Stalemate at Melita for Stallions and Parramatta

FRUSTRATION and missed opportunities is the best way to sum up Parramatta FC’s clash with Marconi Stallions.
A dour 0-0 draw at Melita Stadium provided fans of both team very little to smile about in what was a battle of the competition cellar dwellers.
An inspired start from the Stallions saw Marconi on top in the opening stages of the match and Anthony Flood went within inches of giving the visitors an early lead. The lanky striker out jumped his defender to meet a Christopher Nunes cross but his header was denied by the upright.
Unfortunately it was only downhill from there for Marconi.
Both teams were guilty of sloppy play as the game fell into a scrappy battle in the middle of the park.
Parramatta wasted a rare opportunity after 18 minutes when Marco Sama blasted high and wide but really, half time couldn’t come quick enough for either team.
It was a completely different story at the start of the second half.
John Tsironis started the second 45 with a bang for Parramatta when he found space at the edge of the 18 yard box, however a lack of accuracy saw the shot sail wide.
Tsironis’ chance began an onslaught of opportunities for the home side.
Chances to Sama, Tsironis, and Blade Richards should’ve had Parramatta celebrating but once again they were punished for poor finishing.
Marconi, despite being on the back foot for the majority of the second half, tried one last push for victory.
Roberto Speranza however was the hero in the 89th minute blocking what appeared a certain goal from Marconi’s Milorad Simonovic.
The full time whistle signalled the end of the match which could have very easily been Parramatta’s for the taking.
“There’s not much I can really say about that one,” Parramatta FC Coach Frank Consentino said.
“To have so many chances and not score is down right disappointing.
“We should’ve scored three or four goals but instead we must settle for a scoreless draw.”
Marconi’s Jeff Suzor admitted it was a frustrating match but praised the efforts of the club’s young talent.
“It has been a tough year for the club but the performance today of 16 year old Brandon Vella goes to show Marconi has a bright future.
“Developing our young talent demonstrates the current direction of the club.
“We had a few chances which we were unlucky not to capitalise on but to take home a point and keep a clean sheet is still a positive result.”
Match Stats
Parramatta FC 0
Marconi Stallions 0
Sunday, May 31 2015
Melita Stadium, Sefton
Referee: Khodr Yadi
Assistant Referees: Joon Park & Raymond Osborne
Fourth Official: Karl Davies
Parramatta FC: Turnbull; Ardle, Gatt, Gullo, Rezo (Clowes 65’) , Richards (Martey 88’), Sama, Speranza, Symons, Tayebi Derazkala, Tsironis (Grima 77’)
Substitutes not used: Chavez, Diacono 
Yellow Cards: Sama 61’ Speranza 78’ Symons 90’ 
Marconi Stallions: D’Antimo; Appiah (Drewery 61’), Flood (Vella 79’), Lum (Simonovic 68’), Mijic, Nunes, Ott, Shields, Travis, Tsovolos, Austin
Substitutes not used: Brown, Roebuck  
Yellow Cards: Mijic 55’ Tsovolos 90’ 
Player ratings:
3- Jacopo D’Antimo (Marconi)
2 – Blade Richards (Parramatta)
1- Christopher Nunes (Marconi)