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Wolves make Stallions pay with second half assault

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A brilliant brace from Japanese midfield maestro Takeru Okada has inspired Wollongong Wolves to an incredible second half comeback to defeat Marconi Stallions 3-1 at Marconi Stadium on Saturday.
With the Wolves looking down the barrel at a second defeat in as many weeks as the Stallions took a 1-0 lead, Okada netted a pair of delightful finishes along side a rare Darcy Madden goal to claim all three points for the visitors.
For the Stallions, it was a game of what ‘ifs’ as Peter Tsekinis’ star studded side squandered their chances after taking the lead just after half-time courtesy of hot-shot Marko Jesic.
Jesic would go from hero to zero later in the match when the experienced campaigner missed a critical penalty which would’ve put Marconi in the box seat to win.
The result meant that Luke Wilkshire’s men stretch their lead at the top of the table while Marconi remain in the middle of the fight for a finals spot.
Marconi made a fast start as tricky Stallions defender Giorgio Speranza had a shot on goal inside the opening 60 seconds.
Wolves were dangerous on the set piece as Bul Juach shot high from a right-side free-kick before big defender Nick Littler nodded wide from a similar spot soon after.
A mazy run and shot from Liam Youlley was Marconi’s best chance of the first half but it still was not enough to beat Wolves shot stopper Justin Pasfield.
The visitors found joy on the counter, as they tried to get service to star striker Thomas James and Juach up top.
Both found space between the lines but were kept off the scoresheet as the game went to the break locked at 0-0.
Wollongong tested their opponents not long after the restart as James fired wide.
Marconi broke open the contest on the cusp of the hour mark when Jesic hit the back of then to open the scoring.
It was a moment of magic from the Stallions captain who brought the crowd to their feet at Marconi Stadium as he nestled the ball into the corner of the net.
Just as the fans settled back into their seats, the Wolves were level.
A superb cross from the right found a wide open Okada who tapped home and levelled the score.
Okada’s goal flipped the game on it’s head and it didn’t take long for the visitors to double their tally.
Substitute Darcy Madden reacted first to the corner swung into the box before he flung his foot at the ball to send it flying past the keeper and Wollongong into the lead.
The Stallions were given a prime opportunity to get themselves back on terms when they were awarded a penalty.
Jesic stepped up to take the spot kick but Pasfield was up to the challenge diving low to make a crucial save.
The visitors made the home side pay for their wastefulness making it 3-1 in the 71st minute as Okada claimed his brace with a well timed finish.
The game opened up in the dying stages as the Stallions threw everything forward in an attempt to snatch an unlikely draw.
It was the Wolves who had the best of the late opportunities with Marconi keeper Nenad Vekic forced to make some clutch saves.
There were no more goals despite the late flurry with Wollongong securing a big win on the roar.
Wollongong Wolves boss Luke Wilkshire praised his side for the way they bounced back after their defeat seven days earlier.
“There is no doubt in the spirit and character in these boys.
“I think they got what they deserved tonight. It’s been a big week at training.”
The former Socceroos star also had a few kind words for Okada’s two goal performance.
“I’ve been waiting for him (Okada) to score those (goals),” Wilkshire said.
“He has been doing that in training and hopefully, keeps on doing that in the weeks to come.”
Stallions coach Peter Tsekenis was disappointed with how his side lost their way after being in control of the contest.
“We have a problem where we switch off once we score. It has happened multiple times this season you get punished for that.
“Wollongong are a good side but i felt we were deservedly in front for most of the match. “

Match Stats
Marconi Stallions 1 (Jesic 57′)
Wollongong Wolves 3 (Okada 61′ 71′, Madden 64′)
Saturday 18 May 2019
Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park

Referee: Daniel Stack
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields & Sarah Ho
Fourth Official: Harrison Sappey

Marconi Stallions: 1. VEKIC Nenad, 2. MILLGATE Nathan, 3. SPERANZA Giorgio, 4. SPERANZA Roberto, 10. JESIC Marko, 11. MALLIA Mitchell (9. FRANGIE ‘77), 13. NICOLAOU Yianni, 16. YOULLEY Liam, 19. CAIRNCROSS Zach (12. ANDREW ‘32), 21. PAVLOVIC Mirjan (20. CARDOZO ‘71), 23. VELLA Brandon

Substitutes not used: 7. O’CONNELL Sean, 17. SEKUTKOSKI Kristian

Yellow cards: Youlley G Speranza Cardozo
Red cards: nil

Wollongong Wolves: 1. PASFIELD Justin, 2. MCDONALD Taylor (3. MADDEN ‘63), 4. DJORDJEVIC Nikola, 7. PRICE Christopher, 9. JAMES Thomas, 11. OKADA Takeru, 14. CALLAHAN Harry (19. MUSUMECI ‘83), 15. LITTLER Nick, 16. KNIGHT Guy (8. MARKOVIC ‘66), 17. STOJCEVSKI James, 23. JUACH Bul

Substitutes not used: 12. KAIRIES Luke, 13. DIMOSKI Sean

Yellow cards: Knight Stojcevski
Red cards: nil

Player Ratings
3: Takeru Okada (WW)
2: Bul Juach (WW)
1: Marko Jesic (MS)

-By Justin Davies

Red hot Suns sink Wolves perfect winning record

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A long-range strike from Alec Urosevski has helped Rockdale City Suns snap Wollongong Wolves incredible nine game undefeated streak with a 1-0 win at WIN Stadium on Saturday.

It was league leader Wollongong Wolves’ first defeat of the NPL NSW Men’s season and the first match they were unable to find the back of the net.

Urosevski’s 31st minute strike was the only goal of the encounter, with the visitors holding off a strong Wolves attack in the second half to secure their fifth league win in a row since interim boss Nick Porecca took over the side.

The result catapults Rockdale temporarily into second on the ladder once cuts Wollongong’s lead over the chasing pack down to two points.

Wollongong had the brighter start with Christopher Price coming close to finding the back of the net for the hosts in the 29th minute with his thundering header denied by a brilliant save from Rockdale keeper Daniel Bradasevic.

However, the visitors fired into the lead two minutes later thanks to Urosevski, who fired a powerful effort from range to beat Wollongong keeper Justin Pasfield and find the top-left corner of the net.

With their historic unbeaten streak on the verge of ending, the Wolves threw everything they had into a tense second half, but the league leaders were unable to create many meaningful chances thanks to a staunch Suns defence.

Wollongong’s Bul Juach had a golden opportunity to level the scores in the 87th minute after he picked up a loose ball off a scrambled cross but was unable to direct his effort past an oncoming Bradasevic.

Two minutes later another vital chance went begging for the Wolves, with substitute Stefan Dimoski’s long-range shot beating Bradasevic but not the Rockdale crossbar, ricocheting away from goal and ensuring the visitors secured a vital three points.

Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire was disappointed with the result but acknowledged the side needed to put in a better performance.

“Every week is an opportunity and we didn’t take that opportunity today.

“We struggled to create opportunities I think, we forced things in the first half [and] we were forcing balls too early, we were struggling to find our rhythm and some sloppy balls, giving balls away in bad areas.

“I’ve said to the boys before if a better team turns up and outplays us, you can take defeat, but if you lose or drop points of your own accord, then it’s disappointing.”

Meanwhile Rockdale City Suns’ interim coach Nick Porecca was pleased with the result, although he noted that the upcoming week will further test the strength and depth of the Suns.

“The boys are playing well and training well and I think this is the confidence boost we needed to kick things on.

“We’ve got an FFA Cup game on Wednesday [vs Sydney University SFC], so three games in a week its going to be a little bit of a task, but I think we’ve got the players to do a bit of a roll and continue on.”

Wollongong will hope to return to winning ways next round when the side travels to Marconi Stadium next Saturday to take on mid-table side Marconi Stallions, while Rockdale host Sydney University in the FFA Cup on Wednesday night at Ilinden Sports Centre before travelling to Seymour Shaw Park to face Sutherland Sharks on Saturday evening.

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves 0

Rockdale City Suns 1 (Alec Urosevski 31’) 

Saturday 11th May, 2019

WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Referee: M. Bailey

Assistant Referees: S. Edeling and J. Park

Fourth Official: S. Andrews

Wollongong Wolves: 1. Justin Pasfield, 2. Taylor McDonald, 6. Benjamin Tosi (13. Stefan Dimoski 75’), 7. Christopher Price, 9. Thomas James, 14. Harry Callahan, 15. Nick Littler, 16. Guy Knight, 17. James Stojcevski, 23. Jordan Nikolovski (11. Takeru Okada 52’), 25. Bul Juach

Substitutes Not Used: 8. James Markovic, 12. Luke Kairies (GK), 20. Liam Wille

Yellow Cards: Benjamin Tosi 50’, Harry Callahan 83’ 

Red Cards: Nil

Rockdale City Suns: 1. Daniel Bradasevic, 2. Daniel Petkovski (14. Brayden Sorge 75’), 3. Michael Neill, 7.  Alec Urosevski (9. Jonathan Grozdanovski 79’), 8. Aleksandar Canak, 11. Leigh Egger, 12. Idriss El Hafiane, 17. Matthew Lecce (23. Panagiotis Nikas 63’), 18. Sasa Macura, 19. Patrick Savor, 45. Jordan Figon

Substitutes Not Used: 20. Howard Fondyke, 22. Max Rowston

Yellow Cards: Aleksandar Canak 44’, Michael Neill 69’, Idriss El Hafiane 81’, Leigh Egger 90+2’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Alec Urosevski (Rockdale City Suns)

2 – Daniel Bradasevic (Rockdale City Suns)

1 – Jordan Figon (Rockdale City Suns)

By National Premier Leagues NSW Reporter Cal Behrendt (@CalBehrendt)

 

All hail the Scorpion King, Nikola Djordjevic

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You’ve seen it from Olivier Giroud, Riley McGree and Sydney Olympic’s Thomas Whiteside, but Round 8 of the National Premier League NSW Men’s saw Nikola Djordjevic produce a rendition of the ‘scorpion kick’ to rival the lot.

The Wollongong Wolves defender has earned worldwide plaudits for his sublime strike which arrived 35 minutes into the Wolves’ thrilling 2-2 draw with the Sutherland Sharks.

With the competition frontrunners suffering an early goal at Seymour Shaw, they knew they required a moment of inspiration to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.

But no one could have imagined something quite like what unfolded.

James Stojcevski elected to play a short corner, executing a rapid one-two with Takeru Okada which engineered the angle for him to whip a dangerous ball into the area.

In an instant, there was Djordjevic on the end of it, airborne above the six-yard box, with his body suspended parallel to the ground and marker still tight by his side.

Unfathomably, his extended heel made a stunning connection with the ball, sending it on a precise trajectory into the top corner of the net.

The 20-year-old humbly reflects on the goal as a moment of fortune rather than a calculated flash of ingenuity.

“Basically, as the ball came across I was in a bit of an awkward position getting pulled down by the defender,” he recounted.

“So I just threw my leg at it, hoped for the best and didn’t even know what happened until the boys started screaming and running towards me.”

When questioned as to whether it would be something he attempts to recreate any time soon, Djordjevic was absolute in his response.

“No, definitely not,” he enforced.

“If I was to attempt it another thousand times, I probably wouldn’t get it!”

“It’s hard to explain; one of those moments that I’ll always look back on as an achievement.”

The strike has attracted worldwide attention.

Its clip has been featured by British media powerhouses Sky Sports on their website and iconic program Soccer AM, as well as through global outlets ESPN and Goal.com. It has also stirred quite the storm on social media, including a repost from the ‘433’ Facebook page which boasts over 2.6 million followers.

Djordjevic has been taken aback by the immense response.

“It was a bit of a shock initially,” he revealed.

“I never thought it would spread that far, having pretty much gone worldwide, which is unreal.

“I’m sure the club are glad to be receiving a bit of publicity, helping put them back on the map.”

The Wollongong junior’s strike is the cherry on top of what has been a spectacular campaign so far for Luke Wilkshire’s Wolves, who have surprised many to sit four points clear on top of the ladder with nine rounds played.

Djordjevic is treasuring the ride whilst hoping to contribute further in a push for the historic club’s first piece of silverware since 2008.

“It tops it (a good season) off for the club.

“I’m just looking to continue doing my job on the field, keeping clean sheets and keeping the gaffer happy.

“I also definitely wouldn’t deny another goal or two at all!”

Djordjevic was back on defensive duty at the weekend, keeping a clean sheet in his side’s 4-0 statement victory over Blacktown City. The Wolves will hope to make it ten on the bounce without tasting defeat when they host a resurgent Rockdale City Suns outfit at WIN Stadium this upcoming Saturday.

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

 

Wolves breeze past Blacktown to keep ahead of pack

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Wollongong Wolves turned on the style to fire past Blacktown City and keep a four-point lead at the top of the 2019 National Premier League NSW Men’s ladder with a 4-0 win at WIN Stadium on Sunday.

A brace from leading scorer Thomas James and goals to Taylor McDonald and Nicholas Litter helped the Wolves to their first win over Blacktown City since June 2010.

Despite causing a significant amount of early pressure, Wollongong was unable to get onto the scoresheet until the 30th minute, when Thomas James picked up a pass from James Stojcevski on the left flank and buried a powerful effort into the bottom-right corner.

James picked up his second of the match in the 62nd minute, making a good run along the edge of the Blacktown City box before firing a pinpoint shot into the bottom-left corner.

Wollongong then added their third goal of the afternoon three minutes later, with Taylor McDonald showing great control to turn away from the Blacktown City defence in the box and fire into the top of the net.

Nicholas Litter completed the rout for the Wolves in the 72nd minute, tapping a James Stojcevski free-kick past Blacktown City custodian Tristan Prendergast to secure all three points for the home side.

Blacktown City were unable to make inroads against the stubborn Wollongong defence, only managing a handful of chances in the final moments, with sub Emmanuel Gonzalez having the best chance of the match for the visitors, tapping a cross from William Mutch just wide of the post in stoppage time.

Wollongong Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire was pleased with the side being able to secure the win in front of their home fans, but noted the side still has some growing to do.

“We hit the bar a few times, but I’m delighted for the boys’ response,” he said.

“We were disappointed with the draw last week and to come back [to WIN], we want to make it a fortress here and it was a great performance.

“Winning is a habit and that’s what we want to do. We are all motivated to win, perform and entertain. We try not to get ahead of ourselves and look at other things and [we] go week by week, day by day and take it as it comes.”

Meanwhile Blacktown City coach Mark Crittenden was disappointed with the travelling side’s performance, noting that all the side can do going forward is quickly put the result behind them.

“Nothing but credit to Wollongong. We didn’t turn up, but they didn’t allow us to either. They were very good and full credit to them,” he said.

“[There was] probably a little bit of a lack of desperation by us at times and you can’t afford that when playing against a good side.

“There wasn’t any part of this afternoon that was what we’d expect at Blacktown and obviously we’ve got to move on and regroup and look forward to Marconi next weekend.”

The Wolves will seek to extend their unbeaten streak in the league to ten matches when they host Rockdale City Suns next Saturday at WIN Stadium, while Blacktown City will hope to return to winning ways when they host Blacktown Spartans in the FFA Cup on Wednesday at Lily Homes Stadium in a local derby.

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves 4 (Thomas James 30’, 62’, Taylor McDonald 65’, Nicholas Litter 72’)

Blacktown City FC 0 

Sunday 5th May, 2019

WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Referee: B. Abraham

Assistant Referees: M. McOrist and N. Wotton

Fourth Official: N. Ryan

Wollongong Wolves: 1. Justin Pasfield, 2. Taylor McDonald, 4. Nikola Djordjevic, 6. Benjamin Tosi, 9. Thomas James, 14. Harry Callahan, 15. Nick Littler, 16. Guy Knight (19. Brendan Low 85’), 17. James Stojcevski, 23. Jordan Nikolovski (20. Liam Wille 65’), 25. Bul Juach (13. Stefan Dimoski 81’)

Substitutes Not Used: 8. James Markovic, 12. Luke Kairies (GK)

Yellow Cards: Thomas James 37’, James Stojcevski 52’

Red Cards: Nil

Blacktown City FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Daniel Collins, 5. Grant Lynch, 6. Matthew Lewis, 8. Daniel Araujo (7. Devante Clut 77’), 9. Joey Gibbs, 12. Lachlan Campbell (22. Leroy Jennings 45’), 15. Mason Versi, 19. Adam Berry, 21. William Mutch, 23. Daniel Bragg (11. Emmanuel Gonzalez 68’)

Substitutes Not Used: 17. Dakota Askew, 20. Dylan Niski

Yellow Cards: Grant Lynch 34’, Mason Versi 46’, Daniel Bragg 54’, Daniel Collins 71’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Thomas James (Wollongong Wolves)

2 – James Stojcevski (Wollongong Wolves)

1 – Harry Callahan (Wollongong Wolves)

By NPL NSW Reporter Cal Behrendt (@CalBehrendt)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sharks hold Wolves to thrilling draw

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A second-half goal from Taylor McDonald has saved Wollongong Wolves from defeat as the league leaders snatched a 2-2 draw against last placed Sutherland Sharks at Seymour Shaw on Saturday.

It was a heartbreaking result for the Sharks who looked on track to end their six game winless streak but instead it was the Wolves who kept a streak alive as they stretched their incredible undefeated run to eight games.

Juan Romero opened the scoring before a stunning scorpion kick goal to Nikola Djordjevic, a serious contender for the goal of the season, cancelled out the lead during the first-half.

Raul Romero tucked the ball away from the spot in the second half to give Sutherland a 2-1 lead, but it wasn’t to be the match winner as McDonald stepped up to net his eleventh for the Wollongong and restore parity for the second and final time on the night.

Sutherland raced out of the blocks from the opening whistle as  Jermey Cox curled one toward goal in the 4th minute of play.

His shot snuck past the post after he broke away from the halfway line but Wolves keeper Justin Pasfield had it covered.

Harry Sutherland needed a last ditch tackle to thwart the progress of in-form Wolves’ striker Thomas James as he attempted to cut straight through the heart of the home defence at the other end.

What ensued was a tenacious midfield battle where neither was able to break the shackles and carve open a scoring opportunity.

However, that all changed in the 15th minute when Jordan Morfitis snuck in down the left and centred for Juan Romero to steal in at the near stick to nick into the net ahead of Pasfield giving Sutherland a 1-0 advantage.

Wolves responded well with pressuring the Blues however Juan Romero was able to unleash a rocket in the 24th minute that whistled just over the bar.

The visitors were still to register a shot on target but in the 34th minute they equalised through Djordjevic.

The central defender unleashed a stunning scorpion kick finish to restore parity and possibly win himself goal of the year honours.

The visitors finally sprang into life after a somewhat subdued first-half performance and mounted sustained pressure on the Sharks hitting the crossbar and forcing Sutherland into stoic defence.

Neither Sutherland or Wollongong’s coaches were too happy with their team’s performances in the opening stanza as they went into the sheds locked at 1-1.

As play resumed, Djordjevic turned from hero to villain when he brought down Cox in the box before Raul Romero fired home from the penalty spot to give Sutherland the lead for the second time in the match.

Wollongong’s James, 10-goals in his last seven outings, had Sharks’ stand-in keeper Mitchell Evans flying to his right to tip over from a free-kick on the edge of the box in the 61st minute.

His effort was followed up by Harry Callahan, who met a cross but skewed his effort wide on the volley.

Wollongong were playing catch-up for the second time in the match and were certainly creating the better chances.

A repeat free-kick from an identical position, after Tarik Ercan body checked Callahan, saw James this time go close before it going to McDonald who smashed it home.

From a corner Djordjevic stole in at the back stick and forced Evans into a reaction save however, dogged determination from the Sharks was keeping the wolf from the door.

The visitors were coming home with a strong tour de force.

Another free-kick, from the opposite side in the 85th minute, was again taken by James but was lifted over the woodwork.

An upbeat Luke Wilkshire praised his players resilience to fight their way back into the contest and secure a point.

“We knew it wouldn’t be easy, they’re fighting for points and it was like a cup final for them,” he said.

“They really gave it their all and gave it to us and we had to dig in, particularly in the first-half where I felt we were below par and Sutherland deserved to go ahead.

“In the final 30-mins’ we dug in and really went for the win and showed what we can do but there are no easy games in this league and we’ve conceded two goals and come back credit to the boys for their efforts.”

Sharks boss Terry Palapanis was delighted that his side held their own against the competition front runners but rued what might have been.

“I’m happy for the boys tonight, they put in a decent shift and I’d have taken a point before the game if offered,” Palapanis said.

“They are top of the league and have been outstanding so far so to get something from the game is tremendous but, I felt we could have taken all the points but for silly mistakes and cheap fouls at the back.

“The result could have gone either way and we know Wolves are good at set-pieces and they created a bit of danger for us, especially in the second-half.

“I’ll have a peaceful sleep tonight but not as deeply as it might have been.”

Match Stats

Sutherland Sharks 2 (J.Romero 15’, R.Romero 53’p)

Wollongong Wolves 2 (Djordjevic 34’, McDonald 69’)

Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda

Saturday, 27th April, 2019

Referee: Tim Danaskos

Assistant Referees: Matthew McOrist & Nathan Wotton

Fourth Official: Brodie Merchant

Sutherland Sharks: 18.Mitchell Evans, 3.Mark Warren (16.Quivi Fowler 68’), 4.Patrick O’Shea, 7.Juan Carlos Heras Romero, 9.Jeremy Cox, 10.Raul Beneit Romero, 11.Jordan Morfitis (2.Quentin Cheng 61’), 12.Blair Brown, 19.Harry Sutherland 21.Tarik Ercan, 25.Brodie Clarkson (8.Mateo Poljak 88’)

Substitutes not used:, 15.Thomas Papa, 26.Aleksik Mario

Yellow Cards:  Sutherland 44’, Warren 45+2’, Ercan 70’

Red Cards:

Wollongong Wolves: 1.Justin Pasfield, 2.Taylor McDonald, 3.Darcy Madden (13.Stefan Dimoski 75’), 4.Nikola Djordjevic, 6.Ben Tosi, 9.Thomas James, 11.Takeru Okada (23.Jordan Nikolovski 54’), 14.Harry Callahan, 15.Nick Littler, 16.Guy Knight, 17.James Stojcevski

Substitutes not used: 12.Luke Karies, 19.Tony Musumeci, 25.Brendan Low

Yellow Cards: Drordjevic 53’, Tosi 90+1’

Red Cards:

Player Ratings

3 – Callahan (WW)

2 – Djordjevic (WW)

1 – McDonald (WW)

By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Micky Brock