juric’s men returned to the winner’s circle with a determined 2-0 away victory against a previously undefeated Manly United squad at Cromer Park on Friday.

Jason Madonis and Fabian Monge were the scorers, and both will be keen to continue their goalscoring runs tonight.

A win tonight will see the former NSL giants climb to third on the Premiership ladder.

Blues keeper Christopher Parsons has been in decent form while it was pleasing to see former Western Sydney Wanderers star Mohamed Adam make an appearance once again off the bench.

Danial Dias has been a shining light for Olympic and will be one to watch out for with kick-off set for 7:30pm tonight.

Don’t forget you can catch all the action and excitement LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NPL.TV.

Markka Cup a smash hit at Marconi

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The “innovative “Markka Cup is proving a winner for Marconi Stallions FC as another round of matches is set to be played during the half time break of the Round 8 NPL match against Sydney Olympic.

This weekend will see teams from Marconi Stallions FC, Bossley Park and Hinchinbrook play against each other in the Under 6 and Under 8 age groups.

The Markka Cup has had an impact on the crowd numbers at Marconi Stadium – numbers are up significantly in 2021.

Markka is a subsidiary company of Marconi Stallions FC apparel sponsor Legea /Hallmark.

Markka provides equipment to clubs – bibs, balls, small goals etc.

Marconi Stallions FC have invited two neighbouring clubs Bossley Park and Hinchinbrook to come to Marconi Stadium on Home Game Day and play at half time of the NPL matches during this season.

Legea and Hallmark Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director Wayne Spagnol is supporting the initiative which is aimed at giving the “juniors “the opportunity to play on the Main Stadium. It is also part of the club’s plan to unite the club from the juniors right through to the NPL team.

The NPL players will be holding training sessions with the Pre SAP /junior teams throughout the season so that the young players of the future can get to know the club senior players when they train with them.

Part of the experience on game day is for the junior players to walk out with the seniors prior to their half time experience.

The reaction so far has been very good – a great experience for the young ones walking out with the seniors, the game time, and crowd support.

Pre SAP and Marconi Stallions Junior Manager Tania Corvelo is pleased with how the Markka Cup is going so far.

“The feedback from both neighbouring clubs has been very positive they are enjoying the opportunity and the experience to play on the Main Stadium in front of a good crowd of people.”

“It also helps to build good relationships with neighbouring clubs like Bossley Park and Hinchinbrook.”

Markka have agreed to donate $250 worth of football equipment to each of the competing clubs.

Markka Cup matches will continue at the Stallions FC home games in the coming weeks.

-Marconi Stallions Press Release

Stallions raise much needed funding for Cancer Council

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National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s side Marconi Stallions have raised over $4300 for the “Balls for Balls” Fund raising Cancer Council campaign for treatment of men’s cancers since kicking it off on Good Friday.

Two boys , deserve special praise and mention for their efforts so far with Marko Flaiban (Under 13)  raising $1360 and Kyden Salim raising $1640 .

Marconi Stallions Football Office Administrator Josie Spinozzi who is driving the club’s campaign has been delighted with the progress so far.

“ I am surprised at how much money has been raised in such a short period of time and the two boys have shown the way to the rest of our club  to jump on board and support this most important cause.

“No amount of money is too small.”

Marconi Stallions FC is one of many Sporting Clubs in Sydney’s Western Suburbs to be supporting the Cancer Council’s “Balls for Balls” Fundraising event.

“ This year, over 76,700 men are expected to be diagnosed with cancer.

“That is around 8,800 more men than women,” Denise Daynes Cancer Council NSW Community Coordinator said.

“Skin cancer prevention is a key focus of this campaign ,as we know that men over the age of 40 are 1.5 time more likely to be diagnosed and 2.5 times more likely to die of melanoma than women,” said Ms Daynes.

Club Marconi have been long time supporters of Cancer Council and have already committed to supporting the Balls for Balls campaign.

The club is already making donations through a promotion in the licensed club.

“We are keen to promote sunsafe behaviour with our players,” said Marconi Stallions Football Manager Tony Peters .

“We have asked our players to participate in a football juggling fund raiser.

“This campaign is a great way to increase our players skills, whilst encouraging them  to raise funds for a great cause.

“Our best jugglers will be demonstrating their skills at our match against Blacktown City on May 1st .”

For the next month , coaches will conduct competitions at training to see which player in their team is the one to represent them.

During the process, players will be seeking sponsors as they reach set targets. They can also keep a Juggling Log Book  to check on their progress during the next month.

One of the early favourites in the juggling competition is Jetzen Lopez the youngster who went to Borussia Dortmund in 2020

He has exceptional skills in this area.

-Marconi Stallions Press Release

Sharks sting Sky Blues late to take home point

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A James Andrew goal in the dying seconds has helped Sutherland Sharks snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw against Sydney FC at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday Night.

It was Andrew’s second goal of the game, with the pacy striker clinching a crucial point for the Sharks on the road.

Sydney FC thought they had done enough for victory after Patrick Wood and Jordi Swibel each scored in quick succession to give the Young Sky Blues the lead with only 10 minutes left on the clock.

However, it wasn’t to be with Andrew snatching the equaliser deep into added time to ensure the visitors didn’t go home empty-handed.

Sutherland’s Christopher McStay was causing trouble for Sydney FC keeper Thomas Heward-Belle in the early stages of the game, with several strikes forcing the custodian to pull out some great saves to deny the home side an early lead.

Luke Ivanovic looked poised to get Sydney FC on the scoreboard in the 24th minute after capitalising on a blunder from Sharks captain Lachlan Everett; however, his effort flew wide of the target.

The night’s first goal came from Andrew in the 28th minute as he intercepted a pass from Ivanovic and found himself one-on-one with Heward-Belle before sending the ball past him and into the netting.

Heward-Belle was back in action in the 45th minute, pulling off another great save to keep the visitors at bay.

Swibel scored the equaliser for the home side in the 75th minute after finding himself on the end of a great ball from Thomas Fay. He maneuvered through Sutherland’s defensive line before placing the ball out of reach of Anthony Bouzanis and into the back of the net.

Sydney FC took the lead just minutes later through Patrick Wood, who fired a strike from the edge of the 18-yard box. The promising young attacker has tasted A-League action a couple of teams as well as hitting the back of the net on numerous occasions for Steve Corica’s squad once again felt right at home in the NPL.

Sutherland was fighting for an equaliser in the late stages of the game, putting together some great opportunities that were well-defended by Heward-Belle.

James Andrew was the hero of the night for Sutherland, coming through with a crucial goal to snatch a point from the match. It was his sixth of the season, a double that has put the ace marksman as joint golden boot frontrunner after round 7.

Sydney FC’s Saracino mishit a ball sending it flying overhead before landing on the chest of Andrew, who steadily guided it over the line.

Sydney FC coach Jim Van Weeren was disappointed his team made errors that saw the win slip away from them.

“In the last few minutes and in injury time, we lost complete control,” he explained.

“There were some really silly decisions from players with the ball, and eventually that cost us.”

Sutherland Sharks coach Nick Dimovski was proud of his team’s efforts in creating an abundance of goal-scoring opportunities throughout the match.

“We totally dominated Sydney FC, and we created more, and I really mean it, more than enough chances to beat them twice over, yet we fell asleep for five minutes and credit to Sydney they got their goals,” he said.

“I’m proud of my team’s fightback, without a doubt.

“Andrew has been a shining light for us throughout the course of this season, and credit to him, he is combining his goal-scoring capabilities by also created chances for the Sharks.”

Match Stats

Sydney FC 2 (Jordan Swibel 75’, Patrick Wood 79’)

Sutherland Sharks FC 2 (James Andrew 28’, 90’)

Sunday 11th April 2021

Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre

Referee: H. Jomaa

Assistant Referees: N. Wotton and E. Saba

Fourth Official: H. Fenton-White

Sydney FC: 3. Aaron Gurd, 4. Nathan Grimaldi, 6. Thomas Main (5. Thomas Fay 62’), 8. Patrick Yazbek, 17. Jayden Trenkoski (16. Stevan Stanic-Floody 75’), 21. Harry Van Der Saag, 23. Callum Talbot, 24. Luke Ivanovic (9. Antonio Saracino 62’), 27. Jordan Swibel, 28. Patrick Wood, 30. Thomas Heward-Belle

Substitutes Not Used: 1. Levi Kaye, 2. Cameron Fong, 13. Corey Hollman,

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

Sutherland Sharks FC: 1. Anthony Bouzanis, 4. Brendan Hooper, 5. Nic Petrillo, 6. Patrick O’Shea, 8. Oliver Green, 9. Jeremy Cox (25. Alex Masciovecchio 69’), 10. Lachlan Everett, 14. Chris Lindsay, 17. James Andrew, 22. Patrick Scibilio (99. Jonathan Grozdanovski 60’), 88. Christopher McStay

Substitutes Not Used: 12. Harry Sutherland, 13. Charlie Jones, 16. Gerard Roebuck, 21. Luke Sauer

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – James Andrew (SS)

2 – Thomas Heward-Belle (SFC)

1 – Christopher McStay (SS)

By National Premier LeaguesNSW Reporter Madeline Riley (@madelineriley23)