IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 Finals Series Round 2 Review

Bonnyrigg White Eagles will be present at the 2013 grand final after the side sealed the first spot in the competition’s showcase event in a fortnight’s time after overcoming Premiers Sydney United 58 FC.
The White Eagles were made to endure 120’ minutes of football, and a dramatic penalty shootout, to secure the spot leaving Sydney United 58 FC now with a big showdown against Rockdale City Suns next weekend.
The Suns came from a goal behind to defeat Sutherland Sharks on Saturday night, netting an extra-time winner courtesy of Nikola Taneski to keep its grand final hopes alive.
Semi Final 2 – Major Semi-Final
Sydney United 58 FC 1 Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 (Bonnyrigg White Eagles won 5-3 on penalties)
Action aplenty was expected at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday, and all those present did not go home disappointed – at least not with the excitement over the course of the encounter.
The White Eagles, who totally dominated the first part of the 2013 season before falling behind both Sutherland Sharks and Sydney united 58 FC in the run home to the conclusion of the regular season, has secured its spot in the grand final this year with a tense penalty shootout triumph.
An intriguing opening saw both sides create goal scoring chances, though it wasn’t until the 58’ minute that the deadlock was broken. Bo Hyun Chun’s fine delivery picked out the head of Mitchell Long, who in-turn played a cushioned ball into the path of Robbie Younis who blasted home from close-range.
Sydney United 58 FC’s task was made all the more difficult when Ben Jurman was shown his second yellow card of the afternoon, leaving the Reds with ten-men to find a way back into the encounter. Despite the numerical disadvantage however, the Reds found an equaliser on 87’ minutes. Nikola Zonjic fouled Robbie Mileski inside the penalty-area, and Luka Glavas – captain courageous – ensured his side forced the tie into extra time with a coolly taken spot-kick.
In extra time, both sides had chances to find a winner, though a goal was not forthcoming. Numerical parity was restored when Zonjic was shown his second yellow card of the match – the Bonnyrigg defender will be out of the grand final showcase.
The shootout saw Mitchell Stamatellis miss his penalty, as Tynan Diaz netted the White Eagles winning spot-kick to secure his side a spot in the competition decider.
Semi Final 1 – Minor Semi-Final
Sutherland Sharks 1 Rockdale City Suns 2 (After extra time)
Rockdale City Suns’ fabulous run continued with a very hard fought come from behind win over Sutherland Sharks at Seymour Shaw on Saturday night, frustrating the Sharks further following the Suns’ Round 22 win over the Sharks that saw Robbie Stanton’s men ‘pipped’ for the Premiership trophy.
Brad Boardman opened the scoring for the Sharks just after the half-time interval, netting with a fine first touch before drilling past Diego Barcena.
The goal seemed to be the shot in the arm the Sharks required, as Boardman went close to doubling the lead moments later.
Despite the home crowd advantage, the Suns didn’t let up and mid-season signing Nikola Taneski drew his side level in the 83’ minute. After spurning a chance only moments earlier, Taneski beat his marker twice with to fine turns before burying his shot past Nathan Denham.
Extra-time was needed and the Sharks’ task at hand was made all the more difficult when Chris Naumoff picked up his second yellow card of the evening with 15’ minutes remaining.
With the Suns potentially facing a second penalty shootout in the space of a week, Taneski popped up with the winner 3’ minutes from the end. One of the performers of the night Paul Reid was the provider. The experienced midfielder was brilliant, and will be vital for Rockdale City next weekend, as he provided Taneski with the ball to drive home into the bottom right-hand corner past Denham.
-By Joseph Carlucci