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Stallions smash United 58 in five goal fiesta

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A first half demolition job from Marconi Stallions have condemned Sydney United 58 to a humiliating 5-0 loss at Marconi Stadium on Saturday Night.

The Stallions star studded line-up was at their destructive best as they scored five unanswered goals in the first half to claim an emphatic victory against their local rivals.

New recruit Mitch Mallia opened the scoring inside the first 60 seconds before braces to Marko Jesic and Mirjan Pavlovic  secured the five goal drubbing.

It was a shock result for third placed United 58 who had no answers in a tough day at the office for the Miro Vlastelica coached outfit.

The game got underway in the best possible way for the Stallions when a long range cross from the right by Anthony Frangie found Mitchell Mallia at the far post and all he had to do was tap it in from short range.

The spectators had hardly got comfortable in their seats as this opening goal arrived only seconds after kick-off.

It should really have been two in the fifth minute when Mallia was played beautifully through the middle but, one-on-one with the goalkeeper Thomas Manos. He couldn’t beat the Sydney United custodian who made a great save with his foot.

Marconi doubled their lead in the ninth minute when a delightful ball over the top found a galloping Jesic who, with a clinical finish, slid the ball home. It was electrifying stuff at Marconi Stadium as the goal scorer raced towards the fence to celebrate.

It was three in the 19th minute when a pinpoint, perfect free-kick from Jesic found Mirjan Pavlovic in the box and he simply glanced the header home.

One could hardly keep up such was the pace of the action at Marconi Stadium.

Midway through the first stanza of play the referee Tim Danaskos brought a halt to proceedings for a short while when there was a crowd disturbance. Play didn’t stay put for long though as tempers settled fairly quickly.

It was four for Marconi in the 28th minute when Pavlovic found Jesic in the box and the latter simply knocked it into the back of the net. This was now becoming some show indeed for Marconi

And it was five after 31 minutes when Giorgio Speranza cut the ball back for Pavlovic who scored from an unmarked position. It was too simple for Marconi in what was proving to be an insane first half of football.

It could have been six in the 42nd minute when a cross by Frangie was met by Brandon Vella but the ‘keeper Manos did very well to punch it away.

Just prior to the break there was an incredible miss by Jordan Roberts.

Totally unmarked, Vella received the ball but Nenad Vekic with a deflection managed to get it just a fraction wide for a corner. It was Sydney United’s only real chance in the first stanza of play.

The second half didn’t reproduce anything near the first half’s high octane display.

In fact it was an unusual sight to see one team – Marconi – standing on the pitch for nearly four minutes waiting for Sydney United and the match officials to re-join them to kick-off proceedings.

The 65th minute saw substitute Gallegos-Berriel fire from long distance for the visitors but Vekic had it covered. There was almost immediate reply when Mallia sprinted away unmarked and charged towards the Sydney United goal, only to fire just over the crossbar.

Two chances for Marconi materialized in a minute. It was the 71st and Frangie with a powerful diagonal shot only just missed the target and immediately afterwards Jesic went on a sprint, but in the end his powerful drive couldn’t beat Manos.

In the 75th minute Tariq Maia found himself on the end of a run for Sydney United and then, when he found himself within striking distance, he unleashed a shot that was turned way for a corner by a well-prepared Vekic.

In the 79th minute Yianni Nicolaou brought down Peter Simonoski in the box and referee Tim Danaskos didn’t hesitate and indicated the spot.

Up stepped Anthony Tomelic but Vekic, with a brilliant dive to his right, prevented Sydney United from scoring and registering a goal albeit one from a penalty.

After the game Marconi coach Peter Tsekenis wasn’t getting too carried away with the winning margin.

“Some things haven’t been going our way but today I gave them certain instructions and they were just clinical,” he said.

“I was blown away with the effort, sticking to the game plan and it makes a difference when you take your chances.

“Against our arch-rivals it is always a big game but when you are on-song, the ball goes in the back of the net and it probably could have been more. We consolidated in the second half but I thought that we dictated terms for the whole game.”

Over in the Sydney United 58 dressing room coach Miro Vlastelica recognised that all the damage was done early on.

“We came out in second-gear,” he said.

“We copped the first goal in under a minute, then there was a second goal and then we went into a shell. At halftime I said go out and show some character and we tried to play better football.

“In the first half we didn’t deal with their direct play, but I said to the boys for the second half that we needed to keep trying to play and that’s what we did.”

Match Stats

MARCONI STALLIONS: 5 (Mallia 1’, Pavlovic 16’,  31′, Jesic 9′, 28’)

SYDNEY UNITED 58 FC: 0

Stallions Park, Bossley Park

Saturday, 13th April 2019

Referee: Tim Danaskos
Assistant Referees: Joon Park, Lance Greenshields

Fourth Official: Craig Fisher

MARCONI STALLIONS: 1.Nenad Vekic, 3.Giorgio Speranza, 4.Roberto Speranza, 7.Sean O’Connell (16.Liam Youlley 63’), 9.Anthony Frangie, 10.Marko Jesic, 11.Mitchell Mallia, 13.Yianni Nicolaou, 19.Zach Cairncross (5.James Baldacchino 46’), 21.Mirjan Pavlovic (15.Lachlan Sepping 82’), 23.Brandon Vella.

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

Yellow Cards: Frangie 44’, O’Connell 45’+4, Vella 56’, Jesic 63’, Pavlovic 80’

Red Cards: Nil

SYDNEY UNITED 58 FC: 21.Thomas Manos, 3.Jordan Roberts, 5.Anthony Tomelic, 8.Matthew Sim (23.Luke Vlastelica 74’), 9.Patrick Antelmi (10. Sebastien Gallegos Berriel 52’), 11.Yianni Perkatis, 12.Liam Rose, 13.Sam Perre (7.Peter Simonovski 46’), 15.Tariq Maia, 18.Glen Trifiro, 19.Joshua Macdonald.

Substitutes not used: 1.Daniel Sadaka, 14.Nick Stavroulakis,

Yellow Cards: Rose 16’, Perkatis 49’, Roberts 88’

Red Card: Nil

Player Ratings:

3 – Marko Jesic (MS)

2 – Anthony Frangie (MS)

1 – Mirjan Pavlovic (MS)

-By National Premier Leagues NSW reporter Joe Russo 

Last gasp winner seals United 58 victory

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 A 93rd minute winner from Tariq Maia has lifted Sydney United 58 to a dramatic last gasp 3-2 victory against Sutherland Sharks during their National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash at Seymour Shaw on Saturday night.

The talented midfielder delivered at the death with a clinical finish to give United 58 a return to winning ways.

It was Sutherland’s fourth straight defeat and was yet another frustrating result despite a strong performance for the boys from the Shire.

United 58’s Glen Trifiro scored twice but his efforts were cancelled out by goals to Jeremy Cox and a Raul Romero penalty for Sutherland.

However, it wasn’t enough to settle the tie as Maia netted at the second attempt in time added on.

A frenetic opening produced plenty of thrills and spills but little in the way of opportunity as both midfield’s jostled to gain the ascendancy in a must win or each.

Tarik Ercan, dallying on the edge of the area, lost the ball which was centred for Trifiro, unmarked in the box, to sweetly side-foot home to give the visitors the lead in the 11’ minute.

It was a gift for United and they accepted it gratefully leaving the Sharks chasing the game at an early stage.

The home side rallied and peppered the United box with crosses from the left that found no target until Juan Carlos Romero, robbing the ball on the right, fired in a shot Thomas Manos could only parry as far as Jeremy Cox whose rebound effort rippled the net to restore parity.

Manos produced a fine save from Raul Romero midway through the half as Sutherland attempted to turn their impetus into goals but again chances were sporadic and far between.

‘Tricky’ Trifiro produced a moment of sheer elegance in the 37th minute when spinning to turn the ball home for his, and United 58’s, second of the evening to restore the lead for the visitors.

With most play in the middle of the pitch in what was proving a tense encounter.

United looked to be taking a slender lead into the break until a stoppage time penalty to the Sharks saw Romero plant the ball past Manos the level the scores once more.

The decision incensed United as there appeared a hand-ball in the build up but the break was reached all square.

The visitors returned to the field still smarting after the break and took time to settle back into their rhythm.

A hopeful punt forward from Harry Sutherland found Cox on the left and his cross freed Romero on the edge of the area however, his shot was straight at Manos who gathered comfortably five minutes into the restart.

What ensued was tough and uncompromising, no quarter asked nor given with the only element lacking being goalmouth action.

It was entertaining but would take something special or a dramatic mistake to wrest the result.

Pat O’Shea attempted a long range shot that had Manos punching clear in the 78th minute but as the game looked to be petering out for a draw, up stepped Maia to net the points for United 58 at the second attempt after Anthony Bouzanis saved his first shot but the midfielder was able to head home on the rebound.

“It was a mistake really,” admitted Sharks coach Terry Palapanis at the whistle.

“There were some soft goals but at 2-all I thought we had them.

“A draw would have been a good result but we had chances to win the match but again we opted for the wrong decision.

“We cannot keep doing this week after week, we have to be more clinical in front of goal.

“There were a number of mistakes made tonight.”

While Sydney United 58 coach Miro Vlastelica praised his chargers persistence in scoring the winner.

“After we conceded the second goal we went into our shell a bit and needed to come out in the second-half adjusted.

“We adjusted well and we then pick up a couple of injuries which forced our substitutions and that unbalanced the formation a bit.

“Credit to the boys, they battled to the end in a game that could have gone either way and we’ve got the win.”

Both teams commence their FFA Cup runs next week with Sutherland Sharks traveling down South to face the Gerringong Breakers while United 58 tackle Gladesville Ryde Magic at Christie Park on Wednesday 10th April.

Match Stats

Sutherland Sharks 2 (Cox 17’, R.Romero 45+2p)

Sydney United 58 3 (Trifiro 11’ 37’, Maia 90+3)

Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda

Saturday, 6th April, 2019

Referee: Ben Abraham

Asst. Refs: Jack Bell & Raymond Osborne

4th Official: Liam Cole

Sutherland Sharks: 1.Anthony Bouzanis, 3.Mark Warren, 4.Patrick O’Shea, 6.Lachlan Everett, 7.Juan Carlos Heras Romero, 9.Jeremy Cox (2.Quentin Cheng 79’), 10.Raul Beneit Romero, 12.Blair Brown, 16.Caoimhin Fowler (11.Jordan Morfitis 73’), 19.Harry Sutherland, 21.Tarik Ercan

Substitutes not used: 15.Thomas Papa, 18.Mitchell Evans, 25.Brodie Clarkson

Yellow Cards: Brown 33’

Red Cards:

Sydney United 58: 21.Thomas Manos, 3.Jordan Roberts, 4.Adrian Vlastelica (14.Nick Stavroulakis 58’), 5.Anthony Tomelic, 9.Patrick Antelmi, 11.Yianni Perkatis, 12.Liam Rose, 13.Sam Perre, (8.Peter Simonovski i58’) 15.Tariq Maia, 18.Glen Trifiro, 19.Joshua McDonald (10.Sebastian Gallegos 70’)

Substitutes not used: 1.Daniel Sadaka, 40.Michael Rhus

Yellow Cards:  Antelmi 29’, Manos 45+2’, Roberts 80’

Red Cards:

Player Ratings

3 – Trifiro (SU)

2 – Perkatis (SU)

1 – R.Romero (SS)

-By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Micky Brock

Payne haunts United 58 with deadly hat-trick

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A sensational Chris Payne hat-trick has buried his former side Sydney United 58 as APIA Leichhardt claimed a 3-1 win in a blockbuster National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday. 

It was a fairytale return to the ground where Payne called home for three seasons with the veteran front man delivering a striking masterclass in front of his former fans.

An absolute screamer on the bounce from an Ivan Necevski goal kick opened Payne’s account on the cusp of half time.

United 58 levelled the score thanks to some clinical finishing from Patrick Antelmi but it was Payne’s day with the former A-League striker finishing off a sublime Franco Parisi assist to give APIA a 2-1 lead in the 68th minute.

Payne wrapped up the result, and his hat-trick, in the dying stages of the match when he converted from the penalty spot to condemn United 58 to their first defeat of the season.

It was a dour stat to the match with play locked in midfield with neither side giving an inch.

Both teams managed to manufacture a few half chances but were unable to test the goalkeeper.

It took nearly ten minutes for either side to really find their groove but it was APIA who had the best of possession.

A dangerous ball in from Corey Biczo on the left wing narrowly missed the run of Parisi at the near post in what very easily could’ve been the opening goal of the game.

Tigers striker Payne was making life difficult for United 58 keeper Thomas Manos by pressing him every time he was in possession.

It created a nervy moment after 14 minutes when he charged down a Manos clearance at the edge of the penalty area but the assistant referee ruled a hand ball.

Michael Kouta had a brilliant chance for APIA 30 minutes in when he unleashed a blistering shot from the edge of the box but it was easily saved.

United 58 had the momentum in the closing stages of the half and pinned APIA back with some dangerous attacks down the wing.

However, United’s efforts lacked the polish required to truly test Necevski in goal.

With the halftime interval only seconds away, Payne delivered a hammer blow to his former side with a sensational finish from outside the box which nestled in the top right corner to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

United 58 raced out of the blocks at the restart as Josh McDonald forced a diving save from Necevski after unleashing from the edge of the penalty area when he was put into space.

Moments later Glen Trifiro was denied by an incredible block from Themba Muata-Marlow six yards out from goal.

However, the APIA defender’s efforts proved to be in vain with United 58 striker Antelmi poaching an equaliser from close range after poking home when a Nick Stavroulakis shot rebounded to his feet.

The goal supercharged the match with both teams throwing everything into the contest with play going from end to end.

Payne had a golden opportunity to reclaim the lead in the 60th minute when he was found unmarked in the penalty area.

The veteran striker set up to shoot but didn’t account for the desperation defending of Stavroulakis who blocked the attempt on goal before claiming possession and clearing the threat.

As he has done many times throughout his career, APIA legend Parisi changed the game with a moment of individual brilliance.

The silky skilled 35-year-old turned back the clock with a brilliant move on the ball to create space before setting up Payne for his second goal with a perfect pass through the United 58 defence.

United were desperate not to concede defeat and threw themselves forward in chase of an equaliser.

A long ball over the top put Matt Sim in space and if it was not for some quick thinking from Necevski to clear the threat the ball could’ve very easily ended up in the back of the net.

Payne went inches away from a spectacular hat-trick in the 81st minute when he hit a first time volley which was plucked out of the air by Manos at full stretch.

Biczo’s pace was creating plenty of headaches for United 58’s defence and that was very much the case in the 84th minute.

The winger blitzed through backline before being taken down in the penalty area to win his side a penalty.

Naturally, Payne stepped up to claim his hat-trick and the win.

United 58 had one last chance deep into added time but it wasn’t to be as they fell to their first defeat of the season.

A delighted APIA coach John Calleja praised his side’s resilience to bounce back after conceding the equaliser early in the second half.

“We always knew it was going to be a tough clash and I felt we were scrappy in the first half and was saved by an absolute screamer by Chris (Payne),” he said.

“Sydney United started well and deserved their goal but more importantly it fired us into action and from their I felt we really took control of the game.”

Calleja naturally had plenty of good things to say about new striker Payne and his hat-trick performance.

“Chris is an experienced played who knows how to perform in big games and he did that today,” he said

“During a pre-season game against United 58 earlier this year he scored two goals and said after the match he wanted to do it when the result had something riding on it. He definitely delivered on that today.”

Despite defeat United 58 boss Miro Vlastelica was upbeat after the match and said he side paid the price for losing their structure midway through the second stanza.

“We had such a strong start to the half scoring the goal and taking control of the ball, but after Pat Antelmi went down we had to change our shape and we lost our way a bit,” he said.

“Its never nice to lose but its only early days and we will regather and go again next week.”

Match Stats

Sydney United 58 FC: 1 (Antelmi 51’)

APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC: 3 (Payne 45’, 68′, 85’)

Sunday, March 31 2019 

Sydney United Sports Centre, Endensor Park

Referee: Adrian Arndt

Assistant Referees: S Edeling, P Reynolds

Fourth Official: H Carawardine

Sydney United 58: 21. Thomas Manos, 3. Jordan Roberts, 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 5. Anthony Tomelic, 6. Petar Markovic (18. Glen Trifirio 45′), 9. Patrick Antelmi (8. Matthew Sim 61’), 11. Yianni Perkatis, 13. Sam Perre (12. Liam Rose 77’), 14. Nick Stavroulakis, 15. Tariq Maia, 19. Joshua McDonald

Substitutes not used: 1. Daniel Sadaka,  23. Luke Vlastelica.

Yellow Cards: Antelmi 52’ Vlastelica 70’, Stavroulakis 78′

Red Cards: n/a

APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 1. Ivan Necevski, 3. Paul Galimi, 6. Christopher Payne, 7. Tynan Diaz, 8. Corey Biczo (17. Samuel Gulisano 85’), 10. Franco Parisi (12. Sam McIllhatton 80’), 13.David D’Apuzzo, 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons, 18. Adrian Ucchino (14. Lachlan Hughes90’), 21. Michael Kouta.

Substitutes not used: 4. Joshua Symons, 22. Blake Tuxford.

Yellow Cards:  Ucchino 45’, D’Apuzzo 61’, Bizco 72′

Red Cards: n/a

Player Ratings

3- Chris Payne (APIA)

2 – Franco Parisi (APIA)

1 – Nick Stavroulakis (SU58)

Honours even as United 58 and Wolves share the spoils

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Sydney United 58 FC has put an end to Wollongong Wolves winning start to the season as they fought back to snatch a 2-2 draw in their National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash at Edensor Park on Sunday. 

It was a determined performance from United 58 who twice fought back from a goal behind to deny the Wolves a third win on the trot.

Englishman Thomas James added to his incredible scoring run to break the deadlock after 38 minutes to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at the break – it was his fifth of the NPL NSW Men’s season and already the ace marksman has set his sights in clinching that coveted Golden Boot award.

The game exploded into action in the second half as Jordan Roberts equalised for the home side 58 minutes in, before Nikola Djordjevic hit back for Wollongong moments later to return the South Coast side to the lead.

However, United 58 would have the last laugh with Tariq Maia finding the back of the net with only seven minutes left on the clock to secure a vital point for the Miro Vlastelica coached side.

The opening chance of the game belonged to Sydney United when a cross by Roberts in the 5th minute was met by Patrick Antelmi but his final touch finished just wide.

It could have been the opening goal of the game but for a few centimetres of wrong direction.

The rain then started tumbling down sending the home crowd scattering into the grandstand and, as such, the next real chance didn’t arrive until the 20th minute. A perfectly weighted ball by Thomas James reached Lachlan Scott unmarked in the middle but his header was just over the intended target.

There was almost an immediate reply by Antelmi for the home side but his shot, after coming inside, was well handled by Justin Pasfield.

As the rain then eased the game really started flowing with end-to-end action. Wollongong came very close indeed when a James drive was well saved by Manos but only as far as McDonald, who with powerful diagonal drive from the right, only just shaved the post.

In the 26th minute Scott, well served by James, forced Manos into a nice save to prevent the Wolves from taking the lead.

There was hardly time to draw breath when long ball from Sam Perre from the right at the other end of the park only just missed the head of Antelmi.

The Wolves eventually took the lead in the 37th minute when Scott teed the ball up for James who, with a screamer of a shot from just inside the area, belted the ball straight into the back of the net.

It was little more than those close to James would have expected given his 80 goals in 83 appearances in Canberra’s premier football competition.

Just prior to the break Takeru Okada from close range found Manos who cleverly punched away the danger.

Sydney United made a double change at the interval sending on the experienced Glen Trifiro and also Adrian Vlastelica for Yianni Fragogiannis and Christian Gonzalez as mentor Miro Vlastelica tried to change things around and catch the Wolves off guard.

In the 48th minute he might have done just that as a diagonal drive from Antelmi was only just wide and the intentions of the home side were now very clear.

In the 57th minute the hosts equalised deservedly when Perre fed the ball across to Jordan Roberts who from close range made no mistake.

It was game on now again at Edensor Park with both sides equal on the ledger.

Two minutes later a majestic ball by Perre was flicked in by Antelmi but he was judged to be offside and the home side’s bench showed their despair.

However, it was the Wollongong Wolves who took the lead once more in the 60th minute when Nikola Djordjevic with a precise header from unmarked position met the free-kick of Okada and steered the ball into the net past Manos.

Okada himself tried to sneak the ball in at the near post in the 75th minute when he brought down a beautiful long ball from the left, but in the end it was his finish that let him down as the sphere struck the side netting.

Sydney United 58 struck back in the 82nd minute when Maia on the far side forced the ball in even though it appeared to be helped by a deflection off a Wollongong defender.

A late free-kick from the left from James only just sailed over Manos’s crossbar and after 94 minutes of exhilarating play the game was over.

Sydney United 58 FC mentor Miro Vlastelica said he was somewhat happy with the point even though games like these give all coaches heart palpitations.

“Look, we changed a few things in the second half and we had to adjust,” he said.

“There was some nice combination play there that we obviously worked on, but in the end you can’t concede a cheap goal from a set piece as we did for their second goal.

“We’ll take the point but we are still building and we will move on and work hard as usual during the week to preparae for APIA next week.”

Wollongong Wolves coach, former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire, though was somewhat disappointed with only a point.

“Sometimes our final ball and execution is not quite what it should be,” he stated.

“We need to put games away or we’ll get punished. We didn’t put the game to bed and they managed to stay within one goal of us, so they were always in the game.

“We come away from here with a point, but we are disappointed it’s not more. However, I have a great group of boys and I have been very happy with the side and we are very hungry.”

Match Stats

SYDNEY UNITED 58 FC: 2 (Roberts 57’, Maia 82’) 

WOLLONGONG WOLVES: 2 (James 37’, Djordjevic 60’)

Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park

Sunday, 24th March 2019

Referee: Toby Plasto
Assistant Referees: Nick Backo, Janush Ababjou

Fourth Official: Sebastian Brennan

SYDNEY UNITED 58 FC: 21.Thomas Manos, 3.Jordan Roberts, 5.Anthony Tomelic, 6.Petar Markovic, 9.Patrick Antelmi, 11.Yianni Perkatis, 13.Sam Perre (12.Liam Rose 71’), 15.Tariq Maia, 19.Joshua Macdonald, 20.Christian Gonzalez (4.Adrian Vlastelica 46’), 22.Yianni Fragogiannis (18.Glen Trifiro 46’).

Substitutes not used: 1.Daniel Sadaka, 14.Nick Stavroulakis.

Yellow Cards: Antelmi 83’. Perkatis 86’, Tomelic 87’

Red Cards: Nil

WOLLONGONG WOLVES: 1.Justin Pasfield, 2.Taylor McDonald, 4.Nikola Djordjevic, 6.Benjamin Tosi (8.James Markovic 73’), 9.Thomas James, 11.Takeru Okada, 14.Harry Callahan (23.Jordan Nikolovski 73’), 15.Nick Littler, 16.Guy Knight, 17.James Stojcevski, 24.Lachlan Scott (13.Stefan Dimoski 66’).

Substitutes not used: 7.Christopher Price, 12.Luke Kairies.

Yellow Cards: 52’ Callahan, 54’ McDonald, 60’ Djordjevic, 75’ Dimoski, 80’ Stojcevski

Red Card: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Thomas James (WW)

2 – Patrick Antelmi (SU58)

1 – Takeru Okada (WW)

-By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Joe Russo 

 

Sim stunner gives United 58 edge over Blacktown City

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Goalkeeper Thomas Manos saved the day for Sydney United 58 in their National Premier Leagues NSW Mens match away to Blacktown City at Lily Homes Stadium won by a wonder-striker Matthew Sim free-kick.

Manos made three saves in the closing stages to deny City a point after a sublime curling dead ball from Sim secured the spoils.

Patrick Antelmi, the former City player, almost returned to haunt his former club in the opening moments only for gloveman Tristan Prendergast to turn the ball away.

City initially responded by mounting pressure on their rivals however goal scoring opportunities were a rare commodity as the match bogged down in midfield and became a battle of attrition.

Neither side was at it’s best in a lethargic opening opening half and it was no surprise the teams hit the sheds still locked in stalemate.

It wasn’t until the second period the game sprang to life and an early free-kick on the edge of the box was the catalyst.

Sim placed the ball and curled a left-footed shot teasingly up into Prendergast’s left hand corner to open the scoring for the visitors.

It was to prove the only goal of the game but it wasn’t for the lack of trying by City who switched to a back three and they almost paid the price again when a sweet through ball from Yianni Fragogiannis put Antelmi into the clear but he somehow contrived to fire his effort over the bar.

City pushed and probed and another dead ball situation saw Mason Versi force Manos into the first of three quick successive saves, one more from Versi and another he tipped over the bar in the stoppage time.

The United 58 defence marshaled by veteran Petar Markovic alongside Fragogiannis as well as the marauding runs of Jordan Roberts and the solid display by Yianni Perkatis really shone out for the visitors.

A disconsolate Blacktown coach, Mark Crittendon, commented.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose the game today,

“We gave away a cheap turnover and then a foul to let them in to score.

“I’m proud of the effort from the guys today but like I said, I don’t feel we deserved to lose to a goal like that.”

Miro Vlastelica was rather more upbeat as United 58 recorded its first victory for 2019.

“We always know we are in for a tough game against Blacktown as they are a quality side.

“We could have won by more in the end but we didn’t take the chances we created and we need to work harder on that.

“However, we’ve got the points, kept a clean sheet and we’ll move forward from here.”

Match Stats

Blacktown City: 0

Sydney United 58: 1 (Sim 56’)

Lily Homes Stadium, Quinn Ave, Seven hills

Sunday 17th March, 2019

Blacktown City: 1.Tristan Prendergast, 4.Yianni Spyrakis, 5.Grant Lynch (Mason Versi 75′), 6.Matt Lewis, 7.Devante Clut, 8.Daniel Araujo, 9.Joey Gibbs, 11.Mani Gonzalez (James Demetriou 59′), 21.William Mutch, 22.Leroy Jennings, 24.Jackson Bandierra (Adam Berry 62′)

Subs not used: 3.Daniel Collins, 20.Dylan Niski

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Sydney United 58: 21.Thomas Manos, 3.Jordan Roberts, 5.Anthony Tomelic (Nick Stavroulakis 71′), 6.Petar Markovic, 8.Matthew Sim (Adrian Vlastelica 75′), 9.Patrick Antelmi, 11.Yianni Perkatis, 13.Sam Perre, 15.Tariq Maia (Josh Macdonald 62′), 20.Christian Gonzalez, 22.Yianni Fragogiannis

Subs not used: 2.Joshua De Rossi, Daniel Sadaka

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Player Ratings

3 – Manos (SU58)

2 – Fragogiannis (SU58)

1 – Clut (BCFC)

By Micky Brock, FNSW Reporter