Ray Miller’s second half strike led struggling Bonnyrigg White Eagles to a shock 1-0 victory over PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition leaders APIA Leichhardt Tigers in a tight encounter at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
The White Eagles midfielder slotted the winning goal midway through the second half to snap a three match losing streak for Brian Brown’s side and inflict a potentially damaging result on premiership chasing APIA Leichhardt.
The visitors held plenty of possession as they searched for a sixth consecutive victory.
APIA struggled to create clear cut chances and were unable to break down a well-organised and dogged Bonnyrigg outfit.
The result means Blacktown City can leapfrog the Tigers into first position with a draw or win against Wollongong Wolves on the South Coast tomorrow afternoon.
Danial Cummins’ side arrived into the encounter in tremendous form having won five in a row with just a single goal conceded, and with Bonnyrigg struggling for results the hosts were intent on stifling the ladder leaders early on.
Despite a solid block from White Eagles gloveman Ryan Norval from Matthew West’s snapshot early on, neither goalkeeper was brought into action inside the opening 45 minutes as both outfits slogged out a drab first half stalemate.
After a series of half-openings at either end the deadlock was finally broken in fine style by Miller who curled a gorgeous finish past Ivan Necevski after a fantastic turn from Shervin Adeli on the edge of the box.
The visitors had earlier seen a Sean Symons free kick easily gathered by Norval and came close to restoring parity from the dead ball immediately after Miller’s opener but Tasuku Sekiya’s effort curled wide of the post.
Bonnyrigg manager Brian Brown lauded a fantastic triumph for the White Eagles following the match.
“In terms of how we set up tonight the boys followed it through perfectly, the effort and commitment was fantastic,” he said.
“We wanted to stop them playing through the middle and we wanted to get our wide players one on one.
“We knew we would get one chance and we took the one we had.”
Danial Cummins lamented the dropped points after the match but was full of praise for the White Eagles.
“Credit to Bonnyrigg, it was a tough night on a bumpy pitch and they rolled their sleeves up and were hungrier,” he said.
“It makes us that little bit hungrier to bounce back next week.”
Match Stats
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 (Miller 69’)
APIA Leichhardt Tigers
Saturday 17th June 2017
Bonnyrigg Sports Club, Bonnyrigg
Bonnyrigg White Eagles: 37. Shervin Adeli, 8. Howard Fondyke, 16. Samuel Gallaway, 12. Mun-Soo Gil, 21. Hassan Jalloh, 13. James Mckenzie (14. Taylor Mcdonald 29’), 15. Raymond Miller (18. Asmir Kadric 79’), 40. Ryan Norval, 19. Jacob Ott, 11. Benjamin Spruce, 36. Nikola Zonjic
Substitutes Not Used: 27. Luke Ivanovic, 20. Stevan Savicic, 17. Leon Faria
Yellow Cards: 19. Jacob Ott 22’, 37. Shervin Adeli 76’
Red Cards: N/A
APIA Leichhardt Tigers: 13. David Dapuzzo (10. Franco Parisi 60’), 3. Paul Galimi, 19. Brandon Lundy, 2. Nathan Millgate, 15. Themba Muata-Marlow, 1. Ivan Necevski, 7. Sean O’Connell (18. Adrian Ucchino 81’), 20. Tasuku Sekiya, 16. Sean Symons (11. Jordan Murray 70’), 17. Adrian Vlastelica, 9. Matthew West
Substitutes Not Used: 4. Joshua Symons, 22. Luke Turnbull
Yellow Cards: 2. Nathan Millgate 57’, 16. Sean Symons 66’, 7. Sean O’Connell 71’
Red Cards: N/A
-By PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Jacob Windon
Archives for June 2017
Sharks ruin Nikas’ final match
Sutherland Sharks recorded their fourth win of the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s season with a tightly contested but impressive 3-2 victory at Seymour Shaw.
The other big news coming on the night was that of Panni Nikas playing his final game for Sydney United 58.
A brace for Tomohiro Kajiyama put the Sharks on course for the victory and Nathan Elasi’s 84th minute strike helped cap off a strong performance from the home side as they spoiled Nikas’ final game for United 58.
It was an off-night for Sydney United 58 who were below their usual standard.
Although Chris Payne scored his second goal in as many appearances and Anthony Vrlic hit the back of the net, the Red’s lacked the clinical edge to secure the three competition points.
With a move to Thai side Police Tero FC confirmed, Nikas was determined to give the fans a show in his last match in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues. The mercurial midfielder didn’t disappoint and threatened early with a curving free-kick that just whistled wide of Nathan Denham’s left post.
The first fifteen minutes were a rugged affair as both teams traded fouls with the best chances coming from the set piece. Kajiyama put one right on the head of Jeremy Cox to nod over the bar.
Sutherland Sharks started to warm into their rhythm as Kajiyama combined well with Cox before the latter hammered one into the side netting.
Their positive play was rewarded with the opener. Some swift feet from Joshua Da Silva created the chance down the wing before he squared it to Kajiyama to smash home his tenth goal of the season and a 1-0 lead for the Sharks.
The usually fluid Sydney United 58 side found it hard to break down the Sharks defence. Their best chances came from the set piece – Nikas curled another past the right post this time.
Both sides livened up in the second half as Kajiyama once again stood over a free-kick but he could only angle it wide.
Christopher Payne had the best chance for Sydney United 58 as he tried to wrap his foot around the ball but a determined Rob Watson block denied him.
Sutherland Sharks made the visitors pay for their wastefulness in front of goal as a loose pass from Yianni Perkatis fell to Kajiyama to slot home for 2-nil.
Just as they fell behind – Sydney United 58 found a lifeline back into the contest from the spot. Payne was fouled by Sharks keeper Nathan Denham in the box. He dusted himself off to make it 2-1 and an interesting final 20 minutes.
It seemed that Sutherland Sharks refused to lose tonight – Jeremy Cox was energetic all night and created the third goal as he crossed it for Elasi to tap home for 3-1.
The Sharks almost piled on the misery just before full-time when Elasi knocked one down smartly in the box for Kajiyama who rattled the ball against the crossbar.
The visitors pulled one back late as substitute Anthony Vrlic’s shot was deflected into the net for a 3-2 final score in a match which Sutherland Sharks dominated.
A jubilant Grant Lee praised the effort of his side against a good Sydney United 58 side.
“Tonight was good but we still caused ourselves problems like the penalty tonight.” Lee said.
“A brief when I took over was to solidify the back four and I think tonight we did that. We never allowed Sydney United 58 much of a chance.”
Departing the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s competition, Nikas praised the competition and his side.
“It has been a good time and the standard is improving each year. I walk out with my head high and onto the next challenge”, he said.
“I don’t think we deserved the win tonight as we were below our usual standard. I have full faith that the boys can turn it around next week.”
Match Stats
Sutherland Sharks 3 (Kajiyama ’33, ’74, Elasi ’84)
Sydney United 58 2 (Payne ’78 and Vrlic ’94)
Saturday 17th June 2017
Seymour Shaw
Referee: T. Danaskos
Assistant Referees: L. Greenshields & A. Beecham
4th Official: N. McOrist
Sutherland Sharks: 1. DENHAM Nathan, 3. MURAYAMA Takuya, 5. LITTLER Nicholas (GORDON ’57), 9. KAJIYAMA Tomohiro, 10. DA SILVA Joshua (EVERETT ’84), 11. ELASI Nathan, 12. BROWN Blair, 13. COX Jeremy (DA SILVA SANTOS ’86), 14. O’SHEA Patrick, 19. FITZPATRICK Callum, 31. WATSON Rob
Subs not used: 15. LOPES Kevin, 21. LOE Nikolas and 23. PAPPA Tom
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
Sydney United 58: 3. BERTOLISSIO Nathan, 5. TOMELIC Anthony, 6. USKOK Tomislav, 7. SHIN Yutaro (PARIC ’72), 11. PERKATIS Yianni, 14. STAVROULAKIS Nicholas (VRLIC ’60), 20. MARKOVIC Peter, 21. MANOS Thomas, 23. NIKAS Panni, 32. OLSEN Nicholas and 66. PAYNE Christopher
Subs not used: 9. VRANIC Adrian and 17. BILIC Matthew
Yellow cards: Uskok, Perkatis, Markovic, Nikas and Bertolisso
Red cards: nil
-By PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Justin Davies
Bangkok has Nikas Now
As the final whistle sounded on a cold Saturday evening at Seymour Shaw during the round 15 clash between the Sutherland Sharks and Sydney United 58, the competition felt a boom albeit with the announcement of the departure of one of the best players ever to grace the PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.
Sydney United 58’s number 23, Panny Nikas said his final goodbyes to his teammates, ironically against a club he truly made his name at after bursting into the scene and announced his presence with the Shire boys in 2009 after initially getting his debut via the now defunct Penrith Nepean United.
The final game didn’t go to script for Nikas and the United 58 boys as Grant Lee’s men spoiled the party running home 3-2 victors in a huge upset but the news filtered around the ground that the former PS4 NPL NSW Men’s Player of the Year had signed with Thai League 1 side Police Tero Football Club coached by former Brisbane Roar manager Mike Mulvey.
The move was effective immediately as Nikas had a flight booked for Bangkok at 4pm on Sunday.
“It all happened so quick.
“I know I still have that burning desire to continually evolve as a player and test myself at the highest levels possible and this opportunity came about and was something I just could not pass up.”
The constant chatter over social media year upon year was why hadn’t a Hyundai A-League club snapped up the 28-year old’s services after consistently performing in Australia’s strongest state league.
Nikas did get a sniff at the Central Coast Mariners when he played with the NYL side in 2009-2010, a season that saw him win the Player of the Year tag however the club released him surprisingly after that. North Queensland Fury were the next time club that gave the Kingsgrove North High School teacher a chance in 2010 but luck deserted the star attacking midfielder as a year, later the club folded resulting in Nikas returning to the state league with the Sharks.
After three seasons with Sutherland, former NSL giants Sydney United 58 came knocking on the door and they further unleashed the player’s potential.
Winning individual trophies, championships and lots more, one thing that was missing for Nikas was another crack at the big time in Australia’s elite league.
“I had a couple of trials with a few teams but nothing ever eventuated from that.
“It didn’t put me down as a player and as an individual I still had that burning desire to play football professionally – if anything, it made me work a lot harder at my game.”
The former Australian Beach Soccer international received a call from Mulvey, a former Hyundai A-League Championship winning coach, who saw the potential the fleetfooted Kogarah born star had and after a few nervous hours, sealed the deal.
“I knew the move was right for me after speaking to Mike.
“I knew that that to further test myself was to take this opportunity presented to me and I know I will do all that I can to continue to work harder in winning a spot with his side.
“I know it’s not come at a great time leaving a club that has given me so much professionally and I want to thank the entire coaching staff at Sydney United 58 from Mark Rudan to Ray Gerrie to Jerry Bilokapic to Tomi Vidovic to the Club President Mark Ivancic and of course Sam Krslovic for allowing me to pursue my dreams abroad.
“I also want to thank Benchmark Sports and Entertainment for making this happen too.”
Mulvey isn’t the only Australian currently representing the country in Thailand as the likes of Bangkok Glass skipper Matt Smith (English born Australian), Sisaket’s attacking midfielder Isaka Cernak and Khon Kaen striker Richie Cardozo are all currently plying their trade there.
Asked what he knew of Thailand’s top league and what he was gearing himself up for, Nikas replied to Football NSW.
“The league itself has come a long way in the last couple of seasons and this has shown with the success of Thai teams such as Buriram United and Muangthong United who have held their own in the AFC Asian Champions League as well as the national team’s continual development in the Asian scene.
“Money has poured into the competition in getting the standard of play up and its visible that it’s only going to get better.”
Scoring and setting up goals as well as tricking opponents and the desire to win at all costs has been forever entrenched in Nikas’ DNA and it is that drive that has made him one of the hottest properties in the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s competition.
Asked whether he would still be keeping a close eye on his former squad, Nikas stated.
“Of course I will be, what kind of a question is that?
“I have a lot of respect for the team and coaching staff there and I know they will continue to play the football they love and getting the results they need to win Premierships and Championships.
“They’ve got a talented squad led by a good coaching staff and with the experience of captain Nick Stavroulakis along with some seasoned campaigners in the league and some up and coming youngsters coming through the ranks, the club is in good hands.
“I hope to catch them now on the PS4 NPL Facebook Live Streams where I will be cheering them on.
“I want to wish them all the best – they will forever be with me.”
Anyone that’s come across Nikas understands the quality he poses not just as a footballer but as a human being.
His character is infectious and anyone that has crossed paths with the diminutive star understands the positive attitude he poses on a daily basis.
As the news broke that he was off to Thailand, several of his students as well as teachers at Kingsgrove North High School shed a tear but offered him words and letters of support.
“The feedback I got from them was truly amazing and something I will never forget.
“I’ve made lifelong friends there as well as nurturing young students whom I am sure will make decent human beings after their time at school both academically and via football.
“I want to thank Kingsgrove North High School for also allowing me this chance to play in Thailand.”
Nikas will also be leaving a number of promising young footballers behind whom he coached privately as well as a cluster of kids at Earlwood Wanderers but is adamant that they will kick on.
One things for sure, unlike the movie hangover, Nikas’ will to succeed as he did in many ways in the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s competition, has put him in good stead of cementing himself as yet another successful Australian product – a player that will go down as one of the first to leave this semi-professional setup jumping into a pro contact in Thailand.
Good luck Panny, the eleven other rival PS4 NPL NSW Men’s clubs will now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that at least for the remainder of this season, they will not face a player that plays with his socks pulled down and one that strikes fear in opponents when he is about to unleash a free-kick or shot from a good 40 or 50 yards out.
-By Mark Stavroulakis
Transfer Window PS4 NPL & NPL 2 Men’s Moves
The mid-season transfer window is open and player movement is in full swing as PlayStation4 National Premier Leagues clubs look to bolster their squads.
The window, which opened on June 1, will close on June 30. But here are some of the big moves to date.
Player |
From |
To |
Chris Payne |
East Bengal FC |
Sydney United 58 FC |
Daniel Saric |
Manly United FC |
Rockdale City Suns |
Yianni Perkatis |
Global FC |
Sydney United 58 FC |
Shervin Adeli |
APIA Leichhardt Tigers |
Bonnyrigg White Eagles |
Gerorge Timotheou |
Sydney FC |
Sydney Olympic |
Jacob Ott |
Parramatta FC |
Bonnyrigg White Eagles |
Troy Danaskos |
Bonnyrigg White Eagles |
Marconi Stallions |
Howard Fondyke |
Parramatta FC |
Bonnyrigg White Eagles |
Scott Goodwin |
Mount Druitt Town Rangers |
Macarthur Rams |
Marcello Turdera |
Balmain Tigers FC |
Macarthur Rams |
Brett Studman |
Unattached |
Marconi Stallions |
Johnny Kontos |
Gladesville Ryde Magic |
Parramatta FC |
Nikita Andricopoulos |
Sydney Olympic |
Parramatta FC |
Stefan Giglio |
North Shore Mariners |
Parramatta FC |
Nathan Tsioulous |
Gladesville Ryde Magic |
Parramatta FC |
Yuya Samba |
Spirit FC |
Parramatta FC |
Tomi Romic |
SD Raiders |
Blacktown City |
Peter Cejka |
Hills Brumbies |
Blacktown City |
De Jong finding his feet in NSW’s top tier
In what has been a hot and cold season for Hakoah Sydney City East FC in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition, young Kiwi striker Andre De Jong has been a shining light as the competition begins to enter the business rounds of the season.
With a squad headlined by former Scottish international Gavin Rae as the player/manager, the club is hoping to make a dash towards a finals series finish.
In saying that, there has been many a silver-lining that can be taken out of this years’ campaign with their qualification into the last 32 of the Westfield FFA Cup sitting alongside some very notable individual performances.
None has been more notable than the fruition of 20-year-old talisman Andre De Jong, son of former All White great striker Fred De Jong.
A case of like father like son perhaps?
With five goals so far this season, De Jong sits alone as the sides leading goal-scorer, one more than teammate Anthony Frangie.
A fantastic achievement for a young man who is trusted to deliver for his club week in, week out.
Many of his performances have been one of the telling factors in each of Hakoah Sydney City East FC’s victory’s this season.
With over 25 appearances for both the New Zealand Under 17 and Under 20’s sides including two FIFA World Cup campaigns, De Jong, although young, comes with an exceptional amount of experience which can only benefit his sides aspirations come game day.
“I’ve been very fortunate to represent my country at such a high level. I have taken so much away from my experiences with the national team and it’s something I hope can continue to help my teammates on the weekend.
“We have an awesome culture here at the club. Although it hasn’t beared much fruit I feel we have what it takes to be a finals football side. We have proven already this year that on our day we can beat any side regardless of where they are sitting on the ladder.”
After joining Hakoah Sydney City East FC prior to the 2016 season via ex-head coach Mark Robinson, De Jong has started to become accustomed to life within the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition, praising both its standard and competitiveness.
“It’s a very tough league to play in. Technically almost every player is sound which has allowed for me to grow as a footballer. It makes scoring goals that much more meaningful.
“Personally, I want to continue scoring goals and helping the team on a weekly basis. I have aspirations of kicking on and playing at the top level but for now it is my performances with Hakoah Sydney City East FC that will make all the difference.
“As a whole, I feel consistency is what will define us this year. We have been training with intensity every week so I feel we can turn it around but consistency is most definitely the key.
“We have the potential to be there come finals time. It’s just up to us. It would also be great to push on in the Westfield FFA Cup and make it to the round of 16. I feel it would be a fantastic achievement for the club as a whole.”
-By Joseph Esposito