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Antelmi the hero as United 58 sink Stallions

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A dramatic extra-time brace from substitute Patrick Antelmi has helped Sydney United 58 eliminate fierce rivals Marconi Stallions with a 2-0 win in the elimination semi-final at Sydney United Sports Centre on Saturday.

It was a brilliant performance from Antelmi who added to his brilliant finals scoring record to lift United 58 at home after the match was deadlocked

The Substitute cooly finished after a Sim pass in the 92nd minute before wrapping up the win with a penalty in the 112th to end Marconi’s finals campaign.

The win keeps United’s finals hopes alive and sets up a semi-final clash against either Blacktown City on Wednesday night.

The home side started the better of the two sides with midfielder Tarik Maia firing straight at the keeping eight minutes in for the first chance of the match.

Marconi’s reply was from a direct free-kick by Mitchell Mallia in the 16th minute which forced a big save from Thomas Manos.

Marconi pressed from the left channel midway through the first stanza of play with Marko Jesic who attempted to break the deadlock, but his shot missed the mark thanks to some skilful intervention from the Sydney United 58 defence.

Another free-kick from the Stallions drifted across the face of goal in the 32nd minute and reached Zachary Cairncross at the far post who headed the ball into the side netting, much to the relief of the home fans.

A couple of dangerous crosses in the space of a minute, late in the first half, caused some heartbeats to skip for Marconi but the home side certainly couldn’t capitalise on the momentum and the first 45 minutes finished scoreless.

The first real chance of the second half fell to Sydney United 58 and it was a double barrel attempt when both Peter Simonoski and Liam Rose had their consecutive shots blocked by some desperate Marconi defence.

In the 63rd minute James Andrew cleverly found Brandon Vella in the box and his close range attempt was delightfully turned away for a corner by an alert Manos. It was a very good chance for the Stallions – their best in the second stanza of play – that probably should have been capitalised on.

In the 73rd minute a clinical shot from Simonoski was well blocked by Nathan Millgate showing all of his experience in defence.

The hosts were at it again shortly afterwards. A corner by Maia from the left was directly on target but was well punched away by Vekic as the home side pressed forward.

Sydney United 58 came terribly close in the 88th minute when Patrick Antelmi let fly with a thunderbolt that flashed past the post.

A minute later a perfect cross from the left found Matthew Sim in the box and he delightfully danced his way past two defenders, but his final shot was only centimetres wide of the intended target much to the despair of the home fans.

The game then finished 0-0 in regular time despite a very late claim for a penalty by Marconi that was waived away by referee Ben Abraham.

In the first period of supplementary time in the 92nd minute Sydney United 58 broke the deadlock. Sim with some very neat work near the by-line found Antelmi lurking with intent and he made no mistake to give the home side the advantage.

A few minutes later a long and dangerous cross from the left found Brandon Vella at the far post but his close range header was fumbled, but still cleared, by Manos with a desperate dive. It was a dangerous reply by Marconi who were determined to equalise.

Almost immediately afterwards Marconi rolled the dice again and came agonisingly close as Jesic hit the post with Manos well and truly beaten. That’s how close the encounter truly was with only a coat of paint separating the sides – and in this case denying Jesic.

In the 112th minute Sydney United 58 were awarded a penalty when Christian Gonzalez went down in the box and referee Ben Abraham ran straight to the spot. Super-sub Antelmi from the spot made no mistake even though Vekic dived correctly. It was enough to end Marconi’s gallant season as Sydney United live to fight another day.

After the game Sydney United 58’s delighted coach Miro Vlastelica said.

“Definitely a good win but I think the game should have been finished in normal time because we had some good chances.

“We have been getting better in the last month and if this is the form we can take with us on Wednesday, we’ll be okay.

“We need to get our recovery right and we’ll go again. The opposition on Wednesday is in the same boat as us backing up and I am confident in my players that they can do the job.

“Tonight for us was a complete team performance; we dug deep and we never stopped. It was that winning mentality that got us across the line.”

The Marconi Stallions dressing room was fairly sombre but coach Peter Tsekenis was still very proud of his team.

“I thought it was a fairly average game to be honest and we were fairly flat today,” he said.

“Sydney United 58 probably wanted a little bit more but it was semi-final sort of football.

“There were a couple of moments that could have gone either way. There was a shout for a penalty just before fulltime and Mark Jesic hit the post later on and they are the moments that need to go your way if you are going to win.

“Everything didn’t come off for us tonight. The boys did really well to reach this point because it has been a hard slog and I can’t fault our boys.”

Match Stats

SYDNEY UNITED 58 FC: 2 (Antelmi 92’, 112’) 

MARCONI STALLIONS: 0  

Saturday, 17th August 2019

Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park 

Referee: Ben Abraham
Assistant Referees: Joon Park, Matthew McOrist

Fourth Official: Craig Fisher

SYDNEY UNITED 58 FC: 21.Thomas Manos, 4.Adrian Vlastelica (3.Jordan Roberts 96’), 7.Peter Simonoski, 8.Matthew Sim (5.Anthony Tomelic 102’), 11.Yianni Perkatis (9.Patrick Antelmi 61’), 12.Liam Rose, 15.Tariq Maia, 14.Tomislav Uskok, 17.Matthew Bilic (6.Petar Markovic 107’), 20.Christian Gonzalez, 22.Yianni Frogiannis.

Substitutes not used: 1.Daniel Sadaka.

Yellow Cards: Fragogiannis 32’, Maia 53’, Bilic 57’,

Red Card: Nil

MARCONI STALLIONS: 1.Nenad Vekic, 2.Nathan Millgate, 3.Giorgio Speranza, 4.Roberto Speranza (14.Peter Pelekanos 110’), 6.Liam Youlley, 8.Connor Evans, 10.Marko Jesic, 11.Mitchell Mallia (40.Damian Tsekenis 61’), 12.James Andrew (9.Anthony Frangie 79’), 19.Zachary Cairncross, 23.Brandon Vella.

Substitutes not used: 7.Sean O’Connell, 17.Kristian Sekutkovski

Yellow Cards: Jesic 42’, Millgate 56’, Youlley 91’

Red Card: Nil

By National Prmier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Joe Russo

APIA break Blacktown City hearts via shootout

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APIA Leichhardt Tigers have snatched an incredible 5-3 penalty shootout win against Blacktown City in a  thrilling preliminary semi-final at Lambert Park on Saturday

Ivan Necevski was the hero for APIA making a clutch save to deny Joey Gibbs in the shootout after the match finished deadlocked at 1-1 at the end of extra-time.

It was a rollercoaster ride for fans with Chris Payne giving the home side a 1-0 lead from the penalty spot in  the first period of extra-time before Gibbs snatched an incredible equaliser in the dying seconds of the match to send the contest to a shootout.

The result means APIA will now take on Wollongong Wolves at WIN Stadium on Wednesday night for a spot in the Grand Final, while Blacktown have a second chance at life with a minor semi-final match at Lily’s Homes Stadium against Sydney United 58 also on Wednesday night.

It took only 90 seconds for the first chance of the game with Chris Payne firing narrowly wide of the post.

Only moments later Tynan Diaz had a contender for goal of the year denied by Tristan Prendergast in the Blacktown goal when he tipped over a stinging volley 30 yards out.

Josh Symons threw his body on the line to make an incredible block to deny Blacktown City in the 12th minute.

Chances were coming thick and fast with the match was being played at breakneck speed.

APIA’s defence was forced to make another desperation clearance in the 20th minute with Symons heading the ball clear after a looping effort from Joey Gibbs.

Corey Biczo was only millimetres away from scoring in the 34th minute when he slid in on a loose ball only to have it cleared into him and rebound narrowly wide of the post.

Despite their efforts, neither Blacktown or APIA could find a breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes heading to half-time deadlocked at 0–0.

APIA made a rapid start to the second half with Biczo cannoning a shot into the crossbar.

The home side were desperate to break the deadlock and with Franco Parisi was pulling the strings had Blacktown’s defence on their heels.

The visitors found their way back into the contest midway through the half and forced two big saves out of Tigers keeper Ivan Necevski.

Fatigue was taking its toll as the minutes ticked on with extra time looming.

A late flurry from both sides couldn’t find a winner inside 90 minutes.

With the scores deadlocked extra was needed and it was Blacktown who had the best of the early chances forcing another big save out of Necevski.

However, In the 100th minute the match had the flashpoint it had been waiting for.

APIA winger Sean Symons went down in the penalty area and referee Katie Patterson immediately pointed to the penalty spot.

Payne stepped up and duly fired into the back of then to give APIA a 1-0 lead.

Blacktown knew they had to throw everything forward if they were going to snatch an equaliser.

And that is exactly what they did.

Attacker James Demetriou was brought in at the of the first half to help spark City and they threw everything at a tiring APIA defence.

Tigers midfielder Sam McIllhatton made a umber of key tackles to stifle Blacktown and it appeared the home side had done enough to secure a hard-fought win.

But Gibbs had other ideas and caused a major twist in the tale scoring a brilliant goal to keep his side alive when everything was going against them.

It would come down to penalties to decide this contest.

APIA and Blacktown both scored their first three kicks but up stepped Necevski to deny Gibbs from the spot and set up Tynan Diaz to blast home the winning penalty for the home side.

It was pure jubilation for APIA who celebrated with gusto after a nerve-racking finals clash.

Coach John Calleja was a relived man after the final whistle but was already plotting ahead of APIA’s grudge match with Wollongong on Wednesday.

“That was a huge win for the boys. We were pushed all the way yet they kept their cool even with all the injuries and niggles this team is carrying,” Calleja said.

“I’m really proud of this team and, even though I’m a bit biased, I wouldn’t want to go into battle with any other group of lads from this competition.

“With such a short turn around it is very important we hold off on the celebrations a bit and go straight into recovery mode to give us the best shot of booking our spot in the Grand Final.

“Wollongong is a tough place to play so while we will enjoy success tonight we need to remain focused on the goal of winning the championship.”

Blacktown City captain Matt Lewis rued an opportunity lost for his team.

“I felt we dominated that match and had the better opportunities,” he said.

“I felt we were in a position to win that match but we just couldn’t get it done on the night. Once it goes to penalties it is a lottery and luck wasn’t on our side this time.

“Obviously we get another shot on Wednesday night so it’s important we rebound quickly so against Sydney United we can bring home the win in front of our supporters.”

Match Stats

APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 1 (Payne 102’)

Blacktown City FC: 1 (Gibbs 120’)

Sunday, 17 August 2019

Lambert Park Leichhardt

Referee: K Patterson

Assistant Referees: N Wotton, Jadabjou

Fourth Official: S Grasso

APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 1. Ivan Necevski, 3. Paul Galimi, 4. Josh Symons (21. Michael Kouta), 6. Chris Payne (19. Dom Nasrabadi), 7. Tynan Diaz, 8. Corey Biczo 10. Franco Parisi (23. Nicholas Stavroulakis)  12. Sam McIllhatton, 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons, 18. Adrian Ucchino,

Substitutes: 22. Luke Turnbull, 14. Lachlan Hughes, 17. Sam Gulisano

Yellow Cards:

Red Cards:

Blacktown City: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Daniel Collins, 4. Yianni Spyrakis, 5. Grant Lynch (10. James Demetriou 105′), 6. Matt Lewis, 8. Daniel Araujo (20. Dylan Niski 90′), 9. Joey Gibbs, 12. Lachlan Campbell (15. Mason Versi 67’), 17. Dakota Askew, 19. Adam Berry, 22. Leroy Jennings (13. Rhett Da Silva)

Substitutes:  Dylan Niski, 11. Mani Gonzalez

Yellow Cards:

Red Cards:

Wollongong Wolves to play Capital Football Premiers

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Wollongong Wolves’ quest for more silverware and being crowned the best National Premier Leagues team in Australia will kick off on the 21st/22nd of September when they host the Premiers from Capital Football which is yet to be announced after the official NPL 2019 Finals Series draw was conducted at Football Federation Australia HQ.

Luke Wilkshire’s men were crowned Premiers of the NPL NSW Men’s competition last weekend and will be the team to beat as the former NSL giants hope to add more trophies to its cabinet for 2019.

The NPL 2019 Finals Series brings together the eight teams who finished top of their respective NPL standings at the end of their regular seasons to determine Australia’s best NPL side.

2019 marks the seventh edition of the NPL Finals Series, which was won last year by South Australian club Campbelltown City SC. Sydney United 58 FC won the inaugural competition in 2013 and in 2016, while MetroStars SC from South Australia (2014), Blacktown City FC from New South Wales (2015) and Heidelberg United FC from Victoria (2017) have also been crowned Champions of the series in the past.

The winner of the NPL 2019 Finals Series will receive automatic entry into the FFA Cup 2020 Final Rounds, providing an added incentive for the eight clubs taking part.

Every match in the  NPL 2019 Finals Series will be streamed LIVE on www.nationalpremierleagues.com.au as well as via the official Hyundai A-League Facebook page (www.facebook.com/aleague).

National Premier Leagues 2019 Finals Series

National Premier Leagues 2019 Elimination Finals
21 or 22 September 2019 Football Queensland vs Football Federation South Australia
21 or 22 September 2019 Northern NSW Football vs Football Tasmania
21 or 22 September 2019 Football NSW vs Capital Football
21 or 22 September 2019 Football Victoria vs Football West
National Premier Leagues 2019 Semi Finals
28 or 29 September 2019 Winner of Match 1 vs Winner of Match 2
28 or 29 September 2019 Winner of Match 3 vs Winner of Match 4
National Premier Leagues 2019 Grand Final
5 or 6  October 2019 Winner of Match 5 vs Winner of Match 6

*Please note this is schedule is subject to change

POINTS SYSTEM TO DETERMINE HOSTS OF SEMI FINALS AND GRAND FINAL:

To determine the host Member Federation clubs for the Semi Finals and Grand Final, the following points system will apply.

  • Win within normal time (i.e. 90 minutes) = 3 points
  • Win during extra time = 2 points
  • Win on penalties = 1 point
  • Goals scored by home team (excluding penalty shootouts) = 3 points
  • Goals scored by away team (excluding penalty shootouts) = 4 points
  • Goals conceded (excluding penalty shootouts) = -1 point
  • Yellow cards = -1 point; and
  • Red cards = -3 points

The host of the NPL 2019 Grand Final will be determined by the club with the highest accumulation of points across the Elimination Finals and Semi Finals.

James claims Golden Boot and targets Championship glory

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The 2019 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Golden Boot winner Thomas James is one of those players who cannot stop finding the back of the net.

The prolific forward affectionately known as ‘TJ’ has experienced a stellar maiden campaign for the Wollongong Wolves, firing home a competition-leading 22 goals.

His 81st minute penalty sealed a final day 1-0 victory over Marconi Stallions at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The strike ensured that James would finish the regular season with a tally one clear of APIA Leichhardt’s Chris Payne, leading him to lift the Golden Boot as well as the Premiership.

Prior to this season, the 26-year-old arrived in ‘The Gong’ boasting a remarkable goalscoring CV from his time at Canberra FC, where he registered 80 goals in just 83 appearances.

Last campaign, the Englishman struck 19 goals in 17 games for the treble-winning club, taking home Player of the Year and Golden Boot accolades in the National Premier Leagues Capital Football competition.

This year, the striker has not just recreated his Capital heroics; he has exceeded them, playing an instrumental role in Wollongong’s first Premiership capture in 31 years.

Looking back on the campaign to date, the highly motivated James is satisfied with his side’s achievements, despite feeling he could have contributed even more on a personal level.

“It’s been a very good season,” he reflected.

“But as a team it was nothing we didn’t expect coming into the year.

“On a personal note I feel it could have been better.

“I could have broken the record (of 23 goals set by Jordan Murray in 2018), but a couple of things put a stop to that.

“Luke and I had a chat about that (the Golden Boot) before I signed, and it was definitely part of the agreement in me coming down.”

Born in East London, James donned the iconic red and white of Nottingham Forest as a child.

After his parents divorced, James moved to Boston, Lincolnshire and over the years represented Boston Town in the United Counties League and Boston United in the Conference North.

At the age of 20, he made a lifestyle decision to relocate down under and has not looked back since.

As well as spending four successful seasons with Canberra FC, last year James completed his study of Building Construction and Business Management.

It was then that the Wolves declared interest in luring the striker to ply his trade in the NPL NSW Men’s competition.

After one trial game against the Central Coast Mariners, Luke Wilkshire believed he had identified the perfect man to lead the line for his new-look Wolves outfit.

And less than twelve months later, James has already more than repaid his manager’s faith.

“I originally came to Australia just for a getaway, and I ended up finding myself a team (Canberra FC) and played one year with them,” James recalled.

“I went home for a month before Canberra FC called me back, they offered to sponsor me to study and I ended up staying there for four years.

“After I graduated, Luke gave me a call and said he was interested in me coming down to the Wolves, so I played the trial against Mariners and after that I signed.”

On Sunday, Wollongong celebrated an incredible campaign which saw them finish runaway Premiers, nine points clear of second placed APIA, boasting competition-leading records in both attack and defense.

Nobody quite knew what to expect from the Wolves in 2019, who under the tutelage of rookie manager Wilkshire were very much an unknown quantity prior to a ball being kicked.

However, the former Socceroo has proven more than capable in fine-tuning an outfit who play a spellbindingly ruthless style of play.

James believes the collective attitude of the playing squad has been the key to their success.

“We have no egos in the team, and we proved the league is not as difficult as everyone says it is,” the number nine revealed.

“We all like working in the right direction, are focused, and want to win.”

Despite their remarkable record so far, everything will be on the line as the Wolves embark on their journey in the 2019 Finals Series, eyeing off a spot in the Grand Final at Bankwest Stadium on the 31st August.

James revealed the Wolves are more than confident that they have what it takes to go all the way and capture another prized piece of silverware.

The attacker knows what it takes to do just that.

After falling at the final hurdle three years in a row with Canberra, James belatedly broke his Grand Final hoodoo in 2018.

Of course, he found himself on the scoresheet with a decisive brace which earned Canberra FC the title over arch-rivals Canberra Olympic in a come-from-behind 2-1 triumph.

“We’re playing the same teams we have played all year and we know we can beat anyone in this league,” James said.

“I definitely see us in the Grand Final.

“We all have a job to do, we all know our roles within the team and whether we’re on the bench or out there we all have a job to do.

“The Premiership is the most important achievement, but to lift the Championship would be the icing on the cake.”

Wollongong are now one victory away from the big dance.

As a reward for their place at the summit of the ladder, TJ and the Wolves will enjoy a weekend off before taking on the winner of APIA Leichhardt and Blacktown City in the Major Semi Final at WIN Stadium on Wednesday 21st August.

But first, they look forward to testing themselves in a glamour friendly against the reigning A-League Champions Sydney FC at WIN Stadium this upcoming Wednesday night.

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

Sharks too clinical for Suns in derby clash

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Sutherland Sharks have finished the season with Derby honours after claiming the Leader Cup with a 5-2 win against rivals Rockdale City Suns.

It was a second big win in as many weeks for the Sharks but it proved too little too late with the side missing out on finals football with an eighth place finish.

For Rockdale the loss was a final nail in the coffin in what has been a horror second half of the season.

Jordan Morfitis opened the scoring for the visitors while Jerry Skotaadis also found the back of the net to give Sutherland a 2-0 lead at the interval.

It was more of the same in the second half with Lokolingoy claiming a goal while Bai Antoniou also claiming a brace.

Alec Urosevski fired in two gaols in the dying stages of the match but they proved to be mere consolation goals.

It was an expansive star to the match with both sides not holding back in the opening exchanges.

Sutherland had the best of the early possession and pounced on a Rockdale error to take a 1-0 lead after only eight minutes.

Suns defender Nick Petrillo paid the price for a poor touch with Lokolingoy pouncing on the Rockdale last man before firing his shot into the woodwork with Morfitis on hand to tap in the rebound.

Gale force winds made play difficult but it didn’t stop both Rockdale and Sutherland from trying their best to keep to their attacking style.

Antoniou was proving dangerous on the left wing for Sutherland with his pace and dribbling creating chance after chance.

However, it was Skotaadis who would be the man to double the Sharks lead.

The central midfield received the ball 30 yards from goal and drove into space before unleashing a rocket of a shot which sailed into the back of the net.

Sutherland took the 2-0 lead into the break and was in control of the contest after a solid first 45 minutes.

It was more of the same from the visitors after the restart and it took them only five minutes for Antoniou to make it 3-0.

Lokolingoy beat his marker on the right wing before firing the ball into Antoniou who turned his man with a skilful pirouette and smashed the ball past the keeper.

Rockdale tried to fight their way back into the contest but lacked the clinical passing required to break down the Sharks defence.

71 minutes in Lokolingoy heaped even more woe on the home side as he scored Sutherland’s fourth of the match.

The burly striker found space and accelerated past two defenders before skilfully side-footing the ball past the onrushing keeper.

Urosevski finally found a breakthrough for Rockdale in the 78th minute when he headed home from close range.

The Suns’ star  then went on to net his tenth goal of the season only three minutes late to cut the deficit to 4-2.

A loose touch from Mateo Poljak proved costly with the Suns quickly pinching the ball before it was delivered to an unmarked Urosevski to score from inside the penalty area.

With the match seemingly all but settled, Bai Antoniou would strike again to claim his second of the match.

The young winger rising high over his marker to nod home a Sutherland set-piece to stretch his team’s lead to 5-2.

The final whistle couldn’t come quick enough for both sides with Sutherland finishing their season in style and Rockdale going out with whimper.

Match Stats

Rockdale City Suns: 2 (Urosevski 77’, 81’)

Sutherland Sharks: 5 (Morfitis 8’, Skotadis 42’, Antoniou 50’ 85’, Lokolingoy 72’)

Sunday, 11 August 2019

Ilinden Sports Centre, Rockdale

Referee: H Jomaa

Assistant Referee: B Wright & M Allum

Fourth official: S Kelly

Rockdale City Suns: David Bradasevic, Patrick Savor, Leigh Egger, Nick Petrillo, Jake Trajkovski, Sasa Macura, Idris El Hafiane, Jonathan Grozdanovski, Jordan Figon, Panny Nikas, Alec Urosevski

Substitutes: Nikola Taneski, Trent McClenenhan, Aleks Canak, Max Rowston

Sutherland Sharks: Anthony Bouzanis, Blair Brown, Quentin Cheng, Harry Sutherland  Patrick O’Shea, Mateo Poljak, Jerry SKotadis, Raul Beneit, Charles Lokolingoy, Bai Antoniou, Jordan Morfitis

Substitutes: Mitchell Evans, Brodie Clarkson, Alexander Lopez,

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