TeleChoice Premier League Round 17 Review

The Reds scored twice - once in each half - to see off a brave Berries challenge. David Zdrilic was on hand to convert from close-range on 15' minutes before captain Joe Vrkic sealed the win with an 86' minute penalty following a foul on Elsid Barkhousir.

Despite the Berries best efforts via the feet of Aheleas Kotsopoulos, Ryan Jones and Chris Gaitatzis, a goal was not forthcoming, condemning the side to their first loss since the Round 10 defeat against Sydney Tigers.

At Jensen Park, an eight-goal thriller was deservedly won by an in-form Bankstown City side that continues to grow from strength-to-strength each week. A quick-fire double by striker Hussein Salameh had the Lions ahead after 40' minutes, though Sydney Tigers kept their chances alive with a late first-half penalty converted by Nick Rizzo.

Following the break, Daniel Severino extended Bankstown City's lead with a well-taken goal before George Nohra seemingly put the result out of reach with the side's fourth goal of the afternoon. To the Tigers' credit, Luke McGuire's men scored two goals - in almost identical fashion - courtesy of Michael Hawrysiuk and Robbie Younis to re-open the tie, however Robbie Mileski was on hand to put a fifth goal into the back of the net for Bankstown City, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Sydney Olympic claimed an impressive scalp in Manly United FC at Cromer Park to keep its hopes of playing finals football alive. A second-half double to the League's top goalscorer Matthew Mayora gave Sydney Olympic a two-goal buffer (53' and 69' minutes) before the home-side pulled a goal back courtesy of Giosue Sama (72') to make for an interesting finale. The Sydney-side did exceptionally well to grind out the result following a red card issued to Adam Wither 16' minutes from time - the win bringing huge delight to coach Nick Theodorakopoulos as the side sits one-point outside of the Top-Five.

In Wollongong, WCFC failed to make home advantage count in the battle between the bottom two sides on the League ladder. A 32' minute penalty for Penrith-Nepean United, converted by Paul Crisp, sealed the deal for the team from Penrith; the result sees the side surpass Sydney Tigers on the ladder. Despite the home-side's best efforts to salvage something from the match - wayward finishing and the up-right denying Glen Fontana's men - an equaliser was not forthcoming.

Bonnyrigg White Eagles left Gabbie Stadium with maximum points on Saturday evening despite a dominating display by Blacktown City Demons. The home-side created chance after chance, with Joel Chianese and Chris Bedzo presented the clearest of sights on goal, though a phenomenal goal by substitute Almir Dizdaric in the 68' minute secured Brian Brown's White Eagles three-points; the win strengthens Bonnyrigg's chances of securing finals football, though the Demons hopes have well and truly vanished with this home loss.

At Shark Park, Sutherland Sharks denied Marconi Stallions a much deserved win with a final minute equaliser courtesy of Neil Jablonski in the 'curtain raiser' to Sydney FC's friendly match against A-League new boys North Queensland Fury.

The Stallions players' were quicker, hungrier and up for the win on the night as Ousmane Toure combined well with substitute Daniel Ott to put Marconi ahead on 73' minutes. With victory seemingly secured, midfielder Neil Jablonski ghosted into the Stallions penalty-area late, in the 89' minute, to head home and secure a share of the spoils for the Sharks.

*Please visit www.footballnsw for rescheduled matches.

Sutherland Sharks 1 (Neil Jablonski 89m) Marconi Stallions 1 (Ousmane Toure 72m),

-By Joseph Carlucci