NPLNSW R6: United defeat White Eagles

Match Stats
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 (Tadrosse 2’)
Sydney United 58 3 (Triantis 5’, Nikas 18’, Cardozo 87’)

 Yellow cards: Triantis 21’ (SU), Caira 78’ (BWE),

 Notes
Once again Bonnyrigg White Eagles came out of the blocks all guns blazing. A goal to captain Chris Tadrosse in only the second minute set the early tone for the game.

The White Eagles kept up the pressure, however Sydney United 58 equalised only a few minutes later. Catching out White Eagles right back Adam Jenner after the home side was expecting an offside call, United’s Matthew Bilic delivered a cross which usually the reliable James Chronopoulos would smother. On this occasion, Chronopoulos watched it go by and United striker Chris Triantis headed home into an empty net.

From here the game settled down. Both sides struggled to dominate in midfield but arguably United had the edge in the first half.

A short time later, United doubled their lead. In a carbon copy of their first goal, it was Triantis this time delivering the cross to an unmarked Panny Nikas. Nikas headed the ball into an almost empty net and this time Chronopoulos made more effort without any luck.

The second half was much the same as the first. Both sides continued in struggling to dominate midfield. The White Eagles were gaining momentum slowly but their final pass or attempt on goal was weak.

In the end, for all of Bonnyrigg’s effort in wrenching some momentum back it didn’t matter. United’s new signing Richie Cardozo wrapped up the game with a few minutes left. He tapped the ball in after Chronopoulos parried a Mitchell Stamatellis shot.

Scout Notes
The home side didn’t have too much going for them. While it took the side a long time to get themselves into the game, it was a result that had been coming for a few weeks. The White Eagles have struggled to impose themselves on the game in the past few weeks and in a game like this where the final delivery or shot mattered, they were simply ineffective.

That being said, Ray Miller looks to be a top signing and potentially has the quality to step up to the A-League. His presence in the midfield is great; he continuously looks for the ball, holds it well and has a great passing range.

For Sydney United 58, it was a good performance. They attacked well and simply put, they just had a fraction more desire to win the game. They had limited chances compared to the White Eagles, however they were able to put away those chances and in the end that was the difference.

Panny Nikas was as equally as effective for the away side. In his first start since returning from injury, he was the creative outlet for most of United’s attacking phases. Like Miller, he looks for the ball and looks to jink his way through before providing a decisive ball.

Round 2 At A Glance
Marconi Stallions 0:3 Blacktown Spartans
Manly United 0:2 Sydney Olympic
Rockdale City 1:1 Blacktown City
Parramatta FC 0:0 South Coast Wolves
APIA Leichhardt 2:1 Sutherland Sharks

The NPLNSW Ladder can be found here.

Photo courtesy of Football NSW.

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