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Thomas Fay can only get better

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He stole all the headlines in Sydney FC’s barnstorming 5-0 round nine victory over Mt Druitt Town Rangers last weekend but the scary signs are there that 19-year-old defender Thomas Fay can only get better.

Scoring a memorable hat-trick, his first ever in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition, the former Wakehurst FC junior was elated with how his squad went about their business by not only winning the match, but doing it in style at a cold and windy Popondetta Park in Sydney’s West.

“It was a great win especially coming off the back of some tough results, the boys showed how good we can play and the true potential that we possess.

“On a personal note, I was stoked to get 3 goals too and most importantly win the game. I quite enjoyed the opportunity to play more forward which I’m quite comfortable with as I play a lot of my game in the attacking third from left back.”

Fay brought back the years he once played as a number ten before switching his position to left back but his attacking ability was there for all to be seen as he played an integral role in the Sky Blues’ big win.

It’s been a solid year for Fay and his teammates, backing up from a successful National Youth League campaign, Sydney FC have been one of the success stories in the rebooted NPL NSW Men’s competition.

The likes of names such as current Golden Boot leader Patrick Wood, Antonio Saracino, Callum Talbot, Levi Kaye, Patrick Yazbek, Scott Browning, Thomas Main as well as Benjamin Koop, Jake Hollman and Jordi Swibel have all proven to be quote a handful for rival NPL NSW Men’s opposition.

“The season so far has obviously been a bit crazy, but I think everyone has been buzzing to get back into it after COVID.

“We have come into the season off a successful NYL campaign and had some quality results before the break.

“We all worked very hard during the time off and pushed ourselves so when we came back we were ready to go and this has slowly shown, we have really enjoyed playing in the top flight in NSW.

“On a personal level, I have just been working hard on and off the field to get better each week and like most young players, I’m working towards making the step up into the senior A-League environment.

“I just want to focus on consistently performing well for the remainder of the season and hopefully through to the finals.”

Currently sitting in fifth position a point outside the top four, Fay knows this Sunday’s massive blockbuster round ten clash against the highly fancied and 2019 Premiers Wollongong Wolves at the Illinden Sports Centre is a must win if they have any chance of playing finals football for the first time in its NPL NSW Men’s history.

“Wollongong Wolves this Sunday will be a good contest; they have some quality players on their roster and we need to be on our game to ensure we achieve a positive result.

“It’s a must win for us to have a shot at making our first ever NPL NSW Men’s top tier finals series which is very important to us so the boys will be ready to go.”

Sydney FC’s young and ambitious coach Jimmy Van Weeren is no stranger to the former Australian youth international’s ability.

Fay stated to Football NSW that he and the boys have really enjoyed his coaching methods and are hoping to repay him with a finals series finish.

“Jimmy has been great, he pushes us everyday at training to continue to work harder along with the other coaching staff.

“I have been coached by Jimmy for a while now since I was quite young, and he has helped me grow as a player.

“Jimmy’s put a lot of trust in us to perform each week, especially with some of the younger boys coming in the squad and its up to us as players to repay him for his faith which we all want to do.”

Bingham keeps the Wolves howling

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It may have been a gritty victory but striker Josh Bingham’s sole goal in the Wollongong Wolves’ Round Nine 1-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers at Albert Butler Memorial Park on Sunday has once again given the 2019 Premiers hopes of clinching back to back titles.

The 25-year-old former Oak Flats Falcons junior notched up his second goal of the season and one that could prove pivotal after round 11 concludes heading into the Finals Series.

“It was nice to score in what was an important game for us.

“We didn’t play our best football, but to still get the three points and have a big game defensively was a real positive and something we’ll take moving forward with two matches remaining.

“It’s been an exciting season, with some added challenges with the shorter format. You definitely have to go out each week and put your best foot forward because you can’t afford to look back and have missed opportunities for points and that was certainly put to the test against a hungry Wanderers outfit on Sunday.”

Injuries to key personnel have affected Luke Wilkshire’s squad during the rebooted season with the likes of Bul Juach, skipper James Stojcevski, Harry Callahan, Lachlan Scott and Darcey Madden to name a few, that have tested the Wolves playing group.

“We’ve been very unlucky with injuries and have lost some important players in key positions.

“But I think it speaks volumes of the squad we have that players have been able to step in and do a fantastic job and keep the team moving forward.”

One such player that not just the club but the entire National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition was happy to see again was none other than 2019 Golden Boot and Player of the Year Award winner Thomas James.

After spending an uneventful time with A-League outfit Perth Glory, Bingham was delighted to see the Englishman doing his thing for the club at the business end of the NPL NSW Men’s season.
“It’s been great having TJ out there, he’s a top-quality player and can create something out of nothing which is a huge asset, especially coming to the tail end of the season.”

Bingham and co will be on their guard this Sunday evening as the Wolves travel to Rockdale where they will face a tricky Sydney FC outfit who are also battling for a Finals Series finish.

“We know the quality that they have and are expecting nothing less than a tough game against the Sky Blues.

“We have to treat every game now like a final and we’ll be doing just that and are confident we can beat anyone if we play to our potential.

“Playing finals football and winning silverware is something we’re hungry for. With the teams so close at the top, we know we just have to control what we can and win the games ahead of us.”

Bingham heaped praise on coach Luke Wilkshire as he stated to Football NSW how much he has learned during his time at the South Coast club.

“It’s been great learning and playing under Luke. He’s got such a strong winning mentality and that’s evident in the team he’s put together over the last couple of years and the results that have come with it.

“It’s a top group of people in and around the team and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Gauthier continues to shine at Rockdale

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The energy levels are slowly but surely hitting an all-time high at Rockdale Illinden with ace marksman Amaury Gauthier continuing to deliver the goods after popping up for the fourth time this year on the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s goalscorer’s sheet.

The 28-year-old starred in Rockdale’s resounding 4-0 round eight victory over a high-flying Sydney FC outfit, jam packed with quality youngsters, pushing the club to within a point from league leaders Sydney United 58.

“One hundred percent, it was a great win for the club.

“It’s been the strongest team performance this season I feel. We were able to showcase our possession based football style all over the park which allowed us to break down FC’s defence and the scoreline was able to reflect just that.

“It has been a good season so far, as a striker, it’s always important to get your name on the scoresheet and I’m glad I’ve been able to do that a couple of times this year.

“Credit goes to the boys in behind me, they put it on a platter and I just eat.

“We are leading towards the end of the season now so hopefully I’m able to continue my current form.”

A lethal combination up-front has certainly found its form at Rockdale with both Nikola Taneski and the return of the famous ‘Baker’ himself Alec Urosevski alongside Gauthier slowly forming a formidable partnership in the NPL NSW Men’s competition.

“I’m still yet to try Alec ‘the Bakers’ Burek by the way, but it’s always good to have ‘Uro’ back in the squad.

“He brings a wealth of experience to the side alongside the likes of Niki Taneski which I am really enjoying.”

The Chipping Norton SC junior has credited the coaching guidance of Steve Zoric alongside assistant Gary Deprato has key operators in the general progression and evolution of the first team squad.

“Since coming on board both Steve and Garry have implemented a culture of high work ethic which the entire team has embraced.

“The intensity we’re able to play consistently throughout the entirety of our games make us very difficult opponents to breakdown which is reflected by the limited amount of goals we’ve conceded this season.”

You can also add the eye catching performances of the club’s Japanese import Tomoki Wada who has really set the league alight with his quality displays and dazzling goals, none more breathtaking than his cheeky half-way effort scoring the fourth against the Sky Blues last Sunday that sent ‘Sokkah Twitter’ alight.

The Pharmaceutical Sales Rep for Medisca Australia has now switched his attention to this Sunday’s huge round nine clash against APIA Leichhardt at the Ilinden Sports Centre, with the striker knowing that only a victory will continue to push and drive the squad for more achievements during the 2020 NPL NSW Men’s rebooted season.

“APIA is always a massive game even though they haven’t seen the results they would have liked this year. With a strong squad, they are always a tough opposition and will be looking forward to back to back wins after they defeat Mt Druitt Town Rangers last Friday.

“We need to turn up and put in the work at training this week and turn up to the game as we have been this season.

“We’ve put ourselves in a very good position with three games to go so it would be rude not to see ourselves in the top two and perhaps the Premiership and all the way through to a win in the Grand Final – We just need to take it week by week.”

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Fernandez adding that razzle-dazzle factor at the Stallions

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Marconi Stallions’ up and coming young star Martin Fernandez has been one of the success stories of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s rebooted season thanks to some quality goals in recent weeks that has sent the 20-year-old’s hits viral.

Fernandez’ solo round 5 effort against Blacktown City as well as his long-range round 7 bomb against the Mount Druitt Town Rangers caught the attention of many football followers wanting to know more about Marconi’s attacking midfield maestro.

“The feeling of scoring a goal is great enough but to be receiving positive attention from people in the community is an amazing feeling and one I am very grateful for.

“I just want to keep playing my game with the team and along the way do whatever I can to help out.”

Potential A-League suitors have either flocked Marconi Stadium or have watched the number 17 in action on NPL.TV with the young gun hoping to fulfil a dream of playing in Australia’s elite football competition the A-League one day.

“It has always been a dream of mine to be a professional footballer since I was a young kid.

“If I’m given the opportunity in the A-League, I will most likely take it as it is something that I’ve worked so hard on over the past years, but until then I will do what I can to play good football at Marconi alongside my teammates and coaching staff.

“My objectives coincide with the club’s objectives as we are aiming to win both the Premiership and Championship this year and these are my main focuses.”

Since joining the club as a junior, he has spent only a solitary season away, when in 2017 he was a member of the Western Sydney Wanderers academy side who took home the Under 18’s NPL Men’s 2 Championship.

Upon returning, the young gun impressed in the Under 20’s before being offered a chance on the big stage by First Grade manager Peter Tsekenis.

But it was Freeman Sports FC that was Fernandez’ first registered club, and it was there he fell in love with the world game.

“My first registered club was Freeman. We used to play at Stockdale Park in Abbotsbury which is where I grew up. That is where I developed my love for the game as well. I then went to Canley Heights and eventually ended up at Marconi and haven’t looked back since.”

The Stallions under Tsekenis have unearthed a number of youngsters to the NPL NSW Men’s senior competition like Fernandez with the likes of Lachlan Sepping, Mason Ingram, Aiden Milicevic, Dimos Vlachos, Brandon Vella, Liam Youlley, Mark Rodic, David Ilic and Paolo Laxamana to name a few earning themselves game time in NSW’s top tier competition.

“It’s amazing that Marconi continues to provide young players the opportunity to play first team football.

“Being from the area, it’s been a dream of mine to play for the Marconi Stallions. I received my opportunity last year and took it.

“I worked hard to cement my place in the squad and have not looked back since that day.

“I believe more young players should be given these chances in Australia.

“Tseka has always said that he doesn’t care if your young or old, but if you are good enough to play, you will play, and that is a great mentality to have that motivates all our players at the club.

“Lachlan Sepping and Mason Ingram have been brilliant as well and the scary thing is that there’s more youth talent coming through the club’s ranks.”

It has been a challenging year for Fernandez overcoming injury but was delighted that the sport recommenced amidst concerns that the NPL competition was set to be postponed till the 2021 season.

“It’s been a challenging season due to the COVID pandemic and all the regulations that have come with it.

“But I feel that everyone is managing through this hard time which is always a pleasing sign.

“It’s just good to get out there and play the game I love with the boys especially after the lockdown we went through where the sport was temporarily shut down.”

All eyes will be in Sydney’s West this Sunday as Fernandez and co make the short trip to Edensor Park where they will face an in-form and traditional rivals Sydney United 58 outfit in a cracking round 8 blockbuster that can be seen live and exclusive only on NPL.TV.

“Throughout the years Sydney United 58 have always had a strong team, I am really looking forward to this match.

“It will be a great fixture as when we meet each other, traditionally we always seem to have an entertaining battle and Sunday will be no different.”

Jennings remains positive in tough year for Blacktown City

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Blacktown City speedster Leroy Jennings was one relieved figure when he notched up his first goal for the 2020 rebooted National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season in his side’s 1-1 draw against high flyers Sydney FC last Friday.

In what was an absolute stunner, the 22-year-old was delighted with the goal, but was hoping for the three points which has evaded Mark Crittenden’s men all season as they uncharacteristically sit at the foot of the ladder with three points.

“It definitely was a good feeling to score but I was happier that we were able to get something out of that game because we deserved it – we obviously would have been over the moon grabbing the three points.

“I think Blacktown City not competing at the top of the table is a big shock for everyone including us.

“We were unlucky not to come away with two wins after our opening two matches and then after that I think we unfortunately fell into a bit of a slump and when you play quality teams week after week, it’s very hard to get your way out of it.”

The Winston Hills Bears junior accepted that the new season heralded a number of big challenges both as a club and on a personal level but was appreciative of being able to play the game he loves week in week out.

“This year has been a year full of challenges that I don’t think anyone was prepared for.

“I was super happy that we got given the chance to play our season out and I know that was supported by every player who has that passion for our game.

“I didn’t want this year to be a right off so I’ve planned to make the absolute most of it while we can before we prepare for the 2021 season.”

One shining light and milestone that was witnessed by Jennings and co was seeing club captain Matthew Lewis surpass Damien Foxe’s club appearance record firsthand of 304 matches, a massive achievement for the well admired footballer.

“It really is a testament to skips loyalty and consistency over the years.

“It was a massive achievement for Matty and he more than deserves it.

“He is a great role model to us younger players and he always leads by example.

“You’ll never hear him complain and he puts in 100% every time we play no matter what. He has been in my ear recently just to pull the trigger whenever I’m in front of goal, so I have to give him some credit for scoring last Friday (laughs).”

Jennings hopes that this Friday’s Round 8 fixture against Manly United at Cromer Park will see the club secure its first victory of the 2020 campaign lifting them off the foot of the NPL NSW Men’s ladder.

“We go into every game believing we can win so it’ll be no difference this Friday night at Cromer Park.

“Hopefully we can build on the second half performance from last week and gain some momentum so we can finish the season as strong as possible.

“We know Manly won’t be easy as they are coming off a loss, but we will be going all out to grab that victory.”

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