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Late goal surge gives Manly United maiden 2020 victory

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Manly United left it late to clinch their first three points of the National Premier Leagues NSW men’s season with a tight 2-0 triumph over Sydney United 58 at Cromer Park on Saturday night.

The hosts struck with two goals in the last five minutes as a bullet header from substitute Marley Peterson and Yianni Perkatis own goal shocked a United 58 side who were unable to push on following their 5-0 rout of Mt Druitt last weekend.

The first opportunity of the evening presented itself after 16 minutes as Brendan Cholakian failed to gather enough of a connection on his back-post header.

Two minutes later Jack Fulton almost left an immediate impact on his first start of the season, however his low strike was smartly rebounded to safety by Thomas Manos.

Manly continued to knock on the door and in the 28th minute Sam Gallagher’s front post header soared marginally wide of the mark.

Yianni Fragogiannis created the visitors’ only clear-cut chance of the period with an effort from distance that was comfortably gathered by Dylan Mitchell.

Manly forged a pair of opportunities of their own late in the half however Jack Fulton’s diving header and Scott Balderson’s strike both sailed over the bar.

Sydney United started the second half on the offensive as former Manly winger Matthew Sim saw a deflected effort dip wide of the mark and another into the arms of Mitchell.

Just shy of the hour mark Patrick Antelmi came within inches of breaking the deadlock.

The in-form striker’s close-range header thundered off the crossbar after he appeared destined to score.

The match then settled into a tight arm-wrestle before both Paul Dee and Zeljko Kalac turned to their benches for inspiration.

It was ultimately Dee who struck gold in the 85th minute as fullback Kieren Paull found a pocket of space in the final third before releasing a precise ball that was emphatically nodded home by the substitute Peterson.

Manly continued to push on and just four minutes later a touch of fortune saw them seal their first taste of victory in 2020.

Some clever work from Jamie Glover out wide saw him whip in another threatening ball that United 58 defender Yianni Perkatis inadvertently turned into the back of his own net.

Cromer Park breathed a collective sigh of relief at the final whistle which confirmed Manly’s first competition points of the season, drawing them level with Sydney United on one win out of three to kick off the campaign.

Manly United boss Paul Dee was pleased to see that his side’s hard work had paid off.

“The boys deserved the win after a really hard game against a strong team,” he said.

“We’ve been working hard, trying to stay positive and just concentrating on the things that we know well.

“I think the boys who came in did a great job. It’s always a good thing when you have a squad where people are fighting for positions.

“The boys have tried really hard in the last couple of weeks to make it count in the final third, and after a couple of good deliveries from out wide today we scored the goals, so I’m pleased overall.”

United 58 skipper Adrian Vlastelica remained confident his side will bounce back in the near future.

“I think we played well for most of the game but just lost our concentration at the end and we got punished,” he said.

“The intensity and the effort were there but we just didn’t take our chances in the end.

“We have Rockdale next week and will be back training on Tuesday ready to build for a good result at home then.”

Match Stats

Manly United 2 (Marley Peterson 85’, Yianni Perkatis OG 89’)

Sydney United 58 0 

Saturday 14th March, 2020

Cromer Park, Dee Why

Referee: Michael Weiner

Assistant Referees: L. Greenshields, J. Bell

Fourth Official: I. Libri

Manly United: 1.Dylan Mitchell, 2.Kieren Paull, 5.Sam Gallagher, 7.Jack Fulton (9.Richard Cardozo 69’), 8.Dominic Ferguson, 10.Brendan Cholakian, 13.Scott Balderson (4.Sasa Macura 62’), 15.Patrick Weir, 16.Dean Bereveskos, 23.Bradley Mcdonald (17. Marley Peterson 79’), 24.Jamie Glover, 22.Paul Katsetis

Substitutes Not Used 20.Mackenzie Syron (GK), 6.Joseph Fox

Yellow Cards: Scott Balderson 33’, Dominic Ferguson 50’, Jamie Glover 75’

Red Cards: Nil

Sydney United 58: 21.Thomas Manos, 2.Cristian Gonzalez, 3.Jordan Roberts, 4.Adrian Vlastelica, 8.Matthew Sim, 9.Patrick Antelmi, 11.Yianni Perkatis, 12.Liam Rose, 15.Tariq Maia, (10.Devante Clut 62’), 22.Yianni Fragogiannis (18.Glen Trifiro 71’), 27.Jacob Esposito (99.Joshua McDonald 57’)

Substitutes Not Used: 1.Daniel Nizic, 20.Adrian Vranic

Yellow Cards: Jacob Esposito 44’, Adrian Vlastelica 72’, Liam Rose 78’, Josh McDonald 82’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3- Patrick Weir (MU)

2- Kieren Paull (MU)

1- Scott Balderson (MU)

– By Chris Curulli (Twitter handle @ChrisCurulli)

Lewis strikes gold yet again for Blacktown City

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For the second consecutive week, skipper Matthew Lewis proved to be the match winner as his spot kick sealed a hard-fought three points for Blacktown City against Manly United at Cromer Park on Saturday night.

For both sides the result offered a similar story to their season openers last weekend.

Manly often appeared disjointed in the final third and were punished for a momentary lapse of concentration.

On the other hand Mark Crittenden’s men excelled defensively, allowing for them to grind out another victory by the narrowest of margins.

A scrappy opening ten minutes set the tone for a tight first half where neither side seriously threatened their opponent’s penalty area.

Manly were marginally brighter early on, however the only opportunity they were able to create was a speculative long-range effort from Scott Balderson which sailed over the crossbar.

Blacktown showcased their customary defensive solidity however struggled to penetrate a similarly stubborn Manly back four.

The second half saw proceedings begin to open up with a handful of opportunities for both sides.

The evening’s first clear sight on goal arrived after 54 minutes as Dejan Pandurevic tricked his way past his marker and rattled the palms of Prendergast from close range.

Then after being majorly subdued during the first period, former Manly flyer Charles Mendy placed his stamp on the contest.

The attacker was released in behind after 62 minutes, and as he charged through on goal he was brought down by the outstretched leg of Manly skipper Sam Gallagher.

Lewis’ spot kick sent Dylan Mitchell the wrong way as he calmly slotted home into the bottom right corner.

Mendy continued to haunt his former club as moments later he found himself through again, but his low strike was denied by a smart Mitchell save.

The visitors almost doubled their lead on 73 minutes as Adam Berry’s long rang rocket flew narrowly wide of the top right corner.

Manly then began to push hard for an elusive equaliser as substitute Richie Cardozo’s in-swinging corner was tipped over the crossbar by Tristan Prendergast.

Paul Dee’s other substitution almost paid dividends as Jamie Glover’s flick-on at the near post was scrambled wide.

The hosts so nearly snatched a point at the death from the boot of Brendan Cholakian, however the tricky midfielder’s long-range strike was deflected over the bar.

Cholakian’s following corner evaded everyone inside the crowded Blacktown penalty area, only to drift agonisingly wide of the back post.

Blacktown boss Mark Crittenden was understandably delighted with the gutsy result and warned his side still possess plenty of room for improvement.

“We always try and work hard and keep ourselves organised,” he said.

“Cromer is always a hard place to come to and we knew Manly would be very physical and fit.

“To the boys’ credit we made some adjustments and they played dividends.

“Charles Mendy up front won us the penalty that won us the game.

“It’s been solid but we still have massive improvement to come don’t worry about that. We are nowhere near where we want to be yet.”

On the other hand, Paul Dee was left frustrated for the second week running.

“We had our chances to win that game and we didn’t take them,” he reflected.

“Credit to Blacktown, they were resilient and converted their chance from the penalty.

“We are certainly creating enough opportunities in the final third but haven’t been able to get that decisive final touch.

“I think the brand of football we are playing is quite good and there’s a few positives coming out but those are two similar stories from our first two weeks.”

In round 3 Manly United will continue their search for competition points in 2020 at home to Sydney United 58 while Blacktown will seek to maintain their flawless record when they host Sutherland Sharks.

Match Stats
Manly United 0
Blacktown City 1 (Matthew Lewis 63’)
Saturday 7th March, 2020
Cromer Park, Dee Why

Referee: Adrian Arndt
Assistant Referees: E. Kocbek, H. Fenton-White
Fourth Official: J. Ewin

Manly United: 1.Dylan Mitchell, 2.Kieren Paull, 4.Sasa Macura (23.Bradley Mcdonald 66’), 5.Sam Gallagher, 6.Joseph Fox (24.Jamie Glover 77’), 8.Dominic Ferguson, 10.Brendan Cholakian, 13.Scott Balderson, 14.Dejan Pandurevic, 17.Marley Peterson (9.Richard Cardozo 65’), 22.Paul Katsetis

Substitutes Not Used 20.Mackenzie Syron (GK), 16.Dean Bereveskos

Yellow Cards: Sam Gallagher 63’
Red Cards: Nil

Blacktown City: 1.Tristan Prendergast, 3.Daniel Collins, 5.Grant Lynch, 6.Matthew Lewis, 11.Rhett Desilva (15.Jak O’Brien 84’), 12.Lachlan Campbell, 16.Charles Mendy (21. Will Mutch 81’), 17.Dakota Askew, 19.Adam Berry, 23.Leroy Jennings, 24.Jackson Bandiera (18.Suleyman Bangura 59’)
Substitutes Not Used: 20.Dylan Niski (GK)

Yellow Cards: Matthew Lewis 50’, Grant Lynch 75’, Daniel Collins 91’
Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3- Matthew Lewis (BC)
2- Lachlan Campbell (BC)
1- Charles Mendy (BC)

Ilinden overcome fast finishing Manly United

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Rockdale Ilinden FC have opened their season on a winning note overcoming Manly United 2-1 at Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday. 

Goals to Alec Urosevski and Nikola Taneski were the difference for the home side as they held on despite a fast finishing Manly side putting the pressure on late.

Urosevski opened the scoring after 11 minutes from the penalty spot but Manly evened the ledger in the 38th minute when they too successfully dispatched a spot kick.

Manly were the aggressors in the second half but it was Rockdale who found the winner when Taneski scored against the run of play midway through the second stanza.

A late salvo from the Northern Beaches side nearly snatched a draw but it wasn’t enough as new Ilinden boss Steven Zoric tasted victory in his first official game in charge.

Urosevski thought he had opened his account for the season in the 8th minute when he hit the back of the net after being played in by Jordan Figon, but he was ruled to be offside.

However he didn’t need to wait long to get a second chance with Rockdale awarded a penalty after Sam Guilisano’s free-kick hit the hand of a Manly defender in the penalty area.

Urosevski didn’t miss this time firing into the back of the net with a driven effort from the spot.

The home side lost major offseason acquisition Tomislav Arcaba to injury after only 21 minutes with the shot stopper forced from the field and replaced by Daniel Bradasevic.

The game was slowly beggining to open up and Rockdale right back Sam Guilisano was finding acres of space to move on his flank.

The former APIA winger creating a number of headaches for the Manly defence.

In the 37th minute the game took a turn when Keiran Paull was taken down by an overzealous shoulder check in the penalty area from Rockdale captain Daniel Petkovski.

Cholakian made sure his effort counted sliding his spot kick under the outstretched arms of substitute keeper Bradasevic.

New Ilinden signing Amaury Gauthier fluffed a brilliant chance to give his side the lead when he fired wide from only six yards out.

Manly had the last chance of the half with Marley Peterson firing high over the bar as both teams went to the break deadlocked at 1-1.

Manly started the better of the two sides after the restart and had Rockdale camped in their own half.

Dejan Pandurevic was becoming a handful for his marker and but was let down by his finishing.

The pressure was mounting on Ilinden as they fought to keep out the energised Manly attack.

But in a cruel twist of fate, it was Rockdale who found the next goal when Nikola Taneski hammered home from inside the penalty area.

It was against the run of play but it was exactly what the doctor ordered for the home side.

The visitors refused to give in and went straight back on the attack.

Manly winger Scott Balderson was lucky not to have been sent off in the 78th minute when he cleaned up Banri Kanaizumi with a shocking studs up challenge.

Japanese import Tomoki Wada was denied by the cross bar in the 82nd minute after his deft chip had beaten the keeper.

Bradasevic made an incredible reaction save in added time to deny Balderson, but the flag was already raised for offside.

Richie Cardozo attempted an audacious bicycle kick with one of the final plays of the game but the Manly striker’s effort sailed wide.

It would be the last chance of the game with the final whistle sending the Rockdale faithful into raptures.

Rockdale coach Steven Zoric was full of praise for his side admitting the victory was a massive weight off his shoulders.

“The Boys really stood-up today and dug-in when things were seemingly going against us,” Zoric said.

“They showed great discipline to keep their head and get what was a brilliant win for the club.

“For me it was a bit of a relief to be honest. As my first game in charge I really wanted to start the season on the right note and so to get the result meant a lot to me personally.

“I’m really confident in what these boys have to offer and was pleased with the effort today.”

Manly boss Paul Dee was able to look to the positive despite the loss.

“It was a really tough game for both sides and I was really happy with a number of things we did today, unfortunately the result didn’t go our way,” Dee said.

“We were lacking in the final third but that’s something we should be able to fix with more gametime.

“Next Saturday we are home and it is Back to Manly day so I’m confident we can give an improved showing in our next match.”

Match Stats

Rockdale Ilinden FC 2 Urosevski 11’, Taneski 65’

Manly United 1 Cholakian 38’

Sunday, March 1 2019

Ilinden Sports Centre, Rockdale

Referee: Katie Patterson

Assistant Referees: R Osborne, M Reidy

Fourth Official: N McOrist

Rockdale Ilinden FC: 22. Tomislav ARCABA (1. David Bradasevic 22’), 2. Daniel PETKOVSKI, 3. Michael NEILL (10. Nikola TANESKI 44’), 6. Banri KANAIZUMI 7. Alec UROSEVSKI, 8. Tomoki WADA, 11. Amaury GAUTHIER, 14. Brayden SORGE, 18. Samuel GUILISANO, 19. Patrick SAVOR, 23. Jordan FIGON (15. Mohamed AHMED 58’)

Substitutes not used: 4. Mitchell Stamatellis, 9. Dimi PETRATOS, ,

Yellow Cards:  Savor 32’, Neill 43’, Ahmed 84’

Red Cards:

Manly United: 1. Dylan MITCHELL, 2. Kieran PAULL, 5. Sam GALLAGHER, 8. Dom FERGUSON, 10. Brendan CHOLAKIAN, 11. Joseph FOX (13. Scott BALDERSON 69’), 14. Dejan PANDUREVIC, 16. Dean BEREVESKOS 17. Marley PETERSON (9. Richard Cardozo 76’), 22. Paul Katsetis (24. Jamie GLOVER 85’)  23. Bradley MCDONALD,

Substitutes not used: 15. Patrick WEIR, 20. Mackenzie SYRON

Yellow Cards: Balderson 79′

Red Cards: 

Player Ratings

3 – Banri Kanaizumi (Rockdale)

2 – Brendan Cholakian (Manly)

1 – Alec Urosevski (Rockdale)

Manly United keen to up the ante in 2020

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National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s top tier side Manly United are hoping that coach Paul Dee and assistant Dylan Macallister are able to bring back the glory days at Cromer Park as the team slowly assembles for the 2020 season.

After taking out the 2017 Championship Series on penalties against APIA Leichhardt Tigers, the Northern Beaches squad have had an indifferent two seasons but the club’s intention on playing finals football has been made clear after the resigning of 14 players from its 2019 squad.

Club captain Sam Gallagher, Brendan Cholakian, Dom Ferguson, Kieren Paull, Brad McDonald, Dylan Mitchell, Sasa Macura, Joe Fox, James Georgaklis, Harry McCarthy, Sam Benton, Harry Kmet, Finn Ashton, Luca Kmet and Patrick Weir have all committed to the Manly United cause in 2020.

Joining this list are a couple of key signings, one in particular, former Western Sydney Wanderers youth prodigy Marley Peterson.

A Manly United junior, Peterson was amongst the goals during his time with the Western Sydney Wanderers NPL side with Dee hoping the attacker can bang a few in for the 2020 season.

Joining Peterson will be Mark McManus, a well-credentialed defender who spent time in Spain with Hércules CF and English outfit Gateshead.

The club also moved swiftly to sign Jack Fulton who spent four years on scholarship in the U.S. as well as Paul Katsetis who recently played in the lower leagues of Greece with A.E Ermionida F.C.

Manly were dealt a blow as they lost one of its influential players from the 2019 season, former NPL NSW Men’s Player of the Year Adam Parkhouse who penned a deal with fellow NPL NSW Men’s club Sydney Olympic.

Manly United kick off its NPL NSW Men’s season off with an away fixture to the Rockdale City Suns on the 1st of March with its first home match scheduled in round 2 when they tackle Blacktown City FC on the 7th of March.

Manly United 2020 Team:  Sam Gallagher, Brendan Cholakian, Dom Ferguson, Kieren Paull, Brad McDonald, Dylan Mitchell, Sasa Macura, Joe Fox, James Georgaklis, Harry McCarthy, Sam Benton, Luca Kmet, Finn Ashton, Patrick Weir, Marley Peterson, Mark McManus, Paul Katsetis, Jack Fulton.

Sydney United 58 clinch finals series spot

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Sydney United 58 has clinched fourth spot and a home final with a brilliant 3-1 win against Manly United at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday. 

The win sets up a thrilling clash against fierce rivals Marconi Stallions in week one of the playoffs.

First half goals to Matthew Bilic and Peter Simonoski set the tone for United 58 with substitute Patrick Antelmi securing a vital three points when he volleyed home in the 81st minute.

Manly looked to put a spanner in the works when Scott Balderson scored against the run of play on the cusp of half time, but it proved to be nothing more than a flash in the pan.

The match also marked retiring United 58 great Petar Markovic’s final regular season match after the veteran defender announced he was calling a close to his playing career which has spanned 22 years at the club.

It was a fast start to the match with the home side playing an expansive brand of football to open the contest.

Tariq Maia thought he’d found the opener 11 minutes in but his snap shot from inside the box clanged against the upright and away to safety.

However, the home side wouldn’t have to wait long to take the lead with Matthew Bilic rising above his marker to nod a Matt Sim cross into the back of the net in the 13th minute.

It was a one sided match with United 58 dominating possession and forcing Manly onto the back foot.

The visitors were struggling to make inroads and failed to mount a shot on target in the opening 25 minutes.

The pressure was mounting on Manly and United 58 striker Simonoski made the home side’s advantage count by firing home from just inside the penalty area to double their lead to 2-0.

With Sydney United 58 seemingly coasting their way to the interval, Manly unexpectedly struck back.

Brendan Cholakian won the ball in midfield before releasing Adam Parkhouse down the wing to fire in a cross which an unmarked Balderson nodded into the back of the net.

The goal turned the match on its head as a reignited Manly attack pushed for an equaliser before half time.

Manly had renewed vigour after the break and looked far more threatening in attack.

Cholakian and Parkhouse were the danger men for Manly and forced Manos into two saves early in the half.

United 58 defender Tomislav Uskok nearly cost his side with his attempt at a headed clearance going inches away from landing into the back of his own net with Manos tipping the ball over the bar with a last ditch effort.

Brad McDonald spurned a gilt edged chance in the 72nd minute when he dragged his shot wide after being found in the centre of the penalty area unmarked after some amazing dribbling from Massimo Forlico.

Despite all Manly’s efforts their hopes of taking a point away from the last match of the season were dashed in the 81st minute courtesy of a brilliant poachers finish from Antelmi.

The United 58 substitute was in the right place at the right time to bury the ball into the back of the net after a brilliant assist from Sim.

Retiring United 58 club great Markovic was introduced off the bench and nearly made an instant impact with a lung busting run through midfield before firing straight at the keeper.

Manly tried gallantly to close the gap in the dying seconds but it wasn’t to be as United 58 held on for a hugely important victory.

United 58 veteran Markovic was all smiles at full time with the result postponing his retirement from the club another week.

“Today was an amazing experience and to get the result in front of so many passionate fans was an incredible experience,” he said.

“We knew we had a job to do today and we got exactly the result we needed.

“It was a very special moment to be recognised by the club and the fans. Now we get a home final and a chance to do it all again.

“The finals are a different beast and I’m confident this Sydney United team has the parts to go all the way,”

Although his side was on the wrong side of the 3-1 final score, Manly coach Paul Dee was looking to the positives after the match.

“Obviously it isn’t the way you want to end your season but I thought there was plenty to take out of that game ahead of our FFA Cup match in Brisbane later this month.

“Sydney United had everything to play for and were at home so it was always going to be a tough ask.

“I was really happy with our young players today and I felt they made the most of the opportunity they were given.

“With the league season over we can now move our focus to the FFA Cup and hopefully with our injured players coming back hopefully we can make a really deep run in that competition.”

Match Stats

Sydney United 58 FC: 3 (Bilic 13’, Simonoski 31’, Antelmi)

Manly United FC: 1 (Balderson 33’)

Sunday, 11 August 2019

Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park

Referee: M Weiner

Assistant Referee: L Greenshields & J Park

Fourth official: S Quinn

Sydney United 58: 21. Thomas Manos, 3. Jordan Roberts, 7. Peter Simonoski, 8. Matthew Sim (6. Petar Markovic 84’), 12. Liam Rose, 14. Tomislav Uskok, 15. Tarik Maia (11. Yianni Perkatis 63’), 17. Matthew Bilic, 18. Glen Trifiro (9. Patrick Antelmi 70’), 20. Cristian Gonzalez, 22. Yianni Fragogiannis.

Substitutes not used: 1. Daniel Sadaka, 19. Joshua Macdonald.

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Manly United: 1. Dylan Mitchell, 4. Travis Oughtred, 5. Sam Gallagher, 6. Joseph Fox (31. Maximillian Rogers 61’), 8. Dom Ferguson (21. Finn Ashton 88’), 10. Brendan Cholakian, 11. Adam Parkhouse (47. Massimo Forlico 70’), 13. Scott Balderson, 17. Lewis Miccio, 23.Bradley McDonald, 30. Lucas Rainbird

Substitutes not used: 3. James Georgaklis, 32. Makenzie Syron.

Yellow cards: Gallagher 29′

Red Cards

Player Ratings have now been hidden due to the second half of the season commencing.