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Sim stunner gives United 58 edge over Blacktown City

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Goalkeeper Thomas Manos saved the day for Sydney United 58 in their National Premier Leagues NSW Mens match away to Blacktown City at Lily Homes Stadium won by a wonder-striker Matthew Sim free-kick.

Manos made three saves in the closing stages to deny City a point after a sublime curling dead ball from Sim secured the spoils.

Patrick Antelmi, the former City player, almost returned to haunt his former club in the opening moments only for gloveman Tristan Prendergast to turn the ball away.

City initially responded by mounting pressure on their rivals however goal scoring opportunities were a rare commodity as the match bogged down in midfield and became a battle of attrition.

Neither side was at it’s best in a lethargic opening opening half and it was no surprise the teams hit the sheds still locked in stalemate.

It wasn’t until the second period the game sprang to life and an early free-kick on the edge of the box was the catalyst.

Sim placed the ball and curled a left-footed shot teasingly up into Prendergast’s left hand corner to open the scoring for the visitors.

It was to prove the only goal of the game but it wasn’t for the lack of trying by City who switched to a back three and they almost paid the price again when a sweet through ball from Yianni Fragogiannis put Antelmi into the clear but he somehow contrived to fire his effort over the bar.

City pushed and probed and another dead ball situation saw Mason Versi force Manos into the first of three quick successive saves, one more from Versi and another he tipped over the bar in the stoppage time.

The United 58 defence marshaled by veteran Petar Markovic alongside Fragogiannis as well as the marauding runs of Jordan Roberts and the solid display by Yianni Perkatis really shone out for the visitors.

A disconsolate Blacktown coach, Mark Crittendon, commented.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose the game today,

“We gave away a cheap turnover and then a foul to let them in to score.

“I’m proud of the effort from the guys today but like I said, I don’t feel we deserved to lose to a goal like that.”

Miro Vlastelica was rather more upbeat as United 58 recorded its first victory for 2019.

“We always know we are in for a tough game against Blacktown as they are a quality side.

“We could have won by more in the end but we didn’t take the chances we created and we need to work harder on that.

“However, we’ve got the points, kept a clean sheet and we’ll move forward from here.”

Match Stats

Blacktown City: 0

Sydney United 58: 1 (Sim 56’)

Lily Homes Stadium, Quinn Ave, Seven hills

Sunday 17th March, 2019

Blacktown City: 1.Tristan Prendergast, 4.Yianni Spyrakis, 5.Grant Lynch (Mason Versi 75′), 6.Matt Lewis, 7.Devante Clut, 8.Daniel Araujo, 9.Joey Gibbs, 11.Mani Gonzalez (James Demetriou 59′), 21.William Mutch, 22.Leroy Jennings, 24.Jackson Bandierra (Adam Berry 62′)

Subs not used: 3.Daniel Collins, 20.Dylan Niski

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Sydney United 58: 21.Thomas Manos, 3.Jordan Roberts, 5.Anthony Tomelic (Nick Stavroulakis 71′), 6.Petar Markovic, 8.Matthew Sim (Adrian Vlastelica 75′), 9.Patrick Antelmi, 11.Yianni Perkatis, 13.Sam Perre, 15.Tariq Maia (Josh Macdonald 62′), 20.Christian Gonzalez, 22.Yianni Fragogiannis

Subs not used: 2.Joshua De Rossi, Daniel Sadaka

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Player Ratings

3 – Manos (SU58)

2 – Fragogiannis (SU58)

1 – Clut (BCFC)

By Micky Brock, FNSW Reporter

Blacktown City bag derby spoils in sweltering conditions

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Blacktown City welcomed new boys Mt Druitt Town Rangers to the National Premier Leagues NSW Mens competition in a scrappy but dominant match at Lily Homes Stadium decided by a solitary own goal to the unfortunate Rangers defender Nick Trimble. 

Rangers had the first opportunity of the game in the opening minute when former Suns attacker Toufic Allamaddine centered for Hiten Satoh after showing his pace down the right but the scuffed shot never threatened Tristan Prendergast in the City net.

In typical season opener, local derby, the pace was urgent and full bodied with Blacktown City penning their visitors back with the high press that produced several half chances without any clear cut opportunities.

Leroy Jennings attempted bicycle kick was mistimed and Rangers managed to scramble it clear however, keeper Carlos Saliadarre was called in to action with an expert full length save to keep his side in the match.

But it was unfortunate circumstances that led to City taking the lead in the 38’ minute when former Ranger Mani Gonzalez broke down the right and into the box. His low shot beat Saliadarre but cannoned back off the upright onto Trimble who, with no time to react, saw the ball hit the back of the net.

Mt Druitt had sporadic chances, but it was Blacktown who went to the break leading by the only goal of the match in a fiercely contested game that neither coach could have too many complaints about in a match dominated by the home side.

A double substitution at the start of the secon dhalf for Mt Druitt saw Giuliano Airoldi and Jordan Gomez replaced Allamaddine and Luke Clifford respectively as the visitors looked to take the game more to City.

It showed ambition but City were soon on the attack once more.

Lord Darkoh managed to get a block in on Daniel Araujo to prevent Blacktown extending the lead and Saliadarre was called in to action once more as Jackson Bandiera stole in down the left but the keeper was smartly down at his post to turn the ball away.

Jennings thought he was clean through seconds later and again Saliadarre was down sharply to smother the ball, an offside flag sparing the strikers’ blushes on this occasion.

Adrian Vranic attempted to reply on the hour mark but his deflected shot took the sting out and City were immediately on the attack and only a last ditch tackle inside the box by Trimble stopped Jennings in his tracks.

Rangers were chasing the game which played to City’s strengths.

Vranic was replaced by Alex Boydjian shortly after as coach Aidan Desmond rolled his last throw of the dice.

Saliadarre, in sparkling season opener form, thwarted Grant Lynch as another City attack was once more halted at the last.

Fabricio Fernandez came close for Mt Druitt in the 78’ minute when whistling a right-footed shot narrowly wide of Prendergast’s left upright in the closest the visitors had come and with City only leading by the solitary goal, there could yet be a sting in the tail in a thoroughly entertaining football match.

It wasn’t to be for a gallant Rangers’ outfit leaving Blacktown coach, Mark Crittenden to comment after the match.

“I felt we totally dominated the first-half and it was great lead up work that led to the goal, to the point where they could hardly get out of their own half.

“It was a very hot and tough day for us and especially the new boys on the block and they came here and certainly gave us a game.

“The second-half, due to the conditions, wasn’t the flashest game of football ever played but we kept a clean sheet, got the three points and we move on to next week and that is all that is important.”

“You never walk away from the pitch being happy after a loss.”  Rangers coach, Aidan Desmond, commented.

“It was certainly a game of two halves and we sat a little too deep in then opening 45’ minutes.

“We were unfortunate with the own goal but we changed a few things at the break and came out and produced a performance I was happy with.

“We need to make some better decisions in the top third and we’ll create more opportunities but we’ll learn from this result.”

Match Stats

Blacktown City 1 (Trimble 38’own goal)

Mt Druitt Town Rangers 0

Lily Homes Stadium, Seven Hills

Sunday, 10th March 2019

Referee: Hassan Jomaa

Assistants: Raymond Osborne & Hugh Fenton-White

Fourth: Sam Kelly

Blacktown City: 1.Tristan Prendergast, 4.Yianni Spyrakis, 5.Grant Lynch, 6.Matt Lewis, 7.Devant Clut, 8.Daniel Araujo (19.Adam Berry 83’), 9.Joey Gibbs, 11.Mani Gonzalez (10.James Demitriou 65’), 21.William Mutch, 22.Leroy Jennings, 24.Jackson Bandiera (3.Daniel Collins 80’)

Subs not used: 15.Mason Versi, 20.Dylan Niski

Yellow cards:  Spyriakis 65’

Red Cards: 

Mt Druitt Town Rangers: 1.Carlos Saliadarre, 2.Hiten Satoh, 3.Lachlan Roberts, 6.Blake Thompson, 7.Luke Clifford (17.Jordan Gomez 46’), 8.Matthew Clowes, 10.Fabricio Fernandez, 11.Toufic Allameddine (15.Giuliano Airoldi 46’), 12.Nick Trimble, 13.Lord Darkoh, 23.Adrian Vranic (9.Alex Boyadjian 66’)

Subs not used: 14.Cooper Coskerie, 25.Matthew Nikolovski

Yellow cards:

Red Cards:

Player Ratings

3 – Devante Clut (BC)

2 – Leroy Jennings (BC)

1 – Carlos Saliadarre (MDTR)

-By Micky Brock, FNSW Reporter

 

Blacktown City ready to rebuild

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A changing of the guard at Blacktown City doesn’t mean they should be written off according to head coach Mark Crittenden who insists his young side can be a surprise packet this season.

2019 will be one of Crittenden’s greatest challenges in his time as Blacktown head coach as he attempts to rebuild the side after it was gutted in the offseason after a player exodus.

Zach Cairncross, Giorgio Speranza, Roberto Speranza, Mitch Mallia and Connor Evans have been regulars on the City team list for the past five seasons but they have all made the move to Marconi.

Their departures has left Blacktown without a big part of the playing group which guided the club to two NPL NSW Championships, an NPL NSW Premiership and an NPL Australia title between 2014 and 2018.

While the playing roster from last season may have been stripped of much of its experienced stars, Crittenden is confident his young squad can exceed expectations.

“It has been a big shakeup at the club but the way I look at it is now there is a great opportunity to give some quality youth players their chance,” Crittenden said.

“There is no point in dwelling on the boys who have left. Obviously their priorities have changed and with our smaller budget at the club we were unable to stop the team being ripped apart.

“We still have a number of experienced boys who have stayed and I have full belief that we will still be a tough and competitive team no matter who we play this year.”That experience is sure to be leaned on more and more this season with veteran stars Joey Gibbs, Matt Lewis and Blacktown’s 2018 player of the year Grant Lynch sure to carry the load.

It wasn’t all just departures this off-season for Blacktown with the club bringing in former Young Socceroos forward James Demetriou and rising star Leroy Jennings.

Crittenden admitted there is sure to be teething issues this season but said fans should expect to see the same ‘never say die attitude’ which has been a hallmark of Blacktown under his tenure.

“It will be a younger team this year and with that comes a bit of naivety which I don’t doubt will occur from time to time throughout the season,” he said.

“In saying that the boys are working extremely hard to achieve the goals we have set for the year.

“I want to build this team up just like we did  four or five seasons ago.”

The much loved coach revealed the shakeup at the club has given him a chance for some personal development.

“The whole situation coming into this campaign has really changed my thought process and approach,” he added.

“As a club we have been reasonably successful in recent years so it would be easy to just copy the formula.

“However, I don’t want to be caught just sitting on my hands which has helped encourage me to change up the way I do things.

“This year is very much about change at the club.  I feel really good about the direction we are headed and I think our performances on the field will be proof of that.”

Blacktown open their season against Mt Druitt Rangers at Lily Homes Stadium on March 10.

Key player movements

Arrivals: James Demetriou (Sydney Olympic), Leroy Jennings (Sutherland Sharks)

Departures: Zach Cairncross (Marconi Stallions) , Giorgio Speranza (Marconi Stallions), Roberto Speranza(Marconi Stallions), Mitch Mallia (Marconi Stallions), Connor Evans (Marconi Stallions)

-By Nick Houghton 

Finals Series Week Two – NPL NSW U20 Men’s Review

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Sutherland Sharks 2-0 Sydney United 58, Saturday 5.00pm at Lambert Park

Sutherland are one win away from back to back Grand Final appearances after edging out Sydney United 58 2-0 at Lambert Park’s elimination final on Saturday evening.

Leroy Jennings was the hero for Nick Dimovski’s side, opening the scoring early in the second half before laying on a sublime assist for Lachlan Everett’s match-clinching strike in the final minute of normal time.

The win redresses a torrid end to the season for the Sharks, who relinquished their 2017 Premiership title to Blacktown City and entered the contest off the back of a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Sydney FC last Saturday.

Moreover, Sutherland had won just three of their last eleven games prior to kick off and it took a huge show of character from the Sharks to bounce back from their implosion against the Sky Blies.

That defeat may have influenced a cautious opening half from both sides which offered little chances to either team, although Sharks centre half Harrison Quirk did have to head United 58 striker Nathan Manno’s goal-bound effort clear late in the half.

Miro Vlastelica’s Reds were the competition’s form team heading into the finals series and it took more desperation defending from Sutherland to repel an early barrage of pressure from the Reds in the second half.

But the Sharks would take the lead against the run of play through Jennings, who weaved past two defenders in the United 58 box before rifling the ball in at the near post on the hour mark.

It was the first goal United 58 had conceded in over 400 minutes and one that would prove the matches turning point – although the Sharks did live dangerously at times and required a huge second half from Quirk and Harry Sutherland to carry Sutherland over the line.

Having broken the deadlock early in the second half, it was the inspirational Jennings who turned provider in the final minute of normal time and found Everett at the back post, who lashed an unstoppable drive across goal.

Sutherland will now face Blacktown City in next weekend’s qualifying final after the 2018 Premiers were beaten 2-0 by Sydney FC at Lambert Park on Sunday afternoon.

Sharks coach Nick Dimovski said the gutsy performance from Sutherland was a strong show of character, and remarked that the team’s hopes of claiming back to back championships are still alive.

“We’re daring to dream,” he said.

“I think today Sydney United were well organised by Miro (Vlastelica) and are very hard to break down.

“We dug deep today and we showed a lot of character. Full credit to Sydney FC last week – no excuses, we got beaten but we bounced back today.

“I said to the boys that good teams don’t lose two in a row. No one’s going to remember the 5-0 defeat to Sydney if we go on to win the Grand Final.”

Match Stats

Sutherland Sharks 2 (Jennings 56’, Everett 89’)

Sydney United 58 0

Saturday 25th August 2018

Lambert Park, Leichhardt

Sutherland Sharks: 33. Thomas Papa, 17. Leroy Jennings, 53. Kuot Malliet, 10. Josh Da Silva, 6. Lachlan Everett, 12. Blair Brown, 24. Adam Massoud, 26. Harry Sutherland, 27. Harrison Quirk, 21. Nikolas Loe, 31. Gabriel Contigiani

Substitutes not used: 42. Mario Aleksic, 47. Jacob Gjorsevski, 43. Charlie Jones, 23. Deren O’Brien, 3. Richard Stewart

Yellow cards: Everett 31’, Massoud 41’

Red cards: N/A

Sydney United 58: 11. Joshua Derossi, 37. Modassir Hussain, 38. Nathan Manno, 35. Cole Mutton, 31. Anthony Pedavoli, 27. Dimitri Petratos, 28. Kyle Sarigiannis, 24. Anthony Trimboli, 33. Luke Vlastelica, 32. Anthony Vrlic, 1. John Hall

Substitutes not used: 26. Harry Darwand, 7. Mihael Marcic, 9. Ivan Ozanic, 4. Niokla Pintur, 12. Nicholas O’Brien

Yellow cards: Marcic 86’

Red cards: N/A

 

 

Blacktown City 0-2 Sydney FC, Sunday at Lambert Park

Blacktown City will now face Sutherland next weekend for a spot in the Grand Final after Sydney FC secured their ticket with a 2-0 win over the Premiers at Lambert Park on Sunday.

Ben Van Meurs picked a great time to open his account for the season after putting Sydney ahead with his first half header, while Daniel Maskin added another midway through the second half to seal the deal for the Sky Blues.

Following on from last Saturday’s sensational 5-0 win over Sutherland Sharks, it was another impressive showing from Giancarlo Italiano’s men, who will enter the Grand Final with back to back clean sheets.

After missing out to Blacktown in the Premiership race, Sydney’s ruthless display in the finals may just see them enter as favourites.

The Sky Blues have certainly learnt from the lessons of the 2017 finals series – which saw the team defeated on penalties by eventual champions Sutherland and turned over by underdogs APIA Leichhardt.

Blacktown will now face Sutherland in next weekend’s qualifying final.

 

By Jacob Windon

Finals Week Two – NPL NSW U20 Men’s Preview

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Sutherland Sharks v Sydney United 58, Saturday 5.00pm at Lambert Park

It wasn’t meant to be like this for 2017 double winners Sutherland Sharks.

After starting the season on fire and looking great chances of securing back to back trophy wins, Sutherland are now one loss away from elimination.

The Sharks have not enjoyed a happy end to the season with a combination of misfortune and poor results seeing the side win just two out of 10 fixtures.

Their latest defeat – a crushing 5-0 defeat to Sydney FC at Lily Homes Stadium last Saturday – was a reflection of the form the Sharks are in at the moment, and the massive effort that will be required to stop an in-form Sydney United 58 team on Saturday.

United 58 have a great chance to put the final nail in the coffin of the Sharks outfit at Lambert Park. In contrast to Sutherland’s poor run of results, the Reds have ended the campaign and entered the finals series as the competition’s in-form side.

They racked up their fourth consecutive victory in a comfortable 3-0 win over Wollongong in last Saturday’s elimination final. It was also their fourth game in a row without conceding, and the difference in confidence between these two sides now compared to the start of the campaign is staggering.

But the high-pressure environment of finals football may just sit more comfortably with Sutherland, despite their steady decline. It is now well and truly last chance saloon for the 2017 winners, who will be doing everything they can to remedy the heavy defeat at the hands of Sydney FC on Saturday and keep their title defence alive.

 

Blacktown City v Sydney FC, Sunday 2.30pm at Lambert Park

The 2018 NPL NSW Men’s U20 Grand Final awaits for one of these two sides, and it is sure to be a titanic contest when the pair face off at Lambert Park on Sunday afternoon.

After clinching this year’s Premiership with a resounding 4-0 win over Sydney FC in round 21, Blacktown City will be eager to face off against the Sky Blues once more.

It will be a clash of styles when the two championship contenders meet. Blacktown City have scored 23 goals less in the regular season than the free-scoring Sky Blues, but ultimately, it was the greater discipline and structure of the Blacktown outfit that proved decisive in their premiership win.

The competition’s best defensive side will get an almighty test of their resolve against the Sky Blues though. Sydney made an almighty statement of their ambitions after a hammering Sutherland 5-0 last weekend, in what was a merciless display of efficiency and ruthlessness from Giancarlo Italiano’s men.

It was also a match that saw the Sky Blues perform with greater resilience and grit in defence, which had been the side’s undoing in the regular season.

If Sydney can once again combine their goalscoring potential with a committed rearguard display, we could be set for a classic at Lambert Park.