Illawarra Premier League Season 2022

Fixtures and Results

ROUND 18

Port Kembla FC play Coniston FC. Both teams have recent wins and Finals Series aspirations. Ideal conditions for football.

Early Cono attack. Toby Norval directs the header under pressure.

Jordan Nicolovski deflects the ball off the line.

Norval is tightly marked by the Port defence.

Van Elia flicks the ball, no penalty is awarded.

Van Elia weaves into the box and passes.

Takayuki Kayano strikes the ball from the Elia assist.

Kayano uses his strength to guide the ball to safety.

Harrison Anagnostopoulos distributes from midfield.

Anagnostopoulos distributes under pressure from Elia.

Cono defence scramble to close Nikolovski down.

Peter Prandalos drives into the box as Port look to take all three points.

Prandalos is down in the box. No penalty is awarded.

Full Time: Port Kembla FC 1 Coniston FC 1.

It was a close game with contested referee calls.

Tarrawanna Blueys v Wollongong Olympic

Tarrawanna Blueys are at home and play Wollongong Olympic who have faltered in the odd game this season. Olympic must win if they are to be a serious premiership contender. The Blueys sit on top of the table and want to keep the daylight between themselves and Olympic. The onus is on Olympic to win if they are to make up ground. They are likely to opt for an open offensive structure.

Olympic are on the attack from the whistle. Rodriguez saves.

Tory Musumeci is inside the box with a leaping header for Olympic.

The ball evades Nicolas Tomasiello and Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is unable to keep the header out which is deflected into the top of the net.

The Blueys put pressure on Olympic defender Chris Price.

Jacob Gjorsevski attacks down the right flank.

Gjorsevski crosses into the Olympic box.

Zac Mazevski passes the ball to Ofuka in space.

Halftime approaches a little acrimoniously.

Olympic have plenty to ponder for the second half reset.

Kyle Kirkland turns to round Musumevski.

Olympic get their win. The Premiership race opens up.

ROUND 17

The Tarrawanna Blueys are at home to Albion Park White Eagles. The Blueys are on top of the table though they have played more games than some of the chasers. One of those chasers is the White Eagles, a team struggling to find form. This makes for an important clash between the teams. Nice conditions for football, cool, sunny and a light easterly wind.

The Blueys face into the sun with a light cool wind behind them for kick-off.

White Eagles are in need of a win to keep pace with the Blueys.

Dean Saverino flicks the ball on, launching a White Eagles attack.

Blueys defence scrambles to contain White Eagles quick inter-passing.

White Eagles keep a close eye on Jacob Mazevski.

Mazevski is given little room by the White Eagles.

The ball strikes the arm inside the box.

Gjorsevski belts it into the top right hand corner, giving Mohamed Krishban no chance.

Direct routine for the Ethan Kambisios strike on goal.

Brilliant save by Rodriguez off the direct.

White Eagles coach Alvin Ceccoli walks out for the 2nd Half.

Ofuka buries it. Blueys 2 White Eagles 0 (52′).

Ofuka speed pressures the White Eagles defence.

Ofuka uses his strength to win the ball in a dangerous area.

Blueys pressurize White Eagles all over the park.

A direct rocket by Gjorsevski makes it 3-0.

Mazevski drives the deflected save into the net.

Tarrawanna Blueys win another game to stay top of the table. White Eagles fall behind chasing pack.

The Sunday game features Corrimal Rangers v Port Kembla FC. Port need another win to stay be in the mix for a position in the top five and the Final series.

Players take to the field for Corrimal Rangers v Port Kembla FC.

Daniel Carella holds off the pressing from Masamune Kobayashi.

Mauro Leon puts in a strong challenge on Jordan Nikolovski. Red card (62′).

Oli Carrasco receives the ball in the box.

Turns and holds the ball as Rangers defenders swarm.

Carrasco uses the outside of the foot to shoot.

Carrasco beats Tomizawa at the near post.

Rocky Lavalle slots the ball to Carrasco.

Carrasco drives the ball across the keeper to make it 2-0.

Full Time: Port Kembla FC 2 Corrimal Rangers FC 0

Port move into the Top 5.

ROUND 16

The Sunday match is between Port Kembla FC and Cringila Lions an important match to see who stays in the race for the finals series. A bit breezy and cool but otherwise nice conditions for the players.

Port Kembla FC v Cringila Lions enter the field.

Bryce Daenell punches the ball clear under pressure from Jonah Kalmanidis.

Ristevski is across quickly to make the save.

Carella pounces on the loose ball in the box.

James Ralston makes a desperate last-ditch lunge at the ball.

A rugged game ends Port Kembla 1 Cringila Lions 0.

It was a close and at times physical game between two closely matched teams.

ROUND 16

Woonona Sharks v Wollongong Olympic

Woonona Sharks are at home to Wollongong Olympic. A very brisk gale force south-westerly sweeps across the park in this important match for both teams. Olympic need a win to stay in Premiership contention while the Sharks need points to keep their head above the relegation zone. The pitch is in good condition.

Richard Lees drive the ball across the keeper.

The ball evades French with an early chance to take the lead.

A paraglider is swept out to sea off Woonona Beach. The police rescue helicopter flies over the ground.

French wins the battle for the high ball in the gale force wind.

Max Ashton has the ball in the penalty box.

Ashton shoots under pressure from the covering Brendon Low defence.

Justin Passfield makes a lightning reflex save.

Joe Lavelle is put under pressure in midfield.

Robbie Gaudiosi pumps the ball forward into the wind.

Sharks go into the sheds 0-0 despite having the better chances.

The gale force winds pick up making the Olympic style of controlled midfield play very difficult.

Luke Paull heads the swirling ball clear.

Brandon Groom watches the ball as it swills and dips last second in the gale force wind.

Groom sweeps the ball to safety. The score remains 0-0.

Robbie Gaudiosi makes a last ditch effort to block the Sandy Lowcock shot.

The game ends Woonona Sharks 0- Wollongong Olympic 0.

A pointed which was needed by the Sharks who managed to contain Olympic in the second half in the very breezy, gale force winds that swept the pitch.

Round 15

Coniston FC are at home to Tarrawanna Blueys. Cono have a quality squad who will be up against a Blueys team with an in-form, solid and experience defensive line-up. The ground is heavy on a dry cool day with a slight SWS wind.

Cono with an early attack down the left flank.

Darren Stone and Nic Tomasiello battle for the ball

Adam Rodriguez with a strong hand pushes the ball over the bar.

Van Elia under pressure on the edge of the Blueys box.

Jacob Gjorsevski pressures Ekove D’almeida.

Gjorsevski avoids the tackle as the Blueys attempt to break through the Cono defence.

Rodriguez saves cleanly under pressure from an on-rushing Jake Morlando.

Harrison saves pushing the ball onto the crossbar.

Halftime: Coniston FC 0 Tarrawanna Blueys 1

D’almeida slides in the box blocking ball.

Blueys win air battle turning defence into offence.

Blueys celebrate. Jason Zufic calls for offside.

Rodriguez tips the deflection past the post.

No penalty. The game ends Coniston FC 0 Tarrawanna Blueys 1.

A tight game, not without its controversy keeps the Blueys on top of the ladder.

ROUND 14

Another week of washouts. Fortunately, there is a game on. Bulli 1901 play Coniston who are off a win against Wollongong United in what has been reported as a physical game of attrition. Coniston will be eager to show their premiership credentials against Bulli 1901 who are looking strong this season.

A pleasant night with a mist wafting across the field.

Kick off between Bulli 1910 v Coniston FC Round 14, Illawarra Premier League.

An early Bulli 1901 tackle on Matthew Floro.

Early Bulli 1901 pressure sees Coniston scramble.

Bulli 1901 defend the Coniston FC longball down the right flank.

Ben McDonald is the goto for the Bulli 1901 break from defence.

McDonald pivots to launch a counterattack.

McDonald launches the counterattack down the left flank.

McDonald is fouled just outside the box.

The Bulli 1901 strike flashes past the upright.

Van Elia posing problems for the Bulli 1901 defence.

Part of the crowd enjoying the football on a cool misty night.

BFC 1910 discuss tactics entering the field to start the 2nd Half.

Van Elia shoots from just inside the penalty area.

Cono hold firm under relentless Bulli 1910 pressure.

Part of the crowd enjoying the on-field battle.

McDonald hits a longball into the penalty area.

Kaydin Harrison stops the cut back from the by-line.

Lewis Grimshaw is unable to get to the ball.

Tyson Black contacts Julian Clarino from behind inside the penalty area.

Referee Caleb Bianca awards the penalty.

A dispute breaks out as teams set-up for the penalty kick.

McDonald readies himself for the penalty after the lengthy delay due to the melee.

McDonald drives the ball into the top lefthand corner giving Harrison no chance.

Bulli FC 1910 are level with 7 minutes to go.

Bulli 1901 stop the Van Elia instant sucker punch reply from kick-off.

McDonald brace makes it 2-1 with 3 minutes left.

Emerton with a vital last-ditch intercept.

The game ends Bulli FC 1910 2 Coniston FC 1.

Referee blows the final whistle. Bulli FC 1901 defeat Coniston FC.

This was a game which shows that Bulli FC 1901 have a winning edge late into the game.

ROUND 13

After the Round 12 washout finally, there are some games despite another wet weekend. The ground at Port is slow and heavy but playable. Port are looking to build on their recent win and play a solid Blueys team who when they’ve been able to play in the stop-start season have played solid fluent football.

Takumi Ofuka drives the ball back across the keeper.

The Ofuka pass catches the Port defence off guard.

Jacob Gjorsevski drives the Ofuka cross into the top left-hand corner of the net.

Gjorsevski makes it Port 0 Blueys 1 (2′).

The Ofuka pin-point pass is finished off by Gjorsevski in an early blitz of the Port goal.

Port offence can only look on as the Blueys apply pressure to the Port defence.

Daniel Chicharo slides in on Gjorsevski winning the ball.

Adam Rodriguez makes a lightning reflex save from a deflected shot off Mitch Young.

Daenell gathers the ball in under pressure.

Halftime: 0-2. Port have plenty to consider.

James Anagnostopoulos wins the ball in midfield.

Blueys use the longball to counter the Port pressure.

Mitch Young heads the ball clear. Port go full throttle for the equalizer.

Nikolovski goes down in the penalty area.

Nikolovski quizzically looks to the referee. No penalty!

Despite dominating the territory in the second half, the Blueys defence held tight and Ofuka sealed the win on the break.

Port Kembla 1 Tarrawanna Blueys 3

Fixtures and Results

ROUND 11

With a westerly blowing and sunny skies Woonona Sharks take on Port Kembla FC. Both teams have finals aspirations. A loss for the Sharks would mean they near the bottom of the ladder having played the most games in the disrupted season so far.

Mitch Di Pietro and Brendan Pattman challenge for the ball.

Shin Takahashi distributes the ball under pressure.

Jordan Nikolovski is through the Sharks defence.

Port James Anagnostopoulos and Sharks Robbie Gaudiosi.

Luke Paull slides in to put the ball to safety.

Prandalas can only watch as the Sharks shoot across Bryce Daenell.

The cross flies behind Daniel Chicharo. Haltime: Sharks 0 Port 1.

Jordan Nikolovski fires a long range shot oassed Brendon Groom.

Nikolovski hattrick. Sharks 0 Port 3 (56′).

Jesse French is down in the box. No penalty is awarded.

The header crosses the line. Sharks 1 Port 3(76′)

Gaudiosi is first to the ball and shoots.

After looking like the score was about to blow out the Sharks fought back to make the score respectable. Sharks the reigning premiers are now in relegation zone. Port push further up the table.

The round begins with some games on, others off. The much-improved Cringila Lions play Albion Park White Eagles. It is early in the season for both teams. The Lions have played two games and White Eagles only one. Both want to good start to the season on a crispy night.

The game starts fast and furious. Michael Mendes is prevented from reaching the loose ball.

James Carli and Kotaro Katsuta are head-to-head attempting to win the ball.

Julian Minutillo head-flicks from the cross into the Lions penalty area.

Lions put their foot on the pedal. Michael Mendes launches the attack.

Lions stop the Kotaro Katsuta shot on the volley.

Jonah Kalmanidis closes down Cameron Morgan.

Ben Zucco on the ball. Halftime Lions 0 White Eagles 1.

The Cooper shot flashes passed the upright.

Krishban deflects the ball to Anthony Krsteski who puts it away.

Andre Dias and Zucco discuss the direct.

Brendan Fordham at the heart of the White Eagles defensive line.

Morgan is shielded from the ball by Kalmanidis.

The James Carli hip contact with Morgan sets him airborne.

Players look at the referee. He decides no penalty.

The game ends: Cringila Lions 1- Albion Park White Eagles 1

It was fast and furious, a game with plenty of end-to-end. A draw was probably a fair result.

ROUND 10

Another wet week so some games were moved to Ian McLennan Park which has an artificial surface. Tarrawanna Blueys take on Corrimal Rangers. Both teams are in rebuild mode. The Blueys will want to keep the pressure on Wollongong Olympic for the Premiership race.

Blueys Adam Rodriguez is immediately called into action.

Cody Wehmeyer puts in a tackle. Rangers put the pressure on the Blueys.

Mat Naylor clears the ball under pressure.

Rodriguez punches clear off the Rangers corner.

Takumi Ofuka Blueys Attacking Midfielder

Takumi Tomizawa is beaten by a laser-guided Kyle Kirkland rocket.

Masamune Leon shields the ball under Blueys pressure.

Rangers goalkeeper Tomizawa punches the ball clear.

Tom Cusack times the slide, winning the ball off Jacob Gjorsevski.

Nick Morgan dominance in the air halts Rangers progress.

Gjorsevski is closed down and given no room.

Tomizawa sets the Rangers wall. A direct is awarded to the Blueys.

Rangers one down. Coaches ponder tactics.

Wehmeyer drives the crossed ball into the goal. Rodriguez is given no chance.

Jai Mellor puts Rangers in front, 1-2(54′).

Harry Lloyd is brought on. He outpaces the Rangers defence and shoots from the edge of the penalty area.

The introduction of Lloyd has immediate effect.

Blueys take the lead. Blueys 3 Rangers 2 (68′).

Lloyd in space shoots from just outside the box.

Blueys extend their lead. Blueys 4 Rangers 2 (78′)

Dan Chapman is on to add legs to the defence.

Zane Wilson scores to make it 4-3 (92′).

Full Time: Tarrawanna Blueys 4 Corrimal Rangers 3

ROUND 9

Woonona Sharks take on the Tarrawanna Blueys in a very local rivalry. The Sharks spent a lot of money and time preparing their home ground (no thanks to the government) to make it ready for play during this La Nina with the ongoing saturation of the soils. This is only game of the round due to the soggy fields.

The Sharks emerge ready to take on the Blueys

The Sharks are the current Premiers will take on the Blueys who were thumped by Rockdale albeit fielding a depleted squad and giving their fringe players a game. How this will effect the squad’s morale will be tested today.

Shin Takahashi immediately launches a Shark attack down the left flank.

Darren Stone deflects the Robbie Gaudiosi shot

The ball deflects to safety. Blueys survive the early Sharks onslaught.

Adam Rodriguez saves off a header from a corner.

The scrambling Blueys have a second escape early on in the match.

A rapid Blueys counterattack. Brandon Groom makes the save off Kyle Kirkland.

Nicolas Tomsiello directs traffic in the Sharks Third.

The rebound off the keeper is driven back

Sharks 0 Blueys 2 (12′) Jacob Gjorsevski scores the second in quick succession.

Sharks are immediately on the attack to find a way to peg back the Blueys.

Mitch Young at the centre of a formidable Blueys defence

Sharks struggle to breach the Blueys defence

Stone flank runs down cause Sharks problems

Wade Wilton slide stops Stone. Blueys on the offensive.

Sharks struggle to counteract the Bluey surges

Halftime: Can the Sharks recover after going down 0-3 at home to the Blueys?

Groom saves. Blueys look for more goals.

Sharks are unable to make headway against the Blueys.

Lots to ponder for the Sharks technical bench.

The Doctor Jekyll-Mr Hyde performances the Sharks will need to improve their consistency, or they will be looking over their shoulders at last place. There are no easy games. The Blueys impressive defence shows they are in with a big chance for the Finals Series. With all players fit they can give the top sides a run for their money this season.

Round 8

CriNgila Lions v Tarrawanna Blueys

Beautiful autumn weather greets players and fans alike for the Lions v Blueys clash. The ground is a little heavy but playable.

Mitsuiv Sakashita kicks off for the Lions

Keegan Matias sets up a Lions attack from left midfield.

Blueys counter. Darren Stone crosses into the penalty area.

James Ralston and Ben Zucco close down the space

Well defended and no way through for the Blueys

Jonah Kalmanidis defends the Blueys ball over the top

Lions defend the Blueys right flank attack

Nikola Ristevski saves the Zac Mazevski strike at the near post.

Adam Rodriguez makes an excellent save from a header off the corner.

Rodriguez brings the ball under control.

Lions apply the pressure as they lift with halftime looming

Diaz scores. Rodriguez is given no chance due to the pace of the ball.

Kalmanidis with a perfectly timed slide tackle. Nicolas Tomasiello jumps to avoid any contact.

Zullo uses his strength to hold off Mat Naylor.

No way through for Naylor as Blueys apply the pressure looking for an equalizer.

James Ralston heads the ball into the corner of the crossbar.

The ball spins off the edge of the crossbar and out.

The Blueys lift the intensity as they go after the equalizer.

Part of the crowd wondering whether the Lions can control the play to the end under the increasing Blueys pressure.

The Blueys technical area are wondering where the goal will come from.

Blueys bring on Tokumi Ofuka. His fresh legs and pace cause Lions defensive problems.

Ristevski makes a crucial save winning the ball off Ofuka.

Jacob Gjorsevski breaks the offside trap with a perfectly timed curved run.

Gjorsevski turns to go around the keeper.

The right leg of Ristevski collides with Gjorsevski.

Penalty awarded! Gjorsevski steps up to take the kick in added time.

Full time: Cringila Lions 1 Tarrawanna Blueys 1

Once Lions got ahead they controlled the game well. The Blueys lifted the intensity in a never-say-die which was rewarded with a last minute penalty.

Port Kembla FC v Wollongong Olympic

The Great Deluge continued last week washing out the entire round. Flooded roads and gushing torrents ensured even the South Coast ground was unplayable. One ground that is ready for action this week is Port Kembla v Wollongong Olympic. Good Friday brings good weather with it. Olympic will be smarting from their loss to Bulli 1901 and will be out to redeem their title as favourites for the Premiership. Port with a relatively young squad will seek to build on their solid start to the season.