TeleChoice Premier League Round 19 Review
In the eagerly awaited blockbuster between Sydney United and Bonnyrigg White Eagles ? played behind closed doors at Sydney United Sports Centre on a horrid playing surface ? both sides both sides felt the importance of the encounter as the challenges from players on both sides came thick and fast throughout the encounter.
After squandering two early chances ? Elsid Barkhousir?s one-one-one effort inside the opening 15? minutes the clearer-cut of two for the home-side ? the visitors took a surprise lead. Almir Dizdaric converted with aplomb inside the penalty-area, firing into the top right-hand corner following a failed clearance by the Reds rear-guard.
With the White Eagles tasting victory, Sydney United ?super-sub? Davor Bajsic sensationally struck a free-kick in the 89? minute over the wall and into the back of the net to salvage a point for the League leader.
Sydney United?s draw allowed Bankstown City Lions an immense chance to close the gap at the top of the League ladder – one that Peter Tsekenis? men did not pass on.
A fine strike by Brett Studman and an opportunistic own goal by Mirko Jurilj had the Lions in complete control, despite Sydney Olympic pulling a goal back late on via Chris Triantis. The Lions victory makes it six-in-a-row for the Jenson Park outfit, the side well and truly cured of their early season run of rotten luck in-front of goal.
At Hooka Park in Wollongong, Manly United FC returned to the winner?s list with a hard-fought 2-0 defeat of Wollongong Community FC. Still without a number of regular starters, Phil Moss? men scored a morale boosting win in-sight of this week?s re-scheduled League match against Bonnyrigg White Eagles before the side faces Blacktown City Demons in the TigerTurf Cup semi-final.
Ashley Ryan had the visitors ahead after the break, before Andrew Mailer rounded out the result in injury-time for the three-points.
On Saturday evening, a dominant Marconi Stallions performance was not enough to overcome a hard-working West Sydney Berries at Marconi Stadium. The Berries scored a shock 3-2 win, testament to the fighting belief of the players and fine tactical organisation of coach John Calleja.
John Tsironis scored twice in the opening half to give the Berries a two-goal lead in a Man of the Match performance. The Stallions came back strongly in the second-half with goals to captain Nahuel Arrarte and Tim McGowan. After a number of squandered chances, McGowan?s equaliser brought about only momentary relief as Marjan Novotni put the Berries back in-front 1? minute later with a well taken shot to secure the Berries maximum points.
At Seymour Shaw, Sydney Tigers returned to Leichhardt with a point despite being forced onto the back foot for almost the entire 90? minutes by an attack-minded Sutherland Sharks outfit. The home-side was relentless in the middle of the park and created a number of chances, though the goalkeeping brilliance of former Sharks shot-stopper Phillip Zabaks ensured the Tigers a share of the spoils.
Blacktown City and Penrith-Nepean United had their final hit-outs before TigerTurf Cup semi-final action next weekend with a 1-1 draw at Gabbie Stadium on Sunday. With the Demons missing several key players due to the flu, Penrith-Nepean United got a jump-start in the first-half with Greg Kondek scoring the side?s opening goal on 20? minutes. A more determined Demons outfit took to the field in the second-half and Ken Schembri?s men deservedly found an equaliser via Gavin Forbes. The midfielder converted from close-range following some fine play by Ray Miller and Nick Sama to secure a point for Blacktown City 5? minutes from time.
*Please visit Football NSW Web Site www.footballnsw for rescheduled matches.
-By Joseph Carlucci
