As the wild weather in Sydney caused three washouts in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition, three matches went ahead as the men braved the weather to provide some top-notch action for football fans, with Marconi Stallions coming out as league leaders at the completion of Round 18.
Manly United FC 0 - Marconi Stallions FC 1 at Cromer Park
It was a wet and wild affair at Cromer Park on Friday night as a gutsy Marconi stunned league leaders Manly United to go top with a 1-0 victory.
The win makes Marconi the only side to defeat Manly United at home in the 2022 NPL NSW Men’s season.
The only goal of the match came from Marconi defender Nathan Millgate, as he knocked away a header to secure victory for his side.
With just two points separating the hosts and Marconi in fifth place before the encounter, the three points were invaluable for Marconi as they continue chasing Premiership glory.
Wollongong Wolves FC 1 - Rockdale Ilinden FC 2 at WIN Stadium
Two first half goals guided Rockdale Ilinden to a 2-1 victory against Wollongong Wolves on a torrential Friday night at WIN Stadium.
The away side went into the break with a two-goal lead after Alec Urosevski and Jaden Casella both found the net.
Lachlan Scott’s penalty with nine minutes to play in the match proved only a consolation for the hosts.
Sydney FC 2 - Blacktown City FC 2 at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
Sydney FC shared points with Blacktown City FC in a 2-2 draw on a wild and windy Sunday afternoon at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre.
Aaron Gurd opened the scoring for Sydney FC in the 13th minute of the game before Blacktown’s returning hero Travis Major equalised in the 29th minute, leaving the teams on even footing at the half-time break.
Jaiden Kucharski converted a penalty in the 80th minute and the young sky blues thought they had a hold of the three points, but substitute Carlos De Oliveira managed an 85th minute goal to equalise for the visitors for the second time in the match and secure a point from the battle.
The result keeps both teams within the race for finals and the Premiership as the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition continues to be a tight battle heading into the final stage of the season.
Matches WASHED OUT
Sutherland Sharks v APIA Leichhardt
Northbridge Bulls v Mt Druitt Town Rangers
Sydney Olympic v Sydney United 58