Illawarra Premier League Season 2024

Grand Final 2024 Wollongong Olympic FC v Wollongong United FC

Wollongong Olympic have the opportunity to do the double if they win the Championship today. Wollongong United have made strong strides to the finals in recent games.

Players make their way out for the Grand Final

The direct flies just over the crossbar.

Danny Lazarevski fouls Rick Goodchild deemed last defender.

Tynan Diaz sets the direct from outside the box.

Olympic players celebrate the Kyle Jackson goal.

James Stojanovski challenges Rick Goodchild

Van Elia sends the penalty skimming over the crossbar.

Halftime: Wollongong Olympic 1 Wollongong United 1.

Ben McGinnes smothers the Van Elia shot. 1-1.

Goal. Tynan Diaz puts Olympic back into the lead 57′.

Olympic use the flanks to attack 10-man United.

Olympic defence surround Jayden Makowski.

Fulltime: Wollongong Olympic 2 Wollongong United 1.

PRELIMINARY FINAL: CONISTON FC V WOLLONGONG UNITED FC

It is a warm spring day, a good crowd in attendance, and a warm westerly is blowing down the ground. The winner goes into the Grand Final next week against Wollongong Olympic to determine who will be Illawarra Premier League Champions.

United build an attack through the midfield.

Daniel Geroski breaks through the Conno backline.

The Daniel Geroski shot slams into the net.

Cono surge forward in search of an equalizer.

United counter-attack through Jayden Makowski.

Cono lift tempo in search for a goal as halftime approaches.

Halftime: Coniston FC 1 Wollongong United 2.

United defence holds firm under pressure from down the left.

Danny Lazarevski header from the corner smashes against the crossbar and the ball deflects back into play. 1-2.

Final score: Coniston FC 1 Wollongong United 2.

ELIMINATION semiFINAL : WOLLONGONG UNITED V ALBION PARK WHITE EAGLES

Only the winner progresses. White Eagles’ form has been patchy in recent weeks, and they come off a loss to Coniston FC in the Finals series, while United progressed to the next round by defeating Cringila Lions. A beautiful spring day greets both players and fans.

An early United attack down the right wing.

Shoya Nakamura breaks down the right and crosses centrally

United defence holds against an early onslaught.

Van Elia fires one in from the edge of the Box.

Van Elia makes it United 1 White Eagles 0 (38′).

An amazing strike by Van Elia makes it United 1 White Eagles 0 (38′).

United are in the lead as Halftime draws near.

Halftime : Wollongong United 1 Albion Park White Eagles 0.

Liam Wille in a tussle with Mitsuo Yamada

Final score: Wollongong United 2 Albion Park White Eagles 0.

ELIMINATION FINAL: WOLLONGONG UNITED FC V CRINGILA LIONS FC

Only the winner of this match will progress to the Semi Finals. It is a cool cloudy Australian spring day ideal for football. United come off a loss to Olympic while the Lions won against Bulli 1901. United have the home ground advantage due to their higher ladder position.

Nik Ristevski saves the Jayden Makowski opening salvo.

Tom Alston intercepts the cross into Peter Simonoski.

Danny Lazarevski header turns defence into attack.

Jordan Nikolovski stretches for the ball. Score remains 0-0.

Mitsuo Yamada distrubutes the ball wide.

Jordan Nikolovski shoots under pressure from Ekoue D’almeida.

Van Elia disguises a pass to Jordan Nikolovski

Jordan Nikolovski lasers the ball into the goal.

Anthony Krsteski fires through a crowded defence.

Lions use Ekoue D’almeida to attack up the right flank.

ROUND 22 WOLLONGONG OLYMPIC FC V WOLLONGONG UNITED FC

The final round of the regular season kicks off on the last day of the Australian winter. Wollongong Olympic are Premiers with this match still to play so this is a game for them to get organised for the Championship series. Wollongong United are in fourth spot and would depend on other unlikely results to get a second bite of the cherry. They will also are hoping to show Championship form.

Jason Madonis smashed one in from range.

Van Elia makes it 3-2 from the spot (24′).

Rick Goodchild scores from the spot. 4-2 (27′).

Jarvis Paterson drives the ball goalward.

ROUND 17 CONISTON FC v WOLLONGONG OLYMPIC FC

The equation is simple for Wollongong Olympic FC. If they win the final two games of the season, they will be Premiers. For Coniston FC who have led most of the season, they will be hoping to leapfrog Olympic if they win. It is a beautiful late winter’s day, ideal for football.

Rick Goodchild holds off his challenger.

Temma Nomura puts pressure on the Olympic defence.

Jake Morlando crosses the ball in from the right.

Lukas Stergiou drives the ball into the net from at least 26 metres.

Cono defend the Jarvis Paterson header. Score remains 0-1.

Olympic retain possession and launch an attack.

James Anagnostopoulos sets up a Cono attack.

Christopher Arditti is down just outside the Eighteen.

Final score: Coniston FC 0 Wollongong Olympic 2. Olympic stay on top of the table.

ROUND 21 CRINGILA LIONS FC V WOLLONGONG OLYMPIC FC

The must win scenarios continue thick and fast. Wollongong Olympic need to win if they are to be Premiers. They have White Eagles and Coniston breathing down their necks. Cringila Lions have already qualified for the Championship Finals but cannot reach 2nd Spot which would give them some advantage during the Finals series. They will want to show Olympic they are Championship contenders by winning today and knocking Olympic off the top perch.

Olympic huddle as they strive to hold onto the Premiership position.

Underway in the must-win game for Olympic.

Lions early pressure with a shot on goal.

Justin Pasfield pushes the ball over the bar for a corner.

Lukas Stergiou clears the ball from the Olympic backline.

Ekoue D’almeida intercepts the pass into the Box. 0-0.

Christopher Price challenges Joshua Correia.

Peter Simonoski’s diving header is just over the crossbar. 0-0.

Ekoue D’almeida clears the ball to safety.

Kyle Jackson heads the ball around Kyah Jovanovski.

Nik Ristevski saves the header and parries the ball into the goal zone.

Lukas Stergiou is first onto the rebound.

Lions are immediately on the attack in the second half .

Justin Pasfield tips the ball around the upright.

Joshua Alcorn pounces on the parried stop.

Joshua Alcorn taps the ball into the goal.

Referee awards a penalty and it is converted by Rick Goodchild (86′).

Final score: Cringila Lions 0 Wollongong Olympic 3. Olympic go to top of table.

ROUND 21 CONISTON FC V PORT KEMBLA FC

Coniston FC must win to have any chance of winning the Premiership. The Top Five in the Championship Finals are already known. The weather is ideal for a game of football. Port FC are playing pride.

Port send the first salvo.

Luke Genua tidies up at the back for Cono.

Cono’s Daniel Loe heads the high ball to safety in the swirling wind south-westerly.

Cono win the ball and James Anagnostopoulos sets off a Cono attack.

Temma Nomura flies down the right looking to setup a Cono equalizer.

Tetsunari Nishimura in space shoots across the keeper.

The ball flashes past the left upright. 1-1.

Adam Timpano-Voloders makes it 2-1 in 97’.

Cono win keeps them in the Premiership race.

ROUND 10 Washout WOLLONGONG UNITED v ALBION PARK WHITE EAGLES

The top of the table has condensed. Any of the top four are still in the race for the Premiership. Wollongong United must win if they are to challenge for the Premiership. They have a game in hand and are six points adrift of the White Eagles. White Eagles must also win if they are to hold onto their Premiership spot. Coniston and Olympic are hot on their tails. The weather is ideal for football; cool and sunny.

Joey Lavalle pressures Van Elia as the game gets underway.

Hamish Lamberton fires at goal. No handball.

United keeper Tom Alston saves the Hamish Lamberton shot on goal.

A penalty is awarded to United. Van Elia steps up to take to kick.

United defend the Shoya Nakamura break from the corner.

Danny Lazarevski heads the ball clear for United.

Danny Lazarevski heads the ball from the edge of the penalty box from a United corner.

Danny Lazarevski scores United’s 2nd. 2-0 (21′).

Van Elia on the ball as United seek to start an attack from defence.

United bring down Joshua Macdonald in front of the White Eagles’ technical area.

Halftime: Wollongong United 2 Albion Park White Eagles 0

2nd Half starts with a White Eagles attack.

United defend against Shoya Nakamura as the White Eagles look to peg back the score.

Cameron Morgan shoots just after coming on.

The ball is headed down towards the bottom left corner.

Mitsuo Yamada clears to safety. Full time: 2-1

ROUND 20 WOLLONGONG OLYMPIC V ALBION PARK WHITE EAGLES

There is congestion at the top of the table. The Finals Series competing teams are likely to be the current teams in the Top Five. The Premiership however is still uncertain. White Eagles are away to Olympic in a clash which may go some way of clearing up who will be the Premiership Champions for 2024. An Olympic win will put them in the clear at the top of the table. It is a fine wintry sunny day with ideal conditions for football.

White Eagles try intricate passing through a compact Olympic defence.

Noah Tasker punches the ball to safety. Olympic press for an early goal.

Ben McGinnes punches the ball to clear Olympic lines.

Olympic chase after an equalizer in the 2nd Half.

Noah Tasker punches clear under concerted Olympic pressure.

Final score: Wollongong Olympic 0 Albion Park White Eagles 1.

ROUND 20 BULLI FC 1901 V CORRIMAL RANGERS FC

This is a must win game for Rangers if they are to avoid relegation. They are six points behind Bulli 1901 and are away at Balls Paddock. The teams still have another meeting because of the earlier washout. Rangers will have the home advantage in a re-scheduled mid-week meeting. Bulli FC defeated South Coast United last weekend and will be hoping to put away the relegation threat by getting a result in today’s game. It is a bright sunny winter’s day and ideal for football. The pitch is playable but still affected by the flood.

The big relegation ‘six-pointer’ is about to begin.

Lewis Grimshaw looks for space in the attacking zones.

Ben McDonald shoots through a compact Ranger’s defence.

Blake Coad stops the driven shot by parrying it to the ground.

Ryan Emerton’s shot to the far corner is blocked by the 1901 Defence.

Blake Coad tips the power-header over the bar. 0-0.

Bulli 1901 1-down in vital relegation battle.

Bulli 1901 lift tempo in search of an equalizer.

Lewis Grimshaw drives a shot from the right.

Blake Coad with a strong hand tips the ball for a corner.

Logan Mathie fires in a pinpoint cross to Ben McDonald.

Ben McDonald drives the header goalward.

Bulli 1901 draw level in the 78th minute.

Bulli 1901 Defence holds. Score remains 1-1.

Denim Nou breaks into space and fires past the Keeper.

Final score: Bulli FC 1901 2 Corrimal Rangers 1.

ROUND 19 CRINGILA LIONS FC V TARRAWANNA BLUEYS FC

Cringila Lions lie in 5th spot and need to keep picking up points if they are to make the Finals Series. Tarrawanna Blueys have two games in hand but must also pick up points to be in Finals contention. The race for the Finals Series and Premiership has heated up with a condensed ladder as we approach the end of the season. After a rainy winter’s day, the sun is out with ideal conditions for football. The pitch is heavy but in good order.

Peter Simonoski hits a cracking drive from just outside the Box.

Jackson Cracknell makes a brilliant save tipping the ball out for a corner.

Darren Stone challenges Kieran Kuzmanoski.

Lions defend the Tsubasa Tamashiro surge down the left wing.

Dylan Nikolovski closely marks Lions dangerman Peter Simonoski.

Matias Toro Suazo receives the ball in space near the Box.

The ball is driven into the left corner.

Blueys’ defensive header as Lions seek to go over the top.

Ekoue D’almeida chases Tsubasa Tamashiro breaking down the right.

Tsubasa Tamashiro goes down just outside the Box.

Red card is issued to Ekoue D’almeida. Lions down to ten.

Jarrad Wiley clears the ball off the line. Score remains 0-1.

Start of the 2nd Half. Blueys defend early.

Red for Daniel Carella. Both teams down to ten players each.

Jackson Cracknell lightning reflex save.

Final score: Cringila Lions FC 1 Tarrawanna Blueys FC 1

ROUND 18 PORT KEMBLA FC V CORRIMAL RANGERS FC

Port FC are at home and can to move into 5th position with a win. Rangers can make up points on Bulli 1901. Plenty to play for on a glorious sunny day at Wetherall Park.

No foul. Ryan Emerton starts a counter-attack for Rangers.

Adam Rodriguez saves the header and holds the ball. Rangers mount early pressue.

Rangers’ pressure and dominance pay dividends with a Nathan Cario goal.

Taiga Nakayama breaks for Port and shoots. Port builds tempo seeking an equaliser before halftime.

Blake Coad saves the Taiga Nakayama shot across the keeper.

Tetsunari Nishimura zooms in on the loose ball.

Goal. Appeals for handball are turned down. 1-1 (55′).

Sebastian Tomasiello heads the ball into the right corner of the net.

Adam Rodriguez makes an important save to stop the Shunjiro Shibuya break.

Adam Rodriguez makes another important stop.

Final score: Port Kembla FC 3 Corrimal Rangers 1. Port move into the Top Five.

ROUND 18 BULLI FC 1901 V TARRAWANNA BLUEYS

The Blueys are in the race for a Finals Series place whilst Bulli 1901 are in a relegation scrap with Corrimal Rangers FC who are four points adrift with a game in hand. Today’s fixture is a traditional Northern suburbs rivalry. Balls Paddock, Bulli’s home ground is finally back in action after the massive flood that had it under 1.5 metres of water. A cold westerly is blowing down the ground with swirling eddies in all directions. The ground is patchy but playable.

Blueys right back Brody Page launches the ball down the right wing.

Alexander Baulch intecepts Daniel Carella’s pass towards Naoto Matsui.

Naoto Matsui delivers the ball from the right into the Box.

Matias Toro Suazo powers in a precision header.

Bright start for the Blueys, gloomy for Bulli 1901.

Bulli 1901 are on the attack seeking to get one back.

A stretched Bulli 1901 defence holds tight.

Halftime: Bulli FC 1901 0 Tarrawanna Blueys 1

Ben McDonald is tightly marked as Darren Stone heads the ball into the wind, clear.

Aerial battle in the strong swirling westerly.

Lewis Grimshaw on a raid down the right as Bulli 1901 go after an equalizer.

Dylan Nikolovski is in an aerial battle with Lewis Grimshaw in the swirling wind.

Lewis Grimshaw cuts the ball back into the Box.

Blueys defence holds. Score remains 0-1.

Jarrad Wiley makes a brilliant save. 0-1

Jarrad Wiley saves the shot across the keeper. Score remians 0-1.

Matias Toro Suazo shoots from inside the Six.

Final score: Bulli FC 1901 0 Tarrawanna Blueys FC 2.

Round 10 catchup Tarrawanna Blueys FC v Corrimal rangers FC

The Rangers are in a survival battle to avoid relegation with Bulli 1901 FC. They need to pick up points. They have two games in hand but trail by six points. The Blueys are hoping to keep their run for the Finals Series alive. Weather is cool in the shade and nice in the sun.

Blake Coad takes control in the Six Yard Box.

Blueys’ Cody Waller defends the Rangers’ raid.

Tsubasa Tamashiro pass finds Cody Waller who fires the ball into the goal.

Blueys 1 Rangers 0 early on in 18th minute.

Reaction from the bench after Blueys go one-up early on.

Toranosuke Nakajo shoots just inside the Eighteen.

Replacement keeper David Booth in for suspended Jackson Cracknell stops and holds the Toranosuke Nakajo shot.

Tsubasa Tamashiro’s shot is blocked by the Rangers’ Michael Kyriakoudes. Remains 1-0.

Brody Page clears the ball off the line.

Brody Page’s tackle in defence wins the ball.

David Booth makes the save. Score remains 1-0.

Rangers’ keeper Blake Coad punches the ball clear.

Blueys look for space down the left flank.

ROUND 17 SOUTH COAST UNITED V CORRIMAL RANGERS FC

Rangers sit on the bottom of the ladder with two games in hand and two points behind Bulli FC 1901. Points tonight will lift Rangers off the relegation spot. United are unlikely to make the Finals Series even with a win tonight. This is Rangers’ chance to make a charge up the ladder. The weather is cold with an occasional drizzle on the only ground suitable for play after another wet week.

United with a no compromise attitude in defence gain early possession of the football.

The pressure is on Rangers to get something out of the match.

Mark Moric hits rebound across the keeper.

Rangers lift and go on an all-out offensive.

Michajlo Jonjic is through and hits one from just inside the box.

Halftime: South Coast United 1 Corrimal Rangers FC 0.

Shunjiro Shibuya wins possession for Rangers.

Jason Bleakley punches the Rangers cross into the box to safety.

Shunjiro Shibuya’s shot is blocked. Stays at 1-0.

Nicholas Valjak sends a cannon ball towards goal.

Game ends: South Coast United 2 Corrimal Rangers 0.

ROUND 16 PORT KEMBLA FC V HELENSBURGH THISTLE FC

The battle for a spot in the Finals Series is heating up. Port FC have a must win game to have any realistic chance of making the finals. The Thistle are still possible contenders even if they fail to get any points from the game. The weather is icy cold with a southerly breeze adding to the chill factor.

The game is about to start. Port FC bench readies for a must win scenario.

Early Thistles attack down the left flank.

Adam Rodriguez is quickly out to shut down the angle.

Adam Rodriguez makes the save. 0-0.

Vaughan Patterson stretches for the ball from the corner.

Oliver Carrasco puts in a timely block.

Oliver Carrasco takes the Port penalty kick.

Adam Rodriguez saves. Score remains 1-0.

Port celebrate the Sebastian Tomasiello goal.

Oliver Carrasco and Vaughan Patterson. Opening pairings.

Peter Youssef long range drive through traffic makes it 3-0 (50′).

Pairing tussles continue across the field.

Liam Unicomb gets one back for the Thistle. 3-1(69′)

Tetsunari Nishimura on a one-to-one with the keeper.

Tetsunari Nishimura is take out by the keeper. Penalty!

Tetsunari Nishimura sinks the penalty. 4-1(92′)

Liam Unicomb fires a cannon ball from way outside the penalty zone.

ROUND 16 TARRAWANNA BLUEYS V ALBION PARK WHITE EAGLES

This is a high stakes game for both teams. The Blueys need a win to have any realistic chance of making the Playoffs. The White Eagles need a win to keep the pressure on Coniston FC who are within their grasp for Top Spot. The weather is cool and ideal for football.

Darren Stone starts the first Blueys attack from kick-off.

Matias Toro Suazo sets off a Blueys raid upfield.

Hayden Durose controls high balls in the White Eagles Six.

Tsubasa Tamashiro heads the ball across the Six.

Matias Toro Suazo makes flying volley off the dropping Tsubasa Tamashiro header.

Cody Waller receives the ball on the edge of the Six.

Blueys defensive header keeps the score 1-0.

George Antoniou takes up a position behind the fence.

Halftime: Tarrawanna Blueys 1 Albion Park White Eagles 0.

James O’Rourke holds off Tsubasa Tamashiro.

Matias Toro Suazo scores from the penalty spot.

Stefan Dimoski heads the ball towards goal.

Jackson Cracknell saves another White Eagles attempt on goal.

Tory Musumeci shoots through a crowded penalty area.

White Eagles get one back late in the game. 3-1 (92′)

Final score: Tarrawanna Blueys 3 Albion Park White Eagles 1.

ROUND 15 TARRAWANNA BLUEYS V HELENSBURGH THISTLE

Both the Blueys and Thistle are hoping to move up the ladder and compete for a Finals Series spot. The rain continues with on and off heavy showers. The pitch is heavy and very heavy in patches on a cold winter’s day.

Vaughan Patterson sends the ball forward.

Mitchell Brooker shoots from outside outside the Dee.

Goal! The Blueys take the lead in the 5^th minute.

The Blueys celebrate their early lead.

Tsubasa Tamashiro is immediately surrounded by the Burgh defence.

Blueys continue to attack in the Thistle’s Third.

The defensive block sends the ball over and out.

Luke Morgan makes a lightning reflex save to keep the score at 1-1.

A direct is awarded to the Thistle on the edge of the penalty box.

Jackson Cracknell saves the shot after setting up the wall. 1-1.

Luke Morgan makes a save off a deflected Blueys drive.

Benjamin Watts shoots for the bottom left-hand corner.

The ball rebounds back into play.

Charlie Jones follows in and slots the ball home.

Tarrawanna Blueys 1 Helensburgh Thistle 2 (68′).

Jarrad Wiley with a shot-cross into the Helensburgh Six.

Full Time: In torrential rain Helensburgh Thistle move above Tarrawanna Blueys on the ladder.

ROUND 14 PORT KEMBLA FC V BULLI FC 1901

These are desperate times for Bulli 1901 who are in a relegation battle with Corrimal Rangers. Port FC are on a roll and a win will put them in the race for a Finals Series spot. The ground is heavy but in good condition after the recent rain. It is cool with a southerly blowing down the ground.

Port FC make their way out onto the ground.

DSC_3112_Web — Ben McDonald finds space in the box.

The shot ricochets off Adam Rodriguez onto the crossbar.

Lewis Grimshaw is free down the right wing and shoots across the keeper.

Adam Rodriguez saves and holds the ball.

Tetsunari Nishimura on the ball on the edge of the eighteen.

Tetsunari Nishimura swivels and shoots for the lefthand corner of the goal.

Sebastian La Luz saves. The score remains 0-0 in a tight and tense match.

Sebastian La Luz tips the Taiga Nakayama direct over the crossbar.

Tempers flare in this vital game for both sides.

Taiga Nakayama uses the left flank to lauch a ball into Tetsunari Nishimura

Tetsunari Nishimura with pace gets to the ball and shoots.

Adam Rodriguez makes a brilliant save at the other end.

Taiga Nakayama takes the corner for Port FC.

Ben McDonald makes the defensive header under pressure from Sebastian Tomasiello

Port FC continue the attack looking for a second goal to seal the win.

Taiga Nakayama keeps the pressure on the Bulli 1901 defence.

Full time: Port Kembla FC 1 Bulli FC 1901 0.

ROUND 13 CONISTON FC v WOLLONGONG UNITED FC

Cono are home against WUnited in the only game of the round due to another washout. Cono who lead on the table will want to consolidate their position. WUnited also need the win to consolidate their top five position leading into the second half of the season. It is a wintry sunny day and ideal for football. The ground is in very condition given the constant recent drenchings.

Both teams feel each other out, early on.

Tom Alston safely paries the shot-cross.

Luke Genua saves the Jordan Nikolovski shot on target.

Luke Genua saves the penalty. The score remians 0-0

Top save with the right heel.

Cono fans enjoyed the Luke Genua penalty save.

Halftime Flyover 0-0.

James Anagnostopoulos is onto the ball, in space, inside the penalty area.

Cono celebrate.

Jayden Smileski defends resolutely for Cono.

WUnited on the attack late into the 2nd Half.

Final score: Coniston FC 1 Wollongong United FC 0.

ROUND 12 Bulli FC 1901 v Coniston FC

Bulli 1901 are needing points urgently to stave off bottom of the ladder status. Coniston FC are top of the league and premiership contenders. The weather is dry and cool. Ideal conditions for this important clash for both teams. Bulli 1901’s home ground is still unavailable due to the recent flood, so they are playing this clash at Ian McLennan Park.

DSC_2082_Web — Daniel Loe marks Ben McDonald.

Cono use Tobias Norval to launch an attack.

Daniel Loe drives a longball down the left wing.

Temma Nomura belts the ball across the keeper. Goal!

Bulli 1901 seek a way through the well-structured Cono defence.

DSC_2225_Web — Adam Timpano-Voloder is behind the Bulli 1901 defence.

DSC_2227_Web — Adam Timpano-Voloder slots the ball home. Goal!

Bulli 1901 under the pump. Halftime 0-2.

Bulli 1901 dominate early possession in the 2nd half. Lewis Grimshaw looks for a way
through the Cono defence.

Denim Nou blasts in a shot from the edge of the box.

Luke Genua saves and holds the ball as Noah Vidler runs in hoping to get to the rebound.

Cono counter as Bulli 1901 push forward looking for a goal.

Cono shot flashes across the face of the goal.

Harrison Anagnostopoulos shoots across the keeper on the break.

ROUND 12 Tarrawanna Blueys v Shellhabour FC

The Blueys seek to make up ground after last week’s loss and move into the top half of the ladder. Shellhabour are in the pack for a playoff spot. The first day of the Australian winter is cold and wet.

Blueys clear under pressure from Shelly.

Shellhabour get behind the Blueys defence.

Jackson Cracknell smothers the ball. 0-0.

Jackson Cracknell save the penalty. 0-0.

Long range Matias Toro Suazo shot puts the Blueys in front!

Tsubasa Tamashiro puts the Blueys two-up in the 80′.

DSC_1990_Web — Blueys 3 Shellharbour 0 (85′).

ROUND 11 CORRIMAL RANGERS FC V HELENSBURGH THISTLEs FC

Rangers sit at the foot of the table and are staring into the abyss. Bulli 1901 FC are just four points ahead but have played two extra games. This presents Rangers with the opportunity to claw their way up the ladder. The Thistles sit in fifth spot and will want to consolidate their position. Cool, cloudy, and dry conditions greet the players as they take the field.

Thistles keeper Jordan Paull makes the save.

DSC_0850_Web — Toranosuke Nakajo crosses into the box.

Vaughan Patterson heads the ball to safety for the Thistles.

Thistles left-flank attack through a compact Rangers defence.

Liam Unicomb drives the cross towards goal. No handball decision.

Blake Coad saves the deflected Unicomb shot.

Intense Liam Unicomb v Toranosuke Nakajo.

Blake Coad dominates in the six-yard box.

Bruno Rodrigues Gervasoni works the Rangers’ attack.

Shunjiro Shibuya swivels and shoots. Goal!

Intensified physicality as the Thistles go after an equalizer.

DSC_0986_Web — Shunjiro Shibuya goes on a Rangers’ attack.

Halftime: Corrimal Rangers 1 Helensburgh Thistles 1.

Bruno Rodrigues Gervasoni is down in the box. No penalty.

Ryan Emerton collides with Jordan Paull.

A dazed Jordan Paull guards the ball. Final score: 1-1.

ROUND 10 WOLLONGONG OLYMPIC V CRINGILA LIONS

The Sunday game between Wollongong Olympic and Cringila Lions is a battle in the race for the Premiership. The pitch is heavy, the weather is warm in the sun and cold in the shade. Whoever wins will take a big step up the rung of the ladder.

Anthony Krsteski scores early on for the Lions.

Olympic FC head the ball over the bar to safety.

Anthony Krsteski breaks down the left and is forced wide by Kyle Jackson.

Anthony Krsteski shoots just wide. Score remains 0-1.

Brendan Low fires the ball in with Guy Knight bearing on Nik Ristevski.

Players congratulate Brendan Low. Goal is credited to Rick Goodchild.

From the corner Justin Pasfield punches the ball to safety.

The ball pinballs around the six-yard area and is finally netted by Riki Koyanagi.

Halftime: Wollongong Olympic FC 1 Cringila Lions 2.

Brendan Low slots the ball between Ekoue D’almeida and Nik Ristevski.

Peter Simonoski header down towards goal.

No goal. Ball not wholly over the line. Score remains 2-3 in added time.

Final score: Wollongong Olympic FC 2 Cringila Lions FC 3.

ROUND 10 PORT KEMBA FC V CONISTON FC

A day of cancelled games due to water logged fields. Fortunately, Port FC have a ground with good drainage and the game is on. The weather has cleared after early heavy showers and a brisk stiff southerly blows down the ground. Coniston FC are away to Port FC and will be seeking to consolidate top spot. With their newly signed forward Tetsunari Nishimura, Port FC come into the game after a come-from-behind win over South Coast United hoping to move up the ladder.

Underway. Port defend high up the pitch.

Harrison Anagnostopoulos goes wide under pressure from Mitchell Di Pietro.

Temma Nomura dashes for the ball down the right wing.

Temma Nomura gets to the ball and fires in a shot.

The Temma Nomura rocket across the keeper puts Cono in front after 18′.

Nicolas Tomasiello advance down the right wing is halted.

Eye-on-the-ball, ball over the shoulder Peter Youssef sets to strike.

Peter Youssef volleys the over-the-shoulder ball.

Peter Youssef levels the score. 1-1, 40′.

Halftime: Port Kembla FC 1 Coniston FC 1.

Daniel Loe brings the ball up from the back.

Aerial battle for the ball in a swirling southerly.

Jair Fernandez dominates Cono’s six yard area.

New signing Tetsunari Nishimura steps up to take the penalty.

Tobias Norval shoots from just inside the box.

DSC_0265_Web — Fulltime: Port Kembla FC 2 Coniston FC 1.

ROUND 9 SOUTH COAST UNITED V PORT KEMBLA FC

Another washout week as the great deluge continues in the Illawarra. Fortunately, the artificial turf of Ian McLennan Park makes it suitable for the South Coast United v Port Kembla FC match to go ahead. The weather is wet with bouts of heavy downpours. Port will want to put distance between themselves and cellar dweller Corrimal FC while United will want to continue their recent good form to move up the ladder into the top half.

Teams exchange pleasantries before kick-off.

United fans enjoying the start of the game.

Marco Pennisi fires the first Port salvo.

United defend the high ball into Oliver Carrasco.

Advin Trebincevic receives the ball in space in the penalty box.

DSC_8985_web — Advin Trebincevic shoots across the keeper.

Adam Rodriguez tips the ball around the post.

Mark Moric slams the penalty into the left-hand corner.

The battle for possession. Port fight back.

Oliver Carrasco steps up to take the penalty.

Half-time: South Coast United 2 Port FC 1.

DSC_9345_Web — Jason Bleakley saves the penalty. Score remains 2-2.

Fans enjoying the tight end-to-end battle.

DSC_9512_Web — United defend Port attack.

Dane Corolla gets to the long ball over the top.

Dane Corolla volleys the long ball from over his shoulder.

Final score: South Coast United 2 Port Kembla FC 3.

ROUND 8 WOLLONGONG OLYMPIC FC V SHELLHABOUR FC

Olympic FC come into the game off two losses. Shellhabour FC also have erratic results so far. Both sides will be seeking to find consistency in their games. The weather is mild, sunny, and ideal for football.

Justin Pasfield is called into action early on.

Shellhabour apply early attacking pressure.

Nick Littler header off the Harry Callahan corner.

The unstoppable header rockets into the net.

DSC_8519_Web — Harry Callahan uses the space to shoot.

The ball flashes into the net. 2-0. 19′.

DSC_8530_ web — Olympic celebrate the quality goal and going two-up.

Matthew Floro buries the penalty. 2-1 28′.

DSC_8581_Web — Olympic high press for possession.

Justin Pasfield makes the save for Olympic.

Olympic transition from the Passfield save.

DSC_8631_Web — Jarvis Paterson gets Olympic’s third.

Halftime: Wollongong Olympic 3 Shellharbour 1.

Nick Littler makes it Olympic 4 Shellhabour 1 60′.

Cristofer Fuentes punches the ball clear to safety.

Jayden Branovski is through into the Olympic penalty area and shoots.

Jarvis Paterson fires one in from the inside left.

Fulltime: Wollongong Olympic FC 5 Shellharbour FC 2.

ROUND 7 CORRIMAL RANGERS FC V PORT KEMBLA FC

The struggle at the foot of the table continues. Both Rangers and Port are desperate for points to avoid sitting at the foot of the table even at this early stage in the season. The weather is cool with intermittent drizzle.

Nicolas Tomasiello looks up and sees the Kyle Kirkland run.

Nicolas Tomasiello with pinpoint precision threads the ball through to Kyle Kirkland in penalty area.

Kyle Kirkland runs onto the pass and shoots.

Bruno Rodrigues Gervasoni surges forward for Rangers.

Keegan Matias is brought down just outside the penalty area.

Taiga Nakayama steps up to take the direct.

Taiga Nakayama direct hits the wall and lobs into the net.

DSC_8082web — Rangers fans are stunned by the Port goal.

Dane Corolla’s progress on the counter is halted.

Daniel Chicharo fires in the fifth in the 43′.

DSC_8223web — Halftime: Corrimal Rangers FC 0 Port Kembla FC 5

DSC_8240web — Phil Matias and Manny Mavridis rearrange Rangers’ shape.

DSC_8261web — Tight and physical battle.

DSC_8271web — Adam Rodriguez pushes the shot over the bar.

DSC_8312web — Nicolas Tomasiello’s heel is clipped.

DSC_8352web — Adrian Avello rocket makes it 0-6 (78′).

DSC_8357w — Port celebrate Adrian Avello goal.

DSC_8377web — Full time: Corrimal Rangers FC 0 Port Kembla FC 6.

ROUND 7 CRINGILA LIONS FC V WOLLONGONG UNITED FC

The derby between the Lions and United should be a lively affair as both want bragging rights and to challenge for the Premiership. The weather is cool with a south westerly and the pitch is in good condition.

Players make their way onto the field. Let the game begin!

United dominate early possession and attack down the left wing.

Bailey Babarovski attacks down the inside left.

Bailey Babarovski crosses into the Lions penalty area.

Justin Ivanovic smashes the ball into the net.

Lions put the foot to the floor seeking winner.

Peter Simonoski blasts the Lions to the lead.

Full time : Cringila Lions FC 3 Wollongong United FC 2.

ROUND 6 PORT KEMBLA FC V TARRAWANNA BLUEYS

The foot of the table clash. Both teams need points to lift-off their season and create some daylight between themselves and the foot of the table. The weather is fine, and the pitch looks good.

A big foot of the table clash. The proverbial six pointer.

Matias Toro Suazo breaks down the right and crosses the ball.

Blueys defence holds under Port pressure.

Blueys defence holds. Marco Pennisi fires one in.

Nicolas Tomasiello and Darren Stone in a struggle for the ball.

Cody Waller latches onto the ball inside the Six.

Waller buries the ball into the back of the net.

Nicolas Tomasiello is brought down in the box. Penalty.

The head shot ricochets with a mighty bounce into the net.

DSC_7221_web — Port are unable to crack the Blueys resistance.

Daniel Carella scores from the spot with aplomb in the 96′.

Final score: Port Kembla FC 1 Tarrawanna Blueys 4

ROUND 6 WOLLONGONG OLYMPIC FC v CONISTON FC

The top of the table clash. The pitch is in relatively good condition given the massive record rainfall last week. Weather is sunny with a cooling southerly breeze.

DSC_6079_Web — Early season top of the table clash.

Olympic defend Nomura’s incursion into the box.

Jair Fernandez punches the ball to safety.

Nomura drives the cross home from close range.

Rick Goodchild steps up to take the spot kick.

Jair Fernandez saves. Score remains 0-1.

Fernandez saves pushing the ball beyond the right upright. 0-1.

Adam Timpano-Voloder shoots across the keeper.

Fulltime: Wollongong Olympic FC 0 Coniston FC 3.

ROUND 5 South Coast United v ShellhaRbour FC

United have just one point from four and will be seeking to put distance between themselves and the Blueys who are yet to put points on the board. After the heavy rain overnight, Ian McLennan Park is the only venue on the Illawarra with a playable surface. The newly promoted Shellharbour FC have two wins and two losses. The weather is cool and ideal for football.

Underway. United in red take on Shellharbour in the sky blue.

Jason Bleakley saves the shot to the far post.

United defence scramble to clear the rebound off the Jason Bleakley block.

DSC_5451 (1) — WOON SUB SIM challenges for possession.

Chang Gyun Yoo breaks down the outside right.

Halftime: SC United 1 Shellharbour FC 0.

SFC are on the attack seeking an equalizer.

Jason Bleakley makes the save. SFC have the lion’s share of possession and attack.

Andrew Mckay hits the loose ball back to the keeper.

SIM fires the ball into the penalty box.

The looping header lands on the bar and bounces back into play.

Final score: South Coast United 1 Shellharbour FC 2.

ROUND 4 Helensburgh ThistleS FC v Tarrawanna Blueys FC

The Blueys need to get points on the board. They are yet to win a point and a loss will see them stare into the horizon of the relegation abyss. Even at this early stage in the season, the Blueys with a new squad will need to jell soon to keep up with the rest. The Thistles will want all three points at home in front of their supporters. The conditions are ideal for football and the fans.

A Welcome Swallow greets the teams as they make their way out.

The Blueys are first out onto the field for this important match.

Darren Stone shields the ball from Liam Unicomb.

Jared Wiley progress into the box is halted by Jarrod Benham. 0-0.

A Blueys direct. Cody Waller steps up take the free kick.

Jackson Cracknell pushes the ball wide of the left the upright. 0-0.

The speedy Cody Cuthbertson is brought down at the other end. Penalty!

Vaughan Patterson smashes the penalty into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Darren Stone intercepts the longball to Liam Unicomb.

Halftime: Helensburg Thistles 1 Tarrawanna Blueys 0

Liam Unicomb breaks down the left flank.

Thistles celebrate Unicomb’s goal. Thistles 2 Blueys 0.

Benjamin Watts runs at the Blueys defence.

Benjamin Watts shoots across the keeper.

Goal! The Thistles are back in front 58′.

ROUND 3 PORT KEMBLA FC V BULLI 1901 FC

Both Port Kembla FC and Bulli 1901 FC are both on zero points. A win for either team will have them up-and-running into the season. A loss could see the twilight zone of a relegation battle.

Underway in what will be an intense battle.

Nicolas Tomasiello controls the ball under pressure.

Nicolas Tomasiello distributes the ball.

Port captain Daniel Chicharo puts in a cross from the right flank.

Marco Pennisi heads the ball into the side netting. 0-0.

Sebastian Tomasiello and Bulli FC 1901 Captain Ben McDonald battle for the ball in the air.

The Keeper deflects the shot back into play.

Lachlan Flood challenges for the loose ball.

Adrian Avello strikes the loose ball in the penalty area.

An exciting half ends. Port 1 Bulli 1901 0.

Ben McDonald shoots from the edge of the penalty box.

Adam Rodriguez is up and makes the double-save at the opposite post.

Denim Nou fires the ball across the keeper and into the goal.

Marco Pennisi drives the ball through a crowded penalty box.

ROUND 2 Port Kembla FC v Albion Park White Eagles

Port FC are at home and play last year’s premiers White Eagles. Port are off a loss to the Lions while the White Eagles drew with Rangers FC last weekend. It is a hot afternoon with a warm northeasterly blowing down the ground.

Nicolas Tomasiello is closely marked as White Eagles put on a high press.

Nicolas Tomasiello sprints through the midfield.

Hayden Durose with lightning reflexes saves the Tomasiello shot.

Brendan Griffin launches a White Eagles attack.

Adam Rodriguez makes a lighting save at the near post.

Adam Rodriguez bravely gathers the ball under pressure from Liam Wille.

Liam Wille in space smashes the ball goalwards.

The ball rattles the crossbar and out for a goal kick. Halftime 0-0.

The intense midfield battle resumes. Tackle on Joey Lavalle.

Cameron Morgan fakes and goes right away from traffic.

The shot through traffic and across the goalkeeper gives Adam Rodriguez no chance.

Daniel Chicharo holds back the Joshua Macdonald surge down the left wing.

Kyle Kirkland shoots from the edge of the penalty.

The shot scrapes the outside of the net. Full Time : 0-1

ROUND 2 Tarrawanna Blueys v Wollongong Olympic

The Blueys are at home to Olympic. Olympic had a convincing win over Helensburgh in the opening round whilst the Blueys went down to Shellharbour. It is warm with a northerly blowing across the ground.

Tarrawanna v Olympic — Blueys goalkeeper Jackson Cracknell punches the ball clear under pressure from Joshua Alcorn.

The rebound is blasted over the crossbar. Olympic apply early pressure.

Round 1 Cringila Lions v Port Kembla FC

The season kicks off Friday night with Cringila Lions v Port Kembla. Lions made the Grand Final last year and will no doubt be looking to go one better. Port will be hoping to make the Finals Series. There have been lots of moves over the off-season with squad rejuvenations. Expect a closely contested season.