ROUND 9 REVIEW – NPL 3 NSW MEN’S

Bankstown City FC have returned to their post at the top of the National Premier Leagues 3 NSW Men’s competition after a weekend of surprise results.

Bankstown are back at the top of the table after they got the job done against Inner West Hawks while high-flying Rydalmere came unstuck against Bankstown United. There was also a surprise win for Central Coast as they keep pace with the top six while Dunbar were left cheering as they secured their second win of the season.

Sydney University SFC – Inter Lions FC 0-3

Three second half goals were enough to see Inter Lions dispatch of Sydney Uni in the Friday night kick off slot.

A tense first half saw neither side able to break the deadlock with Nico Paras and Liam Flack producing the best chances for the visitors.

The introductions of Fikret Berisha and Ellis Bellos injected some life into the men from Concord. Their first goal soon arrived from an in swinging corner which was bundled into the net by Uni shot stopper, Oliver Gibson.

Berisha and Bellos then combined to double their side’s advantage with Bellos getting on the end of a swift breakaway from Berisha on 77 minutes.

Inter killed off the match in injury time thanks to Berisha who beat two defenders before slotting the ball past Gibson.

John Theo’s men seem to have final hit their stride as they turn their full attention to their meeting with new leaders, Bankstown City.

Meanwhile, Sydney Uni have a date with another in form side in Bankstown United.

Gladesville Ryde Magic – Macarthur Rams FC 5-2

A resolute Magic outfit came from behind to claim victory against the Rams at Christie Park on Saturday night.

It was the away side who started the brighter as they raced to a 2-0 lead courtesy of a Sam Onana double but their advantage was not to last for long with Magic mounting an almighty comeback.

Not one or two but three goals came from the returning Michael Gaitatzis as he reversed the score line in the hosts’ favour.

Harris Gaitatzis also got in on the act to make it 4-2 to the good before Daniel Rigby sealed the three points with his finish.

That is now three wins on the spin for Magic as they rise to second on the ladder ahead of their visit to Pluim Park.

A disappointed Macarthur will be back at Lynwood Park as they entertain a wounded Dulwich Hill.

Central Coast United FC – Dulwich Hill FC 2-1

There was an upset of sorts at Pluim Park as Central Coast overcame Dulwich Hill 2-1 in their tight affair.

It all seemed to be going to script for high-flying Dully when Bright Appiah put them ahead with his well-placed strike in the 10th minute.

A determined Pirates soon found their way back in to the encounter with Tommy Lyons’ curling effort restoring parity on 35 minutes.

The deciding goal arrived on the hour mark on the back of three quick fire chances for Josh Swadling.

The Central Coast striker scored on the third time of asking after two of his original strikes rebounded straight back to him.

An inspired performance from Pirates’ shot stopper Jack O’Mally was enough to see the Pirates frustrate their visitors and hold on for the three points.

Next up on the agenda for Stu Davis’ side is a home tie against Magic while Dully will be on the road again as they travel to Macarthur.

Bankstown United FC – Rydalmere Lions FC 2-1

Rydalmere’s unbeaten start to the season came crashing down at Jensen Park as they were outdone 2-1 by Bankstown United on Saturday night.

United struck first in this contest thanks to Dalibor Malesevic on the 38th minute mark as Marko Filipovic found his teammate in space who rifled his effort into the net via the post.

An even second half saw both teams manufacture chances of their own but it took a while before either side made their way onto the scoresheet.

A set piece opportunity saw the Lions level the scoring with Nick Trimble tapping home at the back post in the 82nd minute.

Gavin Rae’s side thought they may at least be able to escape with a point on their travels however United had a different idea, particularly Corey Freeman who popped up with the deciding goal five minutes later when he headed home Lachie Willmore’s ball into the box.

The home side remained switched on for the remainder of the encounter as they recorded a massive three points in front of their home supporters.

They will be back at Jensen Park next weekend to welcome Sydney Uni while Rydalmere will be looking to bounce back from defeat for the first time this season when they face off against Berries.

Inner West Hawks FC – Bankstown City FC 0-3

Bankstown City enjoyed an efficient evening at Arlington Oval as they posted a 3-0 victory over Inner West Hawks.

One goal separated the two sides at the interval with Oscar Nieto Rava’s first time effort giving the away side the advantage after he connected with Nikola Todoroski’s cross.

Todoroski then turned goal scorer after the break when his unstoppable free kick curled into the bottom right corner as the gun marksman continued his goalscoring spree.

Their third and final goal of the contest arrived from Tai Smith who made no mistake when he slotted home after going one on one with the Hawks’ goalkeeper.

This latest win coupled with Rydalmere’s defeat is enough to see them go top of the league table for the first time in three weeks. They will be hoping to remain at the summit as they head to Majors Bay to do battle with Inter next Saturday.

All three points could be on the cards for the Hawks as they prepare to face off against Dunbar in their next fixture at Arlington Oval.

Dunbar Rovers FC – Canterbury Bankstown FC 3-1

Dunbar finally had cause to celebrate as they came out on top 3-1 in their meeting with Berries at Heffron Park.

Two goals in the opening 10 minutes sent Dunbar on their way with an Aram Tayebi lobbed finish handing them the lead after just two minutes before a Mathew Paras own goal saw them go 2-0 up three minutes later.

Leo Guzman managed to reduce the deficit with his strike on 25 minutes which was enough to keep the score at 2-1 as they headed for the sheds.

However, the worst possible start to the second half saw Berries concede their third of the evening with Michael Figueira gifting Tod Bamber a tap in after he spilt the ball literally seconds after the restart.

The three points sees Dunbar jump two spots into ninth ahead of their clash against the Hawks while Berries will be looking to address a poor run of form when they head up to Rydalmere Park for their showdown with the Lions.

-By NPL 3 NSW Men’s Chief Writer Samuel Greco Schwartz (Twitter handle: @SamuelGS97