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Maximum points go begging for Sharks

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A costly defensive error has cost Sutherland Sharks a break-though win as they were held 1-1 by local rivals Rockdale City Suns at Seymour Shaw. 

Suns’ striker  and former Shark Jordan Figon fired home to level the scores after Alec Urosevski pounced on a sloppy back pass to extend the Sharks winless streak to 10 games.

A sensational volley from Jeremy Cox had given Sutherland the lead after 37 minutes but it would only last for seven minutes until Rockdale found an equaliser.

It was a frustrating result as well for Rockdale as they missed the chance to move into top spot with a win.

It was a cagey start to the match with neither side creating any real headway in the opening ten minutes.

A looping free-kick from Marc Warren nearly set-up an opening goal in the 20th minute but Harry Sutherland’s headed effort sailed narrowly wide.

Sutherland were on the ascension and had another great chance denied moments later when Charles Lokolingoy had a shot from just outside the 18-yard box deflected by a scrambling Rockdale defence.

The home side were beginning to take control of the match and it didn’t take long for them to find a break though.

Warren broke loose on the left flank and fired in a curling cross which was volleyed into the back of the net by Cox with clinical precision.

But their lead would not last for long.

Urosevski pounced on a poor back pass from Sutherland’s Tarik Ercan and forced a save from Nathan Denham with a shot across goal.

Figon was in the right place at the right time to tap home past a scrambling Denham to level the score.

Sharks midfield maestro Mateo Poljak tested the keeper with a blistering long range effort but Rockdale shot stopper David Bradasevic had it covered to ensure both sides went into the break locked at 1-1.

Sutherland started the second half the better of the two sides and Suns keeper Bradasevic was forced to make two diving saves not long after the restart.

The visitors gave the Sharks fan a scare in the 56th minute when Urosevski’s free-kick from 30 yards out whisked past the outside of the post.

The match was mired in controversy in the 73rd minute when a Lokolingoy header cannoned off the underside of the cross bar and seemingly over the goal line, however the referee thought otherwise ruling no-goal.

Sutherland’s spirit was not to be quelled and they continued to push forward for a winner.

Juan Romero tested Bradasevic with a header after a late run to the far post but it was saved by the gloveman.

Rockdale nearly snatched a late winner thanks to a mazy run from another former Shark, Panny Nikas, but some desperate defending stopped the mercurial midfielder in his tracks only 8 yards out from goal to ensure the match would end locked at 1-1.

Rockdale goalscorer Figon said his side expected a tough battle and it was exactly what Sutherland served up.

“The game was a real dogfight in stages and although a win would’ve been preferred we will take the point,” he said.

“Seymour Shaw is a tough place to come and they were probably the better side in the first half.

“We did well to keep in the match early but in the second half we struggled to capitalise on our chances.

“We are still up the top end of the table and in the chase for top spot so we have to remain positive and move on to next week.”

Returning Sharks great Nathan Denham said the tough performance from his team mates to claim a fourth straight draw was proof they were on the cusp of a breakthrough win.

“We’ve been able to push the top teams and take points from them which I think shows we’re not far off from where we need to be,” he said.

“We played some good football tonight and could’ve very easily have snatched the win. While the results haven’t been their so far this season the mood among the team remains positive which is a great sign.

“For me I felt really good and was very happy in my first game back from retirement. I had done it for so long it’s just like riding a bike.”

Match Stats

Sutherland Sharks 1 (Jeremy Cox 37′)

Rockdale City Suns 1 (Jordan Figon 44′)

Saturday, May 18 2019

Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda

Referee: A Higgins

Assistant Referees: M McOrist & J Park

Fourth official: P Reynolds

Sutherland Sharks: 46. Nathan Denham, 3. Marc Warren, 4. Patrick O’Shea, 8. Matteo Poljak, 9. Jeremy Cox (2. Quentin Cheng 79′), 10. Raul Romero, 11. Jordan Morfitis (7. Juan Romero 70′), 12. Blair Brown, 14. Charles Lokolingoy, 19. Harry Sutherland, 21. Tarik Ercan

Substitutes not used: , 25. Brodie Clarkson, , 32. Alexander Lopez, 26. Mario Aleksik

Yellow cards: Morfidis 45′, Warren 69′, O’Shea 69′

Red cards:

Rockdale City Suns: 1. David Bradasevic, 2. Daniel Petkovski, 3. Michael Neill, 7.Alec Urosevski  8. Aleks Canak (9. Jonathan Grozdanovski 75′), 11. Leigh Egger, 12. Idriss El Hafiane, 17. Matthew Lecce (23. Panny Nikas 65′), 18. Sasa Macura (20. Howard Fondyke 86′), 19. Patrick Savor, 45. Jordan Figon

Substitutes not used: 14. Brayden Sorge, , 22. Max Rowston,

Yellow cards: El Hafiane 30′, Urosevski 69′, Canak 69′

Red cards:

Player Ratings

3 – Raul Romero (SSFC)

2-  Marc Warren (SSFC)

1 – Alec Urosevski (RCS)

Wolves make Stallions pay with second half assault

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A brilliant brace from Japanese midfield maestro Takeru Okada has inspired Wollongong Wolves to an incredible second half comeback to defeat Marconi Stallions 3-1 at Marconi Stadium on Saturday.
With the Wolves looking down the barrel at a second defeat in as many weeks as the Stallions took a 1-0 lead, Okada netted a pair of delightful finishes along side a rare Darcy Madden goal to claim all three points for the visitors.
For the Stallions, it was a game of what ‘ifs’ as Peter Tsekinis’ star studded side squandered their chances after taking the lead just after half-time courtesy of hot-shot Marko Jesic.
Jesic would go from hero to zero later in the match when the experienced campaigner missed a critical penalty which would’ve put Marconi in the box seat to win.
The result meant that Luke Wilkshire’s men stretch their lead at the top of the table while Marconi remain in the middle of the fight for a finals spot.
Marconi made a fast start as tricky Stallions defender Giorgio Speranza had a shot on goal inside the opening 60 seconds.
Wolves were dangerous on the set piece as Bul Juach shot high from a right-side free-kick before big defender Nick Littler nodded wide from a similar spot soon after.
A mazy run and shot from Liam Youlley was Marconi’s best chance of the first half but it still was not enough to beat Wolves shot stopper Justin Pasfield.
The visitors found joy on the counter, as they tried to get service to star striker Thomas James and Juach up top.
Both found space between the lines but were kept off the scoresheet as the game went to the break locked at 0-0.
Wollongong tested their opponents not long after the restart as James fired wide.
Marconi broke open the contest on the cusp of the hour mark when Jesic hit the back of then to open the scoring.
It was a moment of magic from the Stallions captain who brought the crowd to their feet at Marconi Stadium as he nestled the ball into the corner of the net.
Just as the fans settled back into their seats, the Wolves were level.
A superb cross from the right found a wide open Okada who tapped home and levelled the score.
Okada’s goal flipped the game on it’s head and it didn’t take long for the visitors to double their tally.
Substitute Darcy Madden reacted first to the corner swung into the box before he flung his foot at the ball to send it flying past the keeper and Wollongong into the lead.
The Stallions were given a prime opportunity to get themselves back on terms when they were awarded a penalty.
Jesic stepped up to take the spot kick but Pasfield was up to the challenge diving low to make a crucial save.
The visitors made the home side pay for their wastefulness making it 3-1 in the 71st minute as Okada claimed his brace with a well timed finish.
The game opened up in the dying stages as the Stallions threw everything forward in an attempt to snatch an unlikely draw.
It was the Wolves who had the best of the late opportunities with Marconi keeper Nenad Vekic forced to make some clutch saves.
There were no more goals despite the late flurry with Wollongong securing a big win on the roar.
Wollongong Wolves boss Luke Wilkshire praised his side for the way they bounced back after their defeat seven days earlier.
“There is no doubt in the spirit and character in these boys.
“I think they got what they deserved tonight. It’s been a big week at training.”
The former Socceroos star also had a few kind words for Okada’s two goal performance.
“I’ve been waiting for him (Okada) to score those (goals),” Wilkshire said.
“He has been doing that in training and hopefully, keeps on doing that in the weeks to come.”
Stallions coach Peter Tsekenis was disappointed with how his side lost their way after being in control of the contest.
“We have a problem where we switch off once we score. It has happened multiple times this season you get punished for that.
“Wollongong are a good side but i felt we were deservedly in front for most of the match. “

Match Stats
Marconi Stallions 1 (Jesic 57′)
Wollongong Wolves 3 (Okada 61′ 71′, Madden 64′)
Saturday 18 May 2019
Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park

Referee: Daniel Stack
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields & Sarah Ho
Fourth Official: Harrison Sappey

Marconi Stallions: 1. VEKIC Nenad, 2. MILLGATE Nathan, 3. SPERANZA Giorgio, 4. SPERANZA Roberto, 10. JESIC Marko, 11. MALLIA Mitchell (9. FRANGIE ‘77), 13. NICOLAOU Yianni, 16. YOULLEY Liam, 19. CAIRNCROSS Zach (12. ANDREW ‘32), 21. PAVLOVIC Mirjan (20. CARDOZO ‘71), 23. VELLA Brandon

Substitutes not used: 7. O’CONNELL Sean, 17. SEKUTKOSKI Kristian

Yellow cards: Youlley G Speranza Cardozo
Red cards: nil

Wollongong Wolves: 1. PASFIELD Justin, 2. MCDONALD Taylor (3. MADDEN ‘63), 4. DJORDJEVIC Nikola, 7. PRICE Christopher, 9. JAMES Thomas, 11. OKADA Takeru, 14. CALLAHAN Harry (19. MUSUMECI ‘83), 15. LITTLER Nick, 16. KNIGHT Guy (8. MARKOVIC ‘66), 17. STOJCEVSKI James, 23. JUACH Bul

Substitutes not used: 12. KAIRIES Luke, 13. DIMOSKI Sean

Yellow cards: Knight Stojcevski
Red cards: nil

Player Ratings
3: Takeru Okada (WW)
2: Bul Juach (WW)
1: Marko Jesic (MS)

-By Justin Davies

Olympic stunned by clinical Sky Blues

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It was a hard-fought battle at Belmore Sports Ground on Friday night between Sydney Olympic and Sydney FC, with the young Sky Blues coming away with a shock 3-2 victory over last year’s Premiers and Champions.

Sydney FC were clinical in their execution, with Benjamin Koop, Luke Ivanovic and Joel King all scoring their goals through their fast-paced attack, while Olympic struggled to convert their chances, with Alex Sanchez’s double not enough to match the energetic young Sky Blues.

The first goal came after just ten minutes for the visitors, making the most of a counter attack opportunity.

Olympic skipper Jason Madonis was brought down at half way and while Olympic called for the free kick, Sydney FC kicked into gear on the counter.

Marco Tilio curled an impressive cross into Koop who sent his header powerfully into the back of the net to open scoring.

Sydney Olympic retaliated quickly, equalising just one minute later.

Tom Whiteside sent the ball to Niko Tsattalios who flicked the ball on to Sanchez in a dangerous position.

The Spaniard didn’t hesitate, striking the ball straight past Sydney FC custodian Thomas Howard-Belle to level the game.

Sydney FC took it to two in the 50th minute, with Luke Ivanovic making his way on to the scoreboard.

Ivanovic positioned himself well to receive an overhead ball and strike it into the back of the net.

The visitors found their third in the 55th minute as Hamish Lamberton passed off to King sitting on the 18-yard box, who hit a powerful ball out of reach of Henderson.

Olympic started clawing their way back into the game in the 70th minute, again through Sanchez who netted his ninth for the NPL NSW Men’s campaign.

The hosts dominated the last quarter of the game, creating an abundance of opportunities as they searched for the equaliser.

New recruit Peter Kekeris, signed from the Central Coast Mariners, came close in the 78th minute, curling an impressive shot on target to be saved by Howard-Belle.

They came painfully close in the 81st minute, when Jack Stewart’s shot hit the inside of the crossbar before bouncing on the line and coming back into play.

It was corner after corner for Sydney Olympic as they continued to look for a third right up to the final whistle in what was becoming an increasingly physical game, but the youngsters kept hold of their lead, finishing the game with a 3-2 victory.

Sydney FC coach Jim Van Weeren was impressed with the performance of his young players.

“They [Sydney Olympic] asked a look of good questions from us.

“Fair play to our young boys who came on and stood up and rode the last bit of the game out.

“The boys showed tonight that when they’re on and they can convert their chances then they can win games.”

Olympic coach Abbas Saad was disappointed with the result considered the number of opportunities his team created.

“They had three shots and three goals, we had 30 shots and two goals.

“I’ve never seen anything like it.

“We’ve had a great run in the last month.

“We didn’t play badly today…we’ve just got to convert the chances that we create.”

Match Stats

Sydney Olympic FC 2 (Alex Sanchez 11’, 70’)

Sydney FC 3 (Benjamin Koop 10’, Ivanovic 50’, King 55’)

Friday 17th May, 2019

Belmore Sports Ground

Referee: Craig Fisher

Assistant referees: J. Bell, J. Bitas

Fourth official: R. Mattei

Sydney Olympic FC: 1. Paul Henderson, 2. Thomas Whiteside, 4. Mitchell Stamatellis, 6. Nikola Kuleski (44. Peter Kekeris), 7. Will Angel, 8. Jason Madonis (17. Jack Stewart), 9. Radovan Pavicevic (22. Michael Gaitatzis,), 11. Jinya An, 12. Zachary Mackenzie, 14. Alex Sanchez, 33. Niko Tsattalios

Substitutes Not Used: 19. Darcy Burgess, 20. Eze Consoni,

Yellow Cards: Jinya An, William Angel, Mitchell Stamatellis

Red Cards: Nil

Sydney FC: 1. Thomas Howard-Belle, 3. Benjamin Van Meurs, 5. Patrick Scibilio, 7. Jerry Skotadis, 8. Joel King (14. Thomas Fay), 9. Hamish Lamberton, 10. Marco Tilio, 11. Luke Ivanovic (12. Giuseppe Tilio), 15. Ryan Teague, 16. Paolo Bonanni, 18. Benjamin Koop

Substitutes Not Used: 20. David Malishev, 24. Jake Hollman

Yellow Cards:  Hamish Lamberton, Thomas Howard-Belle

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Joel King (SFC)

2 – Alex Sanchez (SO)

1 – Ryan Teague (SFC)

Written by Madeline Riley

@madelineriley23

 

Sydney Olympic unearthing their very own Dimi Petratos

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There’s a familiar name with a new face making waves in the National Premier League NSW Men’s this season in the shape of Sydney Olympic FC’s rising star Dimi Petratos.

The 19-year-old burst onto the scene a few weeks ago with a goal on debut against Rockdale City Suns, before backing up his effort a week later at Belmore Sports Ground with a dramatic 87th minute equaliser off the bench in Olympic’s 2-2 draw with Manly United.

The Petratos surname is already well acclaimed in Australian footballing circles with four of Dimi’s cousins currently signed to A-League club Newcastle Jets.

The eldest of the bunch, who shares the name Dimi Petratos, was named in the Socceroos’ 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Historically, Dimi began his career at Sydney Olympic as a 16-year-old, where in 2010 he was teammates with his father Angelo for a season.

Whilst this remarkable pedigree leaves a lot for Petratos to aspire to, the attacking midfielder has treasured his first taste of National Premier League NSW Men’s action.

“It felt good,” the youngster reflected.

“It has all come along pretty quickly.

“I wasn’t expecting to go on that early and before I knew it the goal happened.

“My teammates were all really happy for me.

“It’s been something different. The standard is very high, and the pace is a lot quicker than what I’m used to playing with the Under 20s.”

It has been a campaign of mixed results for Abbas Saad’s men, who sit six points off top in fifth position with ten rounds played.

Petratos is determined to inspire the defending league Champions heading into the business end of the season.

“Winning the double last year, we want to try our hardest to back it up.

“I’m going to try and keep getting onto the pitch for first grade and continue scoring goals to help the team out.

“I’ve been encouraged to just keep doing what I’m doing and more will come.

“This is only just the start.”

Rather than being intimidated, Petratos is harnessing the success of his relatives as fuel to continue driving forward.

“Of course, I look up to them,” he revealed. `

“Playing in the A-League, Dimi is one of the best players in the competition.

“I would say it acts as motivation rather than pressure.

“We know what is expected of us, I just have to keep doing what I do best and see what happens.”

Petratos and Olympic will look to solidify their position in the top five when they host Sydney FC at Belmore Sports Ground on Friday night.

-By Chris Curulli

Points shared at Edensor Park

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An inspired performance by shot stopper Thomas Manos has helped Sydney United 58 claim a point against rivals Sydney Olympic after a 1-1 draw at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday.

The talented United 58 goalkeeper made save after save to stop a relentless Olympic attack in a thrilling match between the traditional rivals.

Peter Simonoski’s 60th minute goal saw the home side take the lead early in the second half.

However, Olympic was quick to respond, with Radovan Pavicevic equalising for the visitors in the 63rd minute to finish the game square.

A late flurry from the visitors threatened to pinch all three points but United 58 clung on to secure a hard earned point.

It was a tight first half for both sides as the game travelled from end to end with fans sitting at the edge of their seat hoping that one of their team’s opportunities would make an impact.

Olympic was unlucky not to be on the scoreboard after 55 minutes, coming out firing after the break to create an abundance of opportunities muffled out by some quality goalkeeping from Sydney United 58’s Manos.

Jack Stewart took a shot in the 50th minute which was deflected spectacularly by Manos only to land at the feet of Alex Sanchez.

Sanchez then took the shot, but it was well defended by the home side.

Olympic came back wanting more in the 58th minute with Jinya An intercepting a ball from United 58 to let off a shot, which again was deflected by Manos.

Olympic followed with another shot on target, but Manos bounced up to keep the visitors scoreless.

Sydney United 58 opened scoring in the 60th minute, capitalising on a speedy counter attack to make their way on to the scoreboard.

Simonoski used his pace to run in between Olympic’s central defence to collect a huge overhead ball from Tariq Maia and send it out of reach of Olympic custodian Paul Henderson to knock home his sixth for the year.

Sanchez looked to retaliate immediately for Olympic, sending a shot just outside the stick’s moments later.

Thomas Whiteside sent an impressive ball straight to the head of Pavicevic in the 62nd minute, but the attacker’s header couldn’t find the target.

Olympic’s perseverance paid off in the 63rd minute with Sanchez and Pavicevic pairing up to equalise.

Sanchez made a dangerous run and cut the ball back in to Pavicevic who fired into the netting from inside the penalty area.

It was his first for the season.

Both sides were searching for more in the final quarter of the game, with Patrick Antelmi coming close for the hosts late in the game.

Antelmi sent a stunner towards goal in the 85th minute, but Henderson put his skills on display, pulling off a excellent save to keep the game at 1-1.

Sydney United 58 coach Miro Vlastelica said he thought the draw was a “fair result.”

“At the end of the day I think a draw was a fair result,” he said.

“Today was always going to be a test.”

Olympic coach Abbas Saad was pleased with the opportunities his team created in the game

“It was a tough game,” he explained.

“We had some good chances; their keeper was outstanding.”

“Both teams played really well and had a go.

“It was a good game to watch.”

Match Stats

Sydney United 58 1 (Peter Simonoski 60’)

Sydney Olympic FC 1 (Radovan Pavicevic 63’)

Sunday 12th May, 2019

Sydney United Sport Centre

Referee: Craig Fisher

Assistant referees: Scott Edeling, Nathan Wotton

Fourth official: Nicholas Gongolidis

Sydney United 58: 3. Jordan Roberts, 5. Anthony Tomelic, 7. Peter Simonoski, 10. Sebastian Gallego Berriel (12. Liam Rose), 11. Yianni Perkatis, 15. Tariq Maia (9. Patrick Antelmi), 17. Matthew Bilic, 18. Glen Trifiro, 20. Cristian Gonzalez (8. Matthew Sim), 21. Thomas Manos, 22, Yianni Fragogiannis

Substitutes Not Used: 1. Daniel Sadaka, 6. Petar Markovic,

Yellow Cards:  Yianni Fragogiannis, Jordan Roberts

Red Cards: Nil

Sydney Olympic FC: 1. Paul Henderson, 2. Thomas Whiteside, 4. Mitchell Stamatellis, 7. Will Angel (19. Darcy Burgess), 8. Jason Madonis, 9. Radovan Pavicevic (33. Niko Tsattalios), 10. Harris Gaitatzis (6. Nikola Kuleski), 11. Jinya An, 12. Zachary Mackenzie, 14. Alex Sanchez, 17. Jack Stewart

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Ezequiel Consoni, 25. Dimi Petratos,

Yellow Cards: Radovan Pavicevic

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Thomas Manos (SU)

2 – Alex Sanchez (SO)

1 – Thomas Whiteside (SO)

Written by National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Madeline Riley

@madelineriley23