It’s probably no more than three kilometres from Bossley Park to the Bonnyrigg Sports Centre so the Marconi Stallions didn’t have to go far to receive a football lesson – and a 4-0 hiding.
After a fairly even first stanza of play, Bonnyrigg White Eagles last night went on with the job, running out 4-0 winners of the round two clash in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s 1 competition.
If any team is going to claim the title, then they will have to better the diligent and competent White Eagles who, on their day, are without peer.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles put pressure on Marconi right from the start and it was a powerful shot from close range by Tynan Diaz that forced goalkeeper Sam Nastic to turn the ball away for a corner.
The play continued near the visitors’ goal area until a swooping cross from the left reached Robbie Younis who, with a powerful drive from short distance, made no mistake. It was only the second minute mark and the home side had already stamped their authority on the game with this early goal.
A free kick from Jared Lum in the 16th minute from distance brought out the best in Bonnyrigg’s goalkeeper James Chronopoulos playing against his former club. The ever reliable custodian delightfully turned the ball over the crossbar for a corner.
The first half ended at 1-0.
In the 52nd minute Bonnyrigg doubled their lead through a delightful header by Aaron Peterson across the face of goal. It was Younis who started the action with a wide pass, from right to left, which found Chris Tadrosse and the captain of the home-side unleashed a cross which found Peterson.
Three minutes later and Bonnyrigg had once again hit the back of the net. A ball from the left was perfectly weighted for Raymond Miller who lined up his target and sent a thunderbolt into the back of the net past an outstretched Marconi goalkeeper.
In the 80th minute Alex Mansueto, who hadn’t been on the field too long, brilliantly scored Bonnyrigg’s fourth goal. As the ball drifted into his path he unleashed a thunderbolt from outside the box that was simply breathtaking in its audacity, rounding out a superb night for the White Eagles.
After the game a very satisfied coach of Bonnyrigg Brian Brown said that he was pleased but given that the season is still very new he wasn’t getting too carried away.
“Yes I am very pleased because it’s a local derby against Marconi and it’s always very hard,” he said. “The great thing for me is that we didn’t lose any goals and, yes, I am expecting a great season. The one thing in this competition is that any club can beat you on the day and there are no easy games.
“I am happy with the progress that the boys are making but there is still some improvement in us and when we get the combinations right we’ll be okay.”
Over in the Marconi dressing room disappointment was not evident and coach Paul Carter was confident that his team was on the right track.
“Bonnyrigg, full credit to them, because they are a top side and they will punish you if you give them a chance.”
