There’s never been a better time to get to the ground early to support your club’s PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s U20 side.
Make no mistake – although these fixtures are curtain raisers by nature they are by no means simply filler before the big occasion, and with Hyundai A-League outfit Sydney FC joining the fray this year the undeniable quality of young talent on display in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s U20 competition is set to increase again.
This weekend reigning champions Sydney Olympic head to Bonnyrigg in a rematch of last campaign’s qualifying final, while the promoted Sky Blues will entertain host Rockdale City Suns at Lambert Park.
An exciting at Seymour Shaw will see two of last year’s strongest performers Sutherland and Manly lock horns while both Parramatta and Wollongong will look to improve on their inconsistent 2016 season when the two face off at Melita Stadium.
The match of the round is at Edensor Park where Sydney United 58 entertain APIA Leichhardt Tigers at Sydney United Sports Centre.
Match of the Round
Sydney United 58 v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Sunday 6pm at Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 may have been crowned PS4 NPL Champions of Australia last season but it was a different story for a vastly youthful U20 side who failed to mount a finals challenge despite claiming several big scalps throughout the year.
After finishing in eleventh position the Reds usher in the new season against an APIA Leichhardt side set on another top four finish after completing the 2016 season in third position. APIA matched it with the competitions finest at their best last year, spurred on by a sterling campaign from golden boot winner Duncan Stewart, but were eventually eliminated by Sydney Olympic in the semi-finals.
Sydney United Sports Centre was the scene of that heart-breaking 2-1 semi-final defeat to Olympic last year – the Tigers will hope this visit to Edensor Park will yield a more positive result.
Saturday
Sutherland Sharks v Manly United, 4.30pm at Seymour Shaw
The U20’s competition officially begins on Saturday at Seymour Shaw with Sutherland Sharks hosting Manly United and if clashes between the two in recent memory are anything to go by it should be an unmissable season curtain-raiser.
Manly United were well worth their Premiership victory after pipping Bonnyrigg, APIA and Sutherland to the post last season under the tutelage of Andrew Christiansen and the Cromer Park outfit will no doubt hold similarly lofty targets for 2017.
They’ll come up against the best defensive side from 2016 in a canny Sutherland outfit who saw the likes of Patrick O’Shea and Jack Press become first team members last season. Be sure to keep a keen eye out for youngsters of similar potential when the campaign begins at Seymour Shaw.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Sydney Olympic, 5pm at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
Bonnyrigg White Eagles endured a preliminary finals day from hell in 2016 where both U20 and 1st grade sides bowed out of the competition in heartbreaking fashion.
The U20’s were beaten 2-1 by a late Sydney Olympic winner on the occasion and will no doubt have revenge on their minds when the Blues arrive at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
Olympic meanwhile will be out to begin their championship defence on the right note, and prove that last season’s unlikely victory was no fluke. It’s sure to be a feisty encounter in Bonnyrigg.
Parramatta v Wollongong Wolves, 5pm at Melita Stadium
Parramatta and Wollongong finished eighth and ninth respectively last season with neither side able to string together enough consistency to truly challenge the top five positions.
Both will hope the clean slate of the 2017 campaign offers improvement on several levels. Having consolidated their status in the top tier of the National Premier League this could the year for either Parramatta and Wollongong to make great strides in the club championship and in the U20’s competition.
Sydney FC v Rockdale City Suns, 5.45pm at Lambert Park
Rockdale City Suns never looked like escaping the bottom of the U20’s table in a disappointing 2016 season and they couldn’t have asked for a tougher draw to start the 2017 campaign beginning with a daunting away trip to Sydney FC on Saturday evening.
The Sky Blues ousted their rivals Western Sydney on their way to promotion and will fancy their chances at a perfect start to NPL1 life when they host Rockdale at Lambert Park.
Sunday
Hakoah Sydney City East v Blacktown City, 1pm at Hensley Athletic Field
2016 was a disappointing season for Blacktown City. Perennial heavyweights across all senior age groups, the U20’s fell victim to a remarkable second half of the season slump that saw the 2015 champions finish in sixth position.
Boasting one of the most talented rosters across the competition, nothing less than a top five finish will do for City who have been tasked with a difficult journey to Hensley Athletic Field to take on Hakoah Sydney City East.
Having achieved promotion to the NPL in 2015, Hakoah’s debut year in the top flight was one of steady improvement. The league newcomers often threatened the top five but tailed off in the back end of the season, eventually finishing seven points off fifth-placed Sydney Olympic.
-By Jacob Windon
Round 1 Preview – PS4 NPL NSW Men’s
NSW’s top tier football is back with the return of the PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.
This weekend’s round one action is sure to give fans plenty to sink their teeth into with new signings and fresh hope among each of the 12 teams.
Match of the Round
Sydney FC v Rockdale City Suns, 7.45pm Saturday at Lambert Park
New kids on the block Sydney FC kick off their PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition campaign with a blockbuster clash against Rockdale.
It will be an early litmus test for Robbie Stanton’s young guns as they take on a Suns team packed with big name players including captain coach Paul Reid and new signing Ante Covic as well as Harris Gaitatzis.
Sydney FC dominated the PS4 NPL2 competition in 2016 despite a constantly changing roster.
Can the youth team continue their impressive form in the state league top tier or will Rockdale bring them back to earth.
It is sure to be a must watch for all fans.
Sutherland Sharks v Manly United, 6.30pm Saturday at Seymour Shaw
Sharks fans will be determined to see their side start the season on the right note when Manly United comes to Seymour Shaw on Saturday.
Carlos Villazon’s Sutherland team possessed one of the competition’s most potent attacks on its day but also suffered from inconsistency and lazy defence. With a full off season under their belt can the Sharks find a new level of performance in 2017.
Manly were delivered a curve ball weeks out from the start of the season with long-time coach Paul Dee stepping down. Interim coach Warren Grieve will be looking at a quality result in round one to prove his side shouldn’t be written off which boost several stars including new signings Dylan Macallister and Sasa Macura joining the familiar faces of Dylan Mitchell and Brendan Cholakian at the squad.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Sydney Olympic FC, 7pm Saturday at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
It was the off season from hell for Bonnyrigg as the club faced an injury crisis before round one.
New signing and A-League winner Milan Susak as well as Anthony Mansueto were just two of the names on the White Eagles injury report.
Although Bonnyrigg will most likely not field a full-strength team until Round 6 at the earliest, Brian Brown’s team is known for its resilience.
A new look Sydney Olympic will be Bonnyrigg’s opponent in Round 1 and the match will provide the first look at how Portuguese coach Jamie Monroy has his team operating.
With the theme of rising youngsters in the Blues camp, many fans and followers will be keenly watching the progress of the Sydney Olympic squad.
Will the home field advantage be enough to get Bonnyrigg over the line with the game expected to attract a healthy crowd for their round 1 clash.
Parramatta FC v Wollongong Wolves, 7pm Saturday at Melita Stadium
Wollongong Wolves have their eyes on one day becoming an Hyundai A-League club but first they must prove they are a contender in the PS4 NPL NSW.
Former Japanese international Yuzo Tashiro is expected to make his much-anticipated debut for the Wolves as they take on a spirited and gritty Parramatta FC outfit which may unearth its secret weapons in the Sama brothers, Gosue, Marco and Nico.
Parramatta will have its eyes set on finals football in 2017 after two seasons battling it out at the foot of the table. A big performance in round will be imperative if they are to achieve their goals.
Hakoah Sydney City East FC v Blacktown City FC, 3pm Sunday at Hensley Athletic Field
Hakoah surprised many last season with its impressive first season in the PS4 NPL NSW competition. With new coach and former Scottish International star Gavin Raye at the helm, the boys from the east will be fighting to avoid a sophomore slump in 2017.
Their Round 1 challenge doesn’t get much tougher than reigning PS4 NPL NSW champions Blacktown City.
While Blacktown City has seen a number of its key players move on after last season, they still have a core group of stars to remain an early favourite – this includes the elusive Danny Choi.
Hakoah upset Blacktown at Hensley Athletic Field last season and are sure to use that result as inspiration going into their round one clash.
Sydney United 58 FC v APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC, 6pm Sunday at Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 were one game away from an incredible four trophy haul in 2016. Unfortunately for the Edensor Park based side they were upset by Blacktown City in last season’s PS4 NPL NSW Men’s Competition Grand Final.
With the pain of defeat still fresh in their minds, Sydney United 58 will be more determined than ever with new coach in charge Davor Bajsic in going one step further.
That man again, Panny Nikas will be one to look out for in this match but it will be Nic Olsen, a former APIA Leichhardt Tigers that will want to shake the headlines after his summer move away from Lambert Park to Sydney’s West that will be the talking point.
Round 1 has United 58 taking on APIA in a game sure to feature plenty of quality attacking football.
APIA were one of last season’s biggest disappointments and coach Danial Cummins will hope to have his team back to its best.
The Tigers will be buoyed on by new skipper David D’Appuzo as he and his troops hope to surprise the current NPL Champions in round 1.
It is a match with the potential to be one of the round’s most entertaining.
APIA Leichhardt Tigers hungry for 2017 success
The 2016 PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season was one that won’t be remembered very fondly by APIA Leichhardt and its fans.
The club, although starting off on the right track failed to live up to the team’s high expectations and finished in eighth spot.
The Lambert Park faithful have been starved of success and are hoping that 2017 will be the year for their team to rediscover their winning form.
However, the pressure will be on and another slow start could have serious repercussions.
The Coach
Danial Cummins – Taking over as head coach of the club mid-way through the 2016 season, Danial Cummins displayed flashes of the coaching ability which helped him win the APIA top job.
Cummins has climbed his way up the coaching ranks at APIA after a career as a player in the old NSL and is held in high regard in coaching circles.
With a full preseason to help get his team playing on the same page expect Cummins to have his APIA side playing a more coherent style.
Objectives
Nothing less than challenging for the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s title will be accepted by the top brass at APIA.
After a mediocre season in 2016, expectations will be higher than ever at Lambert Park.
A top four spot is in the Tiger’s sights with a winning start to the season more important than ever.
Player To Watch
Franco Parisi – No man has been as influential at APIA in recent seasons as Tigers midfielder Franco Parisi.
The mercurial midfielder has been the heartbeat of the Lambert Park club and that remains the case in 2017.
Able to turn a game with a few touches of the ball, an in-form Parisi often means success for APIA.
Expect big things from the veteran as he sets out to bounce back from a disappointing 2016 season.
Will it be a case of supporters shouting “Too easy for Parisi” in 2017? Only time will tell.
Rising Star
Brandon Lundy – Striker Lundy will have his sights set on fighting his way back to the A-League after making three starts at the Newcastle Jets in 2016.
Only 20 years-old, Lundy failed to turn his impressive performances with the Jets Youth team into a long term deal with the A-League side and he left to join APIA at the end of last season.
Capable of playing both up front or on the wing, Lundy has the ability to be one of the competition’s most exciting stars.
Coaches Comments
“We are a club with high standards and high expectations with anything short of a top three finish simply not good enough.
“This offseason we have worked hard at fixing the gaps we had last season and everyone is determined to bring this club back to the top in 2017.”
Ins
Matthew West
Josh Symons
Luke Turnbull
Outs
Nick Olsen
Nathan Elasi
Tigers no match for ruthless Manly
Manly United defeated APIA Leichhardt Tigers 4-1 in an entertaining Round 20 contest of the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s at Lambert Park.
For Manly United, the victory keeps them in third place on the ladder while for APIA Leichhardt the season is all but over.
The home side did take the lead through Brandon Hooper midway through the first stanza of play but two goals to Richie Cardozo and Luke Giverin in the space of 60 seconds sent the visitors into the break with a 2-1 lead.
In the second half Manly United scored twice more through Cardozo and Shane Cansdell-Sheriff to round out the scoring as the dismal afternoon continued for the Tigers.
In the tenth minute the game’s opening salvo was a shot from outside the box by Zane Sole which was well held by goalkeeper Dylan Mitchell.
Manly United’s opening chance arrived six minutes later when Brendan Cholakian had a free header in the box but put the ball wide of the mark.
In the 19th minute Brendan Hooper scored the opening goal and it arrived for the Tigers. A corner that was floated across to the far back post was met by Nathan Millgate’s header but keeper Mitchell made a brilliant reflex save, but only as far as Hooper who made no mistake with his head from close range.
In the 29th minute, from a rebound, a beautiful shot from outside the box by Tasuku Sekiya ended up just wide as APIA mounted more pressure on the visitors.
Just four minutes later the pressure though was on up the other end. Adam Parkhouse found himself in the clear with space on the left but he fired over the crossbar when he really should have done a lot better.
Manly United however equalised and then took the lead within the space of a minute. In the 38th minute, when a ball was played square from the right across to Richie Cardozo, he majestically fired it into the top left hand corner of the net.
There was hardly time to settle down and within 30 seconds Luke Giverin received the ball on the left and placed it diagonally into the far corner of the net leaving goalkeeper Ryan Norval stranded.
These two goals for Manly United had the visitors playing out of their skin in the last few minutes of the first stanza of play.
The game now had now changed considerably with Manly United going into the break in the lead when probably they didn’t expect it to be so.
Nathan Elasi fired a powerful diagonal shot just wide of the mark as APIA tried to equalise in the 52nd minute.
The Tigers clearly had exited the dressing rooms with great intention but unfortunately conceded shortly afterwards.
Manly United scored in the 54th minute when APIA lost possession and Parkhouse fired a strong shot which Norval parried into the path of Cardozo for an easy tap in.
It was Cardozo’s second goal and Manly’s third as the Tigers were letting the game clearly slip away.
In the 65th minute Cardozo curled a free-kick from outside the box but it finished just wide of the goal. It would have been a very nice goal indeed had it been a few centimetres the other way.
In the 77th minute a corner by Giverin was beautifully flicked on by Shane Cansdell-Sheriff who headed the ball diagonally into the back of the net for Manly United’s fourth goal.
In the 89th minute Brendan Cholakian won the ball off an APIA defender and sprinted towards goal but his final shot was well held by Norval. It was to be the final shot in anger for the evening as the Northern Beaches boys took full points from Lambert Park.
After the game assistant Manly United coach Bob Catlin, himself a former APIA goalkeeper of note, stated that he was pleased with his side’s performance.
“The boys did a great job even though it took a little while to settle down,” he said. “I thought we controlled it quite well and, in the end, it could have been a couple more.
“The team has been really good this year. We started back in November last year and it has been a long, hard season but they are reaping the benefits now and hopefully we’ll just keep rolling on.”
Over in the APIA Leichhardt dressing room coach Danial Cummins wasn’t too displeased with his side.
“We played well, especially in the first half hour or so but a lack of concentration late in the first half got us,” he said.
“Manly are good side and they are in the top three for a reason, but when they get an opportunity that’s the difference. They can punish us and we missed our chances to punish them.
“There’s still a lot for us to play for this season in the last two rounds coming up. The boys are part of a better team than we have shown, so we need to end the season with some consistency and show that we can really play,” he said
Match Stats
APIA Leichhardt: 1 (Hooper 19’)
Manly United FC: 4 (Cardozo 38’, Giverin 39’, Cardozo 54’, Candsdell-Sheriff 77’)
Sunday 31st July 2016
Lambert Park Leichhardt
Referee: Daniel Stack
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields, Josh Adabjou
Fourth Official: Brandon Lovric
APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 92. NORVAL Ryan, 2. MILLGATE Nathan, 5. HOOPER Brendan, 8. BICZO Corey (11. MURRAY Jordan 65’), 9. ELASI Nathan (10. PARISI Franco 78’), 15. MUATA-MARLOW Themba, 16. SYMONS Sean, 18. UCCHINO Adrian, 20. SEKIYA Tasuku, 22. SOLE Zane (19. LUNDY Brandon 46’), 23. OLSEN Nicholas
Substitutes not used: 4. BARTELS Bradley, 50. TUXFORD Adrian
Yellow Cards: Millgate 22’, Hooper 64’
Red Cards: Nil
Manly United FC: 1. MITCHELL Dylan, 3. LOBB Jamie, 4. OUGHTRED Travis, 5. WILLIAMS Rhys (21. FOX Joseph 13’), 6. GALLAGHER Sam, 9. CARDOZO Richie (19. BALDERSON Scott 71’), 10. CHOLAKIAN Brendan, 11. PARKHOUSE Adam (7. COOPER Travis 65’), 14. PANDUREVIC Dejan, 17. CANSDELL-SHERIFF Shane, 22. GIVERIN Luke
Substitutes not used: 18. BRAGG Daniel, 20. CATLIN Shaun
Yellow Cards: Giverin 69’
Red Cards: Nil
-by Joe Russo, PlayStation®National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 Reporter, at Lambert Park
APIA snatch points off United 58
In an exciting end-to-end PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s clash at Edensor Park, Sydney United 58 and APIA Leichhardt Tigers shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw on Sunday.
APIA’s Nick Olsen proved to be a thorn in United’s side with a Man of the Match performance for the visitors, while Panni Nikas again showed his class for the home team.
A Nikas free kick opened the scoring for United 58 early in the second half before Olsen struck back moments later.
Chris Payne gave the home side the lead with 30 minutes left to play but Olsen once again played the role of party pooper to perfection scoring his second in the 83rd minute to ensure his team went home with a point.
It wasn’t a great performance from Sydney United 58 as they dropped the chance to clinch the PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s Premiership with three weeks to play as rivals and Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 opponents Blacktown City have kept their hopes alive in possible snatching it off the Reds.
United had a golden opportunity to open the scoring inside the first minute when a pinpoint Nikas free kick was headed just wide by sharpshooter Chris Payne.
Despite the early opportunity, it was APIA who dominated the first half, creating enough chances to win three matches let alone one.
But try as they did, Danial Cummins’ side just couldn’t find the back of the net. United meanwhile seemed to be in a state of perpetual hibernation, possibly playing their most uninspiring football of the season.
For APIA the ever-dangerous Nick Olsen found Tasuku Sekiya in front of goal, but the linesman raised his flag for offside. Olsen was at it again in the 19th minute, but Corey Biczo blasted his shot over the bar. APIA strung together some accurate passes and created several opportunities. Biczo was upended just outside the box, while Elasi eventually headed wide.
In the 23rd minute Chris Payne again went close, this time heading a cross onto the bar.
But such was APIA’s dominance that for every opportunity created by United, the visitors created three.
Sekiya set up Zane Sole only to see his shot fly over the bar. The visitors at times opened the United defence at will, a scenario that would have caused coach Mark Rudan a serious case of indigestion. But despite their dominance, the visitors failed to capitalise and were unable to find the back of the net. Elasi missed a sitter in the 38th minute while another chance went begging just as referee Ben Abraham blew for halftime.
“Come on United! Wake up!” shouted someone in the crowd.
His urging seemed to work as United started the first half with the intensity they lacked in the opening 45 minutes.
And as always it was that man Nikas who came to his side’s rescue. First of all, he unleashed a rocket that went just wide and in the 55th minute he finally broke the deadlock with a brilliant free kick that left APIA keeper Ryan Norval grasping at thin air.
But despite the setback, APIA refused to back down, with Nick Olsen being causing all sorts of dramas in the United defence. First of all he wriggled his way past two defenders only to shoot straight at the keeper. But just past the hour mark, he drove home the equaliser after a brilliant run down the right flank by Corey Biczo.
United hit straight back, with Tratt missing a golden opportunity to give his side a lead. But a few minutes later Chris Payne did what he does best and in a one-on-one with Norval, slipped the ball home to give United a 2-1 lead.
In the 73rd minute APIA’s Sekiya hit a volley just wide and 10 minutes later it was that man Olsen who again came to his side’s rescue, slotting home the equalizer from close range.
Just a minute shy of fulltime, Nikas went agonizingly close to scoring the winner with yet another brilliant free kick. The ball beat Norval but sailed wide of the near post. APIA had a golden opportunity themselves but United 58 keeper Thomas Manos came to the rescue, diving at the feet of the APIA attacker, before parrying a rocket from Olsen. In the end, a draw was probably a reasonable outcome.
“We didn’t lose and that’s a bonus,” said Sydney United 58 coach Mark Rudan.
“Individually APIA’s a fantastic side and they’re fighting for survival. The club is in relegation mode and it was important that we matched their aggression, intensity and desire because you could see from the outset that they were hungry to pick up all three points.
“I wasn’t entirely happy with the first half but (in the second half) we took the lead on two occasions but we weren’t good enough to hold on.”
Meanwhile, APIA coach Danial Cummins rued an opportunity missed but was still proud of his team’s efforts.
“Definitely an opportunity missed,” Cummins said.
“They’re on top of the table for a reason, they’re a very good side. I’m very proud of my boys, we showed a lot of character and probably showed that we’re capable but just not consistent enough.
“The first half I thought our structure was quite good. But throughout the game we didn’t go wide quick enough. But when we did get wide and got the crosses in, we created opportunities.
“There was a lot on the line for us reputation-wise tonight and we needed to back up that (great) first half and put in a good shift in the second half. I feel like we did that.”
Wednesday will see the home side tackle Blacktown City FC in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 at Lily Homes Stadium with kick off set for 7:30pm – a match not to be missed by anyone.
Match Stats
Sydney United 58: 2 (Nikas 55’, Payne 66’)
APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 2 (Olsen 62’ 83’)
Sunday 24 July 2016
Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park
Referee: B Abraham
Assistant Referees: N Wotton, R Osborne
Fourth Official: T Harris
SYDNEY UNITED 58: 21. Thomas MANOS (GK), 4. Eddy BOSNAR, 6. Chris PAYNE, 8. Peter TRIANTIS, 10. Robert MILESKI (7. Shin YUTARO), 14. Nick STAVROULAKIS, 18. Glen TRIFIRO, 19. Matthew BILIC (33. Nathan SHERLOCK), 20. Tomislav USKOK (17. Theo KOFINAS), 23. Panny NIKAS, 24. Jacob TRATT.
Unused Subs: 11. Nikola TANESKI, 40. Gabriel KOLIOMIHOS
Yellow Cards: 6. Chris PAYNE, 14. Nick STAVROULAKIS, 17. Theo KOFINAS, 23. Panny NIKAS,
Red Cards:
Coach: Mark RUDAN
APIA LEICHHARDT TIGERS: 92. Ryan NORVAL (GK), 6. Luke AUSTIN, 8. COREY BICZO, 9. Nathan ELASI (11. Jordan MURRAY), 15. Themba MUATA-MARLOW, 16. Sean SYMONS, 18. Adrian UCCHINO (10. Franco PARISI), 19. Brandon LUNDY, 20. Tasuku SEKIYA, 22. Zane SOLE, 23. Nick OLSEN
Unused Subs: 4. Bradley BARTELS, 5. Brendan HOOPER, 50. Blake TUXFORD (GK)
Yellow Cards: 8. COREY BICZO, 19. Brandon LUNDY, 9. Nathan ELASI, 18. Adrian UCCHINO, 23. Nick OLSEN.
Coach: Danial Cummins
By Derek Royal, PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s reporter