Sutherland Sharks bite Sydney FC

The atmosphere, in what was a cold evening in the Shire, was electric as an estimated 4,000 fans turned up to witness the Sharks take on their A-League counterparts who sported the likes of players such as Steve Corica, Alex Brosque, Clint Bolton and new recruits Simon Colosimo, Mark  Bridge and Stuart Musialik.
Brian Brown?s men took the lead early in the first half thanks to a nice headed goal from Scottish import Neil Jablonski.
Sydney FC responded towards the end of the first half when string bean defender Jacob Timpano scored off the head from a corner kick.
It was to be a moral boosting goal for the defender who has been hampered with injuries that have set him back in claiming a starting berth for the Sydney club in previous seasons.
The second half started and the Sharks stamped their authority and showed to the packed crowd why they are NSW?s best in the State League at the present moment when young attacking gun Matthew Hall scored a brilliant individual goal that set the terraces on fire.
The Sharks number 10, known for being one of the quickest in the competition, scored his third goal in as many days after he notched up a double in Sutherland?s 3-0 Tiger Turf Cup Quarter Final victory over the Blacktown Spartans on Tuesday.
It was to be the final goal of the match as the Sharks continued their unbeaten run and stretching their enormous record to 26 games in 2008 (counting the Tiger Turf Cup also) without a loss.
The Sharks have had a hectic schedule as they defeated Bankstown City Lions 3-1 last Saturday and then backed up to beat Division 1 outfit Blacktown Spartans 3-0 in the Tiger Turf Quarter Finals on Tuesday.
The victory against Sydney FC has put the Shire side in good stead this Sunday as they take on the competition’s cellar dwellers Blacktown City Demons in their round 19 TeleChoice Premier League clash which will see the Sharks complete their four matches in the space of nine days.
-By Mark Stavroulakis