While the Sky Blues seek to continue their dominance in the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Mens 2 competition, there’s bragging rights on line in the Sydney FC office in NPL 1.
Sydney FC Community Football Officers Paul Reid and Howard Fondyke are set to collide on Sunday 15 May, as Reid’s Rockdale take on Fondyke’s Sydney Olympic at the Illinden Sports Centre, Rockdale (kick off 5pm).
The Paul Reid coached Rockdale are out to cement their playoff credentials, while Fondyke, captain of Olympic, will be looking to guide his squad further up the table as their form improves each week.
Reid said he was looking forward to the encounter as he threw an early pre-match jibe at his opposite number and fellow employee.
“Howie and I have been speaking about it for weeks and it was one of the first games we looked for when the draw came out,” Reid said.
“Games between Rockdale and Sydney Olympic are always eagerly anticipated by the supporters and there is now another big incentive to get the three points on Sunday.
“Howie plays in the number six role at Olympic and does not venture past the half way line very often so there will be plenty of opportunities for me to use my pace and get beyond him during the game.”
Fondyke said he was likewise looking forward to the clash as he set his sights on office bragging rights.
“This game has been spoken about since the start of the season and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
“We both play in central midfield although Paul plays a bit more defensive and hasn’t scored in a few seasons it will still be a very tough battle.
“I hope this will be an entertaining game for the supporters as we both know what this means to them.
“Winner will have the bragging rights in the office until we meet again next round.”
Witnessing firsthand the rise of Sydney FC’s NPL 2 side, Reid and Fondyke said they’re not surprised the Sky Blues are dominating the Club Championship in their first season.
“It is great to see all three of the Sydney FC teams doing well in the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Mens 2 competition this season,” Reid said.
“Due to the Sydney FC squads being younger in each of the U18, U20 and First Grade competitions, a lot of people thought they would struggle but I am not surprised that they sit on top of the Club Championship.
“With the experience of first grade coach Robbie Stanton, if Sydney FC get promoted to the PlayStation 4 NPL NSW Mens 1 competition next season, they will be well prepared and very competitive in the top division.”
Sydney FC’s PlayStation 4 NPL NSW 2 Mens side are in action, ahead of the office clash, on Saturday 14 May against North Shore Mariners FC at Lambert Park, Leichhardt (kick off 7:45pm).
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