Round 21 Review – League One Men’s

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The Premiership race took a twist then a turn in Round 21 of the League One Men’s competition with some surprise results amongst a flurry of goals on Saturday night.

After taking the competition lead last Wednesday, St George City couldn’t back it up on the weekend settling for a disappointing draw.

While NWS Spirit went into a massive week for the club in good form after a five goal victory.

That and more in our R21 review.

St George City 2 (Malfara 8‘, German 87‘) v Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC 2 (Jez 47‘ 81‘)

St George City rescued a point in their battle with Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Saturday evening.

Taking the lead early, City were perhaps guilty of going through the motions for a large chunk of the game. Alex Malfara opened the scoring for them before Damian German came up with the equalizer.

That being said, Bonnyrigg were good value for their point with Maksim Jez grabbing a brace on the night.

After their midweek win against the Spartans, City were quick to open the scoring eight minutes in. Alex Malfara the goal scorer hitting a first time low drive into the bottom right corner after Antonio Saracino was dispossessed in the attacking area.

Paolo Mitry the next City player to notch up a shot after a give and go with Josh Keremelevski on the edge of the area which was saved low by Michael Figuera.

While Mackenzie Syron was called into action in the 33rd minute, retrieving the ball after a cross from the right found Radovan Pavicevic who couldn’t get any sort of power on the header.

The game was in desperate need of a goal as the two sides went into the change rooms and it thankfully didn’t take long for it to come in the second half. Maksim Jez sneaking in unsighted at the back post to head home after Nikola Krljar whipped the ball in from the left two minutes into the half.

City nearly took the lead once again a few minutes later, Troy Danaskos getting to the byline before sending a dangerous ball across the face with Saracino on the spot to finish which he couldn’t direct goalward.

Bonnyrigg were beginning to believe they could take something from the match and oh so nearly took the lead on the hour, Radovan Pavicevic heading a ball down for Nikola Krljar who drew a stunning reaction stop from Syron.

In fact, the visitors took a surprise lead with ten minutes remaining, Radovan Pavicevic turning provider with a wicked ball whipped in from the right, Maksim Jez the man to finish it off at the back post past the host’s defense.

Suddenly it was St George City chasing the game and they stepped up a gear in the remaining minutes securing an equalizer with a couple of minutes remaining. Damian German tidying up after a Jordan Morfitis swerving shot was too hot to handle, German tapping home into an open net.

Both teams then had a chance to win it, Nathan Roberts with the most notable for the hosts deep into injury time.

St George City will host Hills United next weekend, while Bonnyrigg White Eagles conclude their season against Northern Tigers.

SD Raiders FC 0 v Central Coast Mariners FC 3 (Duarte 45‘, Nikola Skataric 52‘, Bayliss 61‘)

Central Coast Mariners celebrated their last away game of the regular season in style putting three past SD Raiders at Ernie Smith Reserve.

After opening the scoring just before the halftime break through a Nicholas Duarte goal, they went on to add a further two goals courtesy of goals to Nikola Skataric and Lachlan Bayliss. A result which puts them in the driving seat in the premiership race.

Andrew Christiansen’s side were first to create a chance in the fixture, a long cross-field ball finding Jordan Segreto outside his marker. Segreto taking the ball towards goal before his effort was saved by William Loucas.

While Franco Maya and Mark Cindric combined for the Raiders first chance. Cindric just missing with a powerful volley. Indeed the Raiders were having a good period against their fancied opposition, getting into the area on a few occasions.

But just as it looked likely to be level at the break, the visitors struck. Jordan Segreto peeling off his defender before cutting the ball across the face for Nicholas Duarte to score, Duarte arriving into the box at just the right moment to capitalize with a left footed strike.

Enthused by the goal before half time, the Mariners were full of confidence starting the second half and Duarte nearly scored a goal of the season contender five minutes in. His long range effort just retrieved by Loucas.

However, the lead which was doubled shortly after, Nikola Skataric making no mistake from around the penalty spot seven minutes into the second half. Jordan Segreto again with a key contribution with the assist.

It was an early second half onslaught for the visitors who added a third goal on the hour mark. Lachlan Bayliss extending his grip on the golden boot finishing on the second attempt after William Loucas produced the initial save.

With a three goal lead, the Mariners were happy to see the fixture out while amassing over 12 shots on target as they head towards the premiership.

While Riley Cox-Barlow tried the spectacular with the last kick of the game, going for a bicycle and hitting it on target for Marko Bulic to save.

Central Coast Mariners host both Blacktown Spartans (Tuesday night) and St George FC (Sunday afternoon) across the next week. While SD Raiders round out their season against Hakoah FC.

St George FC 1 (Philpot 76‘) v Western Sydney Wanderers FC 3 (Carluccio 26‘, Sapsford 46‘ 56‘)

A Zac Sapsford brace proved the difference as Western Sydney Wanderers overcame St George FC in Sydney’s South.

The Wanderers continued to show why they’re a continuous threat to their opponents putting three past their hosts with Jarrod Carluccio and Sapsford finding the net.

It wasn’t all easy for the visitors though with the home side nearly coming back into it late on, their goal coming from Cam Philpot.

The opening stages of this one were pretty even as both sides wrestled for control of the contest. Zac Sapsford with an early snapshot on five minutes the closest either side got in the opening twenty minutes.

However, you always had the sense Western Sydney only needed to flick a switch to open the goalscoring and so they did on twenty-six minutes. Jarrod Carluccio on hand to finish inside the six yard box after Connor Rose found him after retrieving the ball at the back post.

In response, the hosts did manage a couple of half chances with Harry Jones effort in the 37th minute the most promising, a shot cleaned up by the returning Jack Warshawsky.

Just as the hosts were starting to build confidence, the visitors broke their hearts with their second goal of the evening right on half time. Calem Nieuwenhof on debut playing a key role in the goal, leading their attack forward before slipping Carluccio through who sent it across the face for Sapsford to finish into the relatively open net.

Coming out from the break, Wanderers continued their goal hungry ways taking a three goal lead ten minutes into the second half. Carluccio and Sapsford once again combining for their third goal, Sapsford finishing in composed fashion from close range.

A goal followed by further chances to Connor Rose, Sapsford, Alex Badolato and Aydan Simmons in the next ten minutes.

It was the Saints who finished the game the better of the two sides though creating a flurry of chances between the 70th and 80th minute. Firstly through Anthony Morabito who forced Warshawsky into a quality save after the ball fell to him on the edge of the area.

Before Cam Philpot grabbed a goal shortly after, Philpot on the spot to finish at the back post after a header at the near post managed to find him on seventy-five minutes.

The Saints then had a chance to bring themselves right back into the contest, Warshawsky once again on hand to save a following shot.

It was the Wanderers to prevail though as they look to solidify a top three position, they “travel” to Blacktown Spartans next weekend, while St George have a busy week with a potential midweek fixture leading into their clash with Central Coast Mariners next weekend.

Blacktown Spartans FC 3 (Bangura 23‘ 68‘, Lamberton 76‘) v Hakoah FC 0

Blacktown Spartans secured their sixth win of the season and in turn ended the finals aspirations of Hakoah in convincing fashion in the early kick off at Blacktown Football Park.

After waiting a while to open his season account, Suleyman Bangura grabbed a brace before Hamish Lamberton rounded things out late.

From the outset, Bangura was looking a threat as he opened the game in terms of chances six minutes in, heading wide of the right facing post after the ball came in from the left.

The Spartans were patient in defense as the visitor’s controlled possession, however they were far from shy when they got the chance to break, opening the scoring in the 23rd minute. Bangura with a smart finish past Nikolas Loe with Emmanuel Gonzalez grabbing the assist.

As the clock ticked past the half hour mark, it was clear that the first goal was going to be all the more crucial, as both sides wrestled to control the midfield which played into the Spartans hands.

Alex Gollan next to go close for the hosts, intercepting a ball out before trying a speculative effort which dipped just under the crossbar 35 minutes in.

While at the other end, Hakoah had their first opportunity of the game from the penalty spot as Francesco Giannetto was brought down. Luiz Lobo stepping up only to be denied by a tremendous diving stop from Hugh Brown down low to his left.

The second half started as the first left off, with Spartans causing the more problems to the opposition goalkeeper, Finley Hayhurst forcing the first save of the second half with a low drive.

As the game went on, the hosts grew in confidence and a good spell in possession led to their second. Bangura grabbing his brace with an individual effort on 70 minutes. Bangura scoring the pick of the goals from outside the area with a powerful low drive.

Two then became three with Suleyman Bangura once again heavily involved, Bangura entering the box from the left before cutting it back to Hamish Lamberton for the finish from close range.

Three goals down, Conor Earley soon had a chance to respond but his effort sailed over the top right corner of the goal frame,

Blacktown Spartans have two matches against the A-league academies this week. Firstly facing Central Coast Mariners midweek before welcoming Western Sydney Wanderers to Blacktown Football Park. While Hakoah will end their season at home against SD Raiders.

Hills United FC 1 (D’Ermilio 31’) v NWS Spirit FC 6 (Gomez 6’, Konestabo 35’ 40’, Bozanic 62’ 75’, Lino 69’)

NWS Spirit finished their regular season in style putting six past Hills United in Sydney’s Northwest.

The Spirit wasted no time in opening their account with the first goal coming for Jordan Gomez six minutes in. Gomez finishing with plenty of time on the edge of the area after Richie Darko and Grant Cornwell played their roles in the buildup.

They continued to pressure their hosts with Darko and Gomez combining once again for a chance eight minutes later.

While Geoffry Lino forced a good save from Riccardo Rizzo after he cut in from the left wing in the 27th minute.

The next goal was to come at the other end though with Hills picking up a goal of their own after the half hour. And it came in Spirit like fashion, Tristen Van Rhoon picking out Glen Kelshaw on the right wing with a long ball from the back before Kelshaw sent a killer ball across the face of goal for Vincent D’Ermilio to finish.

Parity didn’t last long though, Darko once again involved in a Spirit attack as he found Michael Konestabo with his low ball across the face. Konestabo arriving late slotting it home for his 9th goal of the season on 34 minutes.

And he didn’t have to wait long for his tenth of the season, a trademark Kota Odakura ball from defensive midfield picking out Konestabo between two defenders, Konestabo with a finish which we’ve become all too familiar with past Rizzo.

On a night where there were plenty of goals, none were more spectacular than the Spirits fourth goal fifteen minutes into the second half. Louis Bozanic coming up with something special to put the result beyond doubt. Bozanic with a first time finish which floated into the top corner of the net, catching everyone in the ground by surprise.

Four then became five on 70 minutes, as Richie Darko and Geoffry Lino proved their chemistry isn’t limited to Instagram in the build up before Lino teed up Dominic Johns for the easy finish.

The win was then capped off late, Bozanic grabbing the sixth with a quarter hour remaining. Bozanic with the one touch finish inside the box, Darko with another assist.

It’s a historic week for NWS Spirit who will appear in the Australia Cup for the first time midweek before backing up in the Waratah Cup final next weekend. Best of luck lads!

Hills United on the other hand have one last fixture to fulfill facing St George City next weekend.

Northern Tigers FC 3 (Williams 25, Denton 47, Adeli 78’) v Mounties Wanderers FC 2 (Proia 30’ 31’)

Northern Tigers came from behind to overcome Mounties Wanderers at North Turramurra Recreation Area.

Yeah, it wasn’t easy for the Tigers who had to dig deep to come away with the victory after trailing earlier in the contest. Their goals coming through Rhys Williams, Kai Denton and Shervin Adeli.

For Mounties Wanderers, it was an improved performance after going down convincingly midweek, Anthony Proia scored for them twice in the first half.

Northern Tigers were quick to create their first chance of the game, Hiyori Kawaguchi arriving late into the area at the back post to nearly steer a Shervin Adeli cross home. Soon followed by an Alexander Brown chance soon after.

While Franco Scarcella opened the match in terms of chances for the visitors picking up the ball on halfway before taking it towards goal and firing over the bar from outside the box on the quarter hour.

After creating the more chances in the opening twenty-five minutes, Northern Tigers took the lead from a set piece. Rhys Williams heading home from a near post run, Hiyori Kawaguchi with the delivery into the area.

As a commentator in this league likes to put it (maybe once too often), a set piece is a chance for both sides to score. And so it proved with the Mounties equalizer, the visitors going end to end from a Tigers free-kick. Bruno Pivato slipping through Anthony Proia who took it round the keeper before sliding it home.

And the Mounties took a surprise lead making it two soon after. Anthony Proia winning the ball high up the park before scoring a contender for goal of the week with an audacious left footed finish from distance. A goal which deserves to be watched, not written about.

Looking at the possibility of yet another defeat, the Tigers responded in the best fashion possible equalizing two minutes into the second period. Jamie Lobb, Shervin Adeli, Bailey Rule and Kai Denton combining for a sweeping move forward which saw Denton finish from close range, Rule with the assist.

In a see-sawing affair, Northern Tigers were the side to find the winner with ten minutes left, Shervin Adeli converting from the spot powering the ball past Sebastian La Luz in the visiting net to seal a finals spot for the Tigers.

While the Mounties were denied an equalizer shortly into added time, the ball somehow not going in after a chaotic few moments in the six yard box.

Northern Tigers travel to face Mounties Wanderers next weekend. While it’s the end of the road for Mounties Wanderers who have already played their R22 match against Spirit.

Round 17/18 washout reviews: Blacktown Spartans FC 0 v St George City 1 (Kalogerou 79’)

Midweek, St George City became just the … side to defeat the Spartans on their turf with a close fought victory in Sydney’s west.

In a tight fixture with not a lot between the two sides, it took something special to separate them. And that came from Nicholas Kalogerou who produced a backheel flick from inside the 18 yard box to give the game it’s solidary goal. The four points secured this week have gone a long way to ensuring City get a double chance in the finals though they will need to win against Hills next weekend.

For Blacktown Spartans, it’s further proof that they can compete with the best, conceding just ten goals at Blacktown Football Park in their ten home games, they have one of the best home defensive records in the league. A solid building block for season 2023.

Mounties Wanderers FC 0 v St George FC 4 (Morabito 9’, Philpot 19’ 71’. Dendrinos 85’)  

St George FC extended the home woes of Mounties Wanderers with an emphatic four goal victory over their hosts, Wednesday night.

It was a crucial result after some disappointing results saw them struggle in recent weeks. In a dominant performance Anthony Morabito opened the scoring before Cam Philpot grabbed a brace, Peter Dendrino’s with the exclamation mark fourth goal late on. A team to watch going into next season, you get the sense this was the result Nefta Gonzalez’s team needed going into next year.

For Mounties, it’s the latest in a string of disappointing results on the road. Another team who have shown improvement in 2022, they will be a better side come next season.

By FNSW League One Men’s writer Justin Smith.