Following Round Four of the TeleChoice Premier League, Sydney United has maintained a two-point lead over Marconi Stallions, despite the Reds conceding their first goals of the season in their 2-2 draw at Sutherland.
Marconi and Bankstown City replicated the Reds' result in their Saturday evening encounter, resulting in no change at the top of the League ladder. The biggest movers of the weekend were Sydney Olympic and Manly United; both sides recorded impressive wins in-anticipation of their Round 3 matches to be played following the recent wash-out.
Following a difficult week for Sydney Tigers with the departure of coach Paul Okon, the situation did not improve on Sunday afternoon against Manly United FC.
In the club's last appearance at Lambert Park for the season - the Tigers will play their home matches at Leichhardt Oval - the 350 spectators present left the venue disappointed with a 1-0 loss against a strong Manly United.
Bradley Groves' clever turn and driven effort from the edge of the 18-yard box left an in-form Phillip Zabaks beaten.
Manly United were impressive with new signing Josh Sama and striker Robbie Cattanach putting together their best performance of the season; arguably the difference between the two sides on the night.
Sydney Olympic confirmed their return to top form following their opening Round hiccup against West Sydney Berries. Despite the Blues going two goals behind inside of the first 20' minutes against Wollongong Community FC - Ilija Prenzoski hitting Wollongong ahead inside of the opening minute before James Lawrence doubled their lead - Sydney Olympic scored five times to send waves of fear across the competition.
Tolgay Ozbey and Matthew Mayora picked up a brace each before Adam Biddle rounded out the result late in the encounter.
The 100% record of League leader Sydney United was brought to an end as the side drew 2-2 at Sutherland Sharks on Saturday evening.
The Reds had not conceded a goal in the first three matches, though found themselves two-goals down after 11' minutes as a Jim Bakis free-kick found its way into the back of the net, and Matt Hall beat his markers to head the Sharks 2-0 ahead.
Sydney United reacted swiftly as a hand-ball by George Souris inside the penalty-area presented Luka Glavas with a chance from the spot; the Reds top goal-scorer did not fail to get the Reds on the board.
10' minutes after the break, former Socceroo Ante Milicic scored arguably one of the goals of the season, even at this early stage of the competition. The Reds' player/coach hit a lethal effort from the edge of the penalty-area, leaving Sharks goalkeeper Nathan Denham helpless as Sydney United drew level.
Sutherland did have a late chance to seal their first win of the season via the penalty-spot. Damon Collina's challenge on Neil Jablonski left the referee with no choice but to award the spot-kick. Jablonski stepped-up to the spot though saw his effort expertly saved by Vedran Janjetovic; the Sydney FC National Youth League goalkeeper salvaging a point for the Reds.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles were 15' minutes away from recording their first TeleChoice Premier League win for the season though Mitchell Long's powerful strike for Penrith-Nepean United cancelled out Almir Dizdaric's 'go ahead' goal.
Bonnyrigg seemed in control following Dizdaric's headed goal after the break, though Long's goal handed the initiative to the visitors; Penrith-Nepean threatened the White Eagles' goal on more than one occasion in the final 10' minutes, though a match winner was not forthcoming.
The White Eagles have another chance to seal their first 'three-pointer' of the year when they meet Sydney Olympic in the Round 3 match postponed due to wet weather.
At Marconi Stadium, two heavy-weights Marconi Stallions and Bankstown City fought out a 2-2 draw. The Stallions seemed to be in full control of proceedings following Lions' defender Richard Lukic's unfortunate own goal in the 12' minute. To make matters worse for the Lions, the Stallions doubled their lead moments later via former Sydney United striker Ben Vidaic.
Despite the Stallions possessional dominance, Bankstown City hit back prior to the break via a superb headed effort by player/coach Peter Tsekenis. Salameh Hussein drew the Lions level from the penalty-spot in the 61' minute following a handball inside the penalty-area. Despite the Lions grinding out a draw, Peter Tsekenis will need to make do without the service of another player next week; Hussein Akil received his marching orders after collecting his second yellow card on 85' minutes.
Blacktown City Demons scored their first win of the season with an impressive 2-1 away win against West Sydney Berries.
In an at times scrappy affair, the Demons hit the front courtesy of Ben Ellis after 4' minutes. Ellis was in exceptional form for the Demons alongside Chris Bedzo, running the Berries ragged inside the opening period. Ante Deur capitalised on some slack Berries defenders' marking to double the lead on 65' minutes, allowing the Demons some breathing space for the final 20' minutes.
Despite West Sydney Berries pulling a goal back via captain Aheleas Kotsopoulos - a superb volleyed effort following the immense build-up play of Johnny Fotiadis - the Demons administered their one-goal lead to secure the three-points.
-By Joseph Carlucci
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