Round 13 Review – State League Men’s
The top four of the State League Men’s Competition is beginning to take shape; who is in and who out?
Nepean FC (4) vs Hurstville City Minotaurs (1)
Hearts were in mouths just seconds into this game as a lackadaisical back-pass from Nepean’s right back fell invitingly in the path of Dimitrios Zakilas who pounced onto the ball and stabbed a left foot shoot across the face of goal, inches away the ball trickling into the back of the net.
The opening seconds seemed to set the tempo for the early stages of the game as careless passing from Nepean crippled any momentum they tried to generate and Hurstville City dominated with assured passing.
They were rewarded for this dominance after just 16 minutes when Anthony Villazon whipped a free kick into the top corner of the goal, with an effort that even David Beckham would be proud of.
The Minotaurs should’ve scored their second just 10 minutes later when a bullet header from a corner found its way through a sea of players, only to be accidentally blocked on the line by one of their own players.
For all their dominance, Hurstville City still had just one goal to show for their efforts and it wasn’t long before Nepean would make them rue their missed opportunities.
Just 3 minutes before the break, David Adjassou picked up the ball in midfield and threaded a delightful pass through the experienced Minotaurs’ defence. Bursting onto the pass was Clement Waoci who expertly tucked the ball past the onrushing keeper.
It was a different Nepean side that emerged from the break, looking more like the dynamic and destructive team that has given teams across the competition nightmares this season.
And the home fans didn’t have to wait long for their side to hit the lead, Clement Waoci responding first to tap home after the Minotaur’s keeper parried a fierce shot from Joel Bayubahe.
It was becoming the Clement Waoci show as in the 56th minute he showed electrifying pace to zoom around the Minotaur’s right back, leaving him for dead, racing to the by-line before sliding a low pass across the face of goal for David Kanaley to tap home.
As the half wore on, Hurstville City simply had no answer to the explosive Nepean attack. And in the final quarter of the game, Nepean added their fourth of the match, a deflected own goal coming off the back of excellent build up play from Roberto Polistina.
For Magdy Andrawes it was an important win to keep pace with the top two and a performance he will be hoping his side can build on for the rest of the season.
Peter Sarikakis described the match as “a game of two halves”; praising Nepean’s ruthless ability in front of goal but lamenting his side’s wasted chances in the first.
With only 5 rounds left, the sun is threatening to set on the Minotaurs’ season, where as Nepean look to be firing at just the right time and will no doubt threaten in the finals this year.
Match Stats
Nepean FC – 4 (Clement Waoci x2, David Kanaley, Own Goal)
Hurstville City Minotaurs – 1 (Anthony Villazon)
Cook Park, St Marys, Saturday July 8
Hurstville City Minotaurs: M. Balazs, E. Dominic, L. Fatica, J. Kay, S. Mehana, A. Michael, N. Nisbet, K. Ram, A. Vagenas, D. Vagenas, A. Villazon, D. Zakilas, M. Mostapha.
Nepean FC: T. Hamilton, K. Machut, D. Watson, C. May, D. Kanaley, D. Adjassou, M. Ghobrial, R. Polistina, C. Waoci, M. Fakiye, M. Elongo, S. Sabatha, J. Senior, S. Ly, J. Iannacito, J. Bayubahe
Prospect United (2) vs FC Gazy Auburn (2)
For Prospect United this is the one that got away. Playing at home against bottom of the table, many predicted Darren Camilleri’s side to collect another three points, especially after their impressive victory against UNSW last round.
But the game began in disastrous fashion for the home side, going a goal down in the opening minutes.
That was not in the Prospect script.
They managed to re-group and bounced back with two excellent team goals. The first to Luke Mesiti before Efosa Amagor scored his second goal in as many weeks, continuing the outstanding start he’s made in the red and blue.
FC Gazy refused to lie down and shortly before half time they found an equaliser. Sloppy defending by the home side allowed Gazy the chance to score which they gratefully accepted.
As the teams returned from the break, Prospect realised they needed to find a way to win this match or risk letting their finals’ chances slip away.
This desire was evident in the early minutes of the second half. Camilleri’s side carved out chance after chance, but through indecision and hesitancy, could not find the winning goal the home fans desperately craved.
A frustrating draw for Prospect as they again fail to string back to back wins together.
For FC Gazy, it’s another warning sign to the rest of the competition – there are no easy points in this league and if you want to play finals football then you will have to earn it.
Wagga City Wanderers (1) vs UNSW (4)
UNSW left the warm Sydney sunshine for the driving rain and swirling wind of Wagga on Saturday afternoon, looking to get back to winning ways after losing their undefeated streak last round.
Despite the weather, both sides moved the ball well, creating quality chances in the early stages of the game.
But it was the away side who struck first, Luiz Lobo converting from the penalty spot on 26 minutes. And UNSW would double their lead on the stroke of half time, as Des Ford tucked the ball away after a goalmouth scramble.
The rain continued to pour and the goals continued to fly in for UNSW as inspirational captain Lennox Tweneboa blasted home a header just after the break.
Wagga were given a lifeline on 66 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Unfortunately for the home side, it was a chance they failed to convert. Things got even worse for Wagga shortly after when their goalkeeper was subbed off due to a broken bone in his hand and two more experienced defenders also succumbed to injuries.
With just minutes left in the game, Nima Beik added his side’s fourth goal, keeping his composure to coolly slot home from the spot.
And deep into injury-time, the home fans finally had something to brighten a very damp night, Tyler Allen poking the ball home after an inch perfect cross.
In the end, a convincing win for UNSW, despite a stern test from a spirited Wagga City side.
Assistant Coach, Gabe Knowles was pleased that his side were able to get back to winning ways as they continue their push for the premiership.
For Ben Schmid, it was a script seen too often this season. Plenty of effort but lacking luck in key moments that ultimately decided the game.
Camden Tigers (3) vs Hurstville FC (1)
Hurstville FC has been knocking on the door of the top four for weeks. Camden are desperate to keep that door closed.
But it was Hurstville FC who began the brightest, allowing their experienced players to dictate the game’s tempo.
In this fierce battle for the top four, it seemed only one team was up for the fight as Hurstville FC took a deserved lead shortly before the break, Dario Borovickuc slotting the ball home after a goal mouth scramble.
Few could argue that Hurstville FC deserved their lead at the break as Camden trudged off to the sheds knowing their top four spot would be lost unless they could turn it around in the second period.
Perhaps Dean Bradley gave his young side the hair-dryer treatment at half time as his Camden team came out for the second period with renewed determination and intent.
It wasn’t long before they found their way back into the game with a flurry of goals. Dean Mugridge got things underway in the 58th minute, before the competition’s leading scorer, Jayden Russell added a second just two minutes later. Incredibly, Camden would score their third goal in the 62nd minute, Dean Mugridge scoring his second of the game.
Despite Hurstville’s best efforts to get back into the game, Camden’s resilient defence stood firm, delivering a crucial 3 points to the Tigers.
Jack Bulic was disappointed with his side’s second half performance, admitting that finals football is an unlikely prospect now.
Camden coach, Dean Bradley will be looking for his side to carry this momentum into next week’s clash against top of the table Bankstown United.
Western Condors FC (2) vs Bankstown United (3)
At this stage of the season, performances come secondary to results. For Claudio Canosa and his Bankstown United side, that was exactly the case in their clash against Western Condors.
Lacking the clinical edge and defensive assurity we have come to expect from Bankstown in recent weeks, Western Condors looked as though they might be able to cause a real upset.
But on the stroke of half time, Bankstown took the lead. A brilliant strike from Haruki Nakano gave his side a lead in a tense and tight opening 45mins.
A remarkable second half ensued with Western Condors scoring two goals to bring the game back to 2-2, after Andreas Kartsioulis scored Bankstown’s second.
But, as all champion sides do, Bankstown found a way to win the game. Lethal striker, Tom Markovski scored his 10th goal of the campaign, giving his side a vital 3 points to preserve their lead at the top of the table.
– By Ryan Latty
