IGA NPL NSW MENS 1 Grade 20s Round 3 Review
Round 3 of the Grade 20s competition saw Sydney United 58 FC beat Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC 2-0 in a historic clash at Sydney United Sports Centre in the Match of the Round.
The weekend also saw a big win for Rockdale City Suns, whilst Blacktown City FC continued their good start to the season.
MATCH OF THE ROUND
Sydney United 58 FC 2-0 Bonnyrigg White Eagles, at Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 FC deservedly beat Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC 2-0 to claim their first win for the season.
The scene was set on an unusually hot day at Sydney United Sports Centre, ready for the clash of two evenly matched sides.
It was the home side that for the most part demonstrated composure and created more opportunities.
A solid tackle in the 31′ minute saw Sydney United captain Jakov Radas injured and stretchered off the pitch with a suspected broken leg.
A wonderful opportunity presented itself for Sydney United in the 39’ minute. Lawrence Hanna put a through ball to newly recruited Christian Gonzalez who maintained possession but he shot wide of the post.
Three minutes before half time, a pass from a willing Hanna was met by Jack Press who drew the defence before being fouled by Bonnyrigg keeper, Liam Gobbo.
A direct free kick was awarded, but nothing eventuated.
After the first half, which left the scoresheet blank, Sydney United produced a strong second half, grabbing two quick goals.
The home side’s first goal came in the 59’ minute.
Jacob Esposito dribbled the ball in from the right and took a shot from the top of the box into the left hand corner giving Gobbo no chance.
Within two minutes of their first goal, Sydney United had claimed their second and the match was theirs.
Gonzalez was the scorer this time, doubling United’s lead.
He received a beautiful pass from Nikolas Dimitriadis across goal, before maintaining his composure to drill the ball home.
In the last 20′ minutes of the game, Bonnyrigg stepped up their game, creating more opportunities on goal, leaving the home side on the back foot.
But with four minutes until full time, Alexander Doyle was given his second yellow card, leaving the visiting side with ten men.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles coach Mark Zecchin was disappointed in the effort of his side.
"We were on the back foot all day and second to the ball," he said.
"It’s our first loss and it’s disappointing losing to the rival team."
"But it’s a long season and you don’t win the season based on the first few games."
Sydney United 58 coach Tony Sekulic believed the game demonstrated the capabilities of his side.
"After the first two losses, this is a major improvement and shows a lot of promise for the boys and the team," he said.
Sydney united 58 FC 2 (Jacob Esposito 59’, Christian Gonzalez 61’)
Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC 0
Sunday 30th March, 2014
Sydney United Sports Centre
Referee: Lachlan Daniel
Assistant Referees: Nicholas Backo and Scott Edeling
Sydney United 58 FC: 25.Tomislav Borovickic, 36.Shaun Borthwick, 29.Jayden Diacono, 38.Nikolas Dimitriadis, 39.Jacob Esposito, 35.Christian Gonzalez, 33.Lawrence Hanna, 20.Ibrahim Haydar, 34.TomMallett, 24.Jack Press (37.Isaac Savor 87’), 28.Jakov Radas
Yellow Cards: Spiros Agathos 56’, Christian Gonzalez 34’, Lawrence Hanna 23’
Red Cards: Nil
Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC: 24.Alexander Doyle, 29.Brian Griffin-Colls, 15.Stevan Illic, 37.Luke Jenner, 30.Nikola Krljar, 19.Aaron Peterson, 36.Braedan Robins, 11.Benjamin Spruce, 38.Daniel Vellonio, 22.Liam Gobbo, 34.Dillon Vorster
Yellow Cards: Liam Gobbo 44’, Nikola Krljar 57’, Alexander Doyle 85’
Red Cards: Alexander Doyle 88′
ROUND REVIEW
SATURDAY
Marconi Stallions 1-3 Blacktown City, at Marconi Stadium
Blacktown City beat Marconi Stallions on Saturday evening at Marconi Stadium.
Noah Chinase scored the only goal for the home side.
Jonathan Grozdanovski, Ryan Peterson and Brian Jamba scored for the visiting side.
St George FC 0-1 Sutherland Sharks at WIN Jubilee Oval
Sutherland Sharks claimed a win against St George FC at WIN Jubilee Oval.
Nikola Todorovski scored the only goal of the game.
Blacktown Spartans FC 6-0 Rockdale City Suns FC at Blacktown Football Park
Blacktown Spartans thrashed Rockdale City Suns on Saturday evening.
Domenic Dileo scored two and Conor Evans, Reid Taylor, Dario Vujovic and Tomislav Cirjak each scored for the Spartans, who were in devastating form.
SUNDAY
Manly United FC 1-0 APIA Leichhardt Tigers FC at Cromer Park
Manly United defeated APIA-Leichhardt Tigers FC at Cromer Park.
Dejan Pandurevic scored a penalty to give the home side their first goal for the season, and with it, their first win.
South Coast Wolves 4-3 Sydney Olympic at WIN Stadium
South Coast Wolves beat Sydney Olympic on Sunday afternoon at WIN Stadium in a super match.
Justin Ivanovic scored two and Mitch Delturco and Jordan Murray each scored for the home side, who recorded a valuable win over their much fancied opponents.
– By Anneliese Scenna
