Illawarra Premier League Season 2023

FIXTURES AND RESULTS

THE FINALS SERIES

GRAND FINAL

The GF is between Cringila Lions v Coniston FC on a warm spring afternoon with a light northerly wind blowing down the ground.

Cono fans welcome their team on the field.

Cringila Lions launch an early aerial attack.

Takayuki Kayano shadows Peter Simonoski.

Michael Mendes attacks Coniston down the left wing.

Mendes fires the ball into the goal zone.

Kaydin Harrison deflects the ball from the goal.

Anthony Krsteski fires the rebound goalward.

Krsteski fires the rebounded rebound back at goal again.

Harrison’s triple-save keeps the score at 0-0.

Tobias Norval goes down just outside the box.

The Cringila wall does its job. The score remains 0-0.

Michael Mendes crosses from the left flank.

Harrison under pressure plucks the ball out of the air.

Harrison holds the ball tightly to make the save. 0-0.

Nikola Ristevski punches the ball over the bar.

Lukas Stergiou defends the Lions counter.

Ristevski pushes the shot onto the crossbar.

The header from the rebound narrowly misses. 0-0.

The Lions are unable to break through the Coniston defence.

Harrison Taranto is brought down from behind.

Lions fans rev-up in support of their team.

Lions are almost caught on the break as they surge forward for an equalizer.

Full Time : Cringila Lions 0 Coniston FC 1

ELIMINATION FINAL

The Elimination Final is between Albion Park White Eagles and Coniston FC. The winner will play Cringila Lions in the Grand Final next week.

Kaydin Harrison thwarts White Eagles early attack on goal.

Christopher Nathaniel breaks up the Coniston FC attack.

Jason Zufic launches the Cono counter-attack.

The cut-back as Coniston FC mount pressure on the White Eagles defensive line.

End-to-end action. Wille dribbles inside .

Kaydin Harrison safe hands commands the Cono six-yard zone.

Matthew Floro is through and slots the ball into the net.

Coniston FC defend against the aerial threat.

Brendan Fordham with a defensive header.

Halftime: Albion Park White Eagles 0 Coniston FC 0.

Hayden Durose saves under pressure from Takayuki Kayano.

No compromise challenges for possession.

Cassidy Tanddo makes a last-ditch block.

Taiga Kitajima is brought on to sharpen the White Eagles attack.

Harrison with a brave save preventing Wille scoring on the quick counter.

Brendan Griffin shoots from the edge of the penalty box.

Daniel Loe drives the ball across the keeper.

Cono fans celebrate the late breakthrough.

Full Time: Albion Park White Eagles 0 Coniston FC 1.

Coniston FC will meet Cringila Lions in the Grand Final nest week.

MAJOR SEMIFINAL

Albion Park White Eagles play Cringila Lions in the Major Semifinal. The winner goes into the Grand Final while the loser will play Coniston FC next weekend.

Morgan latches onto a cross and belts the ball into the net.

Goal! White Eagles take the lead after just 4′.

Liam Wille breaks down the inside right.

Wille crosses to Morgan who shoots with a first time drive.

The Lions attack down the right looking to peg back the lead.

White Eagles header stops Anthony Krsteski reaching the ball.

Stefan Dimoski surges down the right flank.

Krsteski battles with Renji Shimizu in the White Eagles box.

Krsteski is down in the box. No penalty.

White Eagles go tight on Ekoue D’almeida.

Wille with another attempt. White Eagles pepper the Lions goal.

The referee checks that Peter Simonoski has put the ball correctly on the spot.

Simonoski sinks the penalty with aplomb.

White Eagles defend the break with three at the back.

Full time: Albion Park White Eagles 2 Cringila Lions 3.

Cringila Lions secure their Grand Final place. Albion Park White Eagles will face off with Coniston FC in the Elimination Final next week.

Elimination Semifinal

Wollongong Olympic take on Coniston FC in the Elimination Semifinal. The winner plays the loser between White Eagles and Cringila Lions tomorrow afternoon.

Teams enter the field for the do-or-die clash.

Nick Littler intercepts the ball down the right wing.

Kaydin Harrison smothers Rick Goodchild’s shot.

Jake Morlando and Yuto Sugiura in battle.

Goodchild turns and sends the ball to Sugiura.

Kaydin Harrison pluck the cross out of the air under pressure form Christopher Price.

Tobias Norval is in-and-out around the box as Olympic sit-in deep under Cono pressure.

Jason Zufic and Sugiura in a struggle for the ball.

Cono celebrate Samuel Matthews’ goal. 1-1 in the 38′.

The raven looks over the Halftime break: Olympic 1 Cono 1.

Zufic on a Cono attack early into the Second Half.

Cono defence holds under Olympic pressure.

Harrison saves another attempt on goal by Olympic.

Cono celebrates the Norval goal in the 75′.

Coniston move into the Elimination Final next weekend.

The Elimination Round is between Coniston FC and Bulli FC 1901 in this sudden death round.

Underway. Coniston defence wins the ball outside their area.

Kyle Jackson sets up a Bulli 1901 attack.

Coniston use their pace on the counter down the right.

Jake Morlando in battle with Lachlan Bryce.

Tobias Norval breaks through down the left.

Yuki Hashimoto attacks Cono down the right.

Kayano fires one into the Bulli penalty zone.

Cassidy Tanddo belts the ball in from the right wing.

Bulli 1901 start the second half with an all out attack.

Jarvis Paterson blasts the ball into the net.

Christopher Arditti in a one-on-one with Braeden Kludass.

Full time: Coniston FC 3 Bulli FC 1901 1.

Cono progress. Bulli 1901 are eliminated.

ROUND 22

The final round and four teams are vying for a Final Series spot. Cringila Lions FC play Bulli 1901 FC at home having already qualified for the 2 v 3 spot. Bulli 1901 however need a win to guarantee a spot in the Finals Series otherwise they will depend on other results. All games in the last round are played simultaneously to ensure there is no prior advantage.

Players take to the field in a must win for Bulli 1901.

Bulli 1901 are immediately on the attack.

Miguel Clarino sets up an attack into the final third.

Peter Simonoski has his penalty claim turned down.

Simonoski’s shot flashes just outside the upright.

Lewis Grimshaw drives down the inside left.

Grimshaw shot across the keeper is saved by Nikola Ristevski.

Deakin Brownlee belts the rebound back in.

Harrison Taranto drives a rocket into the net from outside the penalty area. Lions draw level 1-1 (32′).

Halftime: Cringila Lions 2 Bulli 1901 1.

Anthony Krsteski flick off the corner makes it 3-1 in the 72′.

Jarvis Paterson closes the scoreline to 3-2 in the 92′.

The game ends Lions 3 Bulli 1901 2. Bulli scape into the Finals Series due to Wollongong United losing to Albions Park White Eagles.

ROUND 21

The penultimate round -the premiership goes to Albion Park White Eagles who continue their winning ways by defeating Coniston FC at home. Bulli 1901 FC win and move back into the Top Five. Wollongong United sit just outside the Top Five and need a win. A loss would see them in 6th spot with only one round left. For Wollongong Olympic a win will put them in 2nd position with the prize of a double nibble at the cherry in the Finals Series.

Wollongong United in a huddle before the start of the game. They need to win to stay in the Top Five.

Jake Charlston prevents the Olympic header back into the six-yard zone.

The Olympic defence allow no room for the Yamada turn.

Harry Callahan drives directly through the centre.

Cristofer Fuentes holds the near-post cross-shot.

David Hartas passes the ball centrally on the counter.

United bring the ball down the right flank.

Tynan Diaz is down in the box. No penalty.

A Joshua Alcorn header puts Olympic in front in the 26′.

Wollongong Olympic 1 Wollongong United 0 (26′)

Olympic continue to control the ball and attack.

Fuentes clears up at the back for Olympic.

Olympic players appeal for the handball.

The United wall does its job. The score remains 1-0.

Diaz makes it Olympic 2 United 1 from the penalty spot in the 64′.

Solid defence ensures that Olympic move into 2nd Place and United into 6th Place.

Full Time: Wollongong Olympic 2 Wollongong United 0.

ROUND 20

Wollongong United need to win the rest of their games if they are to ensure progression to the Finals Series. Bulli 1901 are just three points behind them in Sixth Place. South Coast United who seem eternally tied to second from bottom are out of relegation danger because Bellambi Rosellas who have had a very disappointing season are already relegated.

Underway. Martin Joseski pushes the ball wide in a South Coast build-up.

Danny Lazarevski clears the ball out of defence for United.

United stop the right-wing attack. Foul.

United control the early play in the middle of the park.

Jason Bleakley punches the United cross to safety.

Under South Coast pressure United defence scramble the ball away.

Plenty of well-timed tackles go in by both sides.

It is a high-paced counter-attacking game.

Bleakley saves at the other end for South Coast.

Bleakley punches in the end-to-end game.

Halftime: Wollongong United 0 South Coast United 0.

Yamada celebrates the break-through goal.

Wollongong United 1 South Coast United 0 (74′).

ROUND 19

The Tarrawanna Blueys play Bulli FC 1901 in the Battle of the North. Bulli 1901 are relying on results going their way to make the Finals Series whilst the Blueys are out of contention and well above Bellambi Rosellas who sit in the relegation spot at the foot of the table. The weather is cool with a light southerly breeze.

Matthew Naylor receives a Guard of Honour for recognition of his contributions to the Blueys.

Adam Rodriguez is bravely down to nullify the Bulli 1901 break down the leftwing.

Lewis Grimshaw is down on the edge of the penalty area. A direct is awarded to Bulli 1901.

Blueys counter. The ball drops on and bounces off the crossbar back into play.

The Blueys launch an attack through midfield.

Daniel Chapman clears the ball from the defensive lines to start a Blueys attack.

Kyle Jackson pressures the Blueys defence.

Rodriguez saves the Bulli 1901 shot across the keeper. 0-1.

Bulli 1901 continue the press and tackle.

Logan Mathie is on the ball as the halftime whistle blows.

The ball curls into the top left-hand corner.

Full-time: Tarrawanna Blueys 1 Bulli FC 1901 3.

ROUND 18

Bulli FC 1901 are in crunch moment. They need points to stay in touch with the Top Five. Their opponent Albion Park White Eagles FC are flying high on the table. A win for the White Eagles would almost certainly be the Premiership title bar a catastrophic end in the final rounds of the season.

Bulli 1901 on the attack. The cross is in from the right flank.

Ben McDonald hits the cross from the right over his head.

Cameron Morgan pressures the Bulli 1901 build from defence.

Joey Lavalle holds off the Bulli 1901 attack.

Renji Shimizu header narrowly fails to find its target. 0-0.

Liam Wille puts the pinpoint cross away.

Halftime: Bulli 1901 0 Albion Park White Eagles 1

Deakin Brownlee is on the ball inside the penalty.

Morgan is onto the pass inside the penalty area.

Morgan goes down under Bulli 1901 pressure.

McDonald winning the ball and is looking to get forward.

The White Eagles use the long cross-field pass to set off a right flank attack.

ROUND 17

Wollongong Olympic FC are back off a huge victory away over the White Eagles and will want to restamp their undoubted quality on the competition. Port Kembla FC are in a do- or-die stage. A win would pull them up the table and within striking range of a spot in the Top Five. A loss will effectively put them out of contention if other results go against them. The weather is sunny, cold, and breezy with a westerly blowing down the ground which is forecast to reach gale force during the match.

Olympic win the toss and are playing against an ever-intensifying westerly in the first half.

Tynan Diaz weaves into the penalty area.

Diaz cannonballs a shot across the keeper.

The ball flies into the bottom lefthand corner.

Jordan Kizi shoots. The ball skims past the right upright.

Harry Callahan fires in a shot against a swirling westerly.

Port defend the corner. Score remains 2-0.

Jordan Nikolovski latches onto a long ball downwind.

Jordan Nikolovski slots the ball into the net.

The wind speed increases making precision play very difficult.

The Olympic defence holds solid in the difficult conditions.

Olympic allow no room for Jordan Nikolovski.

Nick Littler uses his strength to reach the ball.

High velocity westerly is ripping through the ground.

Cringila Lions FC are in striking distance of top spot. They have been in hot winning form and a win tonight over Albion Park White Eagles FC and they go top. For the White Eagles, a win will see daylight between themselves and the chasing pack. There is a cold south-westerly wind blowing down the ground.

Underway. Lions are kicking into a stiff south-westerly breeze.

Liam Wille breaks down the right flank and shoots.

Lions applies the pressure seeking an equaliser.

Foul is given on the edge of the White Eagles penalty box.

Lions continue to attack in search of the equalizer.

Peter Simonoski steps up to take the penalty.

It ends 1-2. White Eagles maintain their lead at the top of the ladder.

ROUND 16

Port Kembla FC are at home to Wollongong United the winner will be in the Top Five. Whoever loses are still not out of it but will need to come home with a wet sail in the remaining rounds.

Taiga Nakayama looks infield for a pass to get the Port attack going.

Brendan Mitrovski keeps close tabs on Oliver Carrasco.

Taiga Nakayama tussels with Thomas Darjani in the Port penalty box.

Port attack in a high-paced start to the game.

Seiji Kawakami sets off a United attack.

Mathew Nikolovski saves at the near post.

Mitchell Di Pietro closes down Bailey Babarovski in high-paced first half.

Dion Shaw tips the ball over. Halftime: Port 0 United 1.

Mathew Nikolovski saves with a safe pair of hands.

Danny Lazarevski wins the ball with a slide tackle.

Port keep attacking as they look for a breakthrough.

Port continue to probe for an opening through a watertight United defence.

Oliver Carrasco is through the channel and into the United penalty area.

No penalty is awarded as Oliver Carrasco goes down in the box.

ROUND 16

Helensburgh Thistle FC are at home to Corrimal Rangers FC. Whoever loses will in all likelihood be out of contention for a Top Five spot.

James Anagnostopoulos starts the Rangers attack from the kickoff.

Luke Van Zyl drives the ball just over the upright.

Narrow miss by Rangers. Score remains 1-0.

Pace quickens as Rangers go after an equalizer.

Unicomb increases the lead for the Burgh.

The Rangers attack looking to peg one back.

Games ends, Helensburgh Thistle FC 3 Corrimal Rangers 1.

ROUND 15

Wollongong Olympic FC play Bulli FC 190. Both teams are in the struggle to make the Top Five.

Yuki Hashimoto breaks up the Olympic FC attack.

Lewis Grimshaw drives the shot goalwards.

Bulli 1901 launch an attack down the right.

Diaz shoots under pressure from Hashimoto.

Bulli 1901 defend the Olympic attack down the right flank.

Diaz is brought down on the edge of the Bulli 1901 penalty area.

Olympic FC technical area is unimpressed by the tackle.

Alexander Rooke crosses from the left wing.

Rick Goodchild shoots through the Bulli 1901 defensive line.

David Hartas heads the ball off the line.

Hashimoto hammers the ball into the net.

Bulli 1901 continue the attack from the whistle.

McDonald heads in his 4th and Bulli 1901’s 6th.

Deakin Brownlee smashes in a 7th in the 88th minute.

David Hartas lets one fly from well outside the penalty area.

Final Score: Wollongong Olympic FC 1 Bulli FC 1901 7.

ROUND 14

Bulli FC 1901 and Coniston FC play each other and are in a battle royale to keep in touch of the Top Five. Whoever loses will find it difficult in the run home.

Coniston attack early pressuring the Bulli 1901 defence. Alexander Rooke clears the ball under pressure for 1901.

A need to win for both sides. The pressure is on.

Jason Zufic counter from deep in defence is halted by a well-timed slide tackle.

Coniston build down the left flank to launch an attack.

Matthew Tschentscher takes on his defender.

Tschentscher shot on goal is parried by the Bulli 1901 keeper.

Braeden Kludass plucks the Coniston cross out of the air.

Kludass holds the ball tightly between his defensive shield.

Bulli 1901 play the pacy counter-attack game and shoot across the keeper.

Kaydin Harrison makes an excellent save. The score remains 0-0.

A high-paced end-to-end game remains 0-0 at halftime.

Halftime : Bulli FC 1901 0 Coniston FC 0.

Kaydin Harrison acts as a sweeper-keeper.

Player down on the outside of the Bulli 1901 penalty area.

Ben McDonald clears the loose ball for Bulli 1901.

A furiously fast midfield struggle ensues as both side go after the win.

Bulli 1901 gain the ball back deep in defence.

McDonald puts pressure on the Cono defence.

McDonald looks for a way through the Cono defence.

McDonald gets the shot in which flies mms just outside of the left upright.

Jake Morlando uses the left flank in a very tight tussle.

An indirect is awarded for a back-pass. Bulli 1901 query the decision.

Loe shoots through the compact Bulli 1901 defence.

The way to goal is closed. The deceptive turn.

Full time: Bulli FC 1901 1 Coniston FC 1.

Washout Round 7

Cringila Lions play Wollongong United at home. The winner will be in clear 2nd spot on the table.

Traditional dancers entertain the crowd pre-game.

United are immediately on the attack. Jonah Kalmanidis defends for the Lions.

Lions defence on high alert. Ekoue D’almeida

The glancing header scrapes the outside of the upright.

Nikola Ristevski covers the Benjamin Brooks header.

United are on a pacy attack down the left flank.

Benjamin Brooks is injured and replaced by Brent Mccance.

Ekoue D’almeida stops the high ball from getting through.

Lions defence are looking to win the ball.

Seiji Kawakami sends the ball forward. Halftime 0-0.

Peter Simonoski shoots from inside the box.

Jake Charlston is across to snuffle the ball.

Lions work the ball out of defence and along the flank.

A high-paced attack counter-attack game.

Peter Simonoski gives Jake Charlston no chance. 1-0 (56′).

Lions defence holds on as United go after the equalizer.

Joshua Correia is closed down by the Lions defence.

Nikola Ristevski scrambles as the ball rolls towards the net.

ROUND 13

Cringila Lions play Wollongong Olympic. Both sides are seeking to consolidate their top five position and are vying for 2nd Place and hoping for an Albion Park White Eagles slip up.

Cringila Lions are immediately on the attack from kickoff.

Zucco clears the ball under pressure. The Lions gain possession after a dangerous Olympic attack.

Harry Callahan attacks the ball in the Lions penalty area.

Olympic defend the cross from right midfield.

There is tight struggle for possession of the football.

Ekoue D’almeida pushes forward and distributes the ball into the attacking zone.

Zucco uses the left flank to launch a Lions attack.

Peter Simonoski’s shot is snuffled by Olympic Cristofer Fuentes.

Jonah Kalmanidis switches the point of attack.

Zucco breaks through the Olympic defence.

Nikola Ristevski makes a great save. 0-0.

Ekoue D’almeida closely marks Rick Goodchild.

Lions take to the field for the second half.

Olympic make tactical adjustments after the send-off.

Down to ten, Olympic look to break the deadlock.

Captain Simonoski makes a crucial defensive header.

Anthony Krsteski on a left-wing raid crosses the ball into the penalty area.

Reo Hirose puts it away for the Lions in the 96′. Lions 1 Olympic 0.

FT: Cringila Lions 1 Wollongong Olympic 0

round 12

Bulli FC 1901 are at home to Port Kembla FC. Port are knocking on the door for a finals series spot and will leapfrog Bulli 1901 if they win. Bulli 1901 will be keen to keep up their excellent recent form and put pressure on the leaders. A beautiful sunny autumn day albeit with a chilling south-westerly. Ideal conditions for what promise to be an exciting close encounter.

Bulli 1901 are compact in defence as launch an early Port attack.

Daniel Carella plucks the ball out of the air.

Shotaro shoots with Kyle Jackson scrambling to get to the ball.

Braeden Kludass saves the Shotaro strike with his feet.

Bulli 1901 defence holds firm and gets the away from the danger zone.

Shotaro on the ball and is acting as the target man for the Port attack.

Slide tackle halting Bulli 1901 progress forward.

Port appeal for a penalty when the ball is shot at close range hitting Julian Clarino.

The referee waves away the penalty appeal.

Shotaro searches for space in the Bulli 1901 penalty area.

Braeden Kludass smoothers Shotaro’s shot.

Port defence reduces the space available to Ben McDonald.

Alexander Rooke races onto the ball and crosses.

Mathew Nikolovski saves. The score remains 0-0.

Jordan Nikolovski is on the ball deep into Bulli territory.

Jordan Nikolovski gets the cross in under pressure.

Foul. A direct free kick is awarded to Port.

Oliver Carrasco fires the ball towards goal.

The keeper can only watch the ball fly into the net.

The half continues in the same furious manner. Halftime: 0-1.

Mitchell Di Pietro surges forward up the right flank.

Shotaro Iwamoto goes up the right wing followed by Lewis Grimshaw in hot pursuit.

Shotaro shoots from the edge of the box.

Bulli 1901 get one back late in the half.

Sam Davies in the 87′ pegs it back to 1-3.

Port move up the ladder and above Bulli 1901.

ROUND 11

Albion Park White Eagles v Wollongong United

Runaway leaders Albion Park White Eagles are at home, and they take on Wollongong United who need the points to keep in the premiership race.

Taiga Kitajima and Seiji Kawakami challenge for the ball.

An early corner is awarded to the White Eagles.

Rene Vescio wins the ball in midfield for United.

Hayden Durose commands the air in the White Eagles’ penalty area.

Christopher Nathaniel brings the ball up the right wing.

Joshua Macdonald shoots from just inside the penalty area.

Gaol! White Eagles 1 Wollongong United 0 (32′).

White Eagles celebrate their early lead.

Brendan Mitrovski clears the ball to safety.

White Eagles use the right flank to launch attacking raids.

Joshua Macdonald strikes the Taiga Kitajima cross.

White Eagles celebrate the Macdonald brace.

White Eagles keep up the attacking intensity as the half nears its conclusion.

United come out all guns blazing seeking to get back into the match.

Danny Lazarevski pushes forward to add additional thrust to the United attack.

Danny Lazarevski loops a header over the goalkeeper.

United pull one back. White Eagles 2 Wollongong United 1 (51′).

United up the attacking momentum to look for a way back to peg back the White Eagles’ lead.

A tenacious White Eagles defence holds firm.

Dion Shaw is red-carded. United are down to 10 men.

Bulli FC 1901 v Cringila Lions

Bulli FC 1901 and Cringila Lions meet and will be seeking to consolidate their positions in the top five and keep within striking distance of White Eagles who top the table. A wintery southerly is blowing down the ground.

A heavily strapped Ben Zucco starts the game in a forward role.

Michael Mendes’ side-foot volley from the Zucco cross rattles the upright.

Stefan Dimoski crosses to an advancing Anthony Krsteski.

Bulli 1901 scramble the ball away to safety.

Ben McDonald shoots for goal in a Bulli 1901 counter.

Lewis Grimshaw sets up a Bulli 1901 attack.

Halftime: Bulli FC 1901 0 Cringila Lions 0.

Bulli 1901 aim the high ball at McDonald as they go after an equalizer.

Ryan Akhurst’s last ditch tackle keeps the score at 0-1.

Stefan Dimoski uses the left flank to launch an attack.

Braeden Kludass punches clear. Score remains 0-1.

Yuki Hashimoto with a laser like header.

Final score: Bulli FC 1901 1 Cringila Lions 1.

ROUND 10

Traditional rivals Wollongong United and Wollongong Olympic meet with both clubs needing a win to stay in touch with the leaders White Eagles.

Yuto Sugiura breaks through the United defence and shoots for the lefthand top corner.

United on the counter through Joshua Correia.

Cristofer Fuentes makes a lightning reflex dive.

Rick Goodchild is looking for a way through the United defence.

Shielding the ball in a contest for possession.

Olympic attack spearheaded by Yuto Sugiura.

Deflection from the wall is cleared to safety.

Looking to use depth to launch an Olympic attack.

Disguised pass sets off an Olympic wing attack.

Penalty hits the bar and bounces back into play. The score remains 0-0.

Fuentes saves the penalty with a strong left hand.

David Hartas looks on from the fence after his 45′ send-off.

Fuentes gathers the ball in under pressure.

United keeper punches Olympic shot to safety.

Seiji Kawakami use the spaces in the middle of the park.

United thrust into Olympic penalty area.

United celebrate Mitsuo Yamada goal. United 1 Olympic 0 (72′).

Round 9 Port Kembla FC v Coniston FC

If Port win they will be in the Top 5, while Coniston have a new coach and are looking to get back into the Premiership mix.

Port enter the field and the game is about to start.

An early attacking flurry by Port from the kick-off.

Tomislav Arcaba with safe hands looks to quickly start a counterattack.

Quickfire Cono counter. Matthew Floro strikes on goal.

Shotaro Iwamoto takes a long-range strike on goal.

Arcaba tips the cannonball strike over the bar.

Sebastian Tomasiello defends using a slide tackle.

Kayano drives towards the Coniston goal.

Kayano goes outside to round the defender.

Kayano cuts the ball back along the ground through the defensive lines.

The deflected strike flies to safety over the crossbar.

Jason Zufic is wide on the right flank to spread the Port defence.

Norval hits the ball through the Port defence.

Floro strikes from the edge of the penalty box.

ROUND 9: Tarrawanna Blueys v Wollongong Olympic.

The weather is cool and sunny. The Blueys need points to create a buffer to the relegation spot. Olympic need to keep pace in the race for the premiership.

Round 9 : Tarawanna Blueys v Wollongong Olympic

Olympic close down Daniel Chapman in a high paced start.

Mitchell Brooker uses the outside of his foot to start a Blueys attack from the deep.

Nick Littler starts an Olympic attack down the left-wing.

Guy Knight uses the left in an Olympic build-up.

Harrison Jones sees red for a rash sliding studs up challenge.

Rodriguez saves. The ball deflects off the upright.

Yuto Sugiura cuts back the ball from the goal line.

Littler’s strike nestles in the right-hand corner.

Jonathon Michalopoulos evades the challenge.

ROUND 8: weekend Lead up to anzac day

Soccer posts can be seen in the background during the ‘Peace Procession at Ball’s Paddock, 1919’. (Picture comes from ‘Greetings from Woonona and Bulli’ by Mick Roberts)

Soccer has a long and distinguished history in the Illawarra with some of the oldest clubs in the world. The Illawarra has had a blast of autumn Antarctic air, bringing a cool wet chill. Fields are likely to be heavy for the weekend’s games.

Bulli FC 1901 v Tarrawanna Blueys

Bulli FC are at home to nextdoor rivals Tarrawanna Blueys. Both need points to consolidate their positions mid-table.

Ben McDonald’s knock-down header off a corner narrowly misses Kyle Jackson at the near post.

Riku Kano turns the Bulli 1901 penalty zone.

Kano pivot wrong footing the Bulli defence.

Kano’s shot is blocked by Yuki Hashimoto.

Adam Rodriguez clears the ball under pressure from Kyle Jackson at the near post.

Gaol! Bulli FC 1901 1 Tarrawanna Blueys 0 (90′).

Ben McDonald power header into the top right hand corner. Bulli 1901 2 Blueys 0 (51′).

Lewis Grimshaw crosses to Ben McDonald sprinting to the far post.

Adam Rodriguez makes an excellent save during a downpour.

Grimshaw drives the ball across the keeper.

Matias Toro Suazo take a direct from 20m.

The Matias Toro Suazo direct rocket swerves and dips into the top left hand corner.

Bulli FC 1901 4 Tarrawanna Blueys 1 (77′).

Jarvis Paterson fires at goal from inside the box and straight in front.

Final score: Bulli FC 1901 6 Tarrawanna Blueys 1

HELENSBURG THISTLE 1895 V CRINGILA LIONS

A perfect autumn day. This should be another interesting match-up, the Thistles have been a team difficult to beat and they remain undefeated. The Lions need a win to jump up into the premiership mixer.

Vaughan Patterson launches a Thistle attack.

Lions counter in early end-to-end action.

Jordan Paull with safe hands nullifies Lions cross.

Anthony Krsteski dashes up the left wing. Lions in attack mode.

Krsteski evades Richard Blanco’s tackle.

Krsteski crosses into the near-post zone.

Stefan Dimoski pressures the Thistle defence.

Krsteski is through the line and into the penalty zone.

Helensburgh Thistle 1895 1 Cringila Lions 1 (23′).

Stefan Dimoski uses the space on the right wing to get the cross in.

Michael Mendes gets on the end of the Dimoski cross and heads over the bar.

Krsteski rounds the defence on the edge of the box.

Krsteski is held by the shirt as he shoots.

Jordan Paull guesses the right way and saves.

Halftime: Helensburgh Thistle 1895 1 Cringila Lions 0

Final score: Helensburg Thistle 1895 1 Cringila Lions 1

round 7

Plenty of heavy showers and lots of fields which are unplayable due to drainage problems. The clashes between Cringila Lions v Wollongong United, Blueys v Helensburgh, and Rangers v Port are off due to the heavy field conditions. Soccer has been played on the Illawarra since 1883 and governments throughout this time have failed to fund proper drainage. This speaks to a particular attitude.

Albion Park White Eagles v Bulli FC 1901

White Eagles are undefeated. They’ll be looking to consolidate their top of the ladder status. Bulli 1901 are the away team. The weather is perfect for soccer and the ground is in a good but heavy condition.

Looking for space. Tight marking by Bulli 1901.

Cameron Morgan prowling around the Bulli 1901 box.

Bulli break. Ben McDonald heads for the goal line.

Hayden Durose punches the corner kick clear.

Braeden Kludass holds the ball at the near post under pressure from Morgan.

Morgan calls for Ethan Kambisios to feed the ball.

Morgan pursues the ball across the goal area.

Tyler Bromham-Fuller battles with Lachlan Bryce as Bulli 1901 attack.

Hayden Durose readies to distribute the ball.

Lewis Grimshaw pounces on the rebound from the save.

Grimshaw shoots across the keeper. The ball is blocked by Fordham.

White Eagles finally clear the ball from the danger zone.

Durose holds the header relieving Bulli 1901 pressure on the White Eagles.

Bulli 1901 wall does its job. The score remains 0-0.

Kludass plucks the ball off Morgan’s head.

The ball flashes past the right upright. Halftime 0-0.

White Eagles are immediately on the offensive.

White Eagles dominate the early possession in the second half.

Goal. White Eagles take the lead in the 65′.

White Eagles defence holds solid. Bulli 1901 go for the equalizer.

Port Kembla FC v Wollongong Olympic

This is a match Olympic need to win to stay in touch with leaders White Eagles and Cringila Lions. Port have their own ambitions. It is a windy sunny day. A strong not-so-cold south-westerly blows in bright sunshine and the pitch in very good condition.

Guy Knight holds his balance after a challenge.

Yuto Sugiura is closely watched by Port.

Rick Goodchild is an important distributor of the ball for Olympic.

Port close space around the attacking Sugiura. Olympic seek an early lead.

Port with a double press on Sugiura. Space is at a premium.

Cristofer Fuentes intercepts halting the Port counter-attack.

Taiga Nakayama to Shotaro Iwamoto starts the Port attack down the left flank.

The Oliver Carrasco lob of the keeper puts Port in front after 14′.

Sugiura breaks through the defence using the channel and is in the penalty area.

Luke Genua is quickly across the goal line and parries the ball to safety.

Olympic looking where to distribute the ball.

Sugiura speed and direct play causes Port defensive issues.

Port shuts down the Rick Goodchild space.

Olympic keeper Fuentes belts the ball down the field with the wind behind him as halftime rapidly approaches.

Difficult conditions for the players as the south-westerly wind is swirling and variable.

Lots of running for the tall and the short. Halftime : Port 1 Olympic 0

Goodchild dribbles through the ring-fence defence.

Port defend the high ball into the wind.

Jordan Kizi evades the tackle and shoots for goal.

Nakayama resolutely defends on the edge of the penalty box.

Joshua Crapis belts the cross into the net.

Final score: Port Kembla 3 Wollongong Olympic 0.

Albion Park White Eagles v cringila lions

Both Cringila Lions and White Eagles are undefeated in this top of the table clash. Cringila Lions will be without Ben Zucco who was red-carded in last week’s game. This could be the pivot point giving the White Eagles who are at home the tag as favourites. Perfect autumn weather, warm and sunny with a heavy pitch.

Fans take their seats looking forward to this top of the table clash.

Cringila Lions are immediately on the attack by using the left flank.

White Eagles are first to the ball and launch an immediate counter up their right wing.

Hayden Durose with lightning reflexes pushes the shot over the bar.

Ekoue D’almeida prevents the ball over the top reaching dangerman Cameron Morgan.

Morgan with a little nudge on D’almeida.

Morgan in a physical right-wing challange for the ball.

Lions technical area look on at proceedings.

Morgan looking to deliver a telling cross inside the Lions penalty area.

Ryan Akhurst shoots from well outside the box.

Durose with a strong fingertips deflects the cannonball shot for a corner.

Slide tackle winning the ball for the White Eagles.

Durose punches the ball clear from the ensuing corner.

Brendan Fordham is brought down in the box.

Christopher Nathaniel keeps a close eye on Dimoski.

Fordham wins the ball. White Eagles defence holds tight.

Penalty! Krystevski is brought down in the box. Peter Simonoski steps up to take the kick.

White Eagles attack immediately from kickoff for the second half.

Nikola Ristevski with a brave save under pressure.

Morgan brace. White Eagles 2 Lions 1 (67′).

White Eagles celebrate the goal with their fans.

Full Time: Albion Park White Eagles 2 Cringila Lions 1.

round 5

Cringila Lions will go to the top of the table if they defeat Bellambi Rosellas who are anchored to the bottom with seemingly perennial laggards South Coast United. Autumn has set in. The night is cool and clear in what will likely be an entertaining game for the fans.

Lions are immediately on the attack. Peter Simonoski strikes on goal.

Maurice Aloegninou holds off Simonoski. The early Lions pressure tests the Bellambi defence.

Ekoue D’almeida passes to the on-rushing Anthony Krsteski.

Krsteski slots the ball to Stefan Dimoski.

Bellambi goalkeeper Blake Horton dives to intercept the cross and collides with Dimoski.

Siminoski jumps to avoid the oncoming attempted tackle.

The Simonoski leap avoids contact with the opponent.

Ben Zucco adds extra thrust to the Lions offensive plays.

Lions break-through. Krsteski makes it 1-0 (24′).

Cringila Lions 1 Bellambi Rosellas 0 (24′).

Lions looking for space to counterattack.

Lions defence deals with the ball over-the-top.

Stefan Dimoski heads in the third off a Zucco corner (44′).

Simonoski brace from the penalty spot makes it 7-0 (72′).

Lions were expected to win and did so handsomely.

Round 4

bulli FC 1901 v wollongong olympic

An autumn downpour and a heavy pitch greet the players. Olympic will be seeking to make amends for dropping points against Helensburgh while Bulli 1901 have had a slow start to the season and will be hoping home advantage will see them over the line.

They are underway in heavy wet conditions. Olympic have the early momentum.

Johnathon Michalopoulos turns in the box.

Bulli 1901 intercept the Michalopoulos cross aimed at Sugiura.

Bulli 1901 clear to safety and turn defence into attack.

Kyle Jackson with a header off a Bulli 1901 corner.

James O’Rourke strong defensive header clears the Olympic goalmouth.

Harry Callahan finally clears for the Olympic defence on the second corner.

Bulli 1901 cannonball from well outside the box.

Christofer Fuentes tips the cannonball over the crossbar.

The strong hand of Fuentes sends the cannonball high, wide, and over.

Rick Goodchild starts a possession cycle for Olympic.

Sugiura seeks to exploit the attacking space.

O’Rourke takes the sting out of the Sam Davies strike at goal.

Clarino starts a Bulli 1901 attacking wave.

Grinshaw strikes from the edge of the penalty area.

Fuentes is unfazed as the ball shoots just over the upright.

Sugiura strikes from the edge of the box.

The ball rockets towards the Bulli 1901 goal.

Sugiura perfectly times the offensive slide tackle.

Bulli 1901 wall does its job. Score remains 0-0.

Braeden Kludass holds the shot on target in slippery conditions.

Halftime: Bulli FC 1901 0 Wollongong Olympic 0

Yuki Hashimoto sets off a Bulli 1901 attack.

Collision in the box. Kludass brings down Sugiuru. Olympic appeal for a penalty.

Goodchild with a sliding cross which rounds Jackson.

Michalopoulos with a flick-shot of the high ball.

A tightly contested game across the field.

Referee Peter Ilcevski awards the indirect.

Jarvis Paterson fends off the Michalopoulos challenge and shoots.

Paterson’s shot flies into the top left hand corner giving Fuentes no chance. No goal. The whistle goes as the ball flies through the air for a foul on Paterson.

Bulli technical bench unhappy with the turn of events.

Olympic clear the direct to safety. The score remains 0-0.

McDonald and Goodchild in a battle royale.

Goodchild curls the ball around Jackson.

Sugiura smashes the Goodchild pass into the net.

An action-packed game. Olympic take all three points away to Bulli FC 1901.

Round 3

On a hot day with a northerly wind Olympic play Helensburgh with a team of unnamed players for the spectators. The Burgh up from Division Two has started the season with two draws showing they will be hard to defeat. Olympic are favourites, have a couple of players out but with their quality side are expected to take all three points at home

On the offside: the announcer at the grounds are unable to call out the names of the players for the fans because of the way the referees have decided to store the information about game data. The lack of transparency about games in the Illawarra Premier League calls into question whether the data provided by the referees is accurate and affects the integrity of the competition. Referees have been known to inadvertently enter incorrect data on score cards. Puzzled onlookers wonder who is playing, who scored and who are the substitutes. This is to be rectified Round 4 and the squads are to be available on Dribl.

Olympic are on the scoreboard early in the first half through Yuto Sugiura.

Helensburgh surge foward looking for an early reply to the Olympic opener.

Olympic keeper Cristofer Fuentes smothers the shot.

Helensburgh Number 9, Kade Kinsella protects the ball passed to him in the penalty area under pressure from James O’Rourke.

Burst of acceleration to evade the marker.

Kinsella turns and shoots. Score remains 1-0.

Harry Callahan shoots from the edge of the D.

Olympic with desperate lunges attempt to contain the Burgh attack.

The ball flashes past Olympic’s left upright.

Rick Goodchild takes control in the centre of the park.

Callahan to the right winger bearing down onto the penalty area.

Olympic striker Sugiura tries to round the Burgh defender.

The Burgh shoots from just inside the penalty area.

Olympic keeper, Fuentes parries the shot.

The Burgh tries one from outside the box.

The ball flies over the bar. Halftime 1-0.

Vaughan Patterson with a precision header off a corner early in the second half (61′).

Olympic appeal for a penalty. The appeal is turned down by the referee.

Burgh’s 10 motors through the Olympic defence.

Burgh’s 10 Brad Watts slots it into the net (79′).

Goodchild lines up an attacking Olympic play.

Dylan Caton with a bit of banter as the pressure mounts.

Olympic are into the penalty area as they search for an equaliser. Hudson Hicks challenges for the ball.

Clinical finish. Olympic 2 Helensburgh 2. (90′)

Burgh technical area. Andrew Paine is unhappy with some of the decisions. Full Time: Olympic 2 Helensburgh 2

A very close match. Olympic eked out the draw right at the end of the match.

ROUND 2

Tarrawanna Blueys v Port Kembla FC

The Blueys lost to White Eagles and Port beat Coniston FC. The Blueys are at home and will be all out to pick up a win. The weather is around 30C with a breathless wind.

The Blueys enter the field hoping to make amends for last week.

Taro Regan Williams with a well-executed defensive header.

Port striker Oliver Cardasco belts one past Adam Rodriguez.

Cardasco drive thunders off the crossbar.

Rodriguez saves the arching Nickolovski shot.

Mitchell Di Pietro closes the channel to stop the Riku Kano dribble through the middle of defence.

Nikolovski follows through on the Port shot. Rodriguez stops the shot.

Port technical area is unhappy with the offside decision.

Perfectly timed last-ditch interception denies Nikolovski a goal shooting opportunity.

Blueys defence is under pressure as Port seeks an equalizer.

Rodriguez bravely dives on the through pass under pressure.

Nikolovski crosses the ball into the goal area.

Chapman attempts to block the Noah Vidler Port volley.

Adam Rodriguez is unable to stop the shot. 1-1.

Genua blocks the Nick High shot across the face of the goal.

The ball deflects into the goal in added time.

High scores for the Blueys! 2-1 in added time.

An even game with a twist at the end. Blueys win at home.

ROUND 1

Port Kembla Fc v Bulli 1901 FC

Both these sides underachieved last year and will be looking to get off to a winning start on a sultry warm late summer with a strong north-easterly blowing down the field.

Port break up the Bulli 1901 early attack.

Stop-start opening with tackles breaking up play.

Port have strengthened their midfield with new signings. Ian Clarino marks the new midfield combo.

Bulli FC score early in the first half with a rocket across the keeper from the edge of the goal area. 0-1.

Pressure mounts as Port seek to equalize.

Port technical area contemplating the state of the match.

Bulli drive the ball across the keeper who makes an excellent save.

The loose ball from the keeper’s parry is driven upfield.

Port retain possession under close marking.

Bulli FC are off the blocks with high intensity.

The pass beats the close Port attention.

Ben McDonald receives the pass under pressure.

BFC 1901 hold the lead on a very warm and windy afternoon.

Port turn defenders and makes a pinpoint cross-shot into the net.

Through the defence and shoots from 28m.

BFC 1901 keeper is beaten across his body.

Kyle Jackson wins the ball for BFC 1901.

Jordan Nikolovski sets up to take a direct 22m out in front of the goal with only minutes left in the game.

Nikolovski drives the ball over the wall and it dips into the right hand corner giving the keeper no chance.

The ball zips up and down the inside of the net before the keeper hits the ground.

The IPL starts with Cringila Lions v Coniston FC

Season 2023 starts Friday night with Cringila Lions playing Coniston FC. Both sides were highly competitive last year featuring in the Finals Series. Woonona Sharks after a long struggle to avoid relegation last year have pulled the plug. Replacing them are Bellambi Rosellas who were relegated and are given a reprieve by the Sharks withdrawal. Wollongong Olympic are favourites this year. A team to look out for is Albion Park White Eagles who under-performed given the strong squad they had assembled.

Players enter the field to kick off the 2023 season.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of timely information from the referees about the match details i.e. the match card is no longer available immediately after the game this will be the last post. Apologies for any misidentification and time inaccuracies as these are unavoidable given the lack of information provided to media and public. This issue goes to the integrity of the competition which cannot be publicly scrutinized. Referees are known to make errors recording information which now cannot be checked by match officials or the public. Thank you to all for following this page over the last five years.

Coniston in with an early strong tackle.

Krsteski goes down after Zufic wins the ball.

Simonoski steps up to take the spot kick.

Cringila Lions celebrate the early lead.

Feeling the hit to the back of the neck.

Players become incensed and a melee breaks out.

Referee issues a straight red. Coniston FC are down to 10 men.

Van Elia and Lucas Stergiou question the referee’s decision.

Krysteski goes down under the challenge.

Another red card this time it goes to Cringila Lions.

An even first half contest with even numbers.

Halftime Cringila Lions 1 Coniston FC 1.

Zufic on defensive duty in the middle at the back.

Stergiou into the box as the depleted Coniston look for goal early in the second half.

Stergiou drops his shoulder turning the Lions defender.

Stergiou slots the ball into the on-rushing Elia

Lions clear the ball from the danger zone. 1-1

A rapid Lions counter in the wide empty spaces. They go 2-1 up and have a two man advantage.

Lions dominate possession and probe for a third.

Goal! Zucco can only watch the ball fly into the net.

Zucco controls possession and distribution. Coniston tire and chase shadows.

2 thoughts on “Illawarra Premier League Season 2023”

Velo Dimovski says:

March 15, 2023 at 10:09 pm

Where are last weekends results

1. E^2 says:
  
  March 18, 2023 at 10:41 pm
  
  Follow the link on the page. It takes you to Dribl. These are not as well organised as before but the results are there.

	Photo Photo on Illawarra Premier League Seaso…
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FIXTURES AND RESULTS

THE FINALS SERIES

GRAND FINAL

ELIMINATION FINAL

MAJOR SEMIFINAL

Elimination Semifinal

ROUND 22

ROUND 21

ROUND 20

ROUND 19

ROUND 18

ROUND 17

ROUND 16

ROUND 16

ROUND 15

ROUND 14

Washout Round 7

ROUND 13

round 12

ROUND 11

Albion Park White Eagles v Wollongong United

Bulli FC 1901 v Cringila Lions

ROUND 10

Round 9 Port Kembla FC v Coniston FC

ROUND 9: Tarrawanna Blueys v Wollongong Olympic.

ROUND 8: weekend Lead up to anzac day

Bulli FC 1901 v Tarrawanna Blueys

HELENSBURG THISTLE 1895 V CRINGILA LIONS

round 7

Albion Park White Eagles v Bulli FC 1901

Port Kembla FC v Wollongong Olympic

Albion Park White Eagles v cringila lions

round 5

Round 4

bulli FC 1901 v wollongong olympic

Round 3

ROUND 2

Tarrawanna Blueys v Port Kembla FC

ROUND 1

Port Kembla Fc v Bulli 1901 FC

The IPL starts with Cringila Lions v Coniston FC

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2 thoughts on “Illawarra Premier League Season 2023”

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