Round 4 Review – NPL 3 NSW Men’s

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We were treated to a glut of goals in the latest round of the National Premier Leagues 3 NSW Men’s competition with a total of 29 spread throughout the six matches.

There were two matches in particular that certainly delivered on the goals front with spectators witnessing an almighty comeback by Canterbury Bankstown FC in the early fixture up the coast before Dulwich Hill FC completed an almost carbon copy turnaround in their fixture against Rydalmere Lions FC.

Central Coast United FC – Canterbury Bankstown FC 3-3

A stunning comeback after being 3-0 down saw Canterbury Bankstown rescue a point from their fixture against Central Coast at Pluim Park.

The visitors started the match the stronger of the two sides and were unlucky not to break the deadlock when they had a shot strike the upright.

However, it was the Pirates who were able to draw first blood with Cade Mapu opening the scoring for Stu Davis’ side.

The hosts continued where they left off after the interval with Josh Swadling doubling his side’s lead before Scott Mcginley thought he put the result beyond doubt with his effort.

The 3-0 score line did not faze Berries with coach Wally Savor making an inspired set of substitutions which swung the momentum in their favour.

Leo Guzman fired a trigger warning with a quarter hour remaining to reduce the deficit before Michael Trajkovski caused a heart in mouth moment for Central Coast when he scored his side’s second five minutes later.

The Pirates worst fears were confirmed as substitute Joshua Mbakwe delightfully struck shot from outside the box evened the scoring in the 86th minute.

And so, it ended with Central Coast forced to share the points with a determined Berries outfit.

On the positive side for the Pirates, their unbeaten record remains intact as they head down to Jensen Park to play Bankstown City next Saturday.

Meanwhile, Berries will be aiming to pick up their first win of the season when they entertain Gladesville.

Bankstown United FC – Inner West Hawks FC 2-0

A first win of the season and a clean sheet to show for it, would have left Scott Belgre all the more pleased as his Bankstown United saw off the Inner West Hawks 2-0 at Jensen Park.

The opening 10 minutes did not go to script for United with captain Rai Coletta forced off with an injury to add to the club’s growing casualty list.

The home side’s first goal of the evening arrived shortly after through a wonderful bicycle kick from Lachie Willmore who found space in the crowded 18-yard-box to deliver the spectacular finish.

They went on to double their advantage in the early stages of the second half through Mitch Cross with the striker in the right place at the right time as Eros Bergamin’s strike hit the number nine before settling in the back of the net.

A foul in the box foiled United from sealing a third late on as Bergamin’s corner made its way into the Hawks’ goal.

All in all, Belgre was pleased with his side’s performance and singled out praise for young defenders Ethan Bowmaker and Nic Railz who were instrumental in helping their side come away with their first clean sheet of the season.

Bankstown make the short trip to Concord to take on Inter Lions next round while the Hawks will be looking for their first points of the season when they face off against rivals Dulwich Hill.

Dulwich Hill FC – Rydalmere Lions FC 3-3

Rydalmere suffered a similar fate to the Pirates on Saturday night as they squandered a 3-0 lead against Dulwich Hill at Arlington Oval.

The reigning champions were quick to get on the scoresheet on this occasion with Matt West firing home after just 30 seconds as he connected with Ali Mckie’s pinpoint cross.

The Rydalmere striker clearly had the goalscoring touch as he scored his second of the contest thanks to Ricky Woodward’s expert through ball through before rounding off his hat-trick by the half hour mark.

Nathan Sansom pulled one back for Dully just before half time as he scored a back post header.

That gave the home side a glimmer of hope as they proceeded on their rescue mission after the interval.

It was Daniel Fornito who popped up with the hosts’ second while Anthony Foti’s equaliser in the 95th minute completed a stunning comeback for Paris Svilicich’s men.

Dully remain undefeated as they head into their round 5 clash against the Hawks while Gavin Rae’s side will be hoping for their first three points against the Rams following three straight stalemates.

Macarthur Rams FC – Inter Lions FC 4-0

A masterclass performance from Macarthur Rams saw them dispatch of Inter Lions 4-0 at Lynwood Park on Saturday night.

The opening quarter of an hour belonged to Inter with John Theo’s side dominating proceedings, but they were unable to make it count as the score remained locked at 0-0.

The home side soon made them pay as they scored a staggering four goals within a 15 minute window.

Ben Cornish was the Rams’ first goal scorer after he pounced on a distracted Inter defence who were protesting a dubious call in the middle of the park.

A looping header by Anthony Haddad made it two to the good for the Rams before Cornish scored his side’s third and his second of the contest prior to an unstoppable Mitchell Brooker finish put Jason Breton’s side 4-0 up.

An injury ravaged Inter outfit did their best to wreak havoc in the second half but were unable to make any of their chances stick.

They would also be counting themselves fortunate that they did not concede any more goals with Daniel Axford producing a world class save to deny Cornish his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Inter will be hoping that the result will only be a minor blip in their season as they return home to host United next weekend while the undefeated Rams will be hoping for much of the same when they travel to Rydalmere.

Sydney University SFC – Bankstown City FC 1-4

A strong second half performance saw Bankstown score three goals without reply as they raced to a 4-1 victory against Sydney Uni at Arlington Oval on Sunday.

It was Bankstown who were first on the scoresheet thanks to Chris Triantis before Peter Crevani restored parity for the ‘students’.

The visitors steamrolled past Uni in the second half with Oscar Nieto Rava putting his side 2-1 up before Nikola Todoroski arrived with a brace to round off the scoring for his side.

A last man challenge saw Antonio Farkas dismissed on the hour mark however that didn’t affect his side’s resolve as they held on comfortably to record their maiden win of the season.

Their next test sees them meet undefeated Central Coast at Jensen Park while Uni travel to the eastern suburbs to meet Dunbar.

Gladesville Ryde Magic – Dunbar Rovers FC 4-2

Magic remained at the peak of the table courtesy of their 4-2 triumph against Dunbar Rovers in the late kick off at Christie Park on Sunday.

Sergio Tarazona’s left-footed strike gave Gladesville the early advantage before James Tsokos popped up to make it two to the good shortly after.

Their lead did not last for long with a Dunbar double leveling the scoring however it was the experienced Tarazona who weighed in again as his header restored the home side’s advantage.

A Harris Gaitatzis goal made sure of the points for Magic as they wrapped up round four as the only side who still possess a perfect record.

Next on the agenda for Gladesville is an away clash at Crest meanwhile Dunbar welcome Uni to Heffron Park.

-By NPL 3 NSW Men’s Chief Writer Samuel Greco Schwartz (Twitter handle: @SamuelGS97)