Round 7 Review – State League Men’s
A number of great games were on display in this weekend’s round 7 matches that took shape in the State League Men’s competition Bankstown United were no match for a strong UNSW side amongst a couple of other interesting results.
University of NSW vs Bankstown United FC
Both teams have ventured through the recent weeks undefeated, both have risen up the league ladder, and finally, both went head to head in an ultimate showdown. The victor? Well, it was the underdogs, University of NSW who came out of the fierce bout with all the spoils.
The victory is the fourth straight for UNSW FC, after downing the likes of the Camden Tigers FC and Hurstville FC. This result sees Bankstown’s five-point competition lead dwindle, while University move within just two points after languishing toward the bottom end a month ago.
The result wasn’t by small margins either, University of NSW really put their foot on the gas, clocking in a 3-0 win. After scoring once in the first half and finishing off the job in the later stanza.
Ilan Kessler played another crucial part in the victory, scoring yet another goal. Dylan Penglase also produced an impressive display, and complemented the strong result with a delightful brace.
Despite the loss, Bankstown could afford it. They will remain atop the league table regardless of other scores and can build upon that when they face Wagga City Wanderers next weekend.
Claudio Canosa thought they missed their opportunities, especially a first half penalty, which was how University of NSW opened the scoring. However, Canoas also highlight the focus must move to next week’s fixture.
“We had our chances, but this time we didn’t get any,” said Canosa.
“They had a penalty in the first half, which is how they scored their first goal and we missed our penalty in the first half.
“In the second half, we it was the same story, we tried scoring goals but they ended up scoring the goals.
“We need to go back to training this week and work to improve on all the areas we identify from the game”
Whether the hurdle has a lasting effect on Bankstown’s season remains to be seen, however, it will also be just as interesting to see if University of NSW are experiencing just a surge in their performances or this power is here to stay.
The top echelon of the table is very tight, and slip-ups are starting to look like a deadly outcome. Camden Tigers and the Hurstville clubs have felt the velvet covered throne and there is no doubt they will capitalise on any opportunity.
Match Stats
University of NSW – 3 (Kessler, Penglase)
Bankstown United FC – 0
David Phillips Complex, Saturday May 27
University of NSW: N. Beik, F. Binakaj, J. Birkeland, J. Chahal, J. Daza, D. Ford, K. Gourlas, I. Kessler, M. Lalik, P. Liaskos, L. Lobo, S. Miller, N. Morabito, G. Penfold, D. Penglase, R. Richardson
Bankstown United FC: M. Anwia, A. Arregin, A. Biernat, D. Carrozza, M. Garcia, D. Hamilton, S. Hankin, M. Harrison, I. Iparraguirre, A. Kartsioulis, A. Lazarou, T. Markovski, J. Miladinovic, R. Miyazaki, H. Nakano, S. Robertson
Nepean FC vs FC Gazy Auburn
Nepean FC tasted their first defeat at the hands of Bankstown United, so when they looked at the draw and saw the struggling FC Gazy Auburn was next it had the potential for a huge confidence boost or perhaps a nasty banana peel.
Fortunately, the banana skins were deposed of, because Nepean recorded a strong 4-0 victory, putting to bed any concerns they would descend into a dark run of matches. They bagged two goals in the first half, before a double from Mubarack Saeed concluded the evening’s contest.
It leaves Nepean four points behind Bankstown, however, we must remember they do still have a game in hand. FC Gazy on the other hand, were just passengers and remain stuck on the bottom rung.
Magdy Andrawes was happy to be back in the winner’s circle and playing the football he expects of his side.
“It was good to see us getting back to playing the way we know we can play,” said Andrawes.
“We’ve had a bit of a tough run in form lately and I believe this is going to be the turnaround we’ve been waiting for. Before the game I asked the boys for a reaction and that’s exactly what they showed.”
Camden Tigers FC vs Western Condors FC
Last week was a frustrating one for Camden, they had a good opportunity to score points cancelled due to the weather, and that break was then followed by the prospect of facing a much-improved Western Condors FC. With failure, not an option for both clubs there were plenty of eyes on this one.
If you were concerned that Camden may be rusty or produce a performance sub-par than all of that worry should be put to be bed because the Tigers displayed their typical lethality in yet another convincing 5-0 victory.
It puts Camden in the box seat just two points adrift of Bankstown and a very healthy goal difference of seven, helped massively by that huge tally of 20 goals – the biggest amount of all teams.
Dean Bradley gave plaudits to the performance of Western Condors and emphasised the faith he has in his side.
“The score doesn’t reflect how good Condors are as a team,” said Bradley.
“The first half was tough. The second half we managed to hold majority of possession and take our chances. I was most happy with not conceding and keeping the free kicks against to a minimum.
“It helps that other teams drop points but realistically, if we keep winning we won’t have any problems.”
Hurstville FC vs Wagga City Wanderers
After looking irresistible Hurstville FC have gone through a tough period, however, Wagga City have become experts with that experience. Therefore, the only sensible thing to come from this is to put both sides in a boxing ring to hash it out, right?
The odds were stacked heavily against Wagga who were missing four players, but they took all the punches and managed to steal a point in a 1-1 draw on the road at the formidable Seymour Shaw Stadium almost five hours from home base.
Daniel Okot was the hero for Wagga City, bagging a rare goal after five starts for the Wanderers. Ben Schmid was very pleased with his squad, and said this is a good platform to build off considering the upcoming home fixtures.
“Three points would have been great, but, to walk away with a point away from home was very positive,” said Schmid.
“We went into the game without four first grade players, whose spots were filled by 17-year-olds. The boys really stepped up and we played the best football we have played all year. Everyone took responsibility for their roles defensively and didn’t allow them time and space to build up, then when we had the ball we moved it well.
“We now have a string of home games so we are looking to take that form into those games and get a few more points under our belt.”
The result doesn’t rocket Wagga up the league ladder, but the confidence that comes from it might, whereas, Hurstville FC have now gone four games without victory, a stark contrast to the side that set the pace earlier in the campaign.
“Disappointed with the result. Same old story for us, we can’t put away our opportunities over the past month it has come back to hurt us on the scoreboard,” said Jack Bulic.
Hurstville FC remain in touch with the leaders, but will really benefit from three points.
Hurstville City Minotaurs vs Prospect United
From one struggling Hurstville club, to another also going through a bit of a rough period, Hurstville City Minotaurs were tasked with the challenge of consistent Prospect United outfit at St George Stadium.
The match was an evenly fought contest given the quality of both sides, however Prospect managed to come away with three points following the third brace of the weekend, this time by, Joel Bayubahe. That result moves United into a very dangerous position, but, sees the Minotaurs slide down to seventh five points behind Bankstown.
Darren Camilleri was very happy with Prospect’s performance, with one youngster getting a special mention.
“Good effort against a very direct Minotaurs team,” said Camilleri.
“Special mention to U18’s player, Peter Friday, who played due to our horror injury list at the moment. He did himself and our club proud.”
Peter Sarikakas rued some missed opportunities, but remained positive especially ahead of the Hurstville derby next weekend.
“My players could have won the game but too many missed chances and a couple saves by keeper, Farias, left us with 2-1 loss at home,” said Sarikakas.
“I am very disappointed with the performance of my team. Hopefully we may do better in next week’s Hurstville Derby.”
-By Jake O’Brien
