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Shutdown but not Shutout for Robbie Speranza

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Known as one of the biggest personalities in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition, Marconi Stallions’ tough tackling defender Robbie Speranza has continued to push on with his healthy banter amidst the COVID-19 virus that has hit the globe.

Famous for his no nonsense defending along with his healthy ‘trash talk’ on the football pitch with the Stallions as well as promoting to his legion of Instagram followers ‘Taco Tuesdays’, amidst other forms of laughter, the proud new father of lovely daughter Liliana has continued on with keeping himself heavily occupied during these tough times.

“Being a physiotherapist, I am always in the gym working on weaknesses and personal goals.

“Other than that, plenty of Taco Tuesday sessions (laughs), and spending valuable time with my wife and new-born baby girl Liliana have been the norm for me.”

A physiotherapist by trade, Speranza has been able to trade as per normal but has missed his football fix.

“Fortunately working as a health practitioner, my profession has been deemed as an essential service, so my work in clinic hasn’t been affected too badly.

“I’m just missing my weekend NPL NSW Men’s football fix, getting to banter linesmen and young players as a sideline physio however.”

COVID-19 has affected many during this hard time, Speranza highlighted that keeping up with his normal day to day routine has been the toughest for him as has been the lack of no football.

“I think like most people it is very tough to change your routine, especially losing our beloved game.

“The release we get from football is incomparable, so to remove that factor from my life isn’t easy.

“My poor wife is now having to deal with my terrible banter daily, so I think she misses football too.”

With the closure of gyms along with the no training with clubs rule in full effect, the Stallions star has been fortunate that their Strength and Conditioning coach and former A-League and NPL player Brett Studman has kept him and the boys busy with a personal program.

“Brett has sent us thorough programs to follow to ensure we hit the ground running once the NPL NSW Men’s competition resumes.

“I personally am trying to maintain a high load, with a specific focus on injury prevention, in preparation for what may be a compressed schedule once we return.”

Asked what he missed most about the beautiful game Speranza replied.

“The thing I miss most is the changeroom banter which has developed a lot at Marconi this year.

“The winning culture is much more evident now, and even people like Nathan Millgate (the best aerial player in the world) are chirping up.

“There’s also nothing like that winning feeling with all your best mates.”

The message from Roberto to the NPL NSW Men’s football public about safety was simple.

“I think everyone alike is missing football, whether it be as a player, coach, spectator, or reporter.

“However, our health is most valuable, so as a collective, we need to unite as one and do whatever is necessary to combat this pandemic.

“And once it is over, I’m sure the stadiums will be exploding with people who have missed their football fix.”

Prior to the temporary shutdown of the competition, the Stallions were riding high with three wins from three matches.

With the unknown still settling in, one things for sure, Speranza and his teammates won’t be letting the downtime affect their vibe, then again, if you are looking for a pick me up, look no further to Robbie’s Instagram page @robbie.speranza

Check out Robbie in action with his little daughter Liliana promoting ‘Taco Tuesdays’.

Frangie double sinks Olympic

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Marconi Stallions made it three on the bounce with a comfortable 2-0 win against traditional rivals Sydney Olympic FC at a soggy Marconi Stadium on Saturday.

A first half brace from Anthony Frangie was enough to secure the points for the home side.

Marconi Stallions remain unbeaten for the season and were in control across the contest against a downbeat Sydney Olympic FC.

The blows keep coming for Sydney Olympic FC who remains win-less albeit a side made up of a number of new players.

There were bright patches for Terry Palapanis’ side including the performance of new Japanese signing Go Hayama but not enough to trouble Marconi on the night.

Sydney Olympic FC were determined to get their season kick-started and had the first two chances of the contest.

Both fell to Bai Antoniou, the former Sydney FC striker drove both efforts straight at the keeper.

League leaders Marconi Stallions aimed to get a foothold in the game quickly. Anthony Costa nodded wide of the left post from a teasing Giorgio Speranza delivery.

Anthony Frangie has been on fire in the opening fortnight of the National Premier Leagues Mens 1 competition and thrashed home the opener.

The Marconi marksman picked up the ball on the right before he thrashed it into the top corner to make it 1-0.

Marconi doubled their advantage in the 24th minute, as Frangie struck from close range.

Connor Evans’ cushioned pass made its way through to the striker who drove the ball low to make it 2-0 to the rampaging Stallions.

That was Frangie’s second successive brace in two weeks bringing his tally to four for the seasons.

Costa was played in well by Stallions captain Marko Jesic in the 26th but was denied by a superb block from Sydney Olympic FC’s Thomas Whiteside then Mitchell Mallia arrowed wide of the post in the 35th minute.

New signing Go Hayama was a bright spot for Sydney Olympic FC in the first half with some fine touches and combined well with Adam Parkhouse for the visitors best chance of the half but they went in down 2-0 to Marconi at the break.

Looking to put the game to bed, Marconi Stallions had the first chance of the second half when Jesic thundered a shot straight at Olympic shot stopper Anthony Bouzanis who recovered on the second opportunity.

Just after the hour mark, Frangie had the chance to complete his hat-trick from a direct free-kick just outside the area. His confidence was sky high but the ball ended up behind the goals.

The game developed into a midfield battle with chances at a premium. Sydney Olympic FC’s best chance fell to Nicola Kuleski inside the box but his bouncing volley whistled wide of the post.

Stallions substitute Martin Fernandez had a chance to swell the home side’s goal difference in additional time but his curled effort flew just over the bar. Marconi picked up their third straight victory of the season.

Speaking following the result, Marconi Stallions boss and former Olympic skipper Peter Tsekenis was delighted with the application of his side to remain unbeaten.

“We had a slow start much like the previous weeks but once we got a foot on the ball, we got control and a good victory.” He said.

“It’s a good start but that’s all.

“We will build from that with the cup games upcoming.

“The boys are on a high and happy to get a clean sheet.”

Match Stats

Marconi Stallions 2 (Frangie ‘20, ‘24)

Sydney Olympic FC 0

Saturday 14 March 2020

Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park

Referee: Tim Danaskos

Assistant Referees: B Wright & M Allum

Fourth Official: J Katz

Marconi Stallions: 1. VEKIC Nenad, 2. MILLGATE Nathan, 3. SPERANZA Giorgio, 4. SPERANZA Roberto, 8. EVANS Connor, 9. COSTA Anthony (23. VELLA ‘61), 10. JESIC Marko, 11. MALLIA Mitchell (17. FERNANDEZ ‘78), 14. FRANGIE Anthony, 16. YOULLEY Liam, 19. CAIRNCROSS Zach (6. RODIC ‘68)

Unused substitutes: 12. ANDREW James, 20. SHAW Dion

Yellow cards: Mallia, Frangie, Vella, G. Speranza

Red cards: nil

Sydney Olympic FC: 1. BOUZANIS Anthony, 2. WHITESIDE Thomas, 6. KULESKI Nicola, 7. ANGEL William, 9. ANTONIOU Bai (14. KEKERIS ‘56), 10. BENEIT ROMERO Raul (8. MADONIS ‘58), 11. PARKHOUSE Adam, 12. MACKENZIE Zachary, 16. HAYAMA Go, 22. FERREIRA Fabio, 33. TSATTALIOS Nikolas

Unused substitutes: 19. BURGESS Darcy, 20. SORRAS Nicholas, 21. THEPH Theph

Yellow cards: Antonio

Red cards: nil

Player Ratings

3: Anthony Frangie (MS)

2: Marko Jesic (MS)

1: Connor Evans (MS)

By National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)

Young Sky Blues blown away by rampaging Stallions

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Marconi Stallions have given Sydney FC an early reality check in a dominant 4-0 win at Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday.

The Young Sky Blues claimed a brilliant upset last week against Mt Druitt Town Rangers, but they were no match for the experienced Stallions who have now made it two wins from as many games.

A brace by Anthony Frangie was bookended by goals from Anthony Costa and Nathan Millgate as Marconi sent a clear signal that they will be one of the teams to beat this season.

The Stallions have now scored eight goals from their opening two matches further cementing their place on top of the NPL NSW ladder.

Sydney FC were playing their first home game of the season but it didn’t stop Marconi from taking over the contest from the opening whistle.

In the 9th minute a long cross from Mitchell Mallia reached Frangie at the far post, but his header was knocked away by the Sydney FC defence for a corner.

Marconi were at it again in the 16th minute when Marko Jesic created some space down the left channel and fired a shot that took a slight deflection and ended up in the side netting.

A free kick from just outside the box by Mitchell Mallia midway through the first stanza of play was punched way by goalkeeper Adam Pavlesic as Marconi kept up the pressure on the young home side.

A header from Nathan Millgate then reached Anthony Costa in the 33rd minute who shot just over from a very dangerous position.

Late in the first half the Young Sky Blues had their first chance of the encounter. Jordi Swibel had a chance from close range but he shot just wide of the mark when a long drifting ball from the right found him lurking near the far post.

In 43rd minute though Marconi did take the lead that they so richly deserved. Anthony Costa put the visitors ahead when a deflected shot wrong-footed the Sydney FC goalkeeper and ended up in the back of the net from what appeared to be a near innocuous position.

Early in the second half the first real chance belonged to Sydney FC when Patrick Flottman headed a corner just over the intended target from close range.

Marconi’s second goal though was a real gift. A stray back pass from the young home side ended up in Frangie’s path who simply charged through open space before firing home and hitting the back of the net.

Sydney FC tried their luck when Patrick Hollman midway through the second half had a chance from just outside the box that just missed the Marconi goal.

Then, in the 68th minute, Frangie scored his brace. The Sydney FC goalkeeper’s throw out was intercepted and played to Frangie who curled one into the top left hand corner of the net. It was indeed a great goal for the Stallions.

In the 75th minute a corner by Jesic reached Nathan Millgate at the far post and he simply headed in Marconi’s fourth of the night to put the game well and truly beyond reach, if it wasn’t already.

Sydney FC did have some late chances. Patrick Wood’s cross from the right to Cameron Peupion saw the latter produce a rocket but Nenad Vekic beautifully turned the ball around the post. A minute later an unmarked Jaiden Kucharski shot just wide when really he should have found the back of the net.

The last real chance of the game though was fittingly to Marconi. A cross from the right was headed by Jesic straight into the post.

After the game the Marconi Stallions dressing room was a happy, singing place but coach Peter Tsekenis was still not getting carried away this early in the season.

“If you look at the results, 4-1 last week and then 4-0 today, it’s definitely a good place to be in,” he said.

“I am happy with a lot of things and at this early stage of the season I am happy with where we are at.

“I thought today that Sydney FC were exceptional in many areas and they really pushed us. To be honest they had a few chances but probably at the wrong time. “We took our chances at the right time but they pushed us and never let up.”

The Sydney FC dressing room wasn’t too despondent despite the result, a sentiment echoed by their coach Jim van Weeren.

“We created enough chances to score a few goals ourselves but we also made some mistakes, with the ball and without the ball,” he stated.

“A good team like Marconi will punish you everytime. I think the boys will feel that they should have done better in terms of the result, but at key times we made mistakes which cost us in the end.

“We pride ourselves on being a good attacking team and, like tonight, we created chances and in an ideal world we would have converted more.

“So now we’ll just keep our heads up and go again next week.”

Match Stats

SYDNEY FC:  0

MARCONI STALLIONS: 4 (Costa 43’, Frangie 61’, 68’, Millgate 75’)

Sunday, 8th March 2020

Ilinden Sports Centre, Rockdale

Referee: Toby Plasto
Assistant Referees: Joon Park, Ray Osborne

Fourth Official: Jared Katz

SYDNEY FC: 1.Adam Pavlesic, 4.Anton Mlinaric, 5.Thomas Fay, 6.Calem Nieuwenhof, 7.Jake Hollman (24.Patrick Wood 73’), 9.Benjamin Koop (11.Jaiden Kucharski 55’), 13.Jordi Swibel, 14.Patrick Flottman (3.Aaron Gurd 68’), 15.Scott Browning, 17.Callum Talbot, 18.Cameron Peupion.

Substitutes not used: 2.Cameron Fong, 20.Levi Kaye.

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Card: Nil

MARCONI STALLIONS: 1.Nenad Vekic, 2.Nathan Millgate, 3.Giorgio Speranza, 4.Roberto Speranza, 8.Connor Evans, 9.Anthony Costa (23.Brandon Vella 57’), 10.Marko Jesic, 11.Mitchell Mallia, 14.Anthony Frangie, 16.Liam Youlley (6.Mark Rodic 46’), 19.Zachary Cairncross (12.James Andrew 76’).

Substitutes not used: 17.Martin Fernandez, 20.Dion Shaw.

Yellow Cards: Youlley 19’, Cairncross 53’, Evans 90’

Red Card: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Anthony Frangie (MS)

2 – Nathan Millgate (MS)

1 – Marko Jesic (MS)

By National Prmier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Joe Russo

Stallions stampede in ‘Palace’ opener

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Marconi Stallions have defeated Sutherland Sharks 4-1 in an entertaining game at Bossley Park in what was the final match on what was an fantastic start to the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 2020 season.

After securing the early lead thanks to a Mitchell Mallia strike, the home side were caught by the Sharks when Lachlan Everett balanced the ledger.

It was not until the second half that Marconi pulled away with two goals in fairly quick succession and then a late strike to round out the scoring.

The first goal of the second half belonged to Marko Jesic, followed by Connor Evans and then substitute Brandon Vella got in on the action at the death.

Sutherland Sharks had a great chance in just the second minute of play when Oliver Green fed the ball across to an unmarked Mason Versi who hit the crossbar – perhaps he was a bit too casual with his finish and the first goal of the season for the Shire-based team had to wait.

Marconi, at the other end of the field, though did open the scoring in the 8th minute when a square ball by Evans found Mallia, who then found the bottom left hand corner of the net from well outside the box with a delightful shot.

Sutherland managed to equalise in the 19th minute when the Marconi defence was caught napping. A great cross from Versi on the right reached Marc Warren on the other side of the goal and he cleverly headed the ball into the path of Lachlan Everett who then headed home from close range.

The ebb and flow of the contest continued and at the half hour mark a dangerous, floating corner reached Zac Cairncross who flicked on the ball with a back header that went sailing narrowly wide of the intended target.

Marconi pressured again with Anthony Frangie on the right flank but his powerful finish brought out the best in Ryan Norval who punched away the danger.

Late in the first half Everett for the visitors headed into the side netting but that was about it for the first stanza of play which ended shortly afterwards which both sides even.

Early in the second half Versi tried his luck with a shot from close range but his attempt was well saved by Nenad Vekic. Then, in the 58th minute, a long range shot from Everett wasn’t too far off the mark as Sutherland cranked up the pressure but to no avail.

Marconi, who were able to absorb, did regain the lead in the 65th minute. A long free-kick by Evans reached Nathan Millgate who headed to the centre where Marko Jesic made no mistake with his close range header to send the home supporters behind the goal into raptures.

In the 75th minute Marconi put the game beyond control of Sutherland when Mallia found Evans in a dangerous position and he made no mistake with his attempt to give Marconi a 3-1 lead.

Right at the death Jesic beautifully played the ball to Brandon Vella who fired into the bottom left hand corner of the net for the Stallions’ fourth of the night.

After the game the Marconi Stallions dressing room was happy place but coach Peter Tsekenis was trying to keep his team grounded.

“I am pleased because I thought that we had a good chunk of that first half but we were only 1-1,” he said.

“I am disappointed that we conceded that goal because I thought that we finished over the top which is positive.

“Where we are at physically is good and the way we took those goods is very good as well. The team stayed focused and they kept going and then we ran over the top of them.

“It’s dangerous to let a 4-1 win get you too carried away so we need to stay grounded. My job is to let the boys know that we didn’t win anything yet and that we need to stay focused because there is a long way to go in the season.”

Sutherland Sharks new coach Nick Dimovski was disappointed to come away empty handed but still found the positives in his side.

“I think we were the better team in the first half and that Marconi were the better team in the second half,” he said.

“I just think that we gave away some silly goals and we were giving all the Marconi players presents,” he said tongue-in-cheek.

“There is no way that a 4-1 scoreline was a reflection of the game tonight. Had we taken our chances in the first half, and we missed some glorious chances, we would have gone into the break 2-1 up at least.

“It will take time for the team to gel and this week we will go back to the drawing board and prepare for Rockdale next week.”

Match Stats

MARCONI STALLIONS: 4 (Mallia 8’, Jesic 66’, Evans 75’, Vella 90’+3)

SUTHERLAND SHARKS: 1 (Everett 20’) 

Sunday, 1st March 2020

Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park 

Referee: Michael Weiner
Assistant Referees: Janush Adabjou, Matt Staples

Fourth Official: Sam Quinn

MARCONI STALLIONS: 1.Nenad Vekic, 2.Nathan Millgate, 3.Giorgio Speranza, 4.Roberto Speranza, 8.Connor Evans, 9.Anthony Costa (23.Brandon Vella 60’), 10.Marko Jesic, 11.Mitchell Mallia, 14.Anthony Frangie (17.Martin Fernandez 76’), 16.Liam Youlley (6.Mark Rodic 60’), 19.Zachary Cairncross.

Substitutes not used: 12.James Andrew, 20.Dion Shaw.

Yellow Cards: Frangie 11’, Millgate 24’, Youlley 45’, R.Speranza 74’

Red Card: Nil

SUTHERLAND SHARKS: 1.Ryan Norval, 3.Marc Warren (2.Adam Massoud 54’), 6.Lachlan Everett, 7.Peter Simonoski, 8.Patrick O’Shea, 10.Blake Powell, 11.Joey Groenbast, 12.Blair Brown, 15.Mason Versi (99.Jonathan Grozdanovski 76’), 20.Connor Shaddock, 21.Oliver Green.

Substitutes not used: 9.James Temelkovski, 17.Mario Aleksik, 18.Brodie Clarkson.

Yellow Cards: 46’ Powell

Red Card: Nil

Player Ratings:

3 – Connor Evans (MS)

2 – Mitchell Mallia (MS)

1 – Lachlan Everett (SS)

By National Prmier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Joe Russo 

Trophies on the agenda for Stallions

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Stallions coach Peter Tsekenis will be gunning for more from his side as preparations for the 2020 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season clicks into gear.

The former Australian youth international understands what is needed to bring success to the club with the 2019 Waratah Cup Champions hoping to add more titles to its historic trophy cabinet at Bossley Park.

Thus far, Tsekenis has made minimal fuss in the player market recruiting former Sydney United 58 player Lachlan Roberts, former Mounties Wanderers keeper Dion Shaw, ex-Bonnyrigg White Eagles player Mark Rodic and former Adelaide City star striker Anthony Costa who has moved across from South Australia.

There are still spots available with the club looking towards snapping up a couple more key signings prior to its round 1 clash against the Sutherland Sharks at Marconi Stadium on Sunday 1st of March (7pm).

Tsekenis and his assistant coach Peter ‘Flea’ Papoythis has retained a fair few of their 2019 stars as the likes of Liam Youlley, Marko Jesic, Martin Fernandez, Nenad Vekic, James Andrew, Mitchell Mallia, Connor Evans and the Speranza brothers Giorgio and Roberto will be familiar figures once more in Sydney’s South West as will Brandon Vella, Sean O’Connell, Zac Cairncross and Nathan Millgate.

Young Australian youth international Lachlan Sepping will see more senior game time in 2020 while a return from injury that hampered Anthony Frangie’s run with the Stallions in 2019 will be a blessing in disguise for the proud former NSL club.

Marconi Stallions 2020: Lachlan Roberts, Liam Youlley, Marko Jesic, Martin Fernandez, Nenad Vekic, Brandon Vella, James Andrew, Sean O’Connell, Lachlan Sepping, Zac Cairncross, Mitchell Mallia, Giorgio Speranza, Roberto Speranza, Anthony Frangie, Nathan Millgate, Connor Evans, Anthony Costa, Dion Shaw, Mark Rodic