Sydney FC Powerchair Team claimed their first premier league victory of the season in a tense day of competition, while Hills United Football Club secured second place in reserve grade with a come from behind win over the champion Newcastle Jets Powerchair Football Club.
With plenty to play for in reserve grade, the Sydney Derby looked like one neither team was willing to lose. The focus on defence was obvious, with attacking opportunities hard to come by for either side. Some crucial saves by both keepers, and some barnstorming runs from Wanderers stopper Jye Mokluk came to naught, with both sides sharing the points.
With chances for points running out for the sky blues premier league side, it was the perfect start for the winless side. A precise corner taken by Jordan Crane was neatly tucked in at the far post by Mitchell Albert. The lead would not last long, with Matthew Mallows threading the needle from a sideline hit, with Ben Keyte finding the equaliser with the front of his guard at the far post. It became a battle for supremacy as we approached halftime, but a late sky blue corner taken by Shannon Anlezark fired at the defence was attacked by Santo Bongiovanni at the near post, with Wanderers keeper Andy Waite unable to keep the ball out right before the halftime whistle. In the second half, neither side could control proceedings, but withstanding a late Wanderers flurry, Sydney FC held on to claim a rousing victory.
With the earlier reserve grade result, Hills United knew a victory would lock up second place, but the Newcastle Jets got off to a dream start through Jake Vidakovic. Right place, right time, a defensive rebound made its way into the net via his guard giving the Hills side a challenge to mount a comeback. Going into the half with the lead, the Jets maintained control well into the second half before Hills found forced the Jets into a deep hit-in. Samir Eshani pounced on the opportunity, scoring after the ball bounced between him and the keeper, before Eshani played a late cross through the box, with Steve Shadlow connecting for his first goal of the season to seal a dramatic late win.
Reversing the script from the previous match, Hills United found themselves ahead early thanks to Jacob Cross putting away a Chris Suffield sideline hit slid across the top of the box. What ensued was a see-sawing battle with both sides having extended periods of attack deep into their opponents’ territory, but resolute defending from both keepers and defenders making it tough to score. With scores remaining locked deep into the second half and both teams narrowly missing their chances, Newcastle became more desperate and threatened to rip through with some rapid passing moves. Chris Turnbull refused to be beaten in the Hills goal, with some clutch saves securing the three points for the team in yellow.
Round 15 Results:
Reserve Grade:
Western Sydney Wanderers 0-0 Sydney FC
Hills United 2-1 Newcastle Jets
Premier League:
Sydney FC 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Hills United 1-0 Newcastle Jets