PS4 NPL NNSW Review: Round 1

The PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues NNSW Match of the Round for the opening week of the competition saw another classic between Lambton Jaffas and the Newcastle Jets Youth.

Match of the Round
Lambton Jaffas FC 3 def. Newcastle Jets Youth 2
Sat 11 Apr 2:30 PM
Arthur Edden Oval

It became evident immediately that chances would come thick and fast as Lambton won a free kick just outside the 18 yard box in the second minute, after Reece Papas fouled John Majurovski. Alex Palozzi stood over the free kick however  dragged his shot to the left.

The first goal of the game came against the run of play as Charlie Horsley brilliantly won possession for the Jets on halfway, then darted forward, switching play to Beau McDonald on the right who took a classy touch just outside the box and fired a volley into the bottom left hand corner.

13 minutes later the Jaffas found themselves level in the strangest way possible, with Palozzi slotting into an open goal after dispossessing Jets Keeper Jez Murray inside the box after the keeper tried to beat the striker, with no cover behind him.

Hyundai A-League striker Radovan Pavicevic made his way onto the field in the 25th minute after an injury to Braedyn Crowley, however the all the action was down the other end in the first half.

Click here for the full match report.

 

Edgeworth FC 4 def. Charlestown City Blues FC 0
Fri 10 Apr 7:15 PM
Jack McLaughlan Oval

Edgeworth Eagles welcomed Charlestown City Blues to Jack McLaughlan Oval for the PS4 NPL season opener in a match that delivered four goals, two red cards, pouring rain, and a high level of excitement.

The match got off to a flying start with a free kick just outside the box in the first minute, after Joel Witherden brought down Keanu Moore as he charged towards goal. Bren Hammell fired the first shot of the season, with his free kick that looked on target crashing into the wall

A quarter of an hour into the game space opened up for Moore after Hammel burned Blues’ right back Jarrod Dickinson inside the box and cut the ball back to him unmarked, however his shot trickled past the right post

The first goal of the half came in the 33rd minute as Brenten Olazomer headed in a Hammel free kick from close range, only after an initial shot was parried to the striker by Blues Keeper Paul Bitz.

Click here for the full match report.

 

Adamstown Rosebud FC 0 drew Weston Workers FC 0
Sun 12 Apr 2:30 PM
Adamstown Oval

2014 Grand Finalist’s Weston travelled to Adamstown Oval to challenge the Rosebud in the first of three huge Sunday afternoon PS4 NPL matches.

Both sides had an abundance of chances in both halves, however neither could break the deadlock and the match finished locked at 0-0.

Adamstown, and in particular Guy Bates, were extremely unlucky as the former Jet struck the woodwork three times; twice in the first half and once in the second.

Jacob Golding, who was promoted to the First Grade bench by Bears coach Trevor Morris after a superb performance in the Under 19’s match, had a golden chance to win the game towards the end, however Rosebud captain and keeper Scott Carter brilliantly saved his shot.

Click here for the full match report.

 

Broadmeadow Magic FC 0 drew. Hamilton Olympic FC 0
Sun 12 Apr 2:30 PM
Magic Park 

Many argue that Broadmeadow Magic and Hamilton Olympic is not only the biggest derby in the PS4 NPL, but in fact the most exciting match up of the whole  competition. Their Round 1 match saw both defences shine in what was to be a frustrating game for both sides’ strikers.

Twelve minutes into the match saw a golden chance for Broadmeadow, which was denied by Olympic keeper Danny Ireland. Peter Haynes spotted the run of Kale Bradbury who found himself one-on-one with the former Jaffas keeper, who was up to the challenge stopping the shot.

Minutes short of the half hour mark Magic’s new recruit keeper, Nathan Archbold, made a brilliant save of his own, denying a Rhys Cooper shot from close range diving to his right.

Click here for the full match report.

 

South Cardiff FC 2 drew. Maitland FC 2
Sun 12 Apr 2:30 PM
Ulinga Oval

In the final match of Round 1 of the PS4 National Premier League the South Cardiff Gunners hosted competition newcomers Maitland Magpies at Ulinga Oval.

There was a keen sense of anticipation leading into this game, due to the signings of Korean, Jung Sang-deok, for the Gunners, and former Hyundai A-League veteran, Matt Thompson, for the Magpies.

It was Maitland who enjoyed the run of play in the first half, going into the break ahead 2-0 thanks to a Joel Wood double.

Maitland were unlucky not to be ahead by more, as a stinging Matt Thompson shot was brilliantly saved by Gunners’ keeper Thomas Pullin, a 19 year old who has made his way through the youth ranks at the club and finally reached the top, getting a crack at the big time by making his First Grade debut.

Click here for the full match report.