Wollongong Wolves crowned NPL Champions of Australia

5 October , 2019 By Football NSW

Wollongong Wolves have been crowned 2019 National Premier Leagues Champions after defeating Football Queensland’s Lions FC in a thrilling 4-3 encounter at Albert Butler Park cementing them as the best NPL club in Australia.

The 2019 NPL NSW Men’s Premiers needed extra time to give Luke Wilkshire and his men the coveted title after the game ended 2-2 in ninety minutes.

But the Wolves were made to work for the NPL title as the visitors struck first in the 13th minute after Andrew Thompson sent a pinpoint cross to Shaun Carlos who headed the ball beyond Justin Pasfield and it was the Queenslanders who drew first blood.

The scoreline stayed that way as half-time saw Warren Moon’s men grab the ascendancy but it was the second half that saw the action and tension hit fever pitch.

The hosts bagged an equaliser in the 52nd via a penalty as Harry Callahan was brought down in the box by Matija Simic.

Up stepped the NPL NSW Men’s Player of the Year and Golden Boot award winner Thomas James who dispatched his penalty and it was game on.

The action was flying thick and fast but the game finally saw a third goal scored in the 80th minute when Wolves’ Japanese import Takeru Okada scored what he thought was the winner. His cracking left foot shot was too hot to handle and the Wolves were in the box seat of winning the prestigious NPL title.

Lions FC had other plans and blew the match right open as four minutes after Okada’s goal, Marek Madle hit an equaliser. Teammate Josh Brindell-South worked his magic and sent through a cross to Madle’s head and he finished with aplomb.

No further goals were scored in the ninety minutes although Lions FC knew its task of winning the NPL title was to be made that much tougher after Mitchell Hore received his second yellow of the match and was given his marching orders.

Extra time was yet another see-sawing event and after the first half concluded, it was the second half that drew all the goals.

The Wolves hit the lead once more in 109th minute after Taylor McDonald sent through a brilliant cross to Bul Juach and his resulting header sent the Wolves fans into raptures.

Wollongong then made the task that much harder for Lions FC as sharpshooter James smashed home his second of the game in the 116th minute and it looked like it was game set and match.

Joe Duckworth had other ideas as Madle won his team a penalty following a foul from Wolves defender Nikola Djordjevic – Duckworth tucked his spot-kick away in the 119th minute but it proved to be too little too late as the final whistle sounded with the NPL title heading back to NSW.

The win gave the Wolves not only the NPL Title but a round of 32 FFA Cup spot in 2020 pushing the quota to six representative teams hailing from NSW.

Football NSW would like to congratulate the Wollongong Wolves on being crowned Australian NPL Champions!

Harry Callahan from the Wollongong Wolves took out the prestigious John Kosmina Medal for being the player of the NPL 2019 Grand Final which was presented by former Socceroo and NSL & Hyundai A-League Champion Alvin Ceccoli.

2019 marks the seventh edition of the NPL Finals Series, which was won last year by South Australian club Campbelltown City SC. Sydney United 58 FC won the inaugural competition in 2013 and in 2016, while MetroStars SC from South Australia (2014), Blacktown City FC from New South Wales (2015) and Heidelberg United FC from Victoria (2017) have also been crowned Champions of the series in the past.

NPL 2019 Grand Final Match Details

Saturday 5 October 2019

Wollongong Wolves (NSW) 4 (Thomas James 52’ (p)/116’, Takeru Okada 80’, Bul Juach 109’)

Lions FC (QLD) 3 (Shaun Carlos 13’, Marek Madle 84’, Joe Duckworth 119’(p))

Albert Butler Park, Primbee, NSW

Kick-Off: 2:30pm (local) (2:30pm (AEST))

Referee: Stephen Laurie

Assistant Referee 1: Brad Wright

Assistant Referee 2: Emma Kocbek

Fourth Official: Tim Danaskos

Crowd: 1,362

Wollongong Wolves (NSW): 1.Justin Pasfield (gk) (c), 2.Taylor McDonald, 3.Darcy Madden, 4.Nikola Djordjevic, 9.Thomas James, 11.Takeru Okada (23.Jordan Nikolovski 108’), 14.Harry Callahan (13.Stefan Dimoski 117’), 15.Nicholas Littler, 16.Guy Knight (10.Brendan Griffin 94’), 17.James Stojcevski, 24.Lachlan Scott (8.Bul Juach 95’)

Substitutes Not Used: 12.Luke Kairies (gk)

Yellow Cards: James Stojcevski 40’, Justin Pasfield 53’, Guy Knight 91’, Harry Callahan 112’, Nikola Djordjevic 119’

Red Cards: Nil

Lions FC (QLD): 90.Luke Borean (gk), 2.Andy Thompson (17.Marek Madle 73’) , 4.Matija Simic (c), 5.Tommy Jarrard, 8.Mitch Hore, 10.Joe Duckworth, 11.Nathan Shepherd (9.Keegan Jelacic 62’), 12.Shaun Carlos (6.Nathan Reardon 73’), 13.Henry Hore, 15.Danny Kim, 16.Joshua Brindell-South (3.Leum Walpole 105’)

Substitutes Not Used: 20.Jacson Riley (GK)

Yellow Cards: Danny Kim 32’, Mitch Hore 54’/90+2’, Joshua Brindell-South 103’

Red Cards: Mitch Hore 90+2’

John Kosmina Medal Winner: Harry Callahan (Wollongong Wolves)

Championship finally comes home to APIA Leichhardt Tigers

1 September , 2019 By Football NSW

APIA Leichhardt Tigers have ended nearly three years of championship heartache with an incredible 2-1 extra-time grand final win against Sydney United 58 in front of over 6,500 spectators at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday.

A sensational lob in the first period of extra time from Tigers captain and Man of the Match Sean Symons sealed victory after a gruelling and at times physical opening 90 minutes.

After suffering heartbreaking back to back grand final defeats in 2017 and 2018, the Lambert Park based club earned the title they so desperately wanted to win with a tireless 120 minute performance.

Defender Paul Galimi helped APIA to a perfect start with a towering header from an Adrian Ucchino assist midway through the first half.

United 58 refused to give up and Matthew Bilic helped his side back to level pegging with a desperation finish in the 57th minute.

With the game deadlocked after 90 minutes extra-time was needed and it was Symons who proved to be the difference with his goal enough to secure a historic title for APIA.

It was a cagey start to the contest with neither side looking to take any early risks.

United 58 keeper Tom Manos was forced to make a desperation save 15 minutes in when Payne pinched the ball inside the area but it was smothered by the quick thinking custodian.

The wet pitch conditions made both sides unable to play their usual slick passing style of football with the game becoming a physical grind through the middle of the park

APIA finally found the breakthrough in the 28th minute.

Set-piece master Adrian Ucchino delivered a looping cross into the box from the western sideline with Galimi flying high above his make to nod the ball into the top left corner over the outstretched arms of United keeper Manos.

The tough tackling defender was full of adrenaline as he celebrated his goal with the legion of Galimi fans that turned up at Bankwest Stadium.

Sydney United 58 were denied what they felt was a clear penalty 10 minutes from the interval when Peter Simonoski went down in the box after tangling with a defender.

Referee Ben Abraham had other ideas and waved the penalty shout away as APIA clung onto their 1-0 lead at the break.

A rare run into his own penalty area from Payne kept his former side from making a perfect start to the second stanza.

The striker was able to block a driving shot from Tariq Maia on the goal line before clearing it to safety.

However, The Reds were not to be denied and only a few moments later they levelled the score thanks to a determined finish from Bilic.

A low cross from Simonoski skidded across the penalty area avoiding the APIA defence and onto the outstretched leg of the United winger to direct it into the back of the net.

That sparked massive celebrations with the United 58 faithful who turned out in great numbers to support their beloved side. Chants of ‘Croatia, Croatia’ started to get more momentum as the former NSL giants pushed for a winner.

The physical nature of the match began to take its toll with both United 58 and APIA forced to make changes after players went down hurt.

Towering defender Themba Muata-Marlow was proving to be a hard man to beat for United winning everything sent his way.

Despite the efforts of both sides the game finished locked at 1-1 with another 30 minutes needed to find a winner.

It was a tense start to extra-time but It took APIA only four minutes to turn the game in their favour.

A hopeful flick on from Payne found his captain Symons running in space who then chipped Manos from 25 yards out with a brilliantly placed lob.

The Tigers found a second wind after the goal limiting a desperate United sides chances in the closing stages of the opening period of extra time.

United finally found their way to goal just after the restart with a Patrick Antelmi header remarkably cleared off the line by Ucchino much to the dismay of the thousands watching in attendance.

APIA was defending relentlessly and their opponents rarely looked like they were going to threaten.

United 58 Josh Macdonald found space in the 112th minute and was about to pull the trigger before experienced campaigner and sub Nick Stavroulakis used all his experience and thwarted danger by poking a toe and smashing it out of the pitch.

It was heart and mouth stuff.

A final push from United 58 never truly came as the Tigers clung on for the historic victory.

A jubilant APIA coach John Calleja was lost for words after the triumph such was the enormity of the win for his club.

“This is the greatest feeling and it means so much to these players and to this club,” he said.

“I saw during the week just how driven the boys were to win this game and it showed out there today.

“It wasn’t the prettiest game of football but it came down to determination and resilience which I felt our players demonstrated in spades.

“This team has been through a lot and to finally achieve what we have set out to do for so long is a truly incredible feeling.

A sombre Sydney United 58 coach Miro Vlastelica rued what could’ve been with his side suffering going down after gallant effort to take the game into extra-time.

“That’s football, sometimes it’s cruel and we learnt that today.” Vlastelica said.

“I felt we dominated large sections of the match tonight but in the end we paid the price for conceding two soft goals.

“It hurts but we can be proud of this season and the incredible effort it took to make it to the grand final.”

Match Stats

APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 2 (Galimi 28’, Symons 95’)

Sydney United 58: 1 (Bilic 57’)

Saturday, 31 August 2019

Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta

Referee: Ben Abraham

Assistant Referees: A Giev & B Wright

Fourth official: K Ams

APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 1. Ivan Necevski, 3. Paul Galimi (21. Michael Kouta 73’), 4. Josh Symons, 6. Chris Payne (14 Lachlan Hughes 119’), 7. Tynan Diaz, 8. Corey Biczo (19. Dominon Nasrabadi 119’), 10. Franco Parisi (23. Nick Stavroulakis 102’), 12. Sam McIllhatton, 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons, 18. Adrian Ucchino

Substitutes not used: 22. Luke Turnbull,

Yellow cards: McIllhatton 35’

Red cards:

Sydney United 58: 21. Thomas Manos, 4. Adrian Vlastelica, 7. Peter Simonoski (19. Joshua McDonald 76’), 8. Matthew Sim, 9. Patrick Antelmi, 12. Liam Rose, 14. Tomislav Uskok, 15. Tariq Maia, 17. Matthew Bilic 5. Anthony Tomelic 90′, 20. Cristian Gonzalez (3. Jordan Roberts 82’), 22. Yianni Fragogiannis.

Substitutes not used: 1. Daniel Sadaka, 6. Petar Markovic,

Yellow cards: Maia 44’, McDonald 105′

Red cards:

Grand Final Player Ratings

APIA LEICHHARDT TIGERS

1 IVAN NECEVSKI 6.5/10

Ever reliable but not overworked but there when the team required. Cool head when called upon.

3 PAUL GALIMI 7.5/10

Netted the opening goal of the game but didn’t desert his defensive duties. Was a workhorse and battled bravely albeit with injury which he succumbed to in the second half.

4 JOSHUA SYMONS 7/10

Dependable and strong in the tackle and once again proved that he is one of APIA’s most consistent defender. Another player who was carrying an injury into the final, he battled well and won his battles.

6 CHRIS PAYNE 7/10

Worked hard and always a threat up front for little reward scoring wise but set up the pass for the winner. Threw himself at everything but missed that elusive goal against his former club.

7 TYNAN DIAZ 7.5/10

Put in his usual seamless performance, helped out in attack when overlapping down the right flank and used all his experience with a good performance for the Tigers.

8 COREY BICZO 7/10

Industrious, willing to chase and hustle throughout. Never gave up and gave his all from the start till the end.

10 FRANCO PARISI 6.5/10

A quiet performance from the mercurial maestro but a vital cog in the well oiled APIA machine.

12 SAM MCILLHATTON 8/10

Enthusiastic outing but picked up a caution in the 35’ for a rash challenge. That did not deter the hard working midfielder who clocked up the kilometres, breaking up play and was a constant pest for APIA.

15 THEMBA MUATA-MARLOW 8/10

The pick of APIA’s back-four. Solid, thorough and completely at ease on the big stage.

16 SEAN SYMONS 9/10 MOTM

Patrolling the left flank, broke up countless attacks in making himself busy. Scored five minutes into extra-time when lobbing Manos. The former NPL NSW Men’s Player of the Year really rose to the occasion and showed to many why he still is one of the best in the business.

18 ADRIAN UCCHINO 8/10

Toiled away, made himself busy through the middle and supporting the attack. Cleared off the line in second-half stoppage time that all but won the match for his side.

SUBS

14 LACHLAN HUGHES N/A

Subbed on in 120’ (6.Chris Payne)

19 DOMINION NASRABANDI N/A

Subbed on in 120’ (8.Corey Biczo)

21 MICHAEL KOUTA 5/10

Subbed on in 74’ (3.Paul Galimi)

23 NICK STAVROULAKIS 5/10

Subbed on in 102’ (10.Franco Parisi). Stavroulakis made a key interception deep into the second half of extra time that spurred APIA to victory.

SYDNEY UNITED 58

21 THOMAS MANOS 6/10

Made a couple of point blank saves but powerless for the opening goal. Acquitted himself well but left hopelessly stranded for the winning APIA goal.

4 ADRIAN VLASTELICA 7.5/10

Steady, resolute and polished performance from the tall stopper.

7 PETER SIMONOSKI 6.5/10

Busy, hard working. Subbed in the 76’ minute to be replaced by Josh Macdonald which was a shock to many as he looked dangers in patches and looked likely to score.

8 MATTHEW SIM 7.5/10

Always a threat, hustling throughout the match, made key runs and was great with his distribution.

9 PATRICK ANTELMI 6.5/10

Eager early into the match but drifted when man-marked. Threw his weight behind a few opportunities for the lethal marksman but failed to get that goal.

12 LIAM ROSE 8.5/10

Great hold-up and link play Rose was one of the best on the park. Certainly found his form late in the second half of the season and the Grand Final showed yet again that there is life in the former Australian youth international.

14 TOMISLAV USKOK 7/10

Sturdy performance if not glamorous. Did what needed to be done for his side.

15 TARIQ MAIA 7/10

Picked up a caution in the 43’ minute however his bustling style was a constant threat.

17 MATTHEW BILIC 7.5/10

Pulled his side back into the contest when finding the net in the 57’ but forced from the field in the final minute of the match through injury, replaced by Anthony Tomelic. Was energetic and made darting runs constantly on his end.

20 CRISTIAN GONZALEZ 6.5/10

Great work rate and prepared to roll up the sleeves and chase lost causes. Subbed off in the 83’ for Jordan Roberts.

22 YIANNI FRAGOGIANNIS 7/10

Strong performance at right-back, particularly in the early stages of the match. His distribution and tackles were excellent.

SUBS

3 JORDAN ROBERTS 5/10

Subbed on in the 83’ (20.Christian Gonzalez).

5 ANTHONY TOMELIC 5/10

Subbed on in 89’ minute due to injury for goalscorer Matthew Bilic.

19 JOSHUA MCDONALD 5/10

76’ sub (7.Peter Simonoski), picked up a caution at the end of the first period of extra-time.

Sydney United 58 book Bankwest Stadium Grand Final ticket

24 August , 2019 By Football NSW

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

21 August , 2019 By Football NSW

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′

APIA Leichhardt Tigers book Bankwest Grand Final spot as Premiers bounced

21 August , 2019 By Football NSW

The ‘underdogs’ APIA Leichhardt Tigers secured a place and booked its tickets to the 2019 NPL NSW Men’s Grand Final at Bankwest Stadium with a gritty 1-0 victory over Premiers Wollongong Wolves at WIN Stadium on Wednesday night.

It was one of the competition’s most lethal marksman in Chris Payne that proved to be the difference with the deadly marksman scoring in the 81st minute that sent the APIA troops into raptures.

Payne has been an absolute steal for the Tigers since moving to the club this year having come across from rivals Sydney United 58. The ace marksman has racked up a tally of 22 goals for the year and has firmly set his eyes on winning silverware.

John Calleja had a game plan to nullify the Premiers who were firm favourites from the get-go and it worked to a tee as the Wolves grew frustrated in not being able to play its normal game.

Coming from playing 120 minutes of football as well as penalties in their 5-3 win last Saturday against Blacktown City, it was always going to be a tall order for the visitors but determination and playing to a game plan worked wonders for the APIA side.

The visitors showed the initiative in the first exchanges of the match moving the ball quickly up the field.

The early pressure resulted in a chance for Payne in the second minute.

The Tigers’ top-scorer took aim from just outside the box cutting inside onto his right foot, prompting an important save Justin Pasfield who got down well to his right-hand side putting the ball out for a corner.

Wollongong created their first real opening of the match with a quarter of an hour played.

A long-pass from Nick Littler found Thomas James in acres of space on the left-hand side.

From there, the Golden Boot winner shifted the ball inside onto his right foot and lashed a strike goalwards which was deflected into the path of Takeru Okada.

His cross-cum-shot nearly deceived APIA veteran custodian Ivan Necevski with the ball narrowly clearing the crossbar.

The Wolves’ pressure continued four minutes later when James again found space – this time on the right-hand side.

The Englishman’s first cross was easily cleared however it fell straight back to him.

His second delivery was far more successful with his driven attempt flashing across the face of goal narrowly avoiding a touch from Lachlan Scott.

APIA then had a couple of chances prior to half-time with maestro Franco Parisi and Corey Biczo skying their efforts over the bar after some handy build-up play.

Despite both sides creating openings, the scores were level at the break setting up a decisive second period.

From the first kick of the second half, the Wolves were on the attack.

A ball lofted forward by Littler found Madden on the right-hand side who flicked the ball into the channel for James.

Making a shooting angle, he attempted to power a strike into the far corner but Necevski got down early to deny the Wollongong man.

With three-quarters of the game played, Wollongong created one of their best chances of the game.

James received the ball on the right-hand side and whipped in an inviting cross which found its way to the back post where Scott was waiting.

The ball bounced too high for the hosts meaning Scott was unable to make a meaningful contact with the ball allowing the Tigers to clear their lines.

The hosts would be left to rue missed chances as in the 81st minute, John Calleja’s men found the only goal of the match.

Sean Symons made inroads down the left-hand side eventually making his way into the box.

A neat ball across the goal found an unmarked Payne who tapped in from close range which cued massive celebrations on the Tigers bench.

This was the first time the Tigers had found a way passed the Wolves in nearly 270 minutes this season.

Payne had evaded the Wolves defence and left Pasfield a stunned figure as he saw the ball hit the back of his net.

Despite Wollongong throwing numbers forward in the latter stages of the match, they were unable to find a way through meaning APIA booked their place in the grand final.

Tigers’ coach John Calleja praised the way his side executed their game plan against the Wolves and was proud of how his ‘underdogs’ took it to the Premiers who qualified for their third successive NPL NSW Men’s Grand Final.

“They played very well.

“We knew if we stayed with them then we would get opportunities.

“It was a good game plan and it worked.

“The boys will now recover and we will prepare for the big final next Saturday at Bankwest Stadium.”

Luke Wilkshire was critical of the way his side approached the game in the first half but noted the improvement shown in the second period.

“The first half there wasn’t enough intensity.

“We gave the ball away far too many times in bad areas.

“I think the second half was better but we lacked that cutting edge”.

The Wolves will now need to regroup with a huge clash this Saturday in a winner takes all battle against a roaring Sydney United 58 outfit who ran out 7-3 winners against Blacktown City as they kept their finals hopes alive.

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves 0

APIA Leichhardt Tigers 1 (Payne 81’)

Wednesday 21st August 2019

WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Referee: A. Arndt

Assistant Referees: M.McOrist and N. Wotton

Fourth Official: C. Fisher

Wollongong Wolves: 1. Justin Pasfield (GK), 2. Taylor Mcdonald, 3. Darcy Madden (20. Brandon Stojcevski 78’), 4. Nikola Djordjevic, 7. Christopher Price, 9. Thomas James, 11. Takeru Okada 15. Nick Littler, 16. Guy Knight, 17. James Stojcevski (10. Brendan Griffin 67’), 24. Lachlan Scott

Substitutes Not Used: 12. Luke Kairies, 8. Bul Juach, 6. Benjamin Tosi

Yellow Cards:

Red Cards:

APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 1. Ivan Necevski (GK), 3. Paul Galimi, 6. Christopher Payne (19. Dominion Nasrabadi 93’), 7. Tynan Diaz, 8. Corey Biczo, 10. Franco Parisi (5. Nicholas Stavroulakis 84’), 12. Sam Mcillhatton, 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 16. Sean Symons, 18. Adrian Ucchino, 21. Michael Kouta

Substitutes Not Used: 4. Nicholas Azzone, 22. Luke Turnbull, 14. Lachlan Hughes

Yellow Cards: Ucchino 55’, Kouta 88’

Red Cards:

By National Premier Leagues NSW Reporter Timothy Gibson