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Stallions on fire with victory over Blacktown City

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Two late goals have helped Marconi Stallions snatch a 2-0 win against Blacktown City at Marconi Stadium on Saturday.

The win has all but secured the Stallions their spot in the finals with a round still to play.

With the clock running down substitute Anthony Frangie found the back of the net  in the 90th minute with a glancing header before Brandon Vella buried one home to send the home fans into raptures in the 94th minute.

Despite the loss Blacktown hold onto third spot.

There wasn’t much to write home about in a lacklustre first-half but the action got underway with Leroy Jennings who in the 10th minute hit the outside of the post with a left foot shot from close range.

In the 26th minute Dakota Askew flashed a dangerous cross from the right into the box, but there was nobody there for Blacktown and the Marconi defence managed to scramble a clearance.

Almost immediately afterwards a corner from Mason Versi reached Askew on the edge of the box who this time tried a fancy chip kick that went just wide of the target.

After the Blacktown half chances finally came one for Marconi and what a chance it was. A tremendous free-kick from captain Marko Jesic in the 32nd minute beat all and sundry and hit the upright of the goal to ‘keeper Tristan Prendergast’s right.

It was to be Marconi’s first and only real chance of the first half but, to be fair, both sides were guilty of playing ultra-conservative football given that there was so much at stake with finals football just around the corner.

In the second half the first salvo belonged to Marconi and it arrived in the 52nd minute when Damian Tsekenis intercepted the ball and fired at goal from outside the box but Prendergast was not to be caught off guard.

Both teams pressed to some extent during the second half of play without much success but in the 71st minute there was finally a real talking point. Grant Lynch received his second yellow card and was sent off, leaving Blacktown City to fight out the remainder of the encounter from a numerical deficit.

However, that didn’t seem to matter because in the 79th minute Askew tried a shot from outside the box that was deflected into the path of Mason Versi who then fired his shot only a matter of millimetres over the crossbar. It was a close call indeed.

Late in the game though the contest swung and Marconi took advantage of the extra player. A fortuitous ricochet found Brandon Vella who put the ball in the back of the net but the offside flag went up and Marconi’s premature celebrations were cut short.

However, in the 90th minute Marconi broke the deadlock.

A Connor Evans free-kick found Anthony Frangie in the box who, with a smart run through a myriad of players, managed to glance the ball and tuck it away for a valuable three points.

And then, right at the death, Vella struck for Marconi’s sexcond. Magical work by Damian Tsekenis and ball in the back of the net courtesy of Vella. Just too good.

In the elated dressing room Peter Tsekenis, coach of Marconi, was delighted and very proud.

“It has been a tough week and we had a plan,” he said. “We thought that if we were solid at the back and didn’t give them much we could pinch it at some point.

“They hit the post, we hit the post and there were a couple chances each in the whole game and then the two goals.

“We cleared our bench early in the second half but they were all forced changes to avoid further injury, but we got our reward because we squeezed them and frustrated them.”

However, Blacktown City dressing room was a much more sombre affair.

“It wasn’t a pretty game but Marconi stuck to their game plan and got the result,” said a disappointed Yianni Spyrakis speaking on behalf of the team.

“We have an experienced bunch of boys and no matter what game, we go out to give 100%. Next week we have Hakoah and we hope to have a positive result going into the finals.”

Match Stats

MARCONI STALLIONS: 2 (Frangie 90’, Vella 84’) 

BLACKTOWN CITY FC: 0 

Saturday, 3rd August 2019

Marconi Sadium, Bossley Park

Referee: Nick Waldron
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields, Nathan Wotton

Fourth Official: Jarrod Katz

MARCONI STALLIONS: 1.Nenad Vekic, 2.Nathan Millgate, 3.Giorgio Speranza, 4.Roberto Speranza, 8.Connor Evans, 10.Marko Jesic, 11.Mitchell Mallia (9.Anthony Frangie 56’), 12.James Andrew (40.Damian Tsekenis 46’), 19.Zach Cairncross, 23.Brandon Vella, 28.Martin Fernandez (7.Sean O’Connell 39’).

Substitutes not used: 14.Peter Pelekanos, 17.Kristian Sekutkoski.

Yellow Cards:

Red Card: Nil

BLACKTOWN CITY FC: 1.Tristan Prendergast, 4.Yianni Spyrakis, 5.Grant Lynch, 6.Matthew Lewis, 8.Daniel Araujo (11.Mani Gonzalez 66’), 9.Joey Gibbs, 12.Lachlan Campbell (13.Rhett Desilva 59’), 15.Mason Versi (7.Devante Clut 87’), 17.Dakota Askew, 19.Adam Berry, 22.Leroy Jennings.

Substitutes not used: 20.Dylan Niski

Yellow Cards: Lynch 43’, Gibbs 48’, Jennings 84’

Red Card: Lynch 71’

By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Joe Russo

Marconi Stallions and Sydney United 58 book their tickets to the FFA Cup Round of 16

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National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Western Sydney sides Sydney United 58 and Marconi Stallions both booked their tickets to the FFA Cup Round of 16 with victories in their Round of 32 games in what was a thrilling Wednesday evening of football action across Australia.

Illinden Sports Centre was the pick of the venue and yet again, Sydney United 58 were made to work for their victory against NPL 2 NSW Men’s side St George FC defeating them 5-3 in a match that had it all.

Both recently met in the TAFE NSW Waratah Cup Semi-Final with United 58 running out 3-2 winners so they knew they were in for a long night, but that didn’t seem the case early on.

The NPL NSW Men’s heavyweights thought they were home and hosed as they took a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Patrick Antelmi and Josh MacDonald.

But Wally Savor’s team, sitting in 11th position on the NPL 2 ladder, had other ideas as Musashi Kokubo pegged a goal back in the 63rd minute. Pandemonium then hit as Marcus Beattie strolled in past a weak United defence and popped the equaliser and it was game on.

With the match destined for extra-time, Glen Trifiro whipped a pin-point cross that was met by Yianni Perkatis who drove his header through Anthony Costa’s hands and it was surely viewed as United 58 winner.

Wrong.

A 96th minute equaliser further added to the drama on what was a thrilling encounter and it was Kokubo who scored his second putting the match into extra-time.

As hard as they tried, St George could not push any further and United 58’s class showed with Tariq Maia scoring in the 108th minute that gave his team the lead before future Australian Under 17 Joeys star Michael Ruhs sealed the deal scoring in the 112th minute to put them into the Round of 16, a fourth time in its club’s history.

TAFE NSW Waratah Cup Champions Marconi Stallions continued its wonderful run of form after handling business professionally in Tasmania disposing of South Hobart FC 3-0 at Blundstone Arena.

Stallions Captain Fantastic Marko Jesic showed yet again why he is one of the most prolific players in the NPL NSW Men’s competition scoring a double while young gun Damian Tsekenis bagging the third.

Jesic kicked things off in the 36th minute via the spot kick before adding his second four minutes later. Going into the break with a handy two goal buffer, the Stallions asserted their authority in the second shutting up shop before rising Stallions star Tsekenis got his just reward with a well taken goal.

In other matches, Hume City defeated Cooma Tigers 2-0 in Canberra, Melbourne City took care of South Australian NPL side Campbelltown City 3-1 while the Central Coast Mariners proved too tough for Northern NSW NPL outfit Maitland FC in the local derby, 2-0.

Stallions extend Peter Tsekenis’ contract a further three years

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As a reward for winning the Club’s first trophy since 2012, and having his team well placed for the semi finals, the Board of Club Marconi has extended the contract of coach Peter Tsekenis by three more years.

Marconi Stallions FC recently won the TAFE NSW Waratah Cup beating arch rivals and neighbours Sydney United 2-1 in the final to secure the trophy and $16,500 in prizemoney.

His re-signing is a massive boost for the team who face two “crucial” matches this week.

Tsekenis has his team “timing their run” perfectly, they are unbeaten in their last four matches in the NPL NSW Men’s competition and face third placed Blacktown City on Saturday night in a “semi-final” come early.

But, before that, they are in Hobart tonight for an FFA Cup match (Round of 32) against a dangerous and well-prepared South Hobart team.

The former defender turned coach has been with the club since 2017 and had previously taken the Stallions back to the top flight from NPL 2.

Tsekenis enjoyed a highly successful career initially as a player, representing Australia at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and playing in the U20 World Cup.

Prior to joining the Stallions, he coached at Bankstown City Lions and Sydney Olympic.

Marconi Stallions Press Release

Young Tsekenis earning his stripes at the Stallions

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There is another young gun emerging from the Marconi Stallions in the form of Damian Tsekenis.

Despite commencing the season with the club’s U18’s side, the striker worked his way up through the ranks to make his first grade debut back in Round 14.

He took his opportunity in the best fashion possible, with a stunning strike off the bench late in the Stallion’s 5-2 victory over Sydney FC.

Since then, 18-year-old has made four cameo appearances in first grade while continuing to build on his tally of five goals in the U20’s competition.

The former St George, Sydney Olympic and Bonnyrigg White Eagles man could not have envisioned a better first taste of the top flight.

“It was a very good feeling,” Tsekenis reflected.

“Coming off the bench, I didn’t really expect it.

“But the ball fell to me and I had to do the business, I guess.”

Tsekenis is a striker who does not lack confidence in the final third, as evident in his acrobatic bicycle-kick assist for Mitch Mallia’s winner against Sydney Olympic last weekend.

The youngster revealed that he enjoys having the ball at his feet and continues to model and sharpen his game off the Stallions’ skipper Marko Jesic.

“I think my main strength is my control, keeping the ball close to me and holding players off,” Tsekenis said.

“Marko Jesic is a very big player I’ve looked up to in the first grade team.

“I think I play a bit like him- obviously he’s much more experienced, but I look up to him, watch his game, and try and learn off him whenever I can.

“Another aspect of my game that I need to work on is getting stronger on the ball, and maybe just being a bit quicker but I guess that will happen as I work harder and harder.”

Damian is one of a handful of future talent who have been blooded by his father Peter Tsekenis at Marconi this campaign.

The Marconi manager, and former St. George, Sydney Olympic, Newcastle United and Bankstown City Lions defender, has eased Damian through his formative years as a footballer.

However despite being the son of the boss, who also happens to be a former Australian Olympic representative, Tsekenis is experiencing no added pressure as he attempts to make his own name in the footballing world.

“Having my father here may seem little difficult but honestly I treat him as if he is just another coach,” he revealed.

“I don’t disrespect him; I respect him as both a coach and a father.

“I don’t think I would say that he’s pushed me, but I think he has helped me a lot over the past couple of years to be where I am at the moment.”

Tsekenis has just landed in Tasmania ahead of Marconi’s FFA Cup Round of 32 clash with South Hobart FC on Wednesday night.

He is treasuring every moment of his first inter-state away trip with the squad.

“I’m very grateful for this (trip to Hobart),” he said.

“This is the first time I have travelled with the team, so I am very happy to be with the boys.

“Hopefully we can get a win tomorrow (Wednesday) night.”

Upon returning to Sydney, it will be straight back to business for Tsekenis and Marconi as they endeavour to seal a spot in the all-important top five.

The youngster believes his teammates are more than capable of building on their recent rich vein of form to finish the job.

“I am very confident,” he said.

“Beating Olympic put us in a very good position and I think we are going to finish off this season very strong.

“We’ll go into the finals as a unit and try as best as we can to get into the Grand Final and win it.

On a personal level, Tsekenis will look to contribute where he can as the Stallions attempt to add to their trophy cabinet which already possesses this season’s TAFE Waratah Cup.

However at his age, the youngster is well aware that he may have to bide his time for a little longer before receiving consistent minutes.

“Honestly, as a player I obviously want to get out there as much as I can,” he said.

“But the boys are buzzing, everyone’s buzzing, so whether I get out there or not, I am happy either way.”

In the long run, Tsekenis holds aspirations of making the step up to the professional game.

However he is remaining grounded, and willing to continue grafting at Marconi until an opportunity may arise.

“Of course I want to make it professionally, but at the moment I just have to work as hard as I can to achieve what I can right now.

“I believe if I work hard, things will pay off in the long run and I will hopefully make it somewhere.”

By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Reporter Chris Curulli (Twitter handle @ChrisCurulli)

 

 

 

Stallions continue to sizzle

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A 10-man Marconi Stallions has secured a 1-0 win over Sydney Olympic in a tense battle on Sunday evening at Belmore Sports Ground and have kept their finals hopes alive and well. 

A 77th minute Mitchell Mallia strike was all it took for the visitors to claim the lead for the Waratah Cup Champions, despite Liam Youlley receiving a red card in the 85th minute.

The result gives Marconi a crucial three points and will see them break away from a deadlocked race for fifth position and finals football.

It also means Olympic will be facing an uphill battle to finish the regular season within the top five.

It was a hard-fought battle from the get-go at Belmore, with both teams fighting to make an early impact on the game.

Despite playing out of position, Riley Woodcock was solid in the centre of Olympic’s defence, making several crucial saves to keep Marconi at bay during the early stages of the game.

Olympic had a chance in the 27th minute as a misdirected clearance landed at the feet of Alex Sanchez in prime position in front of goal, but Nenad Vekic produced a stellar save to keep the game scoreless.

Marconi’s Martin Fernandez created a great opportunity for the visitors in the 57th minute, slipping a ball through Olympic’s defence to the penalty spot, but no one was able to get on the other end of the ball and their chance fizzled out.

Another chance for Marconi came in the 71st minute as substitute Damian Tsekenis set up Peter Pelekanos with a great opportunity just outside the area, but Olympic custodian Paul Henderson managed a terrific save to deny the visitors.

The only goal of the game came in the 77th minute after a misdirected ball from Billy Patramanis saw Marconi with a throw-in in line with the penalty spot.

A bicycle kick from Tsekenis at the edge of the 18-yard box landed with Mallia, who fired his shot out of reach of Henderson and into the netting.

Disaster struck for Marconi in the 85th minute as Liam Youlley was awarded his second yellow card from Katie Patterson, leaving the visitors with just 10 men in the late stages of the game.

Olympic took advantage of their extra player and mounted pressure on Marconi until the final whistle, but they weren’t able to get the equaliser.

Marconi coach Peter Tsekenis said he was happy with his team’s effort to get the win.

“I thought we created enough chances to take the lead early and when you don’t take your chances you leave yourself open, but it was great to get the goal and get the result,” he explained.

“Defensively we were strong when we needed to be… and we got the goal we needed with the subs coming on and doing their business.

“We got over the line on a big game and that says a lot.

“We’re now going to look forward to our midweek Round of 32 in the FFA Cup and worry about one game at a time.

Olympic coach Abbas Saad said the game “could have gone either way.”

“It was just a battle out there. They didn’t play much football, we just had to deal with it.

“We played well, we played with a lot of guts and we took it out to them but unfortunately we just couldn’t find the back of the net.”

Match Stats

Sydney Olympic FC 0

Marconi Stallions FC 1 (Mitchell Mallia 77’)

28th July, 2019

Belmore Sports Ground, Belmore

Referee: K. Patterson

Assistant Referees: N McOrist J Adabjou

Fourth Official: S Quinn

Sydney Olympic FC: 1. Paul Henderson, 3. Riley Woodcock, 6. Nikola Kuleski, 8. Jason Madonis (25. Dimi Petratos 82’), 11. Jinya An, 14. Alejandro Sanchez, 17. Jack Stewart, 19. Darcy Burgess (10. Harris Gaitatzis 75’), 26. Billy Patramanis, 33. Nikolas Tsattalios, 44. Peter Kekeris (9. Radovan Pavicevic 60’)

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Ezequiel Consoni, 21. Alex Gollan,

Yellow Cards: Nikola Kuleski 25’

Red Cards: Nil

Marconi Stallions FC: 1. Nenad Vekic, 2. Nathan Millgate, 3. Giorgio Speranza, 4. Roberto Speranza, 8. Connor Evans, 10. Marko Jesic, 12. James Andrew (11. Mitchell Mallia 54’), 14. Peter Pelekanos, 16. Liam Youlley, 23. Brandon Vella, 28. Martin Fernandez (40. Damian Tsekenis 66’)

Substitutes Not Used: 7. Sean O’Connell, 15. Lachlan Sepping, 17. Kristian Sekutkoski,

Yellow Cards: Liam Youlley 18’, 84’

Red Cards: Liam Youlley 84’

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

Written by National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Madeline Riley (@madelineriley23)