Round 20 Review – League One Men’s
With perhaps our best match of the round this year, Round 20 of the FNSW League One Men’s competition certainly delivered from a drama perspective with ten games to go in the competition.
At the top, Hills United restored a six-point advantage in thrilling circumstances at Landen Stadium. Both Bonnyrigg and SD Raiders dropped points while Dunbar Rovers won a six pointer at the other end.
Match of the Round: Hills United FC 4-3 Rydalmere Lions FC
Hills United walked away with a simply remarkable victory over Rydalmere Lions in our round 20 match of the round.
Restoring a six-point lead at the top of the table, they did it the hard away after conceding a goal in the first minute of either half.
Unfortunate to walk away without reward, Rydalmere Lions were good value for a 3-1 lead earlier in the contest before ultimately succumbing to a stunning comeback.
As mentioned above, both halves started in nightmare fashion for the hosts conceding in the first minute. The first goal for Rydalmere coming through Ahmad Taleb who was played in behind the defense, Taleb finishing in composed fashion past the keeper.
That only seemed to boost the visitors who enjoyed the better chances of the opening half hour. With Alistair Mckie, Mitchell Gibbs and Ahmed Taleb all having good chances in this period. Gibbs effort before the quarter hour the only one to draw a save from Ryan Wood.
However as good sides do, Hills United found a way for themselves to draw level before the break. A strong challenge from Rainer Smahel on the halfway line setting in motion a play which saw Wade Giovenali equalise on the half hour.
In a case of Déjà vu, Rydalmere once again put themselves ahead in opening minute of the second half. Kyle Sande stinging the palms of Ryan Wood who could only parry it into the path of you guessed it, Ahmad Taleb to finish from inside the area.
The hosts were struggling with the intensity of the Rydalmere press across the opening hour. As a result, Rydalmere added a third five minutes later. Young Isaac Cunningham on the spot inside the six-yard box to finish after a recycled set piece saw a low ball across the face.
However because of that intensity, they were going to struggle to maintain it across the 90 minutes and Hills were able to convert when the chances came.
Reducing the lead to one in the 64th minute. Debutant Jarred Rimmer playing a key role with a ball in from the left which Jordan Parfait tried to turn home before the ball fell to Glen Kelshaw who was able to thread the needle on his second attempt past the keeper and defender on the line.
Before the equaliser came 15 minutes later, Glen Kelshaw turning provider with a killer ball across the face of goal which Jordan Parfait tapped home with the simplest of finishes.
The comeback complete in the 85th minute, Glen Kelshaw once again finding the crucial goal for his team. His initial effort saved well by Charles Samushonga before Nicolai Muller headed the ball back into the danger area, Kelshaw making no mistake with the finish.
Now needing an equaliser of their own in a remarkable match, Rydalmere’s hopes were dealt a blow with the send-off of Timothy Woelfiel. A sour end to a remarkable game where neither side deserved to lose.
The victory takes the host advantage at the top back out to six points ahead of an away trip to Dunbar Rovers. While Rydalmere Lions host Mounties Wanderers next weekend.
Hills United FC 4 (Wade Giovenali 31’, Glen Kelshaw 64’ 85’, Jordan Parfait 79’)
Rydalmere Lions FC 3 (Ahmad Taleb 1’ 46’, Isaac Cunningham 50’)
Elsewhere
Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC 0 v Canterbury Bankstown FC 2 (Nic Petrillo 9’, Cian McNamara 53’)
Canterbury Bankstown ended Bonnyrigg White Eagles winning run with a two-goal victory away from home.
The result moves Wally Savour’s side to within three points of Bonnyrigg White Eagles in second position. They scored early in both halves to ensure a prized scalp away from home.
It wasn’t a performance we have come to expect from Bonnyrigg White Eagles as they fell to their first defeat in two months. They missed a penalty in the second half and will look to bounce back next weekend.
The luxury of playing without many expectations on their shoulders, the Berries got an early goal to send them on their way. Jairo Torne Fernandez picking out Nic Petrillo from the set piece to finish at the near post.
As expected, the hosts mounted a response but were unable to create many goalscoring opportunities. While Canterbury Bankstown added a second goal Cian McNamara scoring a worldie from 30 yards out which caught the keeper unaware.
Needed one moment to change the complexion of the game, the hosts were given a penalty which was saved by the Berries shot stopper. The visitors deserving victors on the night.
Macarthur Rams FC 2 (Daniel Bittar 20’, Matthew Barkho 43’) v SD Raiders FC 0
It wasn’t any better for their near rivals SD Raiders who went down to Macarthur Rams at Lynwood Park.
Yup, it was a remarkable night results wise with three of the top five losing. SD Raiders going down at the hands of Macarthur Rams who secured back-to-back victories for the first time in 2023.
The defeat keeping the Raiders in 3rd position, and they will look to bounce back next weekend against Inter Lions.
After an intense start to proceedings, SD Raiders were having the most joy with their deliveries into the area. With the hosts managing to hold firm.
It was the Rams to take the lead however, a switch of play allowing Connor Spurway to run at the defense before delivering a ball to Daniel Bittar. Bittar controlling it with his first touch before hammering it into the back of the net.
A lead which was doubled before the break with a lovely set piece goal from Matthew Barkho, the ex-Raider placing it into the bottom right facing corner past the keeper.
SD Raiders then looked to pressure their hosts chasing the game in the second half but the Rams stood tall limiting their chances.
Mounties Wanderers FC 0 v Dunbar Rovers FC 4 (Olivier Beltran-Woodward 29’, Noah Harris 59’, Andrew Alvarenga 67’, Jack Urgun 91’)
Billed as a six pointer, Dunbar Rovers came away with a thumping victory over Mounties Wanderers at Cook Park, Sunday afternoon.
Playing out their game plan to a tee, Dunbar Rovers now sit six points above their opposition in 15th place with ten games remaining. Olivier Beltran-Woodward opened the scoring before Noah Harris, Andrew Alvarenga and Jack Urgun also found the back of the net.
The loss makes things difficult for Mounties Wanderers who sit in 15th position after 20 rounds, six points behind Dunbar Rovers. Form will need to turn around quickly if they want to mount an escape.
I mentioned a game plan from the visitors and a part of it was to be aggressive from set pieces and it certainly paid off with a couple of goals coming from that avenue. While Daisuke Yamaguchi and Hayden Tucker popped up with a couple of assists.
Dunbar Rovers host Hills United next weekend, while Mounties Wanderers look to rebound against Rydalmere.
Central Coast United FC 2 (Zac Pezzutto 11’, Adam Woodbine 67’) v Blacktown Spartans FC 3 (Daniel Durkin 36’ 78’, William Di Martino 82’)
Blacktown Spartans came from behind twice to secure three points up at Pluim Park against Central Coast United.
The kind of result that one dreams of away from home, Blacktown Spartans showed plenty of character to take away the three points.
Daniel Durkin continued his scoring form to equalise twice on the night either side of halftime. Before William Di Martino picked up a third goal with less than ten minutes remaining in the second half.
In contrast, it seems Central Coast United can’t buy a victory in recent times. Taking the lead twice in the fixture, they were set for an important victory but couldn’t hold on against their more fancied opponents.
Zac Pezzutto continues to be a bright spark for the Pirates finding the back of the net in the first half before Adam Woodbine made an impact off the bench for their second.
Central Coast United next face Macarthur Rams next weekend while Blacktown Spartans host Ben Rollison’s former side in St George FC.
Dulwich Hill FC 2 (Jamison Power 28’, Daniel Fornito 42’) v Northern Tigers FC 1 (Kai Denton 46’)
Bogey team? Dulwich Hill completed the double over Northern Tigers with a 2-1 victory, Saturday evening.
A seventh victory for the season for Dulwich Hill moves them further clear of the stragglers at the bottom. They scored twice in the first half and held on against an in form Northern Tigers side at Arlington Oval.
The result breaking the winning run of Adam Hett’s side who sit five points above them Dulwich Hill in 7th position. Kai Denton found the net early in the second half but they couldn’t find a second against their hosts.
After a competitive opening, Dulwich Hill were able to open the scoring before the half hour, Jamison Power heading home from the set piece.
Their second coming after the 40th minute, Emmanuel Zervas leading a charge forward with good combination play which saw Daniel Fornito double the advantage.
A lead which was halved inside the opening minute of the second half, Kai Denton finding thbe back of the net once again. However, after some adjustments, the hosts were able to cling on to their advantage.
Dulwich Hill face Canterbury Bankstown away from home next weekend while Northern Tigers host Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Bankstown City FC 2 (Jordan Morfitis 40’, Mark Moric 93’) v Inter Lions FC 1 (Nicholas Paras 78’)
A late injury time penalty secured Bankstown City a victory over Inter Lions at Jensen Park.
After losing their past four games, it’s an important victory for Bankstown City as they look to finish their season well. They performed well in the opening half and were rewarded with a Jordan Morfitis goal after opposition keeper Anthony Costa was caught in possession.
The second half saw the game spark into life though and a red card for Oliver Green only sparked them into life in the final half hour. A succession of attacks eventually leading to an equaliser with 12 minutes of regulation remaining. Nicholas Paras finding the back of the net with a well taken free kick.
However, the winner was to be found at the other end, a late penalty giving Mark Moric the chance to finish from the spot. Moric making no mistake slotting it past the keeper with the last kick of the game.
Bankstown City make the trip East to face Hakoah FC next weekend, while Inter Lions travel to take on SD Raiders
St George FC 1 (Conor Quilligan 89’) v Hakoah FC 1 (Nicholas Tooley 78’)
Two goals in the last quarter hour couldn’t separate St George FC and Hakoah FC who finished with a point apiece.
Coming away with just a draw, St George FC would be the more frustrated of the two sides despite a good performance.
Prior to their 88th minute equaliser, the Saints saw several chances come and go with a standout performance from Nikolas Loe in the visiting net. With Troy Danaskos, Anthony Morabito and Harry Jones all seeing their efforts denied. Conor Quilligan eventually scoring from a header.
All it takes is one chance and Hakoah made the most of there’s with ten minutes to go on the break. Nicholas Tooley finishing off a counterattack which saw them take an unlikely lead over the hosts.
A point to take home, they sit in 13th position with opportunity to jump a few sides next weekend when they host Bankstown City.
By Justin Smith
