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Sydney United 58 book Bankwest Stadium Grand Final ticket

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Two second half goals has helped Sydney United 58 stun Premiers Wollongong Wolves with a 2-1 win at WIN Stadium to secure their place in the 2019 National Premier Leagues NSW Mens grand final.

Goals to Tariq Maia and Patrick Antelmi secured the incredible come from behind victory to bundle out the leagues best side and complete a euphoric seven days for the Edensor Park based side.

The match appeared to be heading towards an expected win for the Wolves after Stefan Dimoski gave the home side a 1-0 lead on the cusp of half-time.

However, the second half didn’t follow the script for Luke Wilkshire’s side as United 58 did what they’ve done all finals series by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with two late goals.

The result was pure jubilation for United as they claimed arguably the biggest upset of the finals series while for Wollongong it was absolute heartbreak which they will likely rue for a long time to come.

The opening five minutes saw neither side take control of the match with both teams struggling to put a string of passes together.

Sydney United 58 broke this pattern in the seventh minute when Maia shifted inside from the left-hand side and produced a shot which narrowly went over the bar.

United’s pressure continued a minute later when the side worked the ball into the box on the left-hand side.

A series of deflections saw the ball drop to Maia inside the six-yard box who again failed to find the net with his effort being blocked.

The next few minutes saw Wollongong retain the ball more effectively moving into more attacking areas.

However, a giveaway from Takeru Okada in the 15th minute inside the Wolves’ half saw United’s Patrick Antelmi presented with a golden chance.

The resulting deflection from the tackle on Okada saw the ball fall into the path of Antelmi who found himself free inside the box.

Despite this, it was an easy save for Pasfield with the shot directed straight at the Wolves’ skipper.

A couple of minutes before the half time break, the Wolves opened the scoring.

A McDonald cross from the right-hand side found Stefan Dimoski in the box.

Dimoski won the ball aerially allowing him to bring the ball down and power a volley into the net despite a touch from United custodian Thomas Manos on the way in.

The Wolves went into the break with a one-goal lead thanks to Dimoski’s goal late goal.

The away side came out of the sheds with great purpose creating an opening within the first minute of the second period.

The side quickly switched the ball from right-to-left with Rose finding Peter Simonoski near the top of the box of the left-hand side.

From there, Simonoski cut inside onto his right foot but the shot was tame and no trouble for Pasfield.

After United’s fast start, the Wolves began to maintain control of the ball and in the 55th minute, this led to a chance.

James received the ball on the right-hand side and delivered an early cross to Lachlan Scott.

The striker nearly had an instant impact coming off the bench, but his shot was blocked and eventually cleared.

Wollongong began to assert their dominance on proceedings with Thomas James producing several opportunities from that wide position on the right-hand side.

However, in the 66th minute, United restored parity.

Some good build-up play on the left-hand side found Rose inside the box who confidently side-footed an effort into the near side of Pasfield’s goal.

In the 74th minute, the Wolves nearly found themselves back in the lead.

A freekick on the left-hand side from James Stojcevski found Taylor McDonald in the box whose header narrowly bounced past the far post.

Just six minutes later, Sydney United took the lead for the first time in the match.

Antelmi shifted the ball inside from the right-hand side and took a shot at goal.

The ball deflected off Littler and deceived Pasfield as the keeper could only watch it nestle in the bottom right-hand corner.

Despite the Wolves throwing considerable numbers forward in the final ten minutes, they were unable to find an equaliser with Sydney United 58 running out winners seeing them into the grand final.

Despite the Wolves failure to make the grand final, coach Luke Wilkshire was adamant that his side were the best in the competition and emphasised how this defeat didn’t define their season.

“They deserve to be in the final, they deserve to win it.

“They’ve been the best team throughout the season.

“That (this result) doesn’t define us… these playoffs you know, that’s how it goes sometimes”.

This was the third time the Wolves had failed to beat Sydney United 58 this season – being held to a 2-2 stalemate at Sydney United Sports Centre in Round Three and going down 2-1 at WIN Stadium in Round 14.

A delighted Sydney United 58 coach Miro Vlastelica praised his side’s performance against the Wolves and acknowledge the travelling support for his side.

“The performance was brilliant.

“The game plan was good, could’ve been better.

“That’s was it’s about, the supporters.

“We worry about next week now”.

The Edensor Park side will need to contend with facing the Western Sydney Wanderers next Wednesday in the FFA Cup Round of 16 at Campbelltown Stadium before thinking of their big finale.

The big NPL NSW Men’s Grand Final will now take centre stage as the APIA Leichhardt Tigers face Sydney United 58 on Saturday 31st of August at Bankwest Stadium with kick off set for 6pm.

You can pre-purchase tickets by clicking here. 

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves 1 (Dimoski 43’)

Sydney United 58 2 (Rose 66’, Antelmi 80’)

Saturday 24 August 2019

WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Referee: S. Lucas

Assistant Referees: N. Backo and R. Osborne

Fourth Official: T. Danaskos

Wollongong Wolves: 1. Justin Pasfield (GK), 2. Taylor Mcdonald, 4. Nikola Djordjevic, 7. Christopher Price, 9. Thomas James, 10. Brendan Griffin (3. Darcy Madden 73’), 11. Takeru Okada, 13. Stefan Dimoski (24. Lachlan Scott 51’) 15. Nick Littler, 16. Guy Knight

Substitutes Not Used: 12. Luke Kairies, 20. Brandon Stojcevski, 6. Benjamin Tosi

Yellow Cards: Griffin 64’, Littler 82’

Red Cards:

Sydney United 58: 21. Thomas Manos (GK), 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 7. Peter Simonoski (19. Josh McDonald 86’), 8. Matthew Sim, 9. Patrick Antelmi, 11. Yianni Perkatis, 12. Liam Rose (5. Anthony Tomelic 90+2’), 14. Tomislav Uskok, 15. Tariq Maia (3. Jordan Roberts 77’), 20. Cristian Gonzalez, 22. Yianni Fragogiannis

Substitutes Not Used: 1. Daniel Sadaka, 6. Petar Markovic

Yellow Cards: Gonzalez 70’, Uskok 84’

Red Cards:

By National Premier Leagues NSW Reporter Timothy Gibson

 

Sydney United 58 sizzle seven past Blacktown City to keep finals hopes alive

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Two extra-time goals has helped Sydney United pull off one of the most spectacular finals comebacks in National Premier Leagues NSW history to snatch a 7-3 win against Blacktown City at Lily Homes Stadium

Locked at 3-3 at the end of 90 minutes, after fighting back from 2-1 and 3-2 down, United delivered a masterclass in extra-time to score four unanswered and secure the most incredible of victories.

Former Blacktown City striker Patrick Antelmi came back to haunt his former club by scoring eight minutes into extra time before a Tariq Maia wonder strike and a famous Matt Sim double at the death gave United 58 the historic victory and bundled City out of the finals.

The first 20 minutess of the match was nothing anyone could have predicted with five goals an a missed penalty in what was an explosive opening to the contest.

Peter Simonoski gave the visitors the lead after eight minutes before Blacktown hit back with a penalty for Matt Lewis. Dakota Askew spurned a brilliant chance moments later when he missed Blacktown’s second penalty of the night.

The two sides then traded goals with Grant Lynch finding the back of the net before Simonoski levelled from the penalty spot but only before Leroy Jennings would then give Blacktown the lead once again.

A Tomislav Uskok goal midway through the second half set up what would be a thrilling close to the match with the scores locked at 3-3.

It was a difficult way for Blacktown’s season to come to an end, but one Sydney United 58 and their fans will definitely not forget.

It took Sydney United 58 less than three minutes to find a breakthrough when Maia took advantage of a scattered Blacktown defence to set up Simonoski

The midfielder received the ball at the edge of the box before beating two defenders and delivering a perfect cross which was hammered into the back of the net.

The goal stunned blacktown into action and within only two minutes they were awarded a penalty when Mason Versi was cut down in the box by Yianni Fragogiannis.

Matt Lewis kept his cool to fire past the keeper and level the score at 1-1.

Incredibly only three minutes later Blacktown was awarded another penalty when Fragogiannis cut down Versi a second time.

This time Blacktown couldn’t take advantage from the spot with Dakota Askew blasting his shot over the bar.

The match was travelling at breakneck speed and before the fans could catch their breath City had taken the lead 13 minutes in

Lynch beat his marker to fire in from inside the penalty area off a looping corner kick.

The goal failed to settle the match and Sydney United 58 were the recipients of a penalty on the 17 minute mark.

Simonoski wasn’t going to be denied and dispatch a perfect penalty to level the scores again at 2-2.

However, Blacktown had other ideas and kept up the helter skelter pace of the match by taking the lead only two minutes later.

Jennings got his head to the ball to nod it into the bottom right corner and make it 3-2 for the home side.

After a wild opening 20 minutes, Blacktown finally took control of the contest midway through the half.

City were happy to push the ball around with deft passing moves without truly punishing the opposition defence.

United 58 had one or two half chances but by the 40th minute mark the game had truly settled down.

There was one last moment in the first half when a spectacular acrobatic save from Pendergast denied a rasping effort from Yianni Perkatis who had unleashed a shot from 30 yards out.

It was an incredible first half of football and both sides, as well as the fans, were desperate to catch their breath at the break.

The interval failed to slow the game with both sides exploding out fo the blocks at the resumption.

It was end to end with attack the primary focus.

Patrick Antelmi was brought off the bench by United 58 coach Miro Vlastelica to injected some extra firepower for his side.

Something had to give and it was United 58 who were the benefactors in the 74th mini as Uskok fired in from close range to tie the scores once again at 3-3.

Blacktown were straight back on the attack and Jennings could’ve given the home side the lead but he was unable to turn a cross across the face into the net.

It was a nerve-wracking final minute with two United 58 efforts cleared off the line by blacktown with the referee’s full-time whistle proving a saving grace as the match headed to extra-time.

As expected it was foot to the floor football from the start.

Blacktown pumped long balls into the box looking to test United 58’s central defenders, but it failed to create the breakthrough the home team was looking for.

After eight minutes of extra time the flash-point arrived.

Antelmi lived up to his reputation as a super-sub by running onto a dangerous crosss not the box and tapping it past the keeper to give United 58 a shock lead.

Before Blacktown could process what had happened, the visitors were up 5-3 thanks to a spectacular wonder strike from Maia.

The midfielder found the top bins with a sublime dipping effort from thirty yards out which Prendergast was unable to stop.

City needed to find a goal fast and were unlucky not to cut their deficit to only one when Manos made a great stop to parry a powerful driven shot from Dakota Askew,

Uskok needed to head the ball off the line early in the second period of extra-time as Blacktown’s desperate attacking raids moved closer and closer to finding the back of the net.

Time was becoming Blacktown’s greatest enemy and they there everyone forward to get the goals they needed.

But the plan backfired with Matt Sim striking twice on the counter attack to end Blacktown City’s season and secure their spot in Saturday’s preliminary final clash against Wollongong.

United 58 coach Miro Vlastelica said no body could’ve ever predicted a game like this and praised the efforts of his club’s veteran stars.

“The opening 20 minutes was completely crazy and the fact we have been able to fight back from that and get such a big result is a testament to these boys,” he said,

“I told them at half time to use the time to regain their composure and come back out ready.

“Come extra-time the team stood up when the pressure was really mounting. They have overcome a lot of adversity in this match to get the win and they should be very proud of their efforts.”

A sombre Mark Crittenden looked back at a match which had everything but a happy ending for his Blacktown City side.

“We fell apart a bit in extra time and they took advantage. It is as simple as that,” he said.

“It was a wild end to end start to the match and I felt we were the better team for the most part.

“We lost our way and paid the price. Obviously we had to throw everything forward then and United 58 made the most of that.

“At the start of the year a lot of people wrote off this team so even though we have been knocked out tonight I still think it is important to point out how this group has proven many people wrong.

“This team is packed full of talent and they are only going to get better.”

Sydney United 58 will now face the 2019 NPL NSW Men’s Premiers Wollongong Wolves at WIN Stadium this Saturday as they hope to continue its good fortunes in the finals series by booking a spot into the 2019 Grand Final at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday 31st of August where APIA Leichhardt Tigers will be waiting for them.

Match Stats

Blacktown City: 3 (Lewis 7’, Lynch 13’, Jennings 19’)

Sydney United 58: 7 (Simonoski 3’, 17’, Uskok 73’, Antelmi 98’, Maia 100’, Sim 117’, 118’)

Wednesday, 21 August 2019

Lily Homes Stadium, Seven Hills

Referee: K Ams

Assistant Referees: L Greenshields & P Teleki

Fourth Official: M Weiner

Blacktown City: 1. Tristan Pendergast, 3. Daniel Collins (10. James Demetriou), 4. Yianni Spyrakis, 5. Grant Lynch, 6. Matthew Lewis, 8. Daniel Araujo (12. Lachlan Campbell 64), 9. Joey Gibbs, 15. Mason Versi (13. Rhett Desilva 87’), 17. Dakota Askew, 22. Leroy Jennings (7. Devante Clut 110)

Substitutes not used: 20. Dylan Niski

Yellow Cards: Grant Lynch 57′, Daniel  Collins

Sydney United 58: 21. Thomas Manos, 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 7. Peter Simonoski (5. Anthony Tomelic, 96’), 8. Matthew Sim, 11. Yianni Perkatis (9. Patrick Antelmi 58’), 12. Liam Rose, 14. Tomislav Uskok, 15. Tariq Maia (6. Petar Markovic 109′), 17. Matthew Bilic (3. Jordan Roberts 104), 20. Cristian Gonzalez, 22. Yianni Fragogiannis

Substitutes not used: 1. Daniel Sadaka,

Yellow Cards: Tomislav Uskok 34’, Adrian Vlastelica 85′

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

Sydney United 58 clinch finals series spot

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Sydney United 58 has clinched fourth spot and a home final with a brilliant 3-1 win against Manly United at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday. 

The win sets up a thrilling clash against fierce rivals Marconi Stallions in week one of the playoffs.

First half goals to Matthew Bilic and Peter Simonoski set the tone for United 58 with substitute Patrick Antelmi securing a vital three points when he volleyed home in the 81st minute.

Manly looked to put a spanner in the works when Scott Balderson scored against the run of play on the cusp of half time, but it proved to be nothing more than a flash in the pan.

The match also marked retiring United 58 great Petar Markovic’s final regular season match after the veteran defender announced he was calling a close to his playing career which has spanned 22 years at the club.

It was a fast start to the match with the home side playing an expansive brand of football to open the contest.

Tariq Maia thought he’d found the opener 11 minutes in but his snap shot from inside the box clanged against the upright and away to safety.

However, the home side wouldn’t have to wait long to take the lead with Matthew Bilic rising above his marker to nod a Matt Sim cross into the back of the net in the 13th minute.

It was a one sided match with United 58 dominating possession and forcing Manly onto the back foot.

The visitors were struggling to make inroads and failed to mount a shot on target in the opening 25 minutes.

The pressure was mounting on Manly and United 58 striker Simonoski made the home side’s advantage count by firing home from just inside the penalty area to double their lead to 2-0.

With Sydney United 58 seemingly coasting their way to the interval, Manly unexpectedly struck back.

Brendan Cholakian won the ball in midfield before releasing Adam Parkhouse down the wing to fire in a cross which an unmarked Balderson nodded into the back of the net.

The goal turned the match on its head as a reignited Manly attack pushed for an equaliser before half time.

Manly had renewed vigour after the break and looked far more threatening in attack.

Cholakian and Parkhouse were the danger men for Manly and forced Manos into two saves early in the half.

United 58 defender Tomislav Uskok nearly cost his side with his attempt at a headed clearance going inches away from landing into the back of his own net with Manos tipping the ball over the bar with a last ditch effort.

Brad McDonald spurned a gilt edged chance in the 72nd minute when he dragged his shot wide after being found in the centre of the penalty area unmarked after some amazing dribbling from Massimo Forlico.

Despite all Manly’s efforts their hopes of taking a point away from the last match of the season were dashed in the 81st minute courtesy of a brilliant poachers finish from Antelmi.

The United 58 substitute was in the right place at the right time to bury the ball into the back of the net after a brilliant assist from Sim.

Retiring United 58 club great Markovic was introduced off the bench and nearly made an instant impact with a lung busting run through midfield before firing straight at the keeper.

Manly tried gallantly to close the gap in the dying seconds but it wasn’t to be as United 58 held on for a hugely important victory.

United 58 veteran Markovic was all smiles at full time with the result postponing his retirement from the club another week.

“Today was an amazing experience and to get the result in front of so many passionate fans was an incredible experience,” he said.

“We knew we had a job to do today and we got exactly the result we needed.

“It was a very special moment to be recognised by the club and the fans. Now we get a home final and a chance to do it all again.

“The finals are a different beast and I’m confident this Sydney United team has the parts to go all the way,”

Although his side was on the wrong side of the 3-1 final score, Manly coach Paul Dee was looking to the positives after the match.

“Obviously it isn’t the way you want to end your season but I thought there was plenty to take out of that game ahead of our FFA Cup match in Brisbane later this month.

“Sydney United had everything to play for and were at home so it was always going to be a tough ask.

“I was really happy with our young players today and I felt they made the most of the opportunity they were given.

“With the league season over we can now move our focus to the FFA Cup and hopefully with our injured players coming back hopefully we can make a really deep run in that competition.”

Match Stats

Sydney United 58 FC: 3 (Bilic 13’, Simonoski 31’, Antelmi)

Manly United FC: 1 (Balderson 33’)

Sunday, 11 August 2019

Sydney United Sports Centre, Edensor Park

Referee: M Weiner

Assistant Referee: L Greenshields & J Park

Fourth official: S Quinn

Sydney United 58: 21. Thomas Manos, 3. Jordan Roberts, 7. Peter Simonoski, 8. Matthew Sim (6. Petar Markovic 84’), 12. Liam Rose, 14. Tomislav Uskok, 15. Tarik Maia (11. Yianni Perkatis 63’), 17. Matthew Bilic, 18. Glen Trifiro (9. Patrick Antelmi 70’), 20. Cristian Gonzalez, 22. Yianni Fragogiannis.

Substitutes not used: 1. Daniel Sadaka, 19. Joshua Macdonald.

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Manly United: 1. Dylan Mitchell, 4. Travis Oughtred, 5. Sam Gallagher, 6. Joseph Fox (31. Maximillian Rogers 61’), 8. Dom Ferguson (21. Finn Ashton 88’), 10. Brendan Cholakian, 11. Adam Parkhouse (47. Massimo Forlico 70’), 13. Scott Balderson, 17. Lewis Miccio, 23.Bradley McDonald, 30. Lucas Rainbird

Substitutes not used: 3. James Georgaklis, 32. Makenzie Syron.

Yellow cards: Gallagher 29′

Red Cards

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

 

 

 

 

Markovic to bid farewell to his beloved United 58

By

There will be a few teary-eyed players, spectators and family members this Sunday when Sydney United 58 entertain Manly United at their spiritual ground at Edensor Park when club stalwart and well known ‘nice guy’ Petar Markovic calls full-time on his football career.

Markovic has lived and breathed United 58 ever since he was a youngster and was a keen fan belting out “Croatia, Croatia” during the club’s National Soccer League days before signing as a youth prospect working his way up to senior football where he played in Australia’s elite competition with his much loved club.

An emotional Markovic knew that the 2019 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season was to be his last.

“After 22 years of defending the badge of the world’s greatest football club, it is difficult to say goodbye as a footballer.

“It was not an easy decision, but it feels like the right one.

“Juggling a full time job, starting my football academy AMPM FOOTBALL with my brother Ante and coaching the Sydney United SAP under 9s team, it all got a bit too much for me before first grade training.

“Although I thoroughly enjoyed it and gave it my all, I now get a lot more joy coaching and watching the kids develop.

“Sydney United gave me so much in life.

“Now is the time to give something back and help our juniors become better footballers.”

The 36-year-old has seen and experienced many glorious moments as both a fan and player at United 58 but it was the first time he wore the famous red jersey in the National Soccer League that stood out as his fondest memory.

“While I have experienced many memorable moments during my time, I’ll never forget making my first grade debut at 18 years of age in the NSL, something I dreamt of after Jure Cindric presented me with my very first Sydney Croatia jersey at the age of 10.

“I’ll also cherish my memories with talented players and coaches from then on, way too many to list so I’d rather not mention in case I miss some important people.”

Silverware was the norm at United 58 and the ever reliable defender stated that the famous 2006 NSW Premier League Grand Final victory by far stood out as one of his finest moments.

“I have won many trophies with the club, but winning the 2006 grand final was by far the most special.

“Having experienced that with long time club servant Sime Krslovic, and many players who I grew up with from a young age at the club, is something we all hold close to our hearts.

Then there was his match up with one of the world’s best footballers, namely Carlito (Carlos) Tevez during the club’s trip to China in 2017.

“One other memorable moment I have to mention is the China trip in 2017 against Argentine star Carlos Tevez and Shanghai Shenua.

“I’ve been a part of many away trips, but this can never be beaten with stories that will live on forever.”

Asked who he wanted to thank on his long and fruitful journey as a footballer his parents were number one, but also made a special mention to the Sydney United Supporters who stood by him in the good and bad times.

“I would like to thank my beautiful parents who sacrificed many hours in the early years driving me to and from the playing fields and supporting me throughout this journey, my family and friends, all the coaches who helped me along the way and lastly, the SUS (Sydney United Supporters) – the best supporters in the world without a doubt!

“During this time we have celebrated, suffered, laughed and cried together.

“I have always felt supported and loved both during the good times and the bad.

“You guys have always been our 12th man and supported us no matter what.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

“A special mention has to go out to Ray Gerrie.

“I know he’d be reading this waiting for his name to pop up!

“He deserves much praise.

“He loves the club as much as I do, looked after us players every night of the week, mentoring, cooking, washing, but most importantly, being a dear friend.”

Away from the NPL, Markovic will have one more match to get through should his side not qualify for the NPL NSW Men’s Finals Series and that’s the Round of 16 FFA Cup clash against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Wednesday August 28th – a game he will no doubt thrive on in ensuring he played yet another pivotal role in historic club’s night of nights.

Petar Markovic is one of those players that truly epitomizes what a true footballer is.

As it should be, Markovic will always live, breathe and love his adored club Sydney United 58 or the way he has always called it, ‘Sydney Croatia’.