Illawarra Premier League Season 2021

Covid frozen

The Illawarra is in a lockdown so there are no games for now.

ROUND 14 Can Port bridge the gap to a top five finish?

Albion Park White Eagles are at home to Port Kembla FC. Port are hoping to remain in the race for a Top Five finish while the White Eagles are looking to a Top Two finish. Covid has reared its ugly head with some games postponed but the White Eagles v Port FC is on. Everyone is masked-up and ready to go on a cool but rather pleasant winter’s day.

White Eagles are ready to get their game against Port FC on the way.

Hamish Lamberton starts the early high tempo White Eagles raid into Port territory.

Sam Munroe uses the dummy run to create space for Lamberton.

Port with a quick counter. Blake Horton smothers the shot.

Will Mobbs closes down target man Cameron Morgan.

Patterson receives the ball as Port apply the pressure on the White Eagles defensive setup.

Elisseo Chiodi drops into midfield to set up a Port attack.

Julian Minutillo shoots from just inside the box.

Bryce Daenell makes the save. The score remains 0-0.

Kyle Senior strikes on goal with a nicely timed header.

Senior head is off the crossbar. Appeals for a corner are turned down.

Port seek to starve target man Morgan of the ball.

Morgan evades the sliding challenge, turns and shoots.

Blake McGinn is challenged as he tries to set up a White Eagles attack through Morgan on the right wing.

White Eagles slot the ball into Minutillo.

Morgan receives the ball in the danger zone.

Patterson heads the ball onto the crossbar.

The rebound off the crossbar falls to Jayden Nikolovski.

Horton is wrong-footed and beaten by the pace of the ball from inside the six.

Chris Nathaniel with quick feet takes on the Port defence down the right flank.

Nathaniel drives the ball into the danger zone.

Munroe rockets the ball into the top left-hand corner giving Daenell no chance.

Peter Prandalos makes an important block.

White Eagles coach Alvin Ceccoli looks on.

The goal is flagged offside and disallowed.

Jordan Nikolovski shoots hitting the keeper.

Combative final 10′ as both sides go after the win.

White Eagles use the left wing to focus the attack.

Port with the last salvo. White Eagles 2 Port FC 2.

NSW government lockdown means there will be no games next week in the Illawarra Premier League.

round 13 Top Five sorting begins in earnest

Port Kembla are at home to Woonona Sharks who are breathing down their necks in the fight for a finals position. The Sharks desperately need the points to keep in there and about contention for the Final Series. Port will not want the gap to fifth position to widen. It is a winters day with sheets of cold rain battering players and fans alike. The Southerly is strong and gusty making for difficult conditions on a sticky bumpy surface.

Referees inspect the condition of the pitch.

Corey Hainse Gross and Jess French kickoff for the Sharks.

Sharks into the wind launch an early attack.

Daniel Carella readying for a Port attack.

The ball flashes across the right upright.

Brandon Groom punches the looping ball with the wind to safety.

Grew puts it away in 27′. Port 0 Sharks 1.

Nikolovski drives the ball home. Halftime.

Elisseo Chiodi uses the left flank to attack the Sharks.

French shoots from the edge of the area.

Daenell with an excellent save off the French drive.

Tomohiro Ishii indicating the wind direction, a strong Southerly.

Vaughan Patterson pushes higher in midfield.

Challenges in the air in the Southerly buster.

The points are shared and there is no movement in the points gap between Port and the Sharks.

ROUND 12 The back end bEgins

Tarrawanna Blueys are at home to Wollongong United. The Blueys hope to get something from the season by making a charge towards the Top Five. They have fallen behind the leading pack and need points in they are to be genuine Finals contenders. As for United, they want to at least put pressure on Olympic who are fast running away from the rest. The conditions are dry, cool and a westerly wind is making conditions difficult for play.

Klime Sekutkoski with an early United attack down the right wing.

The Sekutkoski shot is blocked by Adam Rodriguez.

Nicolas Tomasiello and Darren Stone halt the Seiji Kawakami and Yamada combination play down the right flank.

Maty Brennan stretches and wins the second ball for United.

The Chris Gibson sweep breaks down the United attack.

Seiji makes the intercept as the Blueys counter-attack.

Sam Nastic intercepts the ball preventing Joel Starr from shooting.

Defender Christian Cabo marks Bailey Barbarovski.

Mitch Young covers the Barbarovski raid down the left flank.

Young wins the ball with a timely challenge.

Cabo chases Barbarovski dribble down the left flank.

Tomasiello turns seeking to set up a Blueys attack.

Rodriguez intercepts the United cross into the goal area.

Nicolas Tomasiello battles in the midfield with Zac McLaren.

Round 11 Who will go top at the Midway Point?

Wollongong Olympic are at home to Wollongong United. The winner will go top at the midway point of the season. Both teams have the incentive to go for the win. This top of the table clash should be very competitive.

United surround Olympic keeper as they ready for a corner.

Justin Passfield meets the United cross.

Hikaru makes a raid down the left wing and crosses the ball into the centre.

Tory Musumeci slots it home. Olympic go in front early in the match.

Yamada works out the angles for a direct awarded to United about 23m out from goal.

The ball rockets and dips over the wall and into the net.

Olympic counter. Musemeci crosses to Elia who heads the ball from inside the six over the bar.

The Elia sequence of near misses continues.

Yamada scores another. Olympic 1 United 2 (35′).

United struggle to contain Elia in and around the box.

Musemeci brace makes it 3-2 at halftime.

Maty Brennan attacks through the midfield as United go after an equalizer.

United take exception to an Olympic tackle.

Sean Thomas pulls one back late in the game.

ROUND 11: THE TABLE IS TAKING SHAPE

Coniston FC are at home to Port Kembla. Cono have put in an impressive start to the season and who now at the midway point are closing in on Olympic and Wollongong United. Port an improving side can take a spot in the Top Five with a win today.

The ball flashes past the upright. Port survive the early onslaught.

Krsteski changes direction with a feint.

Adam Voloder is immediately on the Cono counter-counter-attack.

William Mobbs heads the ball on as Port counter-attack.

Peter Richardson heads over the bar. The score remains 0-0.

Kaydin Harrison readies to make the save in lightning time.

Harrison makes the save and holds onto the ball (0-0).

Jayden Nikolovski challenges Krsteski as Cono launch the attack down the left wing.

Cono tight marking contains Port attacks.

Port repel further Cono attacks. It ends 1-0.

Round 10: Olympic are looking over their shoulder

Tarrawanna Blueys are at home to Wollongong Olympic. The Blueys are fighting for a mid-table finish and possibly a shot at the Finals Series. Olympic want to be premiers and are closely chased by Wollongong United. It is an early winter’s day.

Tarrawanna Bluesy v Wollongong Olympic R10

Hikaru working the left as an attacking midfielder.

Adam Rodriguez saves. The score remains Blueys 0 Olympic 0.

Dan Chapman clears the danger. Blueys goal remains intact.

Bonmyeong Koo the Blueys striker is given close attention by Olympic.

Olympic keeper Justin Passfield makes the save.

Passfield save pushes the ball for a corner.

Blueys attacking midfielder Nicolas Tomasiello.

Van Elia is unable to break through the Blueys defence.

Rodriguez watches the ball fly to safety.

Ball to the farpost is deflected by Rodriguez.

The return header is safely into Rodriguez hands.

Plenty to ponder. HT Blueys 0- Olympic 0.

Blueys defender Christian Cabo header turns defence into attack.

Dan Chapman drives the ball in nearpost.

Koo causes the Olympic defence to scramble.

Hikaru cannonballs across the keeper and into the net.

Olympic lift a gear in the last 20′ like they did against Rangers when they came back from behind to win the contest.

Van Elia is denied from scoring due to an excellent Rodriguez save.

Another excellent Rodriguez save denies Olympic a goal.

McDonald is off due to a muscle issue, possibly the hamstring.

It ends Blueys 1 Olympic 1. Olympic are now 2nd on the ladder by one point but have a game in hand.

round 10: the proverbial six-pointer

Cringila Lions face South Coast United in a battle at the bottom of the table. For the Lions, they will be wanting to distance themselves from the bottom side and move well away from relegation contention. For South Coast, they need points if they are to escape relegation even this early in the season. It is a cold clear night with an even chillier southerly.

Jason Bleakley with a fingertip save keeps the score 0-0.

Brodnik puts United one up. Lions 0 United 1(6′).

Greg Valic with an urgent message for the United midfield.

Tony Musumeci drives the ball into the top corner.

Musumeci goal puts United further ahead. Lions 0 United 2 (21′).

Prentoski goal in 44′ makes it Lions 1 United 2.

The second half starts with a physical battle for midfield control.

Kohei Suzaki begins a Lions attack looking to create an equalizer.

Musumeci is beaten to the ball by Nikola Ristevski. United use the quick break tactic to quell Lions forward surges.

Desperate United defence holds tight. FT Lions 1 United 2

round 9: oylmpic on a roll

Wollongong Olympic play Corrimal Rangers at home on a glorious sunny wintry day. Rangers are mid-table contenders while Olympic are being closed in on by the chasing pack.

Wollongong Olympic v Corrimal Rangers R9

Mark Every is down in the box. No penalty awarded.

Ryan Norval makes the save. The score remains Olympic 0 Rangers 0.

Ben Zucco gets a pass away despite being boxed in by Rangers.

The Olympic coach contemplates the half so far. Olympic 0 Rangers 0.

Rangers defence holds against an attacking Olympic. Halftime Olympic 0 Rangers 0 .

Daniel Kelly is incensed by a decision going against him.

Van Elia kicks off the 2nd Half for Olympic.

Striker Josh McDonald is closely shadowed by Daniel Kelly.

The Norval strike flashes just outside the upright.

Norval drives the ball across the keeper.

Iacovelli puts it away. Olympic 0 Rangers 1 after 57′.

Olympic lift. McDonald strikes from the right.

Olympic near-post corner is well defended by Rangers.

Hikaru heads home the Olympic equalizer in 72′.

John Martinovski goal puts Olympic in the lead with 3 minutes plus added to go.

Van Elia puts away the third Olympic goal in 90′.

Wollongong Olympic 3 Corrimal Rangers 1.

Round 9: Hot pursuit

The Woonona Sharks are at home to Wollongong United. The Sharks will be hoping to consolidate their position in the top five while United are in hot pursuit of the runaway Olympic. The weather is fine, another glorious day ideal for football and spectator alike.

United backs use their height to nod the ball forward.

Sharks launch an attack through Richard Lee.

There is no way over for the Sharks. United dominate in the air.

Lee fires through the United defence and narrowly misses.

It was a comprehensive United win. Woonona Sharks 0 Wollongong United 4.

ROUND 8: who can catch olympic?

Wollongong Olympic are off and running in top gear putting points between themselves and the chasing pack. The White Eagles must gain points in the Olympic and Albion Park White Eagles clash if they are to remain in contention for the Premiership. Olympic are at home to the White Eagles on a sunny cool late autumn day. This should be another entertaining encounter.

Ceccoli has been recently installed as coach of the White Eagles.

Olympic dangerman Van Elia is the focus of the early Olympic onslaught into White Eagles territory.

A penalty for Olympic is award and converted by Van Elia.

Josh Mcdonald spearhead the right flank attack.

Joey Lavelle is closely marked by Luke Debrot.

Hikaru Kawasakiya uses the right flank to link with Van Elia.

Hikaru releases the ball to Lavelle under pressure.

Olympic Justin Pasfield makes a great save as the ball is fired across the keeper.

White Eagles dominate second half possession and attack.

Brendan Fordham begins the attack from deep inside the White Eagles defensive third.

Handball is the decision. Direct goes to Olympic.

Red card is issued. Whites Eagles are down to ten.

An edge of box penalty is awarded to White Eagles.

It ends 1-1. Olympic maintain the gap at the top.

ROUND 8: IMPORTANT top and bottoms games

Cringila Lions play Port Kembla FC at night. Both are near the bottom. The Lions in particular are wanting to put a distance between themselves and South Coast United. One win by United would change the whole complexion of the relegation zone. It is a cool evening with an even cooler wind from the southwest.

Keegan Matias is unable to meet the cross as Port attack early.

Port and Lions in a high paced competitive battle for possession.

Jordan Nikolovski scores for Port in the 17′.

Nikolovski celebrates goal. Lions 0 Port 1 17′.

It is locked 0-1 deep into the first half.

Nikolovski from the spot. Lions 1 Port 2.

Keegan Matias skims the ball across the keeper.

Port take all three points. Cringila Lions 1 Port Kembla FC 3.

round 7 table Stretches

Port Kembla at home play Bulli FC 1901. Both teams will be disappointed by their recent results. Port are in the bottom half of the table with only one win while Bulli 1901 have faulted in recent games. They are 6th on the table and could drop away from the leading pack if they do not pick up points in this match. The pitch is heavy but in good condition on a very warm and humid autumn afternoon.

Jordan Nikolovski is in with an early goal for Port. Port 1- Bulli 1901 0 in 8′.

Elisseo Chiodi passes two Bulli 1901 defenders.

Ben McDonald is tightly marked by Peter Richardson.

Beattie run creates space for Mitch Del Turco to receive the ball on the edge of the penalty area.

Port and Bulli 1901 battle for midfield supremacy.

Nikolovski shoots the ball into the goal area.

Ben McGinnes intercepts and holds the Nikolovski near post shot.

Will Mobbs starts another Port attack, this time down the left flank.

Chiodi is brought down in the box. No penalty!

Another penalty shout! This time Nikolovski is brought down in the box.

This time the referee blows for the penalty.

McGinnes is beaten. Port 2 Bulli 1901 0 (41′).

Nikolovski penalty puts Port into the lead 2-0.

Van Zyl side foot volleys across Darnell.

Goal! Bulli 1901 pull one back (2-1) in 55′.

Darnell intercepts the cross aimed at McDonald.

Del Turco shoots from just outside the six.

The ball is cleared off the line after Darnell is beaten.

David Polidoro wins the ball in midfield.

Guy Knight converts from the spot. 2-2 in the 88′.

Knight is eager to get the game restarted.

A thoroughly entertaining game ends 2-2.

Round 6: who’s in line for the drop?

Early though the season is, there will be a titanic struggle at the bottom to avoid the revelation of potential relegation. Every point counts and this is a ‘six- pointer’ encounter. Both Corrimal Rangers and Cringila Lions have struggled so far this round. Rangers are at home and will want all three points that are on offer. The weather is sunny with a cooling breeze on a perfect day.

Valentino Merxhushi races down the right flank as Lions build an attack against Rangers.

A narrow escape as the ball flashes past the Rangers upright (0-0).

Rick Goodchild puts Rangers in front 1-0 after 21′.

Stephen Grbevski with a long-range missile sees Lions draw level after 28′.

There is an immediate Rangers reply. Goodchild makes it 2-1 in 29′

Kohie is brough down just outside the box.

Paul Guido widens the lead. Rangers 3 Lions 1.

Rangers continue to attack as they go for jugular.

It ends Rangers 4 Lions 1. An excellent display of attacking intent by Rangers pushes them up the table and away from the abyss.

ROUND 6: midtable tussLE

Tarrawanna Blueys v Coniston FC aka Cono

The Tarrawanna Blueys are at home to Coniston FC aka Cono. Both teams need a win to stay in the race for the Premiership even this early in the season. The Blueys form has improved in recent weeks and they’ll be hoping to consolidate their position as Cono are only one place below them. Cono lost to White Eagles last week in a tough encounter. So, this match is important in the scheme of things for both clubs. Another nice day, cool with intermittent cloud and sunshine, on one the prettiest grounds in the country.

Blueys with an early launch down the left flank.

Blueys defence holds under pressure from the cross.

Jake Morlando dribbles through the line.

Blueys disagree with the referees decision to award the foul.

Joel Starr narrowly misses with his shot across the keeper. (0-0)

Adam Rodriguez tips the ball over the bar. Halftime: Blueys 0 Cono 0.

Tomohito Fujieda smashes the ball into the net.

It ends 0-1 after some excellent Harrison keeping. Tarrawanna Blueys 0 Coniston FC 1

Round 5 the table takes shape

Woonona Sharks play Corrimal Rangers in a local derby that has been played for at least 125 years, on the eve of ANZAC Day. Sharks won their deferred Round 1 game and are looking to be competitive for the title chase. Rangers in comparison have struggled and need the points to boost morale and create a distance between themselves and the pack looking at the big drop. It is another beautiful sunny day with a hint of a cool south-easterly breeze.

Richard Lee is in the starting line-up for the Sharks.

Rick Goodchild is brought down early on.

Rangers tightly mark Corey Haines-Grose.

Paul Guido dribbles in midfield as Rangers set up an attack.

Rangers put pressure on wing-back Tomohira Ishii.

The ball flashes across the Sharks goal area.

Lee latches onto the ball in the Rangers penalty area.

Lee turns and Dean Pender puts in a timely tackle to prevent the shot on goal.

Rangers pressure the Sharks attacking build up.

Daniel Carreno makes it 0-1 (11′). Sharks 0 Rangers 1.

Nathan Belsito brings down Grose in the box. Penalty.

Lee puts the ball wide. The score remains 0-1.

David Booth is beaten by the pace and serve of the ball.

Robbie Gaudiosi swivels and puts the ball through to Grose.

Sharks score through substitute Jordon Lozenkovski.

An exciting game of two contrasting halves ends 3-2 with a brave save by Booth.

round 4 down to business

Albion Park White Eagles play Coniston FC who are off to a flying start. White Eagles boasts an impressive team who are likely contenders for the Championship. To prove this, they will need to beat Coniston and move up to striking position just off top place. A tough and technically proficient White Eagles take on a young and speedy Coniston FC in Albion Park on another glorious day with the escarpment as backdrop to what promises to be a meaty clash.

Coniston FC enter the field undefeated ready for a stern test.

James Mack uses pace and guile down the right flank.

Kaydin Harrison with a just in time intercept.

Takayuki Kayano defends the Mack attack.

Lukas Stergiou uses his head to begin the counter.

Pedrag Bojic and Brendham Fordham a formidable defensive duo.

Cameron Morgan weaves his way through the lines.

After plenty of end-to-end action, White Eagles go in one up.

Matthew Tschentscher is taken out by Blake Horton.

Penalty is awarded by referee Greg Reid.

Morgan is closely watched by Coniston FC.

Tschentscher with a narrow miss under pressure.

It ends 2-1. An exciting game with loads of action at both ends.

Sharks v SC United

The Woonona Sharks face South Coast United in what could be a ding-dong relegation six pointer. The Sharks played a Jekyll and Hyde game against Port letting a victory slip through their fingers. Last round they were hammered by Coniston. This game will determine whether the Premiers are relegation material the very next season or are about to consolidate their season. South Coast United have zero points and will need to start picking up points if they are to survive this season or face the big drop.

South Coast United open brightly with an early counterattack down the right wing.

Robbie Gaudiosi holds shape as the Sharks consolidate possession.

Cameron Besgrove makes a timely intervention.

Jeremy Lopez looks to distribute the ball out of defence.

Gaudosi latches onto the ball in the penalty area and shoots.

Valic intercepts the near post ball driven in by Taro Regan Williams.

Tomohiro Ishii narrowly misses the rebound.

May Ashton shoots from just inside the box.

Ashton drives through the ball with power.

The ball flies into the right-hand corner.

Ashton makes it Sharks 3 United 0 in the 45′.

Kieren Brodnick slots it home in 50′, 3-1.

Grose hat-trick in 58′, Sharks 4 United1.

Williams heads in the perfectly flight Lee cross. 5-1 after 65′.

Lucas Loncur celebrates as Jamie Wakeling pulls one back. 5-2, 80′.

ROUND 3 THE battle for dominancE

Bulli FC 1901 are at home and will play Wollongong United. Joyous and painful memories linger. United will remember that Grand Final loss to Bulli as will Bulli remember their last gasp winner. Both teams are vying for the coveted Championship spot. The day is beautiful, warm and sunny with a slight hint of a cool southerly wind. This should be a great battle between two of the top IPL teams. FC 1901 lost to Olympic and to lose here will impact on their belief as Championship material.

Bulli FC 1901 control the early possession.

Versi chips a dangerous cross into the BFC 1901 goal area.

Luke Foster creating space and looking to receive the ball from defence.

Mitsuo Yamada drives the ball across the goal area.

Ben McGinnes watches the ball flash across his goal.

Sam Davies dribbles at speed on the break down the right flank.

Midfield is tightly and vigorously contested.

James Stojanovski puts the ball wide under pressure Nicholas Littler.

United coaching staff question a refereeing decision.

McGinnes punches clear under challenge from Dinko Terzic.

Nastic makes an important save across his body as halftime approaches.

Referee overrules AR and rules McDonald offside.

Joel Beattie is brought down in the box.

McDonald goes low and hard into the left-hand corner.

McDonald gets his goal BFC1900 1 (59′) United 0

Sam Thomas heads the loose ball towards the goal.

The ball is hooked off the line back into play.

Appeals by United that the ball crossed the line.

Goal is awarded. Sam Thomas equalizes for United in 83′.

An exciting game ends Bulli FC 1 Wollongong United

Overall, the teams were evenly matched with chances for both sides. One could argue the referee missed a clear foul committed on the keeper which gave United the points and cost BFC 1901 the home win. Both now must go on to beat off the other challengers. Both are early favourites, but they will need to contain a rampant Olympic who are off to the perfect start.

ROUND 3 THE RELEGATION BATTLES BEGIN

The Blueys face off against Cringila Lions. The Blueys prop up the table on zero points. They were hammered 5-1 by Wollongong United in the postponed Round One. They clearly struggled against the 2020 Grand Final winners. In Round Two Bulli did not get out of second gear and dominated the game with the Blueys unable to gain any significant period of possession. They have played two of the favourites to take out the title this year but another loss, three in a row would knock the confidence out of the team. This game will see if they are to face a long season fighting for survival or become a mid-table team. Tonight, the Blueys face the Cringila Lions away in what may be an early relegation battle. The Lions are in a similar position with zero points. They will want to win at home and put distance between themselves and the Blueys in what could be for both clubs a difficult season.

A new lush surface has been laid. It is a little heavy on the western side.

Blueys strike early. Cody Jones finds space and time on the ball in the penalty area and shoots.

Nikola Ristevski is beaten with the shot across the keeper (0-1, 4′).

An important early goal for the Blueys eases the pressure.

Nick High cuts the ball back across the penalty area.

The Lions attack looking for the equalizer. Blueys put up a determined resistance.

Nick High breaks through the Blueys defensive line.

The shot across Adam Rodriguez flashes past the right upright.

Mitch Young keeps tabs on Stefano Mitrovski.

Lions attack cannot find a way through. Blueys go on the counterattack as half time draws near.

The referee awards a penalty which is put away by Dan Chapman.

Second half and the tight Bluey defence holds off the Lions who need a goal to get back into the game.

Blueys control possession and cause defensive difficulties for the Lions.

Joel Starr drives the third into the net. Nicolas Tomasiello is ready for any scraps.

Joel Starr makes it Lions 0 Blueys 3 88′

Round 2

Woonona Sharks v POrt Kembla FC

This will be the first IPL game for the Sharks. As Premiers they will have a target on their backs as teams attempt to knock them off the pedestal. Port by contrast had an unremarkable last season and will be looking to build on their Round 1 win over South Coast United (who are early favourites to be relegated). The weather is glorious in the high 20s with a strong north-easterly breeze. The surface of Shark Oval looks good.