Round 6 Review – State League Men’s
This week we saw Bankstown United FC make a statement, in strengthening their position at the top of the league.
However, should they falter in the coming weeks there is a stack of teams lining up for seat in the throne.
Western Condors FC built upon their first victory last weekend with another three points, while University of NSW also made it back-to-back wins and moved themselves into a prime position among the top tier of the State League Men’s competition.
Unfortunately, there was also some glum results. Wagga City Wanderers suffered a heavy loss and Prospect United relinquished their chance to make it four straight victories, while the weather took out Camden Tigers FC and FC Gazy Auburn.
Bankstown United FC vs Nepean FC
These two were arguably the hottest teams in the competition, Bankstown United led the league will Nepean were undefeated. However, only one of those scenarios remains, and it sees the former sitting very pretty on top of the table after a 1-0 win, the latter may have had a reality check.
As we mentioned, Bankstown, were leading the league after pulling off big victories over FC Gazy Auburn, Western Condors FC and most importantly, last week’s 4-1 thumping of former competition frontrunners, Camden Tigers FC.
Although they accrued 19 goals this season, they had to work extremely hard to break down a solidified Nepean FC, while also maintaining their own shape to thwart any attacks coming the other way.
Fortunately, for Bankstown, their backline was up to the task and then some. They go their goal through Haruki Nakano, who as a defender isn’t expected to score many, however, that was his fourth goal in six games.
That effort came in the opening half, and Bankstown remained resilient to hold off Nepean FC, which could prove crucial in the grand scheme of things, considering their opponents have a game in hand over the teams around the top.
Claudio Canosa was very pleased with his sides performance.
“The team performed well in the game and played as a unit, showing a lot of desire to win”
Match Stats
Bankstown United FC – 1 (Haruki)
Nepean FC – 0
Jensen Park, Saturday May 20, 2017
Bankstown United FC – D. Hamilton, A. Biernat, D. Carrozza, J. Ninnies, J. Miladinovic, T. Markovski, M. Garcia, A. Lazarou, S. Robertson, M. Harrison, M. Anwia, S. Hankin, I. Iparraguirre, A. Kartsioulis, R. Miyazaki, H. Nakano
Nepean FC – C. Waoci, M. Fakiye, H. Pronin, T. Hamilton, D. Watson, S. Hawthorne, D, Kanaley, D. Adjassou, R. Polistina, R. Mcgeown, M. Elongo, S. Sabatho, C. Edmunds, J. Senior, S. Ly, J. Iannacito
Western Condors FC vs Prospect United
After recording their first victory of the season against FC Gazy last weekend, Western Condors managed to back up that performance with another three points following a 2-1 win over an inform Prospect United.
Prospect were looking to make it four straight wins, but were shocked early as the Condors took a first half lead inside 10 minutes. However, United bounced back in the second stanza through Matt Pritchard, but were ultimately left heartbroken after a late winner.
Darren Camillmeri was disappointed with the display Prospect United produced.
“Poor display from our guys today,” said Camilleri.
“Credit to Condors who set up in a way to slow up our game! We dominated the second half and missed another penalty and three or four other good chances.”
FC Gazy Auburn vs Camden Tigers FC
Unfortunately, there were some victims of the recent heavy rain we had, as FC Gazy Auburn and Camden Tigers FC’s matchup was washed out. It’s not what Camden would have liked, after all, they had a very good chance to keep the pressure on Bankstown United FC and Hurstville FC.
Gazy on the other hand, would have had a challenging task in attempting to get their first victory of the campaign.
Hurstville Minotaurs 6 vs Wagga City Wanderers 1
After a string of disappointing results but plenty of fight, finally, Hurstville City Minotaurs found the magic that had them leading the league a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Wagga City Wanderers, who were below par once more.
It was all one-way traffic at Blacktown Football Park, as Hurstville City were in complete cruise control. The six goals move their season tally to 17 goals, which is the second highest in the league. It also moves them into second spot on the league ladder, just five points adrift of Bankstown United FC.
With strong performances from Gerbe Magela and Billy Luate recently, and the leadership of Peter Sarikakas, the Minotaurs have all the ingredients of cake fit for contenders. Wagga City however, are lacking in those departments despite having a squad of talented youth. Wagga City have now conceded 21 goals, the second highest in the competition.
Hurstville FC 2 vs University of NSW 3
They started the season strong but ran into a tall hurdle, but having manoeuvred that it appears University of NSW are building a head of steam following another great result against the formidable Hurstville FC.
After floating around in the middle of the ladder, UNSW FC have moved into deeper waters over the last two weeks. They recorded a solid 1-0 victory over Hurstville City, and backed that up in a thrilling 3-2 win against Hurstville FC at Seymour Shaw Stadium.
Hurstville conceded first, but produced yet another strong turnaround in the second half. The calm and collected figure of Paul Gagro levelled the scores from the penalty spot, however, UNSW FC pulled two ahead with two close range efforts, making Adrian Livio’s goal a consolation.
University were without the experience of Nima Beik on Sunday, but both Dylan Penglase and Ilan Kessler stepped up to the plate and delivered the goods. Efforts that Jack Bulic commended and highlighted their resilience.
“Uni deserved their 1-0 halftime lead having played with great enthusiasm,” said Bulic.
“Once we got the equaliser in the early stages of the second half, the momentum swung, once again we had golden chances to go ahead but the Uni keeper pulled off a couple great saves.”
The result does not hurt Hurstville FC as they are still neck and neck with their neighbours and just a handful of points behind Bankstown United. Meanwhile, UNSW FC have climbed into the gaggle of clubs locked on 10 points, waiting to pounce on any potential scraps from the league leaders.
-By Jake O’Brien
