Let’s check out the mini reviews from Round 29 of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.
Sydney FC 2 v Rockdale Ilinden 2 at Valentine Sports Park
Rockdale Ilinden’s final push for a the 2023 NPL NSW Men’s Premiership came to a dramatic halt on Friday evening after Paul Dee’s men were left heartbroken at Valentine Sports Park following a 92nd minute equaliser as the match ended 2-2 ultimately handing the title to APIA Leichhardt FC,
Bailey Callaghan was Illinden’s slayer as the substitute scored the decisive equaliser deep into stoppage time following his side’s impressive start to the match where Jaiden Kucharski got Sydney FC off to the best start with the game’s opener in the 16th minute.
As Ilinden have been throughout the course of the season, their resilience kicked in as Jaden Casella scored his side’s equaliser in the 31st minute before Golden Boot frontrunner Alec Uroesvski netted his 27th of the season.
The Rockdale’s skipper and his team’s hopes of at least pushing the Premiership to APIA for at least another day however fell dramatically short as the match ended 2-2 a-piece consolidating Dee’s men to fight for second on the ladder.
NWS Spirit FC 2 v APIA Leichhardt 1 at Christie Park
APIA Leichhardt FC’s Premiership celebrations were put on ice for one more week as NWS Spirit FC, the comeback kings of the NPL NSW Men’s competition, stunned Franco Parisi’s troops with a 2-1 victory at their spiritual home Christie Park on Saturday evening.
Following kick-off, APIA knew that mathematically they still needed to register a point even though they had a far superior goal difference to Rockdale Ilinden who all but saw their Premiership dreams shattered on Friday evening following a 2-2 draw with Sydney FC.
Things got off to the best start possible as Jason Romero opened the scoring in ten minutes before Matt Cahill equalized just before the break. With scores locked, former APIA player Peter Kekeris stunned his former employers with a well taken goal that completed yet another thrilling comeback for David Perkovic’s men.
Sutherland Sharks 0 v Bulls FC Academy 1 at Seymour Shaw
It may have been a tough year for the Bulls FC Academy but they ended round 29 in style following a 1-0 victory over the Sutherland Sharks at Seymour Shaw.
Bulls FC Academy substitute Ariath Piol was the hero for Zeljko Kalac’s side scoring late in the second half that gave his side only their third victory of 2023.
Marconi 0 v Sydney Olympic 1 at Marconi Stadium
Sydney Olympic FC managed a 1-0 victory over the Marconi Stallions at Marconi Stadium on Saturday night in the penultimate round of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.
A lone goal to Oliver Puflett was all it took for the boys from Belmore to secure the victory, as Marconi were unable to answer the 28th minute goal.
Western Sydney Wanderers 2 v Mt Druitt Town Rangers 1 at Wanderers Football Park
On the back off Marcus Younis’ injury time winner, the Western Sydney Wanderers have ensured National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s football for 2024 after taking down Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2-1 at Wanderers Football Park on Sunday afternoon.
Zac Sapsford got the hosts off the mark with a well taken penalty in the first before Jackson Bandiera equalised midway through the second half giving hope to the Rangers.
That was dashed however as Younis dazzled his way through in the final minute of the match to record a memorable victory for the Wanderers who will once again be part of the NPL NSW Men’s competition in 2024.
The Rangers will now take part in a two legged relegation playoff against St George FC or Bonnyrigg White Eagles with the eventual team to be announced at the end of next weekend.
Central Coast Mariners 0 v Manly United 1 at Pluim Park
Manly United have defeated the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in a tight contest at Pluim Park on Sunday afternoon.
The only goal of the match came in the 69th minute thanks to Alen Aganovic who all but assured the points went Manly United’s way.
Sydney United 58 FC 0 v St George City 2 at Sydney United Sports Centre
St George City extended their unbeaten run in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s to five games on Sunday defeating Sydney United 58 2-0 at Sydney United Sports Centre.
Franco Maya put the side in front just before halftime before Kosta Petratos added a second from the spot midway through the second half.
Blacktown City 1 v Wollongong Wolves 1 at Landen Stadium
Blacktown City and Wollongong Wolves shared the spoils as the two battled for a 1-1 in Round 29 of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition at Landen Stadium.
In a classic game of two halves, it was fitting that both teams took home a point after Wollongong dominated the first half and Blacktown City the second.
Both goals arrived in the second stanza of play when Takumi Ofuka scored early for Wollongong before Carlos De Oliveira struck late for Blacktown City.