The Lions will be hoping they don’t have another struggle year.

The Blueys will be seeking to achieve their undoubted potential.

Hopefully the nCov-2019 will be over soon.

It’s a cold July Friday night as the games finally are underway. There is still no assurance the season will be completed as Victoria has had a sudden rise in the number of Covid19 cases. NSW is clear and has been given the go ahead to start the season.

The season kicks off with the Bert Bampton Cup contested between IPL1 and IPL2 teams. Cringila Lions take on the Tarrawanna Blueys in an important game because there is a cup for the Champions and very little time to get into form for a shortened Illawarra Premier League season.

The reckoning begins. Lions have high aspirations for the season.

Tyson Black: The joy of pressure as a defender in soccer.

Lions cut the Blueys to pieces after just 7′ with a Pires snapshot.

Nuno Pires opens the scoring for the Lions.

Blueys show their disappointment after going behind.

Mitchell Ferrara hand on hips after going behind.

Another! Nuno Pires is in for the brace.

Nuno Peres with two early goals — Nuno Pires with two early goals

Webster weaves and spins on the right wing.

Beautiful Webster cross to North which is ably dealt with by Rodriguez

Rodriguez is beaten by Siminoski precision

Siminoski Brace and the Blueys are down 0-4 after 39′

It ends Cringila Lions 4 ( Pires 7′ ,17′, Siminoski 26′,39′) Tarrawanna Blueys 0

The Lions move into the next round while the Blueys are eliminated.

The Saturday game is between Woonona Sharks and South Coast United. The Sharks had an excellent season last year and will be looking to improve while SC United struggled but managed to avoid relegation.

Sharks have difficulty containing Okla down the left side.

Valic is a towering strength at the back

Toohey breaks up the threat and turns out of trouble

Toohey turns his player and launches a counter offensive

A Cho thumping header from a corner puts United in front after 24′

A top draw save by Fernandez keeps the Sharks in the game

Hoping to get one before halftime and draw level

Mellor sends the keeper the wrong way. 1-1 after 50′

A brilliant save by Bleakley keeps the tie even as the Sharks surge forward

The ball flashes past the uprights. Bleakley clearly has some issues with his defence.

Mellor drives the ball pinpoint across the goalkeeper

United are clearly unhappy about the goal

Final Score Woonona Sharks 2 (Mellor 50’ 60’) South Coast United 1 (Cho 24’)

Bert Bampton Cup Woonona Sharks v Cringila Lions

Lions dominate attack. Sharks close down the space.

David Polidoro seeks to launch an attack

Immediately closed down by Robbie Gaudiosi

Jair Fernandez is relieved the header is straight at him

Peter Siminoski beats two Sharks with a sharp dribble

Damien Grew shot on the counter is saved.

Fernandez left floundering by nearpost Norval curler 25′

Halftime Sharks 0 Lions 2 (Norval 25′ 27′)

Referee calls a direct just outside the box

David Polidoro takes out Robbie Gaudiosi

Gaudiosi gets one back! Sharks 1 Lions 2

William Mobbs with an amazing engine in defence

And a piledriver fourth Sharks 1 Lions 4

Sharks are eliminated Woonona Sharks 1 Cringila Lions 4

The Illawarra Premier League 2020

Finally the season starts!

The IPL kicks off this weekend. There will be no relegation to the disappointment of fans and clubs in IPL2. Often the most exciting games are the relegation games. In any event, Cringila Lions have been on fire in the Bampton Cup and lethal in front of goal. On Friday night they are at home and take on Albion Park White Eagles. This is likely to be a close and competitive game if recent pre-season and Brampton Cup matches are any indication.

Are Cringila Lions the real deal or a bubble waiting to burst?

Albion Park White Eagles are away Cringila in the cauldron.

Best of possible starts for the White Eagles

White Eagles pay close attention to Peter Simonoski

Simonoski is cut down with a no nonsense tackle

Simonoski appears to be pulled down in the box. No penalty.

Kyle Senior keeps a close eye on Simonoski

Pires in a tit-for-tat battle with the White Eagle’s defence

Simonoski drives the ball home for an equalizer 16’ (1-1)

The crowd enjoying the thoroughly entertaining game

Joel Beattie uses his pace to reach the loose ball

Beattie taken out in chase for the loose ball

Valentino Merxhushi drive on the counter puts White Eagles in front 43’

Beattie under pressure narrowly misses with his shot across the keeper

Penalty shout as Beattie is down on the ground. No pen!

It is in by Jake Webster. Cringila Lions draw level after 55’ (2-2)

Simonoski on another Lions raid down the left flank

Suzaki header relieves the pressure for White Eagles

White Eagles argue the point with referee Blanch

Draw Cringila Lions 3 Albion Park White Eagles 3

The Saturday fixture is between Bellambi and Port Kembla. Bellambi are newly promoted.

Bellambi Rosellas Ryan Hunter on the ball against Port Kembla

Vaughn Patterson opens the scoring 34’ Bellambi 1 Port 0

Mitch Turner scores 39’ Bellambi 2 Port 0

Musumeci nonchalantly chips the keeper 54’ Bellambi 2 Port 1

Liam Unicomb scores 74′. The goal stands. No offside.

A comprehensive victory Bellambi 5 Port 1

ROUND 2 Tarrawanna Blueys v Wollongong United

After sledging over the state of the pitch in the lead up to this clash in the media Tarra emerges from the shed with a mix of youthful and experienced player ready to do battle for the points. The pitch is in reasonable though heavy condition.

Tarrawanna Blueys emerge from the sheds ready with a mix of experience and youth.

Zac McLaren immediately asks questions turning his defender

Dan Chapman and Tarra defence on high alert

Wollongong United use their physicality to counter the Tarra surge

Tarra seek to contain Yamada as United counter

Jordan Nikolovski with safe hands under pressure

McLaren is needlessly clipped just outside penalty area

Andre Dias with unstoppable direct dipping over the wall

Tarra unhappy with the United physicality

Corrimal Rangers v Port Kembla

Port were soundly beaten by Belambi and play Rangers who only managed a draw against Tarra in the previous round which was abandoned due to a deluge at halftime with the other half played on Tuesday night.

Jordan Hughes and Zack Tyson battle for early dominance

Rangers bench incensed at a refereeing decision

Nathan Belsito keeps a close eye on Van Elia

A promising Rangers attack ends in Elia being brought down

It then hits the other upright! Luck falls Rangers way.

Jayden Nikolovski brings down Jason Zufic

Tory Musumeci launches another Port attack

Goal! Paul Guido drives across the keeper.

Jordan Hughes seeks to launch an immediate Port reply

Brave save by Kaydin Harrison keeps his clean sheet intact

Jake Marlando does enough to stop an audacious Port attempt at goal

Full time Corrimal Rangers 2 Port Kembla FC 0

Part of the crowd enjoying a thoroughly entertaining game

Round 3

Wet weather has washed out all but one game. South Coast United v Albion Park White Eagles may still go ahead.

South Coast United v Albion Park White Eagles

White Eagles dominate. Joel Beattie finds space and shoots.

Kolan Hmda does just enough to stave off the Senior header

A Waller cross-come-shot is tipped over the bar by Bleakley

The Bleakley flick lands on top of the net

Beattie jumps to avoid the desperate United intercept

Rare United incursion into Eagles territory

Eagles defence holds out the United incursion

Morgan latches onto the ball in space behind the defence

Morgan shoots as Bleakley come out to close down the angle

The ball misses the goal by about a metre

Bleakley lightning reflexes keeps goal intact

Beattie receives close attention and is tackled from behind

Abdal Alokla is unable to break through the White Eagles defence

Brendan Fordham scores with a driving header. SCU 0 APWE 1

South Coast United 0 Albion Park White Eagles

Suzaki motoring in midfield for White Eagles

Jordan Nikolovski drives a rocket into the net

Rain intensity increases but the artificial turf still looks slick

Jamie Wakeling drive takes a big deflection off Naomichi

Blake Coad can only watch the ball drop into the net United 1 White Eagles 2

Round 3

Bulli FC v Wollongong Olympic

Both teams have high aspirations. Bulli FC are rebuilding after a disappointing last season. Olympic have lost some key players from their premiership winning side. With sides only playing each other once, points are essential, and any slip up may prove costly. Bulli FC are at home. The ground is looking in good condition after the heavy rain last week. This promises to be an entertaining game.

Olympic bench looks on as Bulli set up an attack

Kyle Jackson launches an attack for Bulli FC 1901

The cross from Luke Van Zyl causes problems for Olympic. Justin Pasfield loses the ball.

Joey Lavelle brings down Ryan Emerton from behind

Johnny Martinoski weaves through defenders and is brought down on the edge of the penalty area

Martinoski with a laser like drive through a crowded defence

Keagan Maticis slots in a second for Olympic

Bulli strike back immediately with Luke Van Zyl rocket

Pasfield can only watch the ball enter the goal

Hori prevents Emerton getting to the ball with a cocked elbow no foul is awarded

The ball whizzes just outside the upright

Maticis and Keating tightly mark Tsujimura

Halftime with a strong southerly blowing down the field

Pasfield makes a crucial save from a Van Zyl drive with McDonald looking to put away the crumbs

Martinoski goes down in the box. Bulli are unimpressed.

South Coast United v Tarrawanna Blueys

The night game is between United and Tarra. Both teams need points. United have been disappointing again after a poor season last year while Tarra is building through a core of up and coming young talent.

Tarra are off the blocks immediately attacking in the United final third

Jason Bleakley tips the ball around the upright

Zac Mazevski makes it 0-2 after 9′ through a disorganised United flailing defence

Adam Roidriguez is beaten as he comes off his line

Port Kembla v Albion Park White Eagles

Port are yet to earn a point while the White Eagles with their highly talented squad will be expecting nothing other than a win from their players. A howling cold westerly is blowing diagonally across the field. Conditions are difficult for soccer.

White Eagles go into the game confident they will be able to get all three points

Joel Beattie receive early attention by Port

Brenham Fordham with an early chance in the swirling wind

Fordham acts a distributor initiating a White Eagles attack

Port salvo is well parried by Blake Coad

Justin Mitrevski tips the ball over the crossbar

Blake Coad with a brilliant fingertip save keeps White Eagles goal intact

Luke Boersma queries a refereeing decision

Port launch a raid into White Eagles final third

Halftime flyover by seagulls who handle the strong winds with aplomb

Space for Cameron Morgan is closed down as the second half resumes

Jordan Nikolovski takes on the Port defence

Morgan goes after the ball shielded by Orlando Tobar

All eyes on the referee. White Eagles win a direct free kick.

Mitch Di Pietro takes a shot-come-cross in the swirling wind

It’s in the net. Port 1 White Eagles 0 at the 55′ mark.

Well saved as players go down like nine pins

Round 5 Tarrwanna Blueys v Bulli FC 1901

Bulli are away to Tarrawanna and will be seeking to stamp their authority on the table. The Blueys in contrast with many young players are out to re-establish their competitiveness. A cold blustery winter’s day where the icy westerly parts in all directions as it comes over the escarpment is the setting for the game. The strong wind will definitely be a factor. The ground is in reasonable condition after the recent rain albeit a little bumpy in places.

Kick OFF

Kyle Kirkland challenges Bulli 1901 keeper Daniel Farina

Seiya Kambayashi launches a Bulli 1901 attack.

Bulli launch another attack against Tarra through Kambayashi

Blueys immediately launch an attack from the restart

Blueys lift a gear looking for an equalizer

Kambayashi with quick feet and speed starts a Bulli 1910 counter offensive

Ball is cleared off the line by Ian Clarino

Bulli 1901 defence hold firm under intense pressure

Arm wrestle between Bulli 1901 and the youthful Blueys attack

Tarrawanna Blueys 1 Bulli FC 1901 1

The Sunday match is between Corrimal Rangers and Albion Park White Eagles on another blustery day. Both talented teams are looking to stamp their credentials on the premiership race.

Tim Wylie launches a Rangers attack down the left wing

Waller twists and turns looking to create a scoring opportunity in the box

Rick Goodchild drives across the keeper from close range

Waller with quick feet turns Goodchild as the White Eagles immediately search for an equalizer

White Eagles gain increasing possession of the football

Jacob Martin distributes the ball through the midfield with Rangers chasing shadows

Morgan is brought down just outside the box

Direct free kick is awarded to White Eagles

Kaydin Harrison snatches the ball off the heads of the White Eagles attackers in the swirling south-westerly wind

Morlando and Pender chase down Morgan as he breaks through the defensive line on the right wing

Dean Pender stretches for the ball and concedes a corner

Morgan makes room for a shot on the edge of the penalty area

A Morgan lightning bolt into the left corner of the goal

White Eagles immediately attack from kickoff. Kaydin Harrison parries a shot.

White Eagles launch another attack on the Rangers goal

In a tight tussle Rangers are resolute in defence

Rangers deal with the high ball in the swirling south-westerly

Rangers build through Peter Kyriakoudes distribution

Rangers attack. Kyriakoudes works the right flank

Kohei Suzaki sets up a White Eagles offensive

Rangers defence shuffled across the field

White Eagles coaches concerned about the treatment dished out to Joel Beattie

Rick Goodchild chases down another White Eagle offensive

Mitrouski denied space by Morlando and Teramoto

White Eagles defence bemused by a refereeing decision

Morgan heads the ball down through a wall of Rangers defenders

Corrimal Rangers 1 Albion Park White Eagles 2

Morlando with a powerful header makes it 2-2 (61′)

Morgan with a thumping drive scores a hat trick

Corrimal Rangers 2 Albion Park White Eagles 3 (70′)

Goodchild with a long range bazooka levels the score (72′)

Corrimal Rangers 3 Albion Park White Eagles 3

Round 6

Albion Park WHITE EagleS v Tarrawanna Blueys

The White Eagles must be disappointed with their form so far given their highly talented squad. Tarrawanna Blueys come off an excellent draw with Bulli FC and will be hoping to be in the finals series. It’s a beautiful day in Albion Park; sunny and no wind.

Cameron Morgan receives the ball inside the penalty area

Tyson Black closes down Kohei Suzaki who acts as main conduit distributor

Beattie gets the ball away under pressure

Blueys defend the Brendan Mitrouski surge

White Eagles 2 Tarrawanna Blueys 2 (26′)

Halftime: White Eagles 2 Tarrawanna Blueys 1

Mazevski celebrates his goal putting the Blueys into the lead

The Sunday game is between Wollongong Olympic and Woonona Sharks. The Sharks have a a solid midfield and are an improving side. Olympic in contrast have been inconsistent for a such talented side.

Wollongong Olympic v Woonona Sharks

Olympic seek to make the most of their height advantage with Habegawa spearheading the assault.

Defensive header off the Habegawa flick-on

Jesse French drives the ball into the top right hand corner

Luke McCosker heads across the keeper to make it Olympic 0 Sharks 2 after 41′

Jeremy Lopez cuts out the Olympic pass down the wing

Halftime: Wollongong Olympic 0 Woonona Sharks 2

Olympic bring on Matt Floro who injects pace and dribbling power down the right wing

Olympic struggle to contain Jesse French

The tackler is the one who goes off injured

Lopez give Woonona Sharks an unassailable 0-3 lead.

Taro Regan Williams battles with Yu Habegawa

Justin Pasfield makes a quality save to keep the score respectable

Williams contains the Hasegawa aerial threat

John Martinovski with a characteristic long drive makes it 1-3

Round 7

Albion Park White Eagles v Woonona Sharks

White Eagles will be expecting to climb the table. The Woonona Sharks are on a roll after trouncing Wollongong Olympic last weekend and are hoping to make the finals series.

Sharks discussing their tactical approach just before kick-off

Jai Mellor with an early challenge on Braden Mitrovski

Mitrovski launches a through ball down the right flank

Brendan Pattman belts the ball goalward from outside the penalty area

Halftime Albion Park White Eagles 0 Woonona Sharks 1

Woonona Sharks use Jesse French to head on the aerial ball in attack

Woonona use Taro Regan Williams to launch another raid on the White Eagles

Every ball is contested in the struggle for possession

Sharks use high balls to disrupt White Eagles passing game

Neither player pulled out of the challenge

Jair Fernandez anticipates well to collect the header and safety for the Sharks

Fernadez with sun in eyes comes for the cross

White Eagles draw level through Aris Seitaridis

Albion Park White Eagles 1 (89′) Woonona Sharks 1 (45′)

The Bampton Cup 2020

Jack Harris launches a Bulli 1901 offensive

Luke Vanzyl and Sean Thomas battle it out

Jordan Nickolovski dominates the penalty area

Bampton Cup 2020 goes to Wollongong United

Wollongong United 2 Bulli FC 1901 0

The teams met again mid-week in the IPL. Bulli FC were trounced 1-5. United open a four point gap at the top of the table.

ROUND 8

This is a must win game for Tarrawanna Blueys against Bellambi Rosellas who just last week had the opportunity to go top of the table but managed only one point from six. Bellambi now must be looking over their shoulders. For the Blueys only a win will do if they have any chance of making the final series.

A win is essential to keep finals series hopes alive

Liam Unicomb kicks off for Bellambi Rosellas

Vaughn Paterson readies for the rivalry with Darren Stone

Mazevski drives the dropping the ball between two defenders

Bryce Daenell is unable to parry the Mazevski volley

Chapman with a perfectly timed defensive tackle

Unicomb slides in from behind avoids the yellow

Blueys use the left wing to launch an attack

Adam Rodriquez bravely stops the Cody Cuthbertson breakaway

Stone launches the ball into the penalty area

Mazevski shoots across the keeper and misses by a whisker

Rodriguez saves and holds the ball tight

Tyson Black almost makes it three, but the shot is blocked by Ryan Hunter

Rosellas defence eventually clear the deflection

Corrimal rangers v woonona sharks

Corrimal Rangers are struggling and need to beat a youthful Woonona Sharks if they are to be in the finals series. The Sharks have built their strength on an organised interaction between the defence and midfield.

Tim Wylie facing into the Southerly with the Sharks defending early

Takao Teramoto strikes for Rangers after 2′

Pinpoint through a gaggle of Rangers defenders

Robbie Gaudiosi shields the ball preparing the next Sharks attack

Jeremy Lopez with an incisive pass under pressure from Teramoto

Besgrove makes space and smashes the ball

Sharks defenders Jeremy Lopez, Taro Regan Williams, and Thomas Burke stay disciplined in defence

Tyler Bromham Fuller battles with Jason Zufic

It ends 1-2 consolidating the Sharks in a final series spot

Corrimal Rangers 1 Woonona 2

Round 9

The Chase for Finals spots is on in earnest

Wollongong United look destined for the Premiership if they win against a recently struggling Bellambi Rosellas. The Rosellas will struggle to make the finals series if they do not get at least a point.

Liam Unicomb ‘Unicorn’ makes an early challenge.

The Wollongong United close down the space

Bellambi Rosellas 1 Wollongong United 0 (3′)

Halftime: Bellambi Rosellas 1 Wollongong United 2

Vaughn Patterson steps up to take a penalty for handball late in the match

The Sunday is between Port Kembla v Tarrawanna Blueys

This is an important encounter for the Blueys who need a win to keep alive the Finals Series. For Port Kembla, it is trying to avoid the Wooden Spoon because there is no relegation this year due to SARS-2 (Covid).

Brian Sumoto involved in an early Port attack

Justin Mitrevski saves the Nicolas Tomasiello shot

Penultimate Round: Finals spots on the line

Cringila Lions have a new coach with an eye on next season and can leap-frog Corrimal Rangers on the table who must win if they are any chance of sneaking into a Finals Series position. A cold westerly gale blows across the field. 10 C but feels like 3 C.

CRINGILA LIONS v CORRIMAL RANGERS

Lions fire up with an eye on next season

Part of the crowd looking on in 10 C with gale force winds feels like 3 C

Rangers straight into attack against the Lions

Jackson Brooks at the centre of the defensive effort to hold the lead

Jason Zufic with a last-minute effort to at least get a point

Lions leap-frog Rangers. Cringila Lions 1 Corrimal Rangers 0

Woonona Sharks v Tarrawanna Blueys

Sharks harbour hopes of the Premiership while the Blueys need to continue winning in the close battle for the fifth spot. A gustily gale-force cold Southwesterly and an uneven pitch set the scene at Shark Park.