TeleChoice Premier League Round 13 Review

Over at Leichhardt Oval, the clash featuring two former National Soccer League giants Sydney Tigers and Sydney Olympic also finished with the scores level, as did the Demons match-up with Sutherland. In the battle between Penrith-Nepean United and West Sydney Berries, the visiting Berries scored a morale boosting win to surpass Penrith-Nepean on the ladder, meanwhile the eagerly anticipated Manly United FC-Marconi Stallions encounter was washed out following another weekend of wet weather - Football NSW will advise in the coming week of the new match date for this encounter.

Sydney United picked up a point at Jensen Park against Bankstown City to end their run of two consecutive losses, and in the process secure the inaugural Zarko Odzakov Cup. The trophy was assigned to the Reds following the Round 2 win (1-0) at Sydney United Sports Centre - for an aggregate win of 2-1.

Hussein Salameh was on hand to convert from close-range following some neat play by George Nohra out of midfield. Despite the home-side's dominance of possession, Sydney United scored an equaliser via talented midfielder Glen Trifiro. Trifiro's free-kick prior to the break to ensure the Reds would bring to an end their two-match losing streak.

In the battle between two former NSL sides, Sydney Tigers and Sydney Olympic finished level (1-1) at Leichhardt Oval. The visitors had the greater share of possession in the opening period and took the lead courtesy of a swift counter-attack on 33' minutes. Jordan Simpson cleverly picked out Matthew Mayora who scored his ninth goal of the season from close-range. The Tigers responded within 5' minutes courtesy of a fine Robbie Younis finish. The Tigers striker received an exquisite pass from Franco Parisi, who beat two defenders with ease, before laying off to Younis.

Despite creating a number of second-half chances, the Tigers failed to find a match winner as both sides settled for a draw that does little for either side in search of finals-series football.

On Saturday evening at Gabbie Stadium in Blacktown, the Demons were held to a scoreless draw by their more fancied opponents Sutherland Sharks, despite the home-side dominating proceedings for large spells throughout the encounter.

A rather flat start by the Sharks allowed the Demons to take a strong hold in the attacking third as chances to Adam Kwasnik, Joel Chianese and Ante Deur were only kept out by the brilliance of Sharks shot-stopper Nathan Denham. Notwithstanding the Demons' dominance the Sharks did look dangerous on the counter-attack, mostly via the quick feet of Jim Bakis on the right and Panny Nikas down the middle. At the conclusion of the 90' minutes though, neither side could find the elusive goal to deliver maximum points from a match played in heavy rain.

Penrith-Nepean United outplayed West Sydney Berries for the entire first-half at Cook Park in St. Mary's though still found themselves two-goals down at the break. Chris Gaitatzis and Kosta Lagoudakis had the Berries ahead as the difficult conditions did make play tricky for both sides. Penrith-Nepean appeared to master the conditions, and only the strong defending of Jack Sobczyk and the fine goalkeeping of Hamish McLean kept the visitors ahead. A relatively even second period was brought to life by Mitchell Long who scored a late goal from the penalty-spot to set-up a grand-stand finish though, in the end, the Berries held out to surpass Penrith-Nepean on the League ladder.

At Bonnyrigg Sports Club, the White Eagles secured a 2-0 win to keep Brian Brown's team in touch with the Top-Five. Nikola Zonjic scored his side's opener from 30-metres, much to the delight of the Bonnyrigg faithful. The visiting Wollongong Community FC performed admirably throughout the encounter, denied on countless occasions by the fine goalkeeping prowess of youngster Nenad Vekic. In the end, the home-side killed off any challenge from WCFC as Paul Cotte's free-kick was headed into his own net by defender Alfredo Esteves.

Penrith Nepean United 1 (Mitchell Long 89m) West Sydney Berries 2 (Chris Gaitatzis 27m Konstandinos Lagoudakis 39m),

Bonnyrigg White Eagles 2 (Nikola Zonjic 16m Own goal 70m) Wollongong FC 0,

Blacktown City Demons 0 Sutherland Sharks 0.

Manly United FC Marconi Stallions Washed Out,

Sydney Tigers 1 (Robert Younis 38m) Sydney Olympic 1 (Matthew Mayora 33m),

Bankstown City 1 (Hussein Salameh 14m) Sydney United 1 (Glen Trifiro 32m).

-By Joseph Carlucci