Round 6 Review – NPL 4 NSW Men’s

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Things are tight in this National Premier Leagues 4 NSW Men’s competition.

In a weather affected Round Six, we saw three draws (including one which will surprise) and a competitive contest at Fraser Park.

So rug up, keep socially distanced and enjoy our recap of week six.

South Coast Flame FC 2-2 Parramatta FC

South Coast Flame and Parramatta FC shared the spoils in tough conditions at Ian Mcclennan Park.

The fixture saw the team with the wind at their back, control proceedings. In the first half, it was the hosts who had the advantage. Striker Sandy Lowcock went close on the quarter hour, his shot from 10 yards going wide. However, a momentary lapse in concentration saw the visitors take the lead. Ali Dulleh continuing his scoring streak, tapping home after a save from Flame keeper Matt White.

The Flame responded well though and equalized fifteen minutes later. A Justin Smith corner sailing into the net with potential help from a defender. Ten minutes after that, the first half turnaround was complete, Matt Mazevski celebrating his 50-game milestone with a converted penalty.

In response, Parramatta were determined to not come away from the clash empty handed and parity was restored fifteen minutes into the second half. Striker Clement Waoci scoring a one on one opportunity, assist coming from Dulleh.

Prospect United 0-0 Hawkesbury City FC

Prospect United and Hawkesbury City FC played out a cagey affair on a blustery Saturday night at Blacktown Football Park.

It was a tough week for the visitors leading up to the clash after the passing of former player Luke Gardoni. Their best chance came with ten minutes remaining, Daniel Morsillo missing at the back post from a cross. They finished the contest with ten men after James Mawein saw red.

For hosts Prospect United, the result marks a remarkable four draws from their six appearances. Their best chance came on 75 mins, a David Muller header hitting the bar from a free kick. Coach Darren Camilleri noted he was proud of his team who played the last half hour with ten men. Whilst also giving 16-year-old Robert Bozic a starting debut.

Nepean FC 1-1 Camden Tigers FC

In the biggest surprise of the weekend. Camden Tigers showed their mongrel, taking a point off a wounded Nepean outfit at Cook Park.

After Tigers head coach Rod Henderson asked his team to be more resilient. The visitors took an unlikely lead late in the first half courtesy of a Marcus Lymberis goal. And they so nearly hung on for a victory, being denied at the last. Henderson noted post game that he was “Super proud of his players efforts tonight”.

Nepean FC on the other hand, will rue a string of missed opportunities throughout the match. Including a penalty which was saved by Tigers shot stopper and captain Michael O’Rourke. However, with just seconds remaining on the clock, an equalizer did come through Majid Eslami, a cracking shot from 18 yards ensuring they did not walk away empty handed. Nepean coach Joe D’Ermilio singled out Rory Mcgeowan and Jack Hoban as their main threats in the contest.

Fraser Park FC 4-0 Granville Rage

Nine goals in two matches, it is fair to say Fraser Park FC have overcome their attacking woes from a couple of weeks ago. This time their victim, Granville Rage.

Following an evenly contested first 45 mins, the first goal of the match came on the verge of half time. Cam Philpot chased down a through ball for the hosts before being collected by the Granviile keeper. With Granville’s keeper then being sent off. Philpot then finished the job from the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way.

The second half continued as the first half finished, but it was the hosts who doubled the lead just after the hour. Frank Calgano grabbing his second in as many weeks, finishing from 18 yards assisted by Anthony Musimeci down the right.

Two became three just a minute later, Shu Torihara receiving a well timed through ball before finishing off a one on one opportunity. Torihara will miss next weekends action however after getting sent off with less than five minutes remaining.

The win was then capped off with ten minutes to go, Matteo Pandolfo breaking into the opposition’s half, before unleashing a “trademark Pandolfo strike” into the top left corner of the net.

UNSW FC v Western NSW FC postponed.

Hurstville FC – Bye.

By Justin Smith (Twitter: @smiththejustin)