Picture: Football NSW
Sydney United 58 ran riot in their National Premier League clash with South Coast Wolves before running out 5-1 winners.
The win was dedicated to their midfield maestro Nick Stavroulakis, who is recovering after an incident during the Westfield FFA Cup match against APIA Leichhardt.
The South Coast Wolves came out and placed immediate pressure on the home team. When Samuel Matthews burst through and from the edge of the box volleyed for a goal, the visitors grabbed the early lead.
United struggled to get into the game and were most dangerous only from set pieces.
But rom their first real foray forward, the home side showed the quality they possess as Matthew Bilic found the net. Great work by Robbie Mileski down the left by-line saw him cut the ball back for Bilic who made no mistake with the finish.
One minute later and Mileski was at it again, this time taking James O’Rourke one on one. Moving into the box, United’s number 9 beat his marker with O’Rourke left with no option but to take the attacker down. The referee had to point to the spot, and also produced a red card for the Wolves defender.
Stjepan Paric stepped up to take the spot kick, sending Thomas Manos the wrong way and giving United the lead at 2-1.
Four minutes after the restart United extended their lead to 3-1 when Paric was brought down in the box and the young man dusted himself off to step up and put the ball into the back of the net.
United substitute Panny Nikas was called into immediate action and only two minutes into his NPL debut for United was fouled in the box. Nikas stepped up and scored his first of the season, making for a dream start in United colours.
Nikas picked up his second in the 87th minute after Mileski played a delightful ball to the back post, finding the head of the number 23, who nodded the ball into the back of the net.
United coach Mark Rudan was pleased with the result.
“They came out firing, no different to last week’s performance and credit to them,” Rudan said.
* The Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Blacktown City match was postponed due to bad weather on Saturday evening.
• By NIKOLA POZDER
