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Rangers strike back twice at stormy Cromer Park

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A breathless second stanza saw Manly United and Mt. Druitt Town Rangers play out a dramatic 2-2 draw in a storm-affected fixture at Cromer Park on Saturday night.

In a clash that was originally scheduled to take place at Mt Druitt’s Popendetta Park, mother nature continued to wreak havoc as the devoted Northern Beaches crowd saw kick off delayed by over an hour due to nearby lightning.

And while the contest initially threatened to fizzle out into obscurity, a frenetic final forty-five minutes saw four goals scored in the space of sixteen minutes.

The visitors clawed back Manly on two occasions, as set piece strikes courtesy of Cooper Coskiere and Nick Trimble cancelled out a Brendan Cholakian brace.

It was a gutsy performance from the visitors, who created their fair share of opportunities to win it despite losing three players to injury in the first half and being pinned back by a determined Manly side for extended periods.

The delayed kick off surely played a part in what was a scrappy first half.

Manly were the quicker out of the blocks, creating the first clear cut chance of the match inside the opening half an hour through some Brendan Cholakian trickery.

Manly’s number 10’s low drive sailed narrowly wide of the mark, however proved to be a foreshadowing of what was to come later in the night.

Whilst the Rangers’ early momentum was disturbed by injuries to Hiten Satoh, Fabricio Fernandez and Lachlan Roberts over the period, their frontman Alex Boyadjian found room to test the resolve of Manly custodian Dylan Mitchell on multiple occasions.

With the picturesque backdrop of distant lightning strikes illuminating the night sky, the match was belatedly sparked into life on the 55 minute mark as Nikola Taneski was dragged to ground and the hosts were awarded a spot kick.

Cholakian stepped up and confidently dispatched the ball into the bottom left corner, sending Saliadarre the wrong way.

However Manly were unable to enjoy their lead for long.

A 63rd minute Mt. Druitt corner caused a frantic goal-mouth scramble, resulting in substitute Cooper Coskiere bundling the ball home to the delight of the visitors.

Yet similarly, their jubilation soon evaporated thanks to a piece of individual brilliance from Manly’s number 10 five minutes later.

Picking up the ball out wide, Cholakian danced his way infield and forged a plausible sight on goal before unleashing a venomous curling effort that left a soaring Saliadarre with no chance.

Despite the strike being worthy of deciding any contest, a stubborn Mt. Druitt outfit had other ideas.

Just four minutes later, Nick Trimble rose highest off a long-range range free kick to flick the ball past Dylan Mitchell, restoring parity yet again.

Despite the scoreline remaining consistent from that point on, the final twenty minutes produced no shortage of drama.

On 78 minutes, a parried Joe Fox strike fell perfectly to the feet of that man Cholakian, however to the dismay of the Cromer Park gallery, he spurned his hat-trick chance with a feeble strike straight into the palms of Saliadarre.

The sense of frustration in the air only grew on 88 minutes, as Jamie Glover broke the offside trap, cutting the ball back to fellow substitute Dejan Pandurevic, who thumped the ball into the back of the net.

But a raised flag from the referee’s assistant, who had adjudged the ball to have passed the by-line, cut short celebrations.

A minute later Manly were almost made to pay approaching stoppage time, as Boyadjian broke through on goal, only to have his squared pass cut out by a tireless Kieren Paul, who was one of the standout performers of the night.

Ultimately, despite a heart-stopping conclusion, both clubs were forced into a share of the spoils, continuing their winless starts to the campaign.

Man-of-the-match Brendan Cholakian was understandably disappointed with the ultimate outcome:

“It’s disappointing,” he said.

“I thought we played really well all over the park.

“We knew their threat was set pieces coming into the match but we just gave them too many. When you give them that many they are probably going to score one or two.

“I think we fully deserved the three points so it is a bit of a kick in the guts to come away with a draw at home.

“We just have to keep working collectively and hopefully start to pick up the wins we deserve.”

Mt Druitt skipper Mathew Clowes echoed Cholakian’s sentiments, whilst praising his side’s response to a tough set of circumstances:

“You can take some positives out of getting a point but you always want the three,” he said.

“It was a bit of a rough night losing three players in the first half, all through knocks and a dislocated shoulder.

“You have to learn from every game. We’ll rebuild and recoup and get some new blood in for next week.

“I thought some of the young boys who stepped in tonight did really well, so they will get their opportunity next week and we’ll take it from there.”

Manly continue their quest for a maiden victory on the road at Marconi Stadium next Saturday, whilst Mt Druitt travel to Illinden as they face Rockdale City Suns the following afternoon.

Match Stats

Manly United FC 2 (Brendan Cholakian 56’, 68’ )

Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC 2 (Cooper Coskerie 63’, Nick Trimble 72’ )

Saturday 23rd March, 2019

Cromer Park, Dee Why

­­

Referee: B. Abraham

Assistant Referees: K. Robinson, M. Price

Fourth Official: A. Brett

Manly United FC: 1. Dylan Mitchell, 2. Kieren Paull, 4. Travis Oughtred, 5. Sam Gallagher, 6. Joseph Fox, 8. Dom Ferguson, 9. Nikola Taneski (22. Jamie Glover 73’) 10. Brendan Cholakian, 11. Adam Parkhouse (12. Charles Mendy 81’, 13. Scott Balderson (14. Dejan Pandurevic 66’) 17. Lewis Miccio,

Substitutes Not Used: 32. Mackenzie Syron, 22. Jamie Glover, 3. Jamie Lobb, 12. Charles Mendy, 14. Dejan Pandurevic

Yellow Cards: Dom Ferguson 70’

Red Cards: Nil

Mt Druitt Town Rangers: 1. Carlos Saliadarre, 2. Hiten Satoh (14. Felipe Zapata 15’), 3. Lachlan Roberts (23. Adrian Vranic 45’) , 5. Jake Mamome 6. Blake Thompson,, 8. Matthew Clowes, 9.Alex Boyadjian, 10.Fabricio Fernandez (15. Cooper Coskerie 14’), 12. Nick Trimble, 13. Lord Darkoh, 17. Jordan Gomez

Substitutes Not Used: Matthew Nikolovski, 19. Solomon Monahan

Yellow Cards: Matthew Clowes 39’, Jake Mamome 47’, Lord Darkoh 60’, Alex Boyadjian 80’

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Brendon Cholakian (MU)

2 – Kieren Paull (MU)

1 – Cooper Coskerie (MDT)

–  By NPL NSW Reporter Chris Curulli (Twitter handle @ChrisCurulli)

 

Payne at the double as Tigers drown Sharks

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A brace from new recruit Chris Payne has powered APIA Leichhardt Tigers return to the winners circle as they edged Sutherland Sharks 2-1 in their National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s clash at Seymour Shaw on Saturday. 

The win was a brilliant response from APIA who suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss last week with today’s three points moving the John Calleja coached side back into the top six.

However, it was Sutherland who started the better of the two sides when Jeremy Cox gave the home side the lead with a nifty finish after only 12 minutes.

Payne levelled the scores midway through the opening stanza with a clinical dispatch from the penalty spot to send the game into the interval locked at 1-1.

The veteran striker was at it again after the break to wrap up the win with a thunderous strike into the back of the net as APIA clung on for a hard earned victory on the road.

A frenetic opening produced plenty of effort but neither side had much to show for it with chances proving to come at a premium.

The Sharks made the most of their few early chances when Cox latched onto a Marc Warren centre to side-foot home after 12 minutes.

Sharks captain Warren, playing against his former club, waltzed through the Tigers defence before setting up his striker to net one of the easiest goal he is sure to score this season.

Harry Sutherland could have doubled the lead in the 21st minute when a Caoimhin Fowler cross from the right was powerfully headed just wide of the upright.

It was a let-off for APIA who were stretched at the back and yet to register an attempt at the other end.

Their best chance came when David D’Apuzzo, showing a speedy pair of heels down the Blues’ left flank, was brought down in the box by Tarik Ercan. Up stepped Chris Payne to level the scores from the spot.

Juan Carlos Romero tested Ivan Necevski but the wily glove man was alert to the peril and smothered the ball with ease to deny the goal-bound shot.

The visitors settled into the game after working through their early wobbles and were taking it to Sutherland late in the first half as both sides traded long range efforts

As a thoroughly entertaining half came to an end, the score was locked at one-apiece.

Corey Bizco had a chance to give his side the lead early in the second half but was denied by a brilliant Anthony Bouzanis save despite the APIA man being left unmarked in the penalty area.

APIA didn’t have to wait long to open up the Sharks again when Payne powered a shot past the hapless Bouzanis for his second of the night after 50 minutes.

The goal had been on the cards since the resumption of play and Payne was more than up to the task as he claimed his brace.

Sutherland found themselves under the pump as APIA seized the ascendency, yet were unable to add to their tally in a gripping test of nerve and skill.

The Payne and Biczo show continued with the latter putting just too much on the final ball through for his striker who could have walked it into the net for his hat-trick 65 minutes in.

Substitute Jordan Morfitis warmed the hands of Necevski in the 72nd minute with a viciously swerving volley the ‘keeper palmed away.

Payne again came close to his hat-trick when attempting to chip Bouzanis however, the ‘keeper was able to get a fingertip on the ball to send it over the bar in the final minute of the match.

In an absorbing second-half the Sharks were unable to break down a resolute Tigers’ defence despite a strong showing leaving coach,

Terry Palapanis could not fault his Sharks chargers on what was a Super Saturday showing of football.

“We need to think about utilising the final ball option better,” he said.

“I cannot fault the effort tonight but the vital decisions in the games we’re not getting through inexperience.

“We stay on three points and we have a bit to work on during the week but we are a in work in progress and we’ll move on to next week.”

APIA coach John Calleja was delighted to see his team take out their first three points for 2019.

“We were slow to get going into the match, even after going behind,” he said.

“Sutherland made it tough tonight but we worked on a couple of things and we played ourselves into the match and, in reality, could have perhaps scored a few more.

“However, it’s three points in a tough game against quality opposition so we have to be happy with that.”

Match Stats

Sutherland Sharks 1 (Cox 12’)

APIA Leichhardt Tigers 2 (Payne 26’p, 50’)

Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda

Saturday, 23rd March 2019

Referee: Andrew Higgins

Asst. Refs: Andre Giev & Joon Park

Fourth Official: Sam Kelly

Sutherland Sharks: 1.Antony Bouzanis, 3.Mark Warren, 4.Patrick O’Shea, 7.Juan Carlos Heras Romero (11.Jordan Morfitis 69’), 8.Mateo Poljak (6.Lachlan Everett 53’), 9.Jeremy Cox, 10.Raul Beneit Romero, 12.Blair Brown, 16.Caoimhin Fowler (2.Quentin Cheng 78’), 19.Harry Sutherland, 21.Tarik Ercan

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

Yellow Cards: Sutherland 35’

Red Cards: 

APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 1.Ivan Necevski, 3.Paul Galimi, 6.Chris Payne, 7.Tynan Diaz, 8.Corey Biczo, 10.Franco Parisi, 13.David D’Apuzzo (12.Sam McIllhatton 83’), 15.Themba Muata-Marlow, 16.Sean Symons, 18.Adrian Ucchino (14.Lachlan Hughes 87’),  21.Michael Kouta

Substitutes not used: 17.Sam Gulisano, 19.Dom Nasrabadi, 22.Blake Tuxford

Yellow Cards: D’Apuzzo 20’, Kouta 28’, Biczo 42’, Ucchino 56’

Red Cards: 

Player Ratings 

3 – Payne (ALT)

2 – Biczo (ALT)

1 – Warren (SS)

-By National Premier Leagues NSW Reporter Micky Brock

Experienced Stallions prove too strong for FC

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Marconi Stallions edged a tight game against Sydney FC on Saturday night, scoring a first-half penalty and adding another in the second half to take all three points at Lambert Park.

Marko Jesic kept a cool head under pressure from the spot, and put the visitors into a lead which they would not relinquish.

Sydney FC rarely offered up anything to threaten the scoreboard, and the Stallions scored a second after the break to hold on for their first win of 2019; a valuable result away from home.

Early forward moves were encouraging for the visitors, who looked dangerous around Sydney’s six-yard box without getting close to finishing anything off.

Marconi’s Anthony Frangie was the first to properly go close for either side when he let fly from distance, leaving Thomas Heward-Belle swiping at thin air as the ball smacked against the post and bounced back into play.

With lightning looking threatening on the horizon, and a few late challenges drawing appeals from the Marconi bench, Sydney FC had an opportunistic attempt on goal through Marco Tilio, who curled a shot over the crossbar from distance.

Marconi had another effort sooner after.

Frangie held the ball up on the left, went past his defender with a step-over and cut the ball inside for Jesic arriving at the top of the box,  but the Marconi attacker could only drag his shot wide.

Frangie went close himself a few moments later; floating a long shot narrowly over the bar after spotting Heward-Belle marginally off his line.

A handball in the Sydney box ten minutes from the break gave Marconi an unexpected opportunity to swing the match in their favour.

Jesic lined up the spot kick, and hit a cool penalty past the keeper to put Marconi into a deserved lead.

Smelling blood in the water, Marconi continued to pour forward in search of a second before the half.

A ball fizzed in from the left found Richard Cardozo at the near post, but he was only able to push a shot wide of the upright.

Neither side appeared particularly eager to pick up the initiative after the break, with the second half opening slowly.

Jesic could have doubled his tally when a cross dropped behind him on the penalty spot, but he volleyed acrobatically off-target.

Frangie went close again a moment later, striking the post from the tight angle on the right.

The visitors always looked likely to score the game’s next goal, and duly delivered with a strike midway through the second half. A pass was driven in from the right to Mirjian Pavlovic, who took the ball down before guiding a shot inside the far post to double his side’s advantage.

Some clever play between Marconi’s forwards left the ball spinning for Frangie to lash a shot at goal from just past halfway; the effort watched wide by Heward-Belle.

Sydney FC had a final attempt through Tilio, who lifted a limp shot over the bar after taking the ball just wide of the penalty spot. It was one of the last actions of a match low on quality, not that Marconi will mind.

Sydney FC’s Jimmy Van Weeren cut a disappointed figure on the sideline as Sydney FC copped their first loss of 2019.

“Obviously it’s a disappointing result,” he said.

“But there are few positives for us to take out of it.

“They’re a good team, the boys showed against a strong opponent that they were willing to fight, which is a good sign from young players.

“There’s a few things for us to focus on in final third, but there’s always something to work on.”

Marconi’s Peter Tsekenis was happy after watching his side fight hard for its first win of the season.

“It’s a much-needed victory, I thought we did quite well today,” he said.

“With the second goal we really closed the game out. We limited them, they didn’t cause us many problems but we didn’t give them room to play.

“We still left them in the game far too long, but tonight we took the chances as we needed. We are creating chances, a win gives us confidence to roll on and win a few more.

“A result like this is massive for our confidence.”

Match Stats

Sydney FC 0

Marconi Stallions 2 (Jesic 36’, Pavlovic 72’)

Saturday 23th March, 2019

Lambert Park, Leichhardt

Referee: Adrian Arndt

Assistant Referees: N. Wotton, H. Fenton-White

Fourth Official: B. Wright

Sydney FC: 1. HEWARD-BELLE Thomas, 11. IVANOVIC Luke (34. NIEUWENHOF Calem), 8. KING Joel, 4. MCGING Liam, 5. SCIBILIO Patrick, 7. SKODATIS Jerry, 13. SWIBEL Jordan, 12. TILIO Giuseppe (9. LAMBERTON Hamish), 10. TILIO Marco, 6. VAN DER SAAG Harry, 3. VAN MEURS Benjamin

Substitutes Not Used: 2. BLACHURA Daniel, 40. KAYE Levi, 15. TEAGUE Ryan

Yellow Cards: VAN DER SAAG 10’, LAMBERTON 77’

Red Cards: Nil

Marconi Stallions: 19. CAIRNCROSS Zach, 20. CARDOZO Richard (23. VELLA Brandon), 2. MILLGATE Nathan, 9. FRANGIE Anthony, 10. JESIC Marko (12. ANDREW James), 11. MALLIA Mitchell, 7. O’CONNELL Sean (16. YOULLEY Liam), 61. PAVLOVIC Mirijan, 3. SPERANZA Giorgio, 4. SPERANZA Robert, 1. VEKIC Nenad

Substitutes Not Used: 14. PELEKANOS Peter, 16. SEKUTKOSKI Kristian

Yellow Cards: Nil

Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings 

3 – Anthony Frangie (MS)

2 – Marko Jesic (MS)

1 – Giorgio Speranza (MS)

-By Max Grieve

Round 3 – NPL NSW Men’s Preview

By

Two rounds of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Competition are in the book and things are only going to heat up even more when with this weekend’s round three action get’s underway on Saturday night.

Wollongong Wolves have had a perfect start under new boss Luke Wilkshire and are shock ladder leaders with two wins from two matches.

This weekend they will be out to make it three from three when they travel to take on a Sydney United 58 side who would love nothing more than to end the Wolves streak.

Saturday night will feature three matches headlined by Sutherland Sharks hosting APIA Leichhardt Tigers.

There will also be three matches on Sunday as reigning premiers Sydney Olympic host Blacktown City, while Hakoah Sydney City East travel to Rockdale.

If the first two weeks are anything to go by it is sure to be another blockbuster round of action.

 

Sutherland Sharks v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 6.30pm Saturday at Seymour Shaw.

Sutherland Sharks will be determined to prove last week’s shock loss was a rare lapse and not a sign of things to come when they host APIA Leichhardt Tigers at Seymour Shaw on Saturday.

The Sharks made a fast start to the 2019 season with a stunning 1-0 win on the road against reigning premiers Sydney Olympic, but a loss to Hakoah Sydney City East last week was a sudden crash back to earth for the boys from the Shire.

Coach Terry Palapanis will be looking to Marc Warren to help marshall the defence as he did in week one, while the combination between Spanish midfield duo Juan and Raul Romero with Jeremy Cox up front will be the cornerstone of Sutherland’s attack.

Their opponents APIA Leichhardt Tigers come into the game with a similar point to prove.

John Calleja’s side was on the wrong side of a 3-0 thumping from Wollongong and are driven to bounce back in quick fashion.

New signing Chris Payne is hoping he can kick start his goal scoring tally with his new club against the Sharks after he had a number of flawed changes in the team’s humbling 3-0 loss to the Wollongong Wolves last Sunday.

Aside from Payne, Calleja is hoping his defence will keep it water tight as they were in 2018 so expect big games from Themba Muata Marlow and Josh Symons while expect the return from suspension of Paul Galimi to hype up his troops.

Early season results are important in setting the standard for the year ahead so expect nothing less than an all out grudge match when these sides face off.

 

Sydney FC v Marconi Stallions, 7pm Saturday at Lambert Park

Sydney FC have proven in the first two rounds they are no easy beats and they will be out to emphasise that with a win against Marconi Stallions on Saturday night at Lambert Park.

A hard fought 1-1 draw against Manly United in week two was a solid follow up from the young Sky Blue’s 2-1 win against Hakoah in week one as last season’s wooden spooners show they have come a long way.

One player that made the headlines was striker Hamish Lamberton.

Dubbed scoring a “Messi” like goal against Manly United, he will hope he can make it two from two with the clash against the winless Stallions.

Skipper Liam McGing has shown that he is one of the most consistent defenders in the NPL competition and will need to be at his very best in marshalling the Stallions attack.

The game will be a must win for Marconi who have had a horror start to the campaign with back to back defeats in their opening two games.

Stung 1-0 by APIA in week one, Marconi suffered a 2-1 defeat at home against Rockdale City Suns in their next fixture.

For a side featuring the attacking talents of Mirjan Pavlovic, James Andrew, Mitch Mallia, Anthony Frangie, Richie Cardozo and Marko Jesic goals shouldn’t be hard to come by.

Expect the Peter Tsekenis coached side to throw everything at Sydney FC in search of their first points of the season, a loss could really put pressure however on the side.

 

Manly United v Mt Druitt Town Rangers, 7pm Saturday at Cromer Park

A maiden win for the 2019 season will be on the cards when Manly United and Mt Druitt Town Rangers face off at Cromer Park on Saturday.

Sydney’s recent wild weather has meant the round three fixture has become a home game for Manly with Mt Druitt’s Popondetta Park still recovering from the heavy rain.

Manly will be out to make the most of the unexpected return to Cromer and claim all three points after last week being held by Sydney FC 1-1.

Sam Gallagher found the back of the net for Paul Dee’s Manly side for the second successive week and will be out to continue his impressive start to the campaign.

The pressure will also be on Manly’s attacking stars of Brendan Cholakian, Dejan Pandurevic and Adam Parkhouse to make the most of their chances after being some what stifled by the Young Sky Blues in round two.

Mt Druitt come into the match after an impromptu week off after their game against Sydney Olympic last week was washed out.

The long break between their 1-0 opening round loss to local rivals Blacktown City has given them time to regroup as they set out for their first win in the NSW state league top flight since earning promotion.

Despite the loss against Blacktown, Mt Druitt didn’t look out of place and hopefully Toufic Alameddine and Adrian Vranic can fire to help the Rangers on the scoresheet.

It is sure to be an exciting clash with both teams desperate to notch their first three points of the season.

 

Sydney Olympic v Blacktown City, 4pm Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground

Reinging National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Premiers Sydney Olympic will be hoping to kick-start their campaign with a win against Blacktown City this Sunday.

A shock round one loss to Sutherland Sharks and then a washed out match last week has made it a frustrating opening two weeks to the season for Olympic.

Hagi Gligor was a standout despite his side’s defeat in week one, while Alejandro Sanchez will be determined to carry the weight of Olympic’s attack with a bounce back performance of his own.

For Blacktown City it has been a mixed start to the campaign.

A narrow win against Mt Druitt in week one provided positive signs but City were unable to back up as they suffered a 1-0 loss to Sydney United 58 last week.

It is a season of transition for Mark Crittenden’s side this year after the departure of a number of his former stars and the veteran coach will need to show his best work to get his new squad firing.

Devante Clut has been a standout for Blacktown while new signing Leroy Jennings impressed in the round one win.

Skipper Matthew Lewis is hoping his experience can steer his young chargers towards the three points so expect plenty of excitement in this clash.

 

Rockdale City Suns v Hakoah Sydney City East, 4.30pm Sunday at Ilinden Sports Centre

Rockdale City Suns will be hoping to keep their unbeaten streak alive when they host Hakoah Sydney City East this Sunday.

Paul Reid’s side have shown why they will be a team to watch out for this season with two solid results to start the season including last week’s 2-1 win on the road against Marconi Stallions.

Big name star Panny Nikas has slowly worked his way into the team after returning from a serious knee injury and scored his maiden goal for his new club last week.

Matthew Lecce, a former Wanderer, has arguably been the club’s best performer in the two games played and the young gun is hoping to put in another huge performance against Hakoah.

Last round Hakoah showed a tonne of heart to win 1-0 against Sutherland Sharks.

The Eastern Suburbs based side had a tough defeat in week one but a courageous performance from shot stopper Ryan Norval and an impressive goal from Jack Green helped the Gavin Rae coached side claim all three points.

Rae will want his side to show that same spirit this week as they take on the biggest test they have faced this season so far.

 

Sydney United 58 v Wollongong Wolves, 5pm Sunday at Sydney United Sports Centre

Sydney United 58 will be hoping to end Wollongong’s rampaging start to the season when the two sides go head to head this Sunday.

Fourth placed United 58 have had a solid start to the season to remain undefeated with a draw and a win from their opening two games. Victory against Wollgongong could be the statement victory which really kicks Miro Vlastelica’s side into gear.

Last round they snatched a narrow 1-0 win against Blacktown City thanks to a brilliant Matt Sim free-kick.

Shot stopper Thomas Manos has been in sterling form and has kept two clean-sheets. Assisted by the defensive pairing of Yianni Fragogiannis and Petar Markovic, the Reds have assembled a tight defence with the club also expecting Adrian Vlastlecia to the fold.

Josh Macdonald made his debut for the Reds coming off the bench last week and he will look towards a start while Patrick Antelmi added some attacking power against his former club and will hope he can repeat the same effort against another ex-Club of his.

For Wollgonong their two wins from as many games has given new boss Luke Wilkshire the perfect start to his senior coaching career.

However, The Wolves face their biggest test yet this week.

English striker Thomas James has proven to be a shrewd signing for Wilkshire and last week’s incredible hat-trick against APIA proved what he is capable of.

James is sure to tie the United 58 defence in knots this week and he could be on the scoresheet again if they’re not careful.

Japanese import Takeru Okada has also been a strong contributor for the South Coast side pulling the strings in midfield.

Nick Littler has also been solid in the Wolves back-line and he is hoping he can further tighten things up against United 58.

Look out for former Wanderer Lachlan Scott to do some damage as the young striker goes in search for his maiden goal for 2019.

Wollongong has shot out of the gates to start the season but Sunday’s clash could be a match which proves if they are the real deal.

Sim stunner gives United 58 edge over Blacktown City

By

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A disconsolate Blacktown coach, Mark Crittendon, commented.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Match Stats

Blacktown City: 0

Sydney United 58: 1 (Sim 56’)

Lily Homes Stadium, Quinn Ave, Seven hills

Sunday 17th March, 2019

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

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

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

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

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

Yellow cards:

Red cards:

Player Ratings

3 – Manos (SU58)

2 – Fragogiannis (SU58)

1 – Clut (BCFC)

By Micky Brock, FNSW Reporter