NSW Premier League Round 5 Review

At the bottom end of the ladder, South Coast Wolves collected their first win of the season, moving the side further up the ladder, meanwhile A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt too collected their first point of the campaign following four consecutive losses to-date.
On Saturday afternoon at Sydney United Sports Centre, Bonnyrigg White Eagles lived up to their pre-season ?favourites tag? with an impressive 2-1 defeat of Sydney United. Played at an often frantic pace, the White Eagles were in cruise control at the break with Brad Boardman twice finding the back of the net from Daniel Severino set-pieces. The duo, along with the tremendous input of Jamie McMaster and Shane Webb out of midfield and Vuko Tomaseivc in the defensive third, were instrumental for the visitors who perhaps should have gone into the break with a far greater lead.
After the break, despite going down to ten-men following the red card issued to Joe Vrkic, Sydney United threw caution to the wind and re-opened proceedings after Luka Glavas was brought down inside the penalty-area. The Reds striker dusted himself off and converted the spot-kick, though despite the Reds? best efforts, Bonnyrigg administered proceedings with a workmanlike performance to claim all three-points.
Marconi Stallions kept a hold on top-spot (Second only to Blacktown City FC on goal difference) following a 1-0 win at Seymour Shaw against Sutherland Sharks. The Stallions, who were forced onto the back foot for large spells on the night, took the lead midway through the first-half courtesy of Matt Gordon with a well-taken left-foot drive past Nathan Denham in the Sharks goal.
Despite Sutherland?s best attempts to claw their way back into the match, the Stallions stood tall and ground out a very important win to keep a hold on top-spot.
In the early kick-off on Sunday afternoon, A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers collected their first point of the campaign with a 2-2 draw at home against the newly promoted Rockdale City Suns. A rather dreary first-half left the supporters with little to cheer, though the second period did certainly deliver some good football. Askin Oygur had the Suns ahead on 53? minutes before Robbie Younis drew the Tigers level via the penalty-spot. Michael West combined well with Danial Cummins to setup the former for a finely taken volleyed effort, though the Tigers were to be denied victory 11? minutes from time as Adem Kir managed to get enough power behind his free-kick for the ball to crawl over Matthew Nash?s goal-line.
Bankstown City?s woeful 2010 continued with a home loss to the previously win-less South Coast Wolves. Playing arguably their best 90? minutes of football to-date, the Wolves overturned Richard Luksic?s 35? minute goal with a brace to Mark Picciolini and a late goal to Andres Gomez sending the visitors 3-1 up. Despite Bankstown?s best efforts, a consolation goal in injury-time to Almir Dizdaric did little to lift the spirits of the players and supporters alike, at Jensen Park.
At Cromer Park, Manly United FC coach Phil Moss welcomed back Craig Midgely and Robbie Cattanach to great effect with both players grabbing a goal each to defeat Sydney Olympic 2-1.
Midgley had the home-side ahead on 33? minutes, before Chris Triantis equalised for Sydney Olympic moments before the break. Robbie Cattanach sealed the win for Manly United with a well taken goal in the 90? minute following a goalmouth scramble inside of the Sydney Olympic penalty-area, much to the disbelief of the visitors who had created numerous chances throughout the match to have taken at least a point.
Blacktown City FC maintained a strong-hold on top-spot with a 1-0 victory against West Sydney Berries. Despite both sides exchanging spells with a majority hold on possession, Aytek Genc?s men secured a win courtesy of the boot of top goalscorer Tolgay Ozbey 12? minutes from time. The Berries very nearly snatched an equaliser in the closing stages via Peter Peralta, though the long-range effort flashed inches wide of the mark.
The win keeps Blacktown City FC on the top of the NSW Premier League ladder, ahead of Marconi Stallions on goal difference.
-By Joseph Carlucci