IT WAS billed as the real Sydney derby and it certainly delivered. Led by the brilliance of Panni Nikas, Sydney United 58 secured a hard fought 3-0 victory against Sydney Olympic yesterday to bounce back from the previous week’s debacle. MARK STAVROULAKIS reports:
The action at Sydney United Sports Centre could be described as nothing less than no holds barred.
Competition points were at a premium with both teams at the top end of the table.
Sydney United 58 went on the front foot early as they pushed attack after attack through the flanks.
Robbie Mileski and Chris Triantis pressured the Olympic defence with crosses into the box.
However it was the scheming of Nikas which was causing the most trouble for the visitors, and fittingly it was he who broke the deadlock.
The midfielder hammered home from the penalty spot to give United a 1-0 lead.
The battle in midfield went to a new level after the first goal.
Olympic had its first true chance of the game in the 30th minute when Will Angel broke free of the defence.
However with only the goal keeper to beat, Angel failed to capitalise when he sent his shot into the side of the net.
Finding the ball 25 yards from goal, the former North Queensland Fury star let rip with a sublime shot that beat Olympic keeper Paul Henderson.
It was the perfect confidence booster for Mark Rudan’s team as they went into the sheds with a 2-0 lead.
United went into the second half determined to build on its brilliant first stanza but were met with extra resistance from Olympic.
On the 80th minute some Nikas brilliance once again turned the game. Breaking down the right flank, Nikas delivered a perfect cross at the feet of Chris Triantis who converted with a careful tap in from three metres out.
ROUND 11 RESULTS:
Blacktown Spartans 1-5 APIA Leichhardt Tigers, at Blacktown Football Park;
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0-3 Rockdale City Suns, at Bonnyrigg Sports Centre;
Marconi Stallions 0-1 South Coast Wolves, at Marconi Stadium;
Sutherland Sharks 0-1 Blacktown City, at Seymour Shaw Park.
