Our football expert, Mark Stavroulakis, previews round three of the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s 1 premiership:
Four teams remain unbeaten as we head into the third round of the PS4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 competition.
Two of those go head to head in this week’s Match of the Round as Sydney Olympic host Bonnyrigg White Eagles, 3pm Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground.
First hosts second in this week’s Match of the Round, but over the first fortnight of the season there is nothing to separate Sydney Olympic and Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Both sides have scored seven goals in two matches and neither goalkeeper, Paul Henderson for Sydney Olympic, or Bonnyrigg’s James Chronopoulos, has conceded a goal.
Olympic’s side is built around the dual attacking talents of go Shirai and Taiga Soeda, who keep attack after attack ticking over in the middle of the park.
Dimitri Hatzimouratis too, has started the season in fine form up front and is relishing the service he is being provided.
Bonnyrigg though are a class act and once again look to be one of the competition’s benchmarks, even though it is early days.
Robbie Younis is as reliable as ever in front of goal, while Aaron Peterson is thriving on the opportunities he is receiving as Younis’ strike partner.
It is the signing of Chronopoulos that is arguably Bonnyrigg’s biggest off season coup, however.
Having been at the Marconi Stallions since the under 10s, Chronopoulos made the big move to leave his childhood club in favour of a move to the White Eagles, who needed to replace the ever-consistent Matthew Nash.
The early signs are that this move is one that will hugely benefit both parties.
In other football action this weekend, Blacktown Spartans host Sydney United 58 FC, 7.30pm Saturday at Blacktown Football Park.
Marconi Stallions welcome APIA-Leichhardt Tigers, 7.30pm Saturday at Marconi Stadium.
