Round 10 Review – NPL 2 NSW Men’s

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Another week. Another set of dramatic fixtures in round ten of. the National Premier League 2 NSW Men’s competition.

This weekend was highlighted by a eye catching victory for SD Raiders over NWS Spirit. While elsewhere Northern Tigers and St George FC secured back to back victories in their fixtures. That and much more in our round ten review of the most dramatic league in NSW.

Match of the Round: SD Raiders FC 2 (Toro Suazo 19’, Valenti 80’) v NWS Spirit FC 0

Last week it was St George FC who shocked the league. This week it was SD Raiders turn with a stunning victory over NWS Spirit FC at Ernie Smith Reserve, Saturday night.

Goals to Matias Toro Suazo and Adrian Valenti either side of the half capped off a memorable all-round performance for the hosts who secured their third win of the season.

In contrast, it was a forgettable night for NWS Spirit who picked up their second loss of the season on the road.

From the outset of the contest, the match was played at a high intensity and the hosts looked well up for the challenge of facing the league leaders.

But it was the visitors who opened the game in terms of chances, Ahmed Sweedan cutting in from the right to shoot over the bar after Michael Konestabo found him eight minutes in.

Buoyed on by last weeks drought breaking win. SD Raiders had a chance of their own five minutes later, Matias Toro Suazo beating the keeper to a through ball from midfield before nearly applying a spectacular finish, only to be denied by Spirit captain Grant Cornwell on the line.

Cornwell was proving to be a thorn in the side of the hosts, making several last ditch challenges throughout the contest.

Next up was a chance for Kota Odakura from a set piece in a left wing position. Odakura forcing Raiders shot stopper Mario Aleksik into an unsighted save.

However, the visitors never really looked comfortable on the ball, which is a credit to Nick Carle’s men who pressed them well throughout the night.

And the hosts were rewarded shortly after, but not before they fired a warning shot. Anthony Prioa combining well with Toro Suazo in an advanced position, the resulting shot not causing any trouble to Luke Cotten in the Spirit net.

But it was just a matter of time. And the attacker was not going to miss on his third notable attempt (particularly with cameras around). Toro Suazo finding the net just before twenty minutes from an Alexander Malfara corner. Matias launching a right footed volley into the top right corner to open the scoring.

The confidence was then flowing for the hosts and they then took firm control of the fixture for the remainder of the match.

However, the Spirit were still good enough to create a few chances. Firstly, from an Andrew Robertson cross after the half hour mark, which found Kota Odakura at the near post. Only for him to not get enough contact on his effort.

Before Konestabo had an effort with ten minutes to go, his left footed effort cleared off the line by Adrian Valenti.

Who speaking of scored the Raiders second. Talk about a goal from an unlikely source! Valenti finding the net with a looping effort from a left wing position.

Limiting down the second half to chances wouldn’t be doing the hosts justice though. Losing two players to injury in the first half. Their lead never really looked it threat.

SD Raiders travel to face Blacktown Spartans next weekend. While NWS Spirit face a bumper week at Christie Park. Hosting Marconi Stallions in the cup before a showdown with Western Sydney Wanderers next Saturday.

SD Raiders FC: 95. Mario Aleksik, 2. Shaun Irwin, 4. Goran Ljuboja (3. James Markovic), 6. Daniel Marjanovic, 8. James Letta, 9. Anthony Proia (99. Zander Regan), 10. Mathew Barkho (61. Deng Deng), 14. Noah Chianese, 17. Adrian Valenti, 21. Alexander Malfara (12. Lukman Ahmed-Shaibu), 23. Matias Toro Suazo.

NWS Spirit FC: 12. Luke Cotten, 3. Musashi Kokubo, 4. Kota Odakura (13. Pasqualino Cappuccio), 5. Andrew Robertson, 6. Abuzar Awaz (7. Geoffry Lino), 8. Grant Cornwell, 9. Anthony Vastag, 16. Aaron D’Mello, 20. Narveen Richardson (15. Dominic Johns), 22. Ahmed Sweedan (17. Luke Okuda), 23. Michael Konestabo (18. Adam Nisbet).

Elsewhere:

Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC 1 (Peterson 19’) v St George FC 2 (Pivato 29’, Quiligan 59’)

Six points from a possible six, St George FC secured their second straight away victory prevailing over Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Saturday evening.

It was a result which unfortunately saw the end of the tenure of Wayne O’Sullivan at Bonnyrigg White Eagles after his team succumbed to a disappointing defeat. Aaron Peterson was their sole goal scorer on the night.

St George FC on the other hand continue their resurgence under the stewardship of Jane Talcevski. Picking up a victory after getting the better of Central Coast Mariners last weekend. Bruno Pivato found their equalizer before playing a part in Connor Quilligan’s eventual winner.

But it was the hosts who came out the better side, a fast start resulting in Aaron Peterson opening the score. Peterson picking up the scraps after a Ray Miller shot from the edge of the box stung the palms of the visiting keeper.

However, things took a turn shortly after for the hosts as James Mackenzie went off injured and the visitors took control.

Their first goal coming just before the half hour through Bruno Pivato. Pivato showing great awareness to create an angle for himself inside the box after a high press forced a mistake from the hosts.

In response, Bonnyrigg changed their formation after the break, but it just wasn’t to be for the hosts conceding their second before the hour mark. Bruno Pivato turning provider for the visitors, finding the head of Connor Quilligan from a corner.

Bonnyrigg White Eagles face another tough test next weekend when they welcome Central Coast Mariners. While St George return home to face Hakoah FC.

Hills United FC 1 (Stewart 51′) v Northern Tigers FC 3 (Adeli 17, Scott 31’ 48′)

Northern Tigers secured their second away victory of the season, running over Hills United FC in their match, Saturday evening.

Shervin Adeli opened the scoring before Oliver Scott contributed with a brace, his goals coming either side of half time.

While for Hills United, their home woes continued after another home defeat. Duncan Stewart found the net for them from the penalty spot.

The result solidifies the Tigers course correction after a victory over Bonnyrigg White Eagles last weekend. They opened the scoring just after the quarter hour.

Adeli driving the ball into the right side of the net after Lachlan Lloyd laid the ball off to him from a Bailey Rule cross.

Hitting their rhythm the tigers then doubled their tally ten minutes later. Oliver Scott making no mistake sliding the ball underneath the Hills keeper.

Two was to then become three shortly after the restart. Bailey Rule once again playing a role in the build up. Finding Scott to head home from the near post capping of a textbook counter attacking performance.

A consolation was to come though. Hills getting some reward a few minutes later. Duncan Stewart netting from the spot.

Hills United host St George City in our round eleven match of the round. While Northern Tigers welcome Mounties Wanderers.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC 2 (Auglah 11, 0G 56’) v Blacktown Spartans FC 1 (Carle 35’)

It wasn’t as easy as they’d hoped. But Western Sydney Wanderers jumped to the summit of the table with a victory over Blacktown Spartans.
The Spartans, coming into the fixture after an extra time cup fixture put in a respectable effort. Andre Carle finding the net for them.
While Western Sydney Wanderers mirrored the a-league counterparts in relying on an own goal to claim victory. Ali Auglah scoring the other goal early in the first half.
In a half of which they saw more chances than their opponents, Western Sydney Wanderers opened the score in style. Auglah on the end of a team move which saw Isaac Hovar and Reuben Awaritefe combine before the league’s leading scorer applied the finish.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing though as they lost their goalkeeper to injury two thirds into the half. And that substitution resulted in the equaliser, Oliver Kalac fresh on the field overcommitting in retrieving a through ball. With Andre Carle there to take advantage.
The second half continued as the first finished. With the Wanderers gifted the eventual game winner ten minutes into the proceedings through an own goal.
Whilst at the other end, Kalac had to be on guard to deny a Spartans equaliser.
Western Sydney Wanderers face NWS Spirit in a top of the table meeting next weekend. While Spartans welcome an inform SD Raiders.

Hakoah FC 2 (Cox 33’, Demetriou 63′) v Mounties Wanderers FC 0

Hakoah FC secured their fifth victory of the season with a win over Mounties Wanderers Sunday afternoon.
Goals to Dominic Cox and James Demetriou either side of half time ensured the home side victory.
While on paper it was another defeat for Mounties Wanderers. The visitors will be heartened by another improved performance.
The first goal came from a good combination play which involved Dominic Cox, Yianni Spyrakis and Luiz Lobo. Cox rounding the move off with a good finish inside the area.
That lead was doubled on the hour mark through James Demetriou who found the top corner with his shot after a long ball from deep.
Speaking after the game. Hakoah coach Luka Hrzina commended the resilience of his opposition. Describing a well structured team who were willing to work for each other.
Hakoah FC face a short road trip to take on St George FC. While Mounties meet Northern Tigers.

St George City v Central Coast Mariners FC: Match Abandoned

By NPL2 Men’s reporter Justin Smith (Twitter: @smiththejustin)