Port Kembla defeated Tarrawanna Blueys 3-2 @ Tarrawanna Oval
Despite a brace from Advin Trebincevic, a heavily depleted Tarrawanna side could not overcome Port Kembla in a clash that could have some big ramifications as we get closer to the business end of the season.
Port Kembla hit the lead early with Jordan Prentoski stepping up and bagging his 12th goal of the season and fifth in the last three games after just 12 minutes.
Despite dominating for large part of the first half, Trebincevic found an equaliser on 36 minutes.
Just ten minutes after half time, the game was all but decided with Port Kembla scoring twice in 90 seconds. Kota Kakinuma found the back of the net first, before Elvir Catovic’s finish gave Port a buffer.
Trebincevic pulled a goal back for the Blueys on 72 minutes to set up a nervy finish; however, Port held firm, picking up a crucial three points which must feel like six, given their table positions.
The Zebras have won two on the trot and have given themselves a bit of breathing space in the relegation battle. They have the chance to kick further clear as they host Shellharbour FC next week.
The Blueys have scored the fewest goals this season, and after a few first up wins under the new coach Paul Carter, the Blueys have lost their last three and face Coniston next week.
Wollongong Olympic drew with Berkeley Sports 2-2 @ Elizabeth Park
The game got off to an exciting start with Yasukawa Masato burying his shot to open the scoring for Olympic on nine minutes.
The lead lasted less than two minutes when Luke Paull netted for the goats to level things back up.
Berkeley was dealt a major setback when Keegan Carter saw red on the half hour. The goats having the play the last hour with ten players.
The goats held firm till half-time as they looked to reset.
Luke Boersma incredibly put them ahead just minutes after the break.
The league leaders pushed hard for the last half hour, probing for an opening. As time ticked over 90 minutes and with the last phase of play, Olympic launched a final raid that saw Jason Madonis bang in his 13th goal of the season to earn Olympic a point.
That point may well prove crucial when all is said and done; however, Berkeley was incredibly unlucky not to do the double over Olympic. These two sides meet again on Tuesday night in the semi-final of the Bert Bampton Cup.
Next weekend, Olympic need to back up against the high-flying Cringila with Berkeley tackling Bulli.
Cringila Lions defeated South Coast United 3-1 @ Crehan Park
The lions have been roaring since Jason Dafkovski took charge. They notched up their fifth straight win with a routine 3-1 win over South Coast.
It took the lions 38 minutes to get going. Who else but Peter Simonoski who opened the scoring on 38 minutes with a neat finish. Just five minutes later, youngster Isaac Kostovski netted his sixth goal of the season and third in a row to put the Lions two up just before the break.
Lawson Moore was unfortunate to turn the ball into his own goal as the Lions went three up and were in cruise control with 20 minutes to go.
Thomas Kasunic took advantage of their lapse in concentration as he pulled a goal back for South Coast United with just 15 minutes left. It was as close as they got as the lions saw it through.
They now face Olympic next week and could incredibly find themselves just three points from the top of the league.
South Coast United, on the other hand, play their Bampton Cup semi-final on Tuesday night against the White Eagles. It would be some achievement to see United reach the Final. They are just one step away.
Looking beyond that, they welcome Wollongong United to Ian McLennan Park next Saturday night.
Bulli FC defeated Wollongong United 2-1 @ Macedonia Park
Bulli inflicted United’s third loss on the trot as the Lions have given up a league lead that just over a month ago seemed highly unlikely.
United dominated the early stages of the game; however, Alexander Baulch got on the end of a cross to tap in from close range on 39 minutes.
Just a few minutes later, Daniel Geroski’s strike from the edge of the box found the bottom corner as United equalised going into the break.
It was a topsy-turvy game that looked like it had more goals to come. Bulli were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty midway through the half.
With just ten minutes left, a deft touch through the United backline saw Mason Elphick latch onto the ball and drive towards goal. He took a touch before sliding the ball past Tom Alston, which ultimately proved to be the winner.
Having lost their last three, Wollongong United is fortunate to be only trailing by two; however, they will need to find some of their form. They are a little short of troops and need to get through the next few weeks. Their next assignment is South Coast United away.
Bulli are firmly mid-table, but they need to show some consistency if they are going to secure a playoff position. They host the goats next week.
Coniston FC drew with Helensburgh Thistle 1-1 @ JJ Kelly Park
Coniston were the latest club to make a mid-season coaching change, with Miles Mihajlovic and Daniel Poposki taking the reins at JJ Kelly Park. They got their tenure off to a positive start with a hard-fought draw against a difficult opponent.
Both sides traded chances throughout the first half in a match that was played at a high intensity; however, neither side had anything to show for it.
On the hour, Louis Connell’s strike put the visitors ahead; however, the lead barely lasted three minutes as recent new signing Sebastian Capozucchi levelled things up.
Both sides had chances to take the points; however, they had to settle for a share of the points.
Coniston will be looking for their first win in five matches as they host Tarrawanna, whilst Helensburgh travel to Terry Reserve.
Albion Park W.E. defeated Shellharbour FC 4-0 @ Barrack Heights Oval
The White Eagles were made to work for their win over Shellharbour FC as they edged a little closer to the league leaders.
Shellharbour did well to hold the Eagles scoreless for the first half hour. The Eagles were, however, a little wasteful up front.
The Eagles won a penalty on 37 minutes with Damon Gray stepping up and dispatching his effort.
Again, Shellharbour’s stoic defending kept them within touch and just one big chance away from getting something from the game.
As the game progressed, Shellharbour started pushing forward a little more and on 73 minutes, they were found wanting as they conceded a second penalty, which again was put away by Gray.
In the dying embers of the match, Jayden Makowski made the most of his opportunity as he helped seal the result on 90 minutes.
The Eagles weren’t done yet as Michael Mendes added further misery to Shellharbour as he finished well to make it four. A result that perhaps flattered the visitors a little.
The Eagles will fancy their chances of making the Bampton Cup Final, but they have to overcome South Coast United on Tuesday night.
Looking ahead, they host Helensburgh next weekend. If their match earlier this season is anything to go by, this could be another interesting matchup.
Shellharbour find themselves at the bottom of the table, only ahead of Tarrawanna on goal difference. They visit Wetherall Park next week in what can be a season-defining game for both sides.
