Sutherland Sharks strengthened their grip on top-spot with a workman-like performance against Bankstown City on Saturday evening.
Sutherland Sharks strengthened their grip on top-spot with a workman-like performance against Bankstown City on Saturday evening.
Denied by some tough Lions defending, and not assisted by the incessant rain that hit Seymour Shaw, the Sharks kept their nerve to score a 2-1 victory that further confirms the side-s ability to challenge for the title this season. Sam Awad combined beautifully with Jim Bakis to latch onto the latter-s through ball and round the goalkeeper before slotting home for a 1-0 lead.
The Lions should have drawn level moments later as man of the moment Aman Hadid had an effort ricochet off the post, though the equaliser was forthcoming just after the hour mark. Chris Petrovski-s floated free-kick met the head of David Gardiner who put the ball past Nathan Denham to make the score 1-1.
The Sharks didn-t take long to restore their lead, and seal the win, as Matt Bailey headed home a Nick Tsattalios cross from the left to claim the three-points.
At Lily Homes Stadium, Blacktown City FC brought Sydney United-s unbeaten start to the season to an abrupt end, producing their best football performance for 2011. The 2-1 win over the Reds sets the defending champions- season on track following a very indifferent start to the season.
Milorad Simonovic showed composure and skill to open the scoring prior to the 30- minute mark for Blacktown City before the Reds found an equaliser via Luka Glavas- penalty 2- minutes later.
Blacktown City, deservedly so, restored their lead in the 37- minute as Zac Cairncross finished with aplomb from close-range, driving home Simonovic-s centre from the right-flank.
The visitors were made to rue two decent chances that went begging, via the feet of Glavas, before Luke Roodenburg scuffed a one-on-one chance of his own to wrap up the match late on. In the end, Blacktown City secured maximum points with a well organised performance across the park.
Reigning Premiers Bonnyrigg White Eagles finally notched up their first win of the season with a very hard fought 2-1 win over Rockdale City Suns. Played on a very wet pitch, the White Eagles managed to overturn a one-goal deficit to seal the win, despite finishing the match with only nine-men.
Two goalkeeping blunders – one from each shot-stopper – proved telling on the evening, as Phil Zabaks was forced to pick the ball out of his net on 18- minutes. Michael Robinson forced Zabaks off his line with a back pass, though the White Eagles shot-stopper only got a slight touch to the ball, turning in agony as the ball trickled into the back of his own net.
Nathan Elasi had the home side level shortly after, heading home Jamie McMaster-s cross to ensure the sides would go into the break on level terms.
After the break, Nikola Zonjic was given his marching orders following a contrast with James Monie. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Bonnyrigg found their winner in bizarre circumstances. A Bonnyrigg corner appeared to hit the hand of a Suns defender, though amidst the pleas of the White Eagles players, Suns goalkeeper Dion Shaw watched the ball slowly dribble into the back of the net. The goal was validated, and Bonnyrigg administered the closing stages to seal the win, despite losing Shane Webb in injury-time after the midfielder collected his second yellow card of the evening.
In the match between two former NSL giants A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers and Sydney Olympic, the Blues prevailed with an emphatic performance at Lambert Park.
Robert Mileski opened proceedings with a powerful finish on 13- minutes before Alex Smith rounded Jose Bello-Amigo before slotting home for his seventh goal of the season. Chris James pulled a goal back for the Tigers after the break, though Smith restored the Blues- two-goal lead in the 59- minute with another well taken goal.
The performance was complete when Phil Makrys showed his skill and strength to barge his way past the Tigers- defensive line and slot home for the 4-1 win.
South Coast Wolves stumbled at home on Sunday against Marconi Stallions 1-0, with the Stallions- Keith Shevlin scoring an exceptional goal midway through the first-half. Shevlin-s 25-yard strike on 22- minutes finished in the top corner, leaving Brody Crane helpless in the Wolves goal.
The Stallions administered proceedings very well, with the defensive line securing a second consecutive clean sheet.
Sasho Petrovski and Andres Gomez had chances for the Wolves, though it wasn-t their afternoon as Marconi move up the ladder with a very important victory on the South Coast.
The Parramatta FC – Manly United FC match was called off due to the heavy rain in Sydney over the past week. This match will be rescheduled by Football NSW to be played at a later date.
Follow www.nswpl.com.au for updates over the coming week on when this match will be played.
