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Ten-man Suns hold out Sydney United 58 in scoreless draw

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Round 1 of the 2019 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season saw Sydney United Sports Centre play host to a tense stalemate between Sydney United 58 and a ten-man Rockdale City Suns outfit on Sunday night. 

The eagerly-anticipated clash between two historic rivals ended scoreless, despite the visitors playing a man down for over an hour following new recruit Sasa Macura’s 31st minute dismissal for two cautions.

It was also a return to his former ground with Panni Nikas, the much hyped signing for the Suns, being kept quiet by his former teammates.

Notably, a frenetic conclusion saw United 58 custodian Thomas Manos stand tall to deny clear-cut chances for Howard Fondyke and substitute Alec Urosevski, whilst his teammate Glenn Trifiro failed to convert two golden opportunities up the other end.

The hosts may well have snatched all three points in second half stoppage time, as Matt Sim’s curling effort was denied by the woodwork to the dismay of the spirited Edensor Park faithful.

All in all, both Miro Vlastelica and Paul Reid will extract many positives from their team’s opening outing, however the former may well be the more frustrated boss considering his side’s inability to capitalise upon their numerical advantage.

As both sides pressed early to try and kick off their season in style, Sasa Macura’s over exuberance proved costly, as he picked up a yellow card 22 minutes in.

Minutes later the former Manly United midfielder was caught in a clumsy challenge on Yianni Perkatis, leading referee Kurt Ams to award him a second caution without any real hesitation or argument.

Sydney United 58 stalwart Matt Sim forged the brightest opportunities of the first period, however none of which seriously concerned Rockdale’s shot-stopper David Bradasevic.

Rockdale appeared composed considering the circumstances they found themselves in, and continually sent out warning shots to their eleven-man opposition.

Manos was called into action by a powerful low Jonathan Groznadovski shot on 42 minutes, while Nikas’ best shot at silencing the critics on his return to Edensor Park saw a 47th minute free kick deflected to safety by the United wall.

The match clicked up a gear in the final half an hour as both sides traded blows in search of the elusive opener.

Trifiro saw his header sail narrowly over the bar after he was set up by a pinpoint Yianni Fragogiannis delivery, before Fondyke had a first-time wonder-strike denied spectacularly by Manos.

Trifiro then had the goal at his mercy on 76 minutes, but sent his close-range effort high and wide.

With two minutes of regulation time remaining Urosevski found himself one-on-one with the ‘keeper, but a strong Manos palm held firm to stand between Rockdale and all three points.

One of the final plays of the game saw Sim wriggle his way into a sight on goal, before unleashing a precise curling effort that appeared destined for the top corner.

However the ball would instead graze the crossbar, and both sides were forced to settle for a single point to kick off their 2019 campaign.

Post match, both managers offered a positive outlook on the result:

“At the end of the day we were happy,” United boss Miro Vlastelica said.

“We created a few chances that we could have scored on another day but we didn’t. We just need to be a bit more clinical in front of goal.

“You would like to win all of your games but we are going to build from here.

“At the end of the day a point’s a point.”

Paul Reid echoed his sentiments, adding further congratulations to his side’s reaction in a tough set of circumstances.

“I am proud of the boys,” he revealed.“It’s not easy playing with ten men, especially away from home. It was very hot out there, and for the effort that the boys put in I am very proud of them.

“I said to them at half time that if we defended like we did we will create a couple of chances.

“If it was eleven vs eleven we would have gone on and won the game, I know that.

“All in all, we were unlucky not to nick one at the end we’ll take the point and look forward to next week against Marconi.”

Reid’s Suns will carry plenty of confidence as they travel to Marconi Stadium next Saturday night, whilst Sydney United 58 will also search for their maiden victory of the season on the road against Blacktown City FC on Sunday afternoon.

Both teams will welcome back a number of their players who were missing from today’s clash.

United 58 in particular will be getting the services of Patrick Antelmi back from suspension with defender Adrian Vlastelica hopefully returning to the squad. The Red will also welcome  a new edition in the form of former Mariner Josh Macdonald.

While for the Suns, Jordan Figon is edging closer to match fitness after playing in the club’s 20s on Sunday with the return of a few suspended players.

Match Stats

Sydney United 58 0

Rockdale City Suns 0

Sunday 10th March, 2019

Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park

Referee: Kurt Ams

Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields and Patrick Teleki

Fourth Official: Danny Horstead

Sydney United 58: 21.Thomas Manos, 3.Jordan Roberts, 5.Anthony Tomelic, 6. Petar Markovic, 8.Matthew Sim,  11.Yianni Perkatis, 14.Nicholas Stavroulakis, 15.Tariq Maia (2. Joshua DeRossi 90’), 18.Glenn Trifiro 20.Christian Gonzalez (13.Sam Perry 57’), 22. Yianni Fragogiannis

Yellow Cards: Nick Stavroulakis 61’, Yianni Perkatis 94’

Red Cards: Nil

Rockdale City Suns: 1.David Bradasevic, 2. Daniel Petkovski, 3.Mick Neill, 6.Kang Hoon Cho (7.Alec Urosevski, 68’), 9.Jonathan Grozdanovski, 15.Nicholas Petrillo, 17.Matthew Lecce (16.Alex Malfara 79’), 19.Patrick Savor, 18.Sasa Macura, 20.Howard Fondyke (5.Jake Trajkovski 84’), 23.Pani Nikas

Substitutes Not Used: 22.Max Rowston, 21.Blake Currey

Yellow Cards: Sasa Macura 22′, 31’, Pani Nikas 59’

Red Cards: Sasa Macura 31’

Player Ratings

3 – Tom Manos (SU)

2 – Jonathan Grozdanovski (RCS)

1 – Yianni Fragogiannis (SU)

-By Christopher Curulli 

Nikas ready to rock at Rockdale

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They say a change can be as good as a holiday and for Rockdale City Suns star signing Panny Nikas, it could be the perfect formula to catapult the mercurial midfielder back to form and potentially premiership success.

Nikas’ exit from Sydney United 58 to Join premiership rivals Rockdale City Suns was arguably the biggest transfer of the NPL NSW Men’s top tier off season.

If that wasn’t enough pressure for the 30-year-old, the former NPL NSW Men’s Player of the Year has the extra burden of fighting back from a serious knee injury which ended his time at Edensor Park prematurely.

But it’s all water off ducks back for the NPL NSW veteran who believes a new found balance between work, life and football could help him reach some of his best form this season.

“The decision to leave Sydney United didn’t come easy but life factors and the need for a change of scenery made it the logical move to join Rockdale,” Nikas said.

“I work at a School around the corner from Rockdale, live near Rockdale and run a football academy nearby so the challenge of doing all that and then having to drive to Edensor Park  for football just became too much.

“Rockdale had called me every off-season since I was at the Sutherland Sharks and this time it just seemed right to make it happen.

“I loved my time at Sydney United and achieved some great things with that club but now I’m looking forward to this new project and doing everything I can to be successful.”

The addition of Nikas has given Suns coach Paul Reid enviable fire power to his attack and will once again make the Ilinden Sports Centre based outfit an early favourite.

While Nikas’ pedigree is undeniable, question remain whether he can bounce back from the knee injury which has sidelined him since August.

The attacking midfielder’s return to training in January was a positive sign he will be able to make a full recovery as he works towards being fit for round 1.

“I’m feeling pretty good and it’s been nice to be back on the park,” Nikas said.

“Slowly I’ve been getting my fitness back and hopefully it won’t be long until my knee is back to full strength.”

Nikas hasn’t been Rockdale’s only signing this off season with the club adding two-time premiership winning midfielder Sasa Macura and talented defender Leigh Egger.

However, it hasn’t all been incomings with goalkeeper Ante Covic, Blake Ricciuto and Harris Gaitatzis all departing the club.

Paul Reid will make the permanent move to the technical area in 2019 after being a player-coach for the past few seasons.

Nikas said he believed he could be the missing link to help Rockdale end their run of finals failures.

“I feel I am a player who in can make a difference in the big moments and I’ve proven that at every club I have played for,” he said.

“In the finals you need to be able to handle those situations and bring something special which I’m confident I can do.

“I’ve been fortunate enough that I have been very successful in this competition and I’m determined to help Rockdale to a premiership.”

Key player movements

Arrivals: Panny Nikas(Sydney United 58), David Bradasevic (Bonnyrigg), Leigh Egger (Manly United), Sasa Macura (Manly United)

Departures: Ante Covic, Harris Gaitatzis (Sydney Olympic), Blake Ricciuto (Brunei DPMM FC), Paul Reid (Coaching)

-By Nick Houghton

Rockdale City Suns unearth new recruits for new year

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Rockdale City Suns have agreed to terms with a number of key players for the 2019 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition. 

The new additions will complement the core of our existing squad for what should be an exciting season.

Recruits

David Bradasevic

David re-joins the Club following a year away with the Bonnyrigg White Eagles.  An exciting shot stopper who will be looking to make the number 1 jersey his own.  Prior to his departure, David enjoyed four successful seasons with our Club and it is a homecoming that he is looking forward to with much excitement.

Leigh Egger

A versatile and solid defender who joins the Club from Manly United.  Leigh was an ever present part of the Manly backline. Prior to his stint at Manly, he enjoyed a successful stint at Sydney Olympic. Leigh will be looking to cement a spot in our backline.

Sasa Macura

One of the most consistent midfielders in the competition, Sasa also joins the Club from Manly United where he was instrumental in that Club’s 2017 title winning teams. Sasa is known for his quality on the ball and for his ability to control games from the middle of the park. He will be a valuable cog in our 2019 setup and we are delighted to have secured his services.

Josh Da Silva

Josh joins our Club from local rivals Sutherland Sharks.  Josh is an adaptable and versatile attacking player who is comfortable playing across the front third. He has enjoyed a successful stint at Sutherland. Prior to joining Sutherland, Josh enjoyed a successful stint at Blacktown Spartans and prior to that spent a season at the Ilinden Sports Centre.

Panny Nikas

Little introduction is needed for the midfield maestro Panny Nikas.  Panny joins our Club following a highly successful few seasons at Sydney United where he achieved almost everything in NPL football.  Panny is known for his ability to change games and has a track record of dominating games, not to mention an ability to score goals which have regularly featured as goals of the week. Panny is excited to embark on this new challenge.

Matthew Lecce

Matthew is a Rockdale junior who returns to the Club following a year absence where he played for both the Western Sydney Wanderers before making the switch this season to Parramatta FC.  Despite Parramatta finishing at the wrong end of the table, Matthew was an ever present in that team and despite filling in various positions, also managed to score a number of crucial goals. A versatile player who is comfortable across many positions.

Promotion to First Grade

Alex Malfara

One of two exciting young prospects, Alex was a member of our 2018 under 20’s squad.  His performances there have resulted in him being awarded with a position in our first grade squad.  A dangerous attacking player who hopes to force his way into the first grade line-up.

Jake Trajkovski

Another young prospect from our under 20 squad, Jake has also earnt a spot in the first grade squad following a break out season in 2018. Jake is comfortable on the ball, plays with passion and enthusiasm and is versatile to be able to play in either defence or midfield.

Retentions

The new additions to our first grade squad will complement the core of our returning players.

The Club would also like to thank and acknowledge the service of our departing players and in particular, outgoing Vice-captain Steve Hesketh who will be heading home to Perth. We wish Steve and our other departing players the very best.

-Rockdale City Suns Press Release

Final Series Week Two – NPL NSW Men’s Review

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Sydney Olympic is only one game away from claiming a historic National Premier Leagues Premiership and Championship double after securing their place in this season’s grand final with a win against Sydney United 58. 

Next week they will find out their opponent as United 58 take on APIA Leichhardt Tigers who progressed with an incredible 8-2 demolition of Rockdale City Suns on Saturday night.
It was a euphoric end to a massive week for APIA as they keep their Championship hopes alive.
Sydney United 58 were given a major reality check on Sunday against Olympic but have one final chance with a rematch of their week one fixture in the Preliminary final.
It’s very much the business end of the season and the stakes are only going to get higher.
 
APIA Leichhardt Tigers 8 – Rockdale City Suns 2 at Lambert Park.

APIA Leichhardt tigers have flexed their National Premier Leagues NSW Championship credentials with an incredible 8-2 demolition of Rockdale City Suns at Lambert Park on Saturday.

Tigers’ fans thought they had seen it all in Tuesday night’s FFA Cup giant-killing of reigning A-League Champions Melbourne Victory, but the Lambert Park faithful will be pinching themselves again after witnessing their side move one game away from the grand final with a truly one-sided triumph. 

The incredible rout began with the fifth-minute dismissal of Rockdale defender Blake Ricciuto, who was given straight red after tripping the goal-bound Sean Symons. APIA stalwart Themba Muata-Marlow buried the resulting penalty kick, and the floodgates opened.

Franco Parisi’s glorious run and pass saw a rare goal for fullback David D’Apuzzo, while FFA Cup hero Tasuku Sekiya added a third from close range after Symons’ shot had cannoned back off the foot of the post.

And when Howard Fondyke volleyed the Japanese attacker’s cross past Ante Covic at the back post five minutes later, the Tigers were in dreamland.

The misery continued for Rockdale in the second stanza. Symons headed D’Apuzzo’s centre home, and Paul Reid’s side were reduced to nine when Aleksandar Canak was dismissed for his second booking.

Substitute Samuel Gulisano opened his first-grade account from the penalty spot after a Suns handball and soon had a brace – and APIA’s seventh – after rifling in a deflected effort that left Covic rooted to the spot.

Rockdale pulled two consolation goals back via Alexander Malfara and Michael Neill, before Sekiya clinched his double, and fifth goal in a week, with a delightful lob over the former Western Sydney Wanderers gloveman.

Sekiya’s dink proved to be the final kick of a crazy encounter, and undoubtedly an NPL NSW clash that will live long in the memory.

 
Sydney Olympic 4 – Sydney United 58 FC 0 at Lambert Park
 

Sydney Olympic is one game away from securing a historic National Premier Leagues NSW Championship double after defeating Sydney Olympic 58 4-0 in the Major-Semi Final at Lambert Park on Sunday.

 

A hat-trick to Spanish import Alex Sanchez, along with one goal to Olympic skipper Jason Madonissecured the win for the blues, with their robust defence keeping Sydney United 58 off the scoreboard.

 

The victory for Olympic was their third consecutive win over Sydney United 58 and capped off their Premiership winning season with a direct run to the Grand Final.

Sanchez would be the first on the scoreboard in the 20thminute, heading home a goal.

Madonis doubled the lead for Olympic only ten minutes later, capitalising on a clearance from Sydney United 58 which saw the ball fall to his feet outside the box.

Sanchez made it 3-0 in the 32nd minute, landing a ball in the back of the net just two minutes later.

An incredible hat-trick for Sanchez came 30 minutes from full-time after he slalomed through the United 58 defence before cooly finishing to wrap up the 4-0 victory.

Olympic will have a week off next week as they prepare for the Grand Final, whereas Sydney United 58 will play-off against APIA for a place in the decider.

 

Rockdale City’s Recipe For Finals Success

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A new found defensive focus is set to be Rockdale City Suns recipe for success as they set out to be the National Premier Leagues NSW finals giant killers, according to club captain Daniel Petkovski.

Rockdale claimed a shock 2-0 win against Blacktown City in last week’s elimination final to set up a clash with league favourites APIA Leichhardt Tigers in week two of the play-offs.

Despite a horror start to the season, Rockdale turned it around after round twelve to sneak into the finals with a fifth place finish

Central defender Petkovski revealed his side felt they have paid the price for their attack at all costs mentality at times this season, and have looked to take a more conservative approach as they push for a grand final berth.

“Defensively we were very poor to start the season and I think collectively we just weren’t working hard enough when we didn’t have possession,” Petkovski said.

“Rockdale as a club has always been about playing attacking football no matter what. So much so that a narrow 1-0 victory didn’t mean as much as winning 5-4.

“We’ve really had to change our mindset over the back half of this season because we were struggling so much defensively.”

“The defensive players have been working with the attacking players to make sure we are all working as a unit and putting in as much effort when we don’t have the ball as we do when we are in possession.”

A clean sheet in last week’s elimination final win was an important part of Rockdale’s development, according to Petkovski.

And while The Suns have one of the more difficult paths to the grand final ahead of them due to their fifth place finish, the former Sydney FC youth player believes the fact they are underdogs puts them at a significant advantage.

“Outside of the goals we have set for ourselves, there is very little pressure on the team in this finals series,” he said.

“Rockdale isn’t just in the finals to make up the numbers but we also know that after the season we have had and the way we snuck into fifth spot that nobody expects us to be there on grand final day let alone win the title.

“This means we are free to play our own game and I think it played a big factor in the win against blacktown.”

Against APIA Rockdale will once again come into the game as underdogs, but Petkovski is confident the physical and emotional toll of their opponent’s finals and FFA Cup matches could prove to be a weakness.

“I was happy to see APIA’s incredible win against Melbourne Victory but it was a bit bittersweet for Rockdale as we know they will come into Saturday’s game with new found confidence,” he said.

“APIA has played a lot of high intensity football with the same players in a short space of time and they will need to back up again and try to maintain that same intensity against us.

“In saying all that our focus will be on our own game and making sure we can keep our championship aspirations alive with a good performance both in attack and in defence.”