Illawarra Premier League Season 2025

Grand Final: Wollongong Olympic v Coniston FC

The weather is fine. The crowd is gathering. Winner takes all. Olympic are Premiers and are after the Double. Coniston come off an impressive run of wins.

Cono mascots make their way to the the stands.

Olympic attack through Shoji Mori down the left wing.

Tobias Norval sends a rocket through the Olympic defensive line.

Tobias Norval shot rattles the goal frame.

Cono on the counter down the right. End-to-end action.

Jair Fernandez saves under Olympic pressure. Score remains 0-0.

Olympic midfield closes down Cono’s right channel.

Halftime: Wollongong Olympic 1 Coniston FC 0

There are battles for the ball all over the pitch.

John Martinoski lobs one into the goal area.

Zac Ribeiro is brought down on the edge of the penalty area.

Jason Madonis sees Red. Olympic are down to ten men in the 94th minute.

Fulltime. Extra time will determine the outcome.

Josh O’Hanlon clears the ball off the line. 1-1.

Joshua Alcorn with a side-footer guides the ball goalwards.

Goal! Ten man Olympic take the lead in extra time.

Olympic 2 Coniston 1 in the 101st minute.

Jarvis Paterson drills in a third in the 111th minute.

Fulltime: Wollongong Olympic 3 Coniston FC 1

Grand Final Champions. Olympic do the Double-Double.

Elimination Final: Wollongong United FC v Coniston FC

Coniston FC play Wollongong United at their home ground. The winner will go through to the Grand Final next weekend against Wollongong Olympic. It is a sunny spring day with a light chilly breeze. The ground is in good condition. An ideal day for football.

Players and officials take to the field.

Coniston FC use the left wing to mount an attack.

Cono continue to counter attack down the left channel.

United under pressure. Evan Ball clears off the line. Score remains 1-0.

Harrison Anagnostopoulos fires through a line of defenders.

Tom Alston saves with a strong hand pushing the ball around the upright for a corner.

Elijah Howe drives the ball across to Tobias Norval.

Wollongong United 1 Coniston FC 1 (39′).

Jordan Nikolovski fires across the keeper.

Jordan Nikolovski puts United back into the lead!

The Cono shot flies off the crossbar to safety. Halftime: 2-1.

High-paced start to the 2nd Half. End-to-end.

Jayden Branovski breaks into the Six and slots it in!

Wollongong United FC 2 Coniston FC 2 (2′).

A tight and furious 2nd Half ends 2-2 . Extra time.

Elijah Howe’s downward header gives the keeper no chance and bounces into the roof of the net.

Navarone Darjani late in the 2nd period of extra time crosses into Mitsuo Yamada.

Mitsuo Yamada slides in and equalizes in the 106th minute. 3-3.

Full time in Extra Time. 3-3. Penalties are to decide the outcome.

4-4 on penalties. John Martinoski sets to take the 5th penalty. In and Cono are through.

Cool, calm, collected, and decisive. John Martinoski smashes home the winner.

Cono are through to the Grand Final. 3-3 (4-5 pens).

ELIMINATION SEMIFINAL: CONISTON FC v BULLI 1901 FC

The winner goes on to play Wollongong United next week while the loser is eliminated. It is a warm spring afternoon with a light northeasterly blowing down the ground. The pitch is excellent condition.

Daniel Collison cuts out the inbound cross.

Benjamin Spruce heads the Cono cross to the back post to safety.

Bulli 1901 absorb early Cono pressure. 0-0.

Bulli 1901 clear the corner to the nearpost.

Cono defend the1901 counter through Lewis Grimshaw.

Side-netting! Narrow miss! Score remains 0-0.

Daniel Collison commands the high balls into the Six.

Jair Fernandez fingertip save pushes the ball onto the bar and out for a corner.

Bulli 1901 break under constant Cono pressure.

Hassan Abudareb is through and free in the box.

Referee is on the spot and awards a penalty.

Tobias Norval sends the keeper the wrong way.

Strong Cono defence holds tight. Final score 1-0.

Major SEMIFinal: Wollongong United v Wollongong Olympic

Whoever wins goes on to the Grand Final. The loser will play the winner of tomorrow’s game between Coniston and Bulli 1901 next week for a spot in the Grand Final. The weather is sunny and dry with a cool easterly wind blowing diagonally down the ground.

Evan Ball heads the ball down and across the keeper.

Goal! Wollongong United take the lead in the 10th minute.

Claims for offside are dismissed by the referee.

Wollongong United 1 Wollongong Olympic 0 (10′)

Samuel Matthews slots the ball from close range.

Jason Madonis smashes the ball through a packed United defence.

Olympic get one back in the 16th minute.

Wollongong United 2 Wollongong Olympic 1 (16′).

Halftime: Wollongong United 2 Wollongong Olympic 1

Olympic under sustained pressure. Score remains 2-1.

Kyle Jackson defends against the United attack.

United Keeper Tom Alston makes a brilliant save. Score remains 2-1.

Tom Alston saves bravely with a well time dive at the feet of Shoji Mori. Score remains 2-1.

Olympic appeal for a penalty on Javis Paterson.

The penalty is awarded and converted down the middle by Guy Knight.

The game ends 2-3. Olympic go through to the Grand Final.

Qualifying Final

The winner goes on to the Elimination Final against Coniston FC on Sunday. For the loser, it is the end of the road. The game is played about as far away from the supporters of Bulli and Tarrawanna as you can get, in Shellharbour on a very cool Wednesday night.

Lewis Grimshaw pounces on a through-ball down the centre and side-foots a shot on target.

Jackson Cracknell saves deflecting the ball onto the on-rushing Ben McDonald.

Tarrawanna 0 Bulli 1901 1 after just 4 minutes.

Jackson Cracknell makes an excellent save. Score remains 0-1.

Tarrawanna draw level in the 15th minute. Game on!

Pacy Lewis Grimshaw slots the ball into the bottom left corner.

Halftime: Tarrawanna Blueys 1 Bulli 1901 2

Bulli 1901 take a commanding lead early in the 2nd Half.

Bulli withstand the Blueys onslaught as they seek to reduce the deficit.

Ben McDonald smashes the ball home for his brace in the 63rd.

Matias Toro gives the Blueys a glimmer of hope in the 57^th.

Final Score: Tarrawanna Blueys 2 Bulli 1901 4.

Round 22 Tarrawanna Blueys v Shellharbour FC

It is the Last Chance Saloon to reach the Final Series. For Tarrawanna Blueys only a win will do. For Shellharbour FC a draw may be enough. The weather is sunny and cool. The pitch is in good condition.

Teams make their way onto the field for this winner takes all game.

Nikodin Matic punches clear. Early pressure is applied by the Blueys.

Taiga Nakayama on a cross-field attacking run for the Tarrawanna Blueys

Jacob Debien tracks the Taiga Nakayama run.

Cameron Morgan releases a pass down the right wing.

No penalty. Taiga Nakayama’s raid into the penalty area is halted.

No penalty. The score remains 0-0. Blueys dominate the attacking third.

Cameron Morgan smashes the penalty home.

Tarrawanna Blueys 1 Shellharbour 0 (19′).

Ryan Henderson launches a Shellharbour attack down the left wing.

Halftime: Tarrawanna Blueys 1 Shellharbour FC 0

Lachlan Flood is down in the box! Penalty is awarded.

Darren Stone farewells the fans in his last home game for the Tarrawanna Blueys.

Fulltime: Tarrawanna Blueys 2 Shellharbour FC 0.

Round 20 Catch-Up Port Kembla v Albion Park White Eagles

A win today for Albion Park White Eagles would almost certainly mean they will reach the Final Series. A loss and they would need a win next week and results to go their way. Port Kembla are playing for pride and have improved over recent weeks. They could make this a potential banana skin game for the White Eagles. The weather is cloudy but dry. The pitch is in remarkably good condition given the week’s torrential rainfall.

Albion Park White Eagles attack down the right from a Christopher Nathaniel pass.

Joey Lavalle and Dane Corolla are both down after challenging for the ball.

Keija Nishikawa defends the back-heel pass. White Eagles dominate the attacking third.

Dane Corolla receives the ball in the corner.

Dane Corolla turns and crosses the ball into the box.

Cristofer Fuentes holds the cross under pressure from Port attackers. 0-0.

Adam Rodriguez tips the ball over the crossbar.

Chances at both ends of the field. Cristofer Fuentes makes an excellent save.

Cristofer Fuentes tips a thunderbolt over the bar. 0-0.

A tight half with chances at both ends ends 0-0.

Liam Wille is tightly marked by Keija Nishikawa.

Adam Rodriguez punches the ball to safety.

White Eagles crowd the front post for the corner.

Cristofer Fuentes pushes the ball onto the crossbar.

Dane Corolla slots ball off the upright home! Offside is ruled. Score remains 0-0.

Liam Wille sees Red after a 2nd Yellow. He will miss the crucial last round away match against Olympic.

Round 20 Tarrawanna Blueys FC v Coniston FC Part 2

After the abandoned match last week, the 2nd Half is to be played. The score to start the game is 2-2. High stakes are on the line with the winner certain to qualify for the Finals Series. For the loser, another win is essential, and results of other games need to go their way if they are to qualify. The weather is fine with a cool southerly blowing across the ground.

Coniston are immediately on the front foot attacking down the right.

Daniel Loe flicks it up and over the keeper into the net.

Tobias Norval slams the ball down the center. 2-4 (79′).

Coniston coach Mile Mihajlovic makes tactical adjustments.

Tobias Norval slams it in from distance.

Blueys keep attacking. Goal difference could be decisive end of season.

Round 21 Tarrawanna Blueys v Wollongong United

The tight neck-to-neck race for a Final Series spot heats up. Five teams are in the running for three spots with Olympic and Wollongong United already assured of a place. A win today for Wollongong United will see them win the Permiership while for Tarrawanna, a win would certainly place them in the Finals Series. The weather is fine, cool, and ideal for football. The pitch is in surprisingly good condition given the recent heavy rain.

Tarra Blueys attack pressures the United build up through the midfield.

Solid tacking Blueys offensive press. 0-0.

Matias Toro controls midfield for the Blueys.

Shannon Fielding fires from close range.

Blueys celebrate the Shannon Fielding goal.

United closely mark Blueys dangerman Cameron Morgan.

Jackson Cracknell punches the ball clear.

Belatedly AR awards the goal indicating the ball went over the goal line.

Jason Wenig is incredulous! 1-1 in the 29th. Kyah Jovanovski is credited with the goal.

James Stojanovski slams the ball from long range into the goal. 1-2 in the 36th.

Halftime: Tarrawanna Blueys 1 Wollongong United 2

Tom Alston saves the Blueys shot on goal.

Tom Alston makes another excellent save.

Out of the blue United make it 1-3 in the 58th Minute. A proverbial Yosuke Akiyama rocket.

Tom Alston with another impressive save. Score remains 1-4.

Daniel Geroski slips the ball to Klime Sekutkoski

Klime Sekutkoski makes it 1-5 in the 90th.

Final Score: Tarrawanna Blueys FC 1 Wollongong United 5.

Wollongong United are crowned Premiership Champions.

Round 20 Tarrawanna Blueys FC v Coniston FC

The Blueys have a difficult end to the season with the last three games against teams who are either above them on the table or just below who are also chasing a Final Series spot. Coniston FC are well within striking distance and will be needing to win the game in order make up lost ground. It is wet, cool, and the ground is heavy and slippery.

An important game for both Coniston FC and Tarrawanna Blueys FC.

Jarrad Wiley steps up to take the direct from well outside the Eighteen.

Zachary Mazevski fires the ball into the net.

Tarrawanna 1 Coniston 0 just a few minutes into the game.

Not the start for which Cono were hoping .

Cono keeper Jair Fernandez punches the ball to safety.

End-to-end attacking. Zachary Mazevski’s shot is saved by Jair Fernandez.

Jair Fernandez makes another excellent save.

Jayden Branovski pounces on a precision pass into the box and slots the ball home.

High paced game continues in wet slippery conditions.

Blueys shot beats the keeper and skims the left upright. Score remains 1-1.

Tyson Black fires a rocket across the keeper.

Tyson Black does the slippery knee-slide to celebrate the goal.

Slip-slide-save deep into the half. 1-2.

Jared Wiley fires the rebound into the goal.

Tarrawanna Blueys draw level with only minutes left in the half.

Referee abandons game at Halftime. Final score: 2-2.

Round 19 South Coast United v Tarrawanna Blueys FC

Tarrawanna Blueys FC are sitting in 3rd Place with a six-point gap to 6th Place and four remaining rounds . They have a difficult back end run for the season. Points in this game will all but assure them of a spot in the Finals Series. South Coast United are safe from relegation and are playing for pride. The weather is wet, cold and windy. The artificial surface is slick and quick.

United defend the Blueys’ counter attack.

Archer Butkovic strikes the ball with the outside of the right foot.

The South Coast United technical area reaction.

The shot flashes just wide of the upright. Game remains 0-0.

Tight First Half is an even sea-sawing game.

Battle for possession early on in 2nd Half.

Jackson Cracknell saves under pressure from Archer Butkovic.

Cody Wallers smashes the ball in in the 53rd minute.

South Coast United 0 Tarrawanna Blueys 1 (53′).

Liam Mavridis drives a long range missile in the 66th minute.

South Coast United 1 Tarrawanna Blueys 1 (66′).

The effort skims the upright. Score remains 1-1 with time running out.

Finals score South Coast United 1 Tarrawanna Blueys 1

Round 18 Port Kembla FC v Wollongong United

Wollongong United are looking to keep the five-point gap between themselves and the chasing Wollongong Olympic. They need a win because they are still to meet Olympic away. Port Kembla FC are playing for pride. The weather is cool and windy, and the pitch is in very good condition.

Samuel Matthews shoots at goal. Adam Rodriguez makes a great save.

The deflected ball flies off the crossbar.

Adam Rodriguez make another excellent save.

It is a tight game between the sides but with United having the better chances on goal.

Samuel Matthews turns and blasts the ball on target.

Goal! United pressure pays off and they take the lead in the 38th minute.

United celebrate an excellently executed Samuel Matthews strike. 0-1.

The United defence holds tight as Port seek an equalizer.

There are some nervous moments for United throughout the game. Final score 0-1.

ROUND 18 Wollongong Olympic FC v Tarrawanna Blueys FC

Wollongong Olympic need to continue winning games and hope that Wollongong United drop points if they are to win the Premiership. Tarrawanna Blueys will be seeking to consolidate 3rd Place and have a group of teams close by. Any slip up and they may end up out of the Final Five. The weather is cold and sunny. The pitch heavy and slippery after the overnight rain.

Ben McGinnes is called into early action.

The Tarrawanna Blueys apply early pressure on the Olympic goal.

Olympic scramble the ball clear. Blueys continue to pressure for a goal.

The Olympic backheel off the goal line is blocked. Olympic counterattack down the right channel.

Brody Page shoots from just inside the Box.

Ben McGinnes dives to his left and saves the Brody Page drive.

Olympic switch the attack to down the left wing.

The Blueys dominate the attacking third. Score remains 0-0.

Blueys goalkeeper Jackson Cracknell punches the ball to safety.

Olympic build the pressure on the Blueys as halftime approaches.

Jackson Cracknell punches clear. Olympic continue to build the attacking pressure.

Matias Toro controls the midfield for the Blueys.

Blueys defence holds under Olympic pressure. The score remains 0-0.

Nicholas Littler celebrates his goal giving Olympc the lead with just ten-to-go.

Round 17 Bulli 1901 FC v Wollongong United FC

Wollongong United will be wanting to make amends for the shellacking they received in the Bert Bampton Cup Final from their archrivals Wollongong Olympic. They still sit on top of the ladder with a 5-point gap. Bulli 1901 FC are in the chasing pack for a Finals Series spot and will want points from this encounter. The weather is perfect for football. Sunny, cool and no wind.

Underway. Bulli are attacking the northern end.

Ayman Hill stops the deflected shot from going for a corner.

United cross comes in from the right wing.

Kyah Jovanovski bullet-heads the cross goalward.

The unstoppable Kyah Jovanovski header flies into the top right hand corner of the goal.

Bulli 1901 FC 0 Wollongong United 1 in the 8th minute.

1901 are under constant pressure from the United attack.

Desperate 1901 defending. Score remains 0-1.

Tom Alston collects the high ball for United.

Bulli 1901 build the pressure for the ball.

Halftime: Bulli 1901 0 Wollongong United 2.

Tom Alston saves the penalty shot. Score remains 0-2.

Daniel Geroski nails it from well out in the 71’.

Final score: Bulli 1901 0 Wollongong United 3.

Round Catch-up tarrawanna Blueys FC FC v South Coast United FC

The Tarrawanna Blueys can go to outright 3rd with a win over South Coast United FC who languish in their perpetual second bottom spot but are not in any relegation danger. The cool winter conditions are ideal for football and fan alike.

South Coast United on the early attack. Jason Cracknell saves the shot aimed at the far-past.

Jackson Cracknell commands the penalty area.

Cameron Morgan receives the ball from the right flank.

Cameron Morgan slots the pass past the goalkeeper.

United appeal for a foul on the goalkeeper.

The referee signals a goal. Blueys take the lead in the in the 24th minute.

Tarrawanna Blueys FC 1 South Coast United 0 (24′).

The back-heel flick-on to an on-rushing Cameron Morgan.

Cameron Morgan blasts the pass into the bottom right-hand corner.

Cameron Morgan brace in the 29th minute. The Blueys overrun United.

Halftime: Tarrawanna Blueys 2 South Coast United 0.

Darren Stones starts a Blueys attack from deep.

Cameron Morgan goes around the on-chasing United defence.

Tarrawanna Blueys celebrate the Cameron Morgan Hattrick.

Zahary Mazevski smashes the ball on goal.

Tarrawanna Blueys have complete control over proceedings.

Final Score: Tarrawanna Blueys 4 South Coast United 0.

Round 8 Catch-up Cringila Lions FC v Helensburgh Thistle FC

Both Cringila Lions and Helensburgh Thistle have only a slim chance of making the Final Series. Only a win will keep their faint hopes alive. A draw or loss will effectively end their finals aspirations. The weather is cold, clear, a moderate south-westerly wind is blowing across and down the field under a full moon.

The Burgh defence holds tight. No foul is awarded.

Burgh keeper, Luke Morgan punches the ball to safety. 0-0.

Hudson Hick shoots from wide on the wing.

Crini keeper Kenji Sawada defuses the Thistle attack.

Goal! Michael Mcstay makes it 1-2 in the 50th minute.

Cringila Lions 0 Helensburg Thistle 2 (50′).

Peter Simonoski belts it into the net. 1-2 in the 65th minute.

Cringila Lions 1 Helensburgh Thistle 2 (65′).

Jordan Prentoski is brought down in the Area.

Referee awards a penalty after consulting with the AR.

Peter Simonoski makes it 2-2 in the 79th minute.

At the other end, Luke Morgan saves the Peter Sinomoski drive on goal. Score still 2-3.

Michael Mcstay gets on the end of the cross and slots the ball home.

Final Score: Cringila Lions FC 2 Helensburgh Thistle FC 4

ROUND 16 Port Kembla FC v Tarrawanna Blueys FC

Port Kembla FC are in desperate need for points in the chase for a Final Series spot. The Blueys are in form and will be expecting all three points and to move into the Top Five. The weather is a warmish winter’s day. The pitch is in good conditions. Conditions are ideal for players and spectators alike.

Underway. Jackson Cracknell intercepts the Port ball into the Box.

Blueys attack through Matias Toro who distributes the ball around the box.

Port cross the ball into the danger zone.

Taiga Nakayama clears the ball to safety.

Jason Perez makes a well-timed slide-tackle to steal the ball off Matias Toro.

Michael Mendes receives the ball on the edge of the penalty area.

Michael Mendes turns finding the gap in the Blueys defence.

The ball flashes into the bottom right-hand corner.

Jackson Cracknell makes a spectacular save in the last few minutes of the Half.

Halftime: Port Kembla FC 1 Tarrawanna Blueys 0.

Zachary Mazevski makes it 1-1 in the 48th minute.

Mitchell Brooker fires the ball in near-post.

Mitchell Brooker celebrates putting the Blueys into the lead in the 49th minute. 1-2.

Mitchell Brooker smashes a shot across the keeper.

Mitchell Brooker’s brace makes it Port 1 Blueys 3 in the 62nd minute.

Blueys celebrate the Mitchell Brooker brace.

Jackson Cracknell makes a fingertip save.

The referee awards a penalty to the Blueys.

Cameron Morgan send the keeper the wrong way.

1-4 in the 87th minute. The game ends with a comprehensive win for the Blueys.

ROUND 16 Bulli FC 1901 v Coniston FC

Bulli FC 1901 are nearing the Last Chance Salon and need to win to have a realistic chance of making the Finals Series. This is a proverbial Six-pointer. Coniston FC sit in The Five and can consolidate their position with a win. The weather is fine, cool, no wind and the pitch heavy after recent rain.

Cono kick-off. They will be attacking the northern end.

Marcelo Martellotta screens off the player.

Temma Nomura launches a Cono attack down the left flank.

Coniston FC defend the cross into Lewis Grimshaw. 0-0.

Ayman Hill double-fists the ball out of the danger zone. 0-0.

Rui Ishizuka and Jair Fernandez race for the ball.

Rui Ishizuka felled in the penalty area. Penalty is awarded.

Ben McDonald steps up to the spot for a pressure kick that could be season defining.

Ben McDonald sends the keeper the wrong way.

Halftime: Bulli FC 1901 1 Coniston FC 0.

2nd Half is underway. A must win for Bulli 1901.

Daniel Loe defends against the high 1901 press.

Bulli 1901 continue to surge forward looking for a Second.

Alexander Price buries it into the back of the net.

Alexander Price scores! Bulli 1901 2 Coniston FC 0 (54’).

Daniel Loe heads the ball under pressure.

Bulli 1901 keeper Ayman Hill fists the ball clear.

A direct is awarded on the edge of the Box.

Samuel Sisounon steps up to take the kick.

Samuel Sisounon’s rocket flies over the wall and into the back of the net.

Final Score: Bulli FC 1901 3 Coniston FC 1.

Round 15 Tarrawanna Blueys FC v Bulli FC 1901

The Battle of the North has a Finals Series run on the line. A win is necessary for both teams. The weather is a cold winter’s day with a light breeze, warm in the sun, cool otherwise and ideal for football. Tarrawanna Blueys FC as do Bulli FC 1901 are hoping for a good crack at the Final Series.

About to kick-off.

Bulli 190 press Matias Toro. Both teams with an energetic and speedy start.

Ayman Hill takes the cross under pressure.

Bulli 1901 defend the high ball.

Ryan Akhurst passes the ball behind the Blueys defensive line.

Ben McDonald slams the ball into the net.

Jackson Cracknell saves the near-post shot across-the-keeper by Lewis Grimshaw.

Jackson Cracknell’s save causes the ball to rebound to Ben McDonald.

Ben McDonald fires at goal. The ball is blocked by Zachary Mazevski.

The score remains 0-1.

Taiga Nakayama on the offensive for the Blueys.

Cameron Morgan smashes the pass into the net.

Blueys equalise in the 25th minute. 1-1.

Cracking Jackson Cracknell save keeps the scoreline tied.

Darren Stone

Cameron Morgan receives the ball inside the Six.

Goal! Cameron Morgan brace makes it Blueys 2 Bulli 1901 1 right on Halftime.

Halftime: Tarrawanna Blueys 2 Bulli 1901 1.

The ball reaches Cameron Morgan who smashes it into the net.

Tarrawanna Blueys 3 Bulli 1901 0 in the 46th minute.

Cameron Morgan continues to create problems for Bulli 1901.

Overhead cross by Cameron Morgan into the Six.

Matias Toro smashes the ball into the net.

Final score: Tarrawanna Blueys FC 4 Bulli fc 1901 1.

ROUND 14 Bulli 1901 FC v Wollongong OlympicWollongong Olympic

Bulli 1901 FC are in the struggle for a Finals Series spot and Wollongong Olympic are still in the race for the Premiership if Wollongong United faulter in the 2nd Half of the season. It is the Winter solstice. The weather is sunny, still and perfect for football.

Underway between Bulli 1901 and Wollongong Olympic.

Nicholas Fittler shields the ball from Lewis Grimshaw.

Tetsunari Nishimura crosses in from the right.

Rick Goodchild breaks through the 1901 defensive line.

Bulli keeper Daniel Collison saves the Goodchild shot.

Kyle Jackson gets on the end of a cross.

Kyle Jackson stretches the neck and heads the ball into the righthand corner.

Perfectly timed tackle. No foul. Bulli 1901 win the ball.

Marcelo Martellotta stops Rick Goodchild’s progress down the wing.

Bulli gain possession. No foul is given.

Daniel Collison punches clear for Bulli 1901.

Daniel Collison save, a near miss and offside. Olympic keep attacking.

Rick Goodchild on the ball. Olympic control the midfield.

Bulli 1901 defend against a mobile Olympic.

Halftime: Bulli FC 1901 0 Wollongong Olympic 1

Olympic defend and press high from the restart.

Tetsunari Nishimura bravely heads the ball and collides with Daniel Collison.

Heavy landing for both players. No foul is awarded and the goal stands.

Bulli FC 1901 0 Wollongong Olympic 2 (52′). Tetsunari Nishimura gets up after the heavy collision.

Bulli 1901 are unable to break the Olympic defence.

Final Score: Bulli FC 1901 0 Wollongong Olympic 2.

ROUND 14 Cringila Lions v Tarrawanna Blueys

It is the time of the season that teams need to pick up points if they are to make the Finals Series. Both Tarrawanna Blueys and Cringila Lions are sitting in mid-table. Lions are at home. The weather is cold with a light westerly blowing cross-field. It is the night before the Winter solstice, very dark with no moon in the heavens.

Cringila Lions keeper Kenji Sawada makes the first save in the match.

Blueys dominate possession and attack early in the game.

Ekoue D’almeida tussles with Zachary Mazevski.

Blueys use the right wing to launch an attack.

Brilliant reflex save. The score remains 0-0.

Score remains 0-0. Lions do the lion’s share of defence.

Luca Papalia clears off the line to safety.

Lions defend as the Blueys press forward.

Zachary Mazevski chips the onrushing keeper.

Final score: Cringila Lions 0 Tarrawanna Blueys 2.

ROUND 13 Wollongong Olympic v Cringila Lions

The 2nd half of the season begins. The table is taking shape. Cringila Lions need points from this game if they are to creep up the table. For Wollongong Olympic they need a win to keep the pressure on Wollongong United who are clear at the top of the table. A cool but pleasant day for the game. The pitch is heavy, particularly on the northern side near the creek.

Olympic defend the early Lions incursion.

Olympic counter down through the inside right channel.

Lions bench unimpressed with a decision.

Shoji Mori with a pinpoint long cross into an onrushing Tetsunari Nishimura.

Tetsunari Nishimura buries the ball in the back of the net.

Tetsunari Nishimura celebrates his goal in the 8th minute.

Joshua Alcorn ensures there is no way through the Olympic defence.

Lions’ saving header sends the ball over the bar.

Ben McGinnes makes the save under Lions’ pressure.

Anthony Krsteski slots the ball near post.

Anthony Krsteski makes it 2-1 in the 45th minute.

Highly competitive start to the 2nd Half.

Tetsunari Nishimura receives the ball and dribbles into the Area.

Olympic celebrate taking a commanding lead in the 2nd Half.

Near misses. Olympic dominate the attacking plays.

Final Score: Wollongong Olympic 4 Cringila Lions 1.

Round 8 Wollongong Olympic v Coniston FC

Wollongong Olympic need the win to keep up with runaway Wollongong United. Coniston FC can go into 2nd spot with a win. The weather is very cold with a howling westerly blowing down along a heavy pitch.

Coniston FC put pressure on Wollongong Olympic’s left flank.

Olympic pressure the keeper on the corner.

Goal! The ball zips into the bottom right-hand corner.

Cono defend the corner. Score remains 0-1.

Jair Fernandez deflects the shot around the post.

Halftime: Wollongong Olympic 0 Coniston FC 1

Rick Goodchild and John Martinoski battle for possession.

Kyle Jackson smashes the ball into the net in the 49^th minute.

Ben McGinnes makes a reflex near post save.

Nicholas Littler belts the volley goalwards.

The ball rockets into the lefthand corner.

Rick Goodchild drives the ball goalwards.

Final Score: Wollongong Olympic 3 Coniston FC 1

Round 11 Wollongong United v Coniston FC

Runaway leaders Wollongong United are at home to Coniston FC. The weather is cold with a strong swirling South-westerly blowing off the Snowy Mountains and down the ground. Coniston FC are hoping to consolidate their position in the Top Five. Wollongong United are keen to put distance between themselves and the chasing pack for the Premiership title.

A cold SW wind greets the players as they come out for the game.

Jordan Nikolovski looks to set up a United attack.

Coniston pounce and are 1-up against the run of play in the 8th minute.

Defensive header breaks up United attack.

United are unable to break down Cono defence.

John Martinoski shoots from range as Cono go on an early attack.

Tom Alston bravely deflects the shot away from the onrushing Josh O’Hanlon.

Kojiro Hori overlaps Temma Nomura down the right. Cono go after a second.

Kojiro Hori weaves his way through the United defence.

The ball narrowly evades John Martinoski. Score remains 0-1.

Keeper saves. United continue to press for an equalizer.

Cono keeper Tom Alston off his line narrowing the angle.

No penalty is awarded. The score remains 0-1. The clock ticks down.

Wollongong United are unable to find a way through the Cono Defence.

Final Score: Wollongong United 0 Coniston FC 1.

Round 12 Bulli 1901 FC v Port Kembla FC

Bulli 1901 FC are at home to Port Kembla FC. Both teams are looking to make the Finals Series. Bulli 1901 sit in Fifth spot but have played two more games than Port FC. A beautiful late autumn day greets the players and fans. The pitch is in heavy but good conditions.

Bulli 1901 FC ready for kick-off. A must win to hold onto Fifth spot.

Dane Corolla attacks across the box. Port are quickly off the mark after the whistle.

Bulli 1901 halt Dane Corolla cross-field run.

Sebastian Tomasiello clears the ball sending it upfield.

Adam Rodriguez saves the Lewis Grimshaw shot.

Michael Mendes is through the 1901 defence.

Daniel Collison saves with his feet. Score remains 1-0.

Referee awards a foul. Score remains 1-0.

ROUND 8 BULLI FC 1901 v ALBION PARK WHITE EAGLES FC

Bulli FC 1901 and Albion Park White Eagles both need a win to stay up with the Top Five. The weather is fine. The pitch is a little heavy after all the rain during the week. In general, there are ideal conditions for football.

Kick-off between Bulli FC 1901 v Albion Park White Eagles FC

Jayden Makowski in space looking to set up a White Eagles’ attack.

Bulli 1901 attack down the right wing through Lewis Grimshaw.

No handball awarded. The White Eagles attack continues.

Riku Amakawa slips it to Jayden Makowski.

Jack Keating sees a second Yellow. White Eagles down to ten men 29′.

Halftime: Bulli 1901 FC 0 Albion Park White Eagles 1

Bulli 1901 surge forward against ten man White Eagles.

Jayden Makowski get on the end of the cross and heads the ball on target.

Goal! White Eagles strike back almost immediately to retake the lead in the 75 minute.

Liam Wille cuts across the retreating Bulli 1901 defence.

Liam Wille smashes it into the net in the 90th.

White Eagles celebrate the Liam Wille goal.

Final score: Bulli 1901 FC 1 Albion Park White Eagles 3.

Round 7 Tarrawanna Blueys FC v Wollongong Olympic FC

Current Champions Wollongong Olympic will be smarting after their loss to Port Kembla FC and will be seeking to get back to winning ways. Tarrawanna Blueys have had a solid start to the season and this home game is a chance to move up the league table.

Kick-off. Olympic defend the Brokers Nose end.

Kyle Jackson’s attack through the middle is blocked by Jarrad Wiley

Justin Pasfield pushes the ball out to safety.

Tight half with battles all over the field.

Olympic attack through Harry Callahan down the right wing.

Kaydin Harrisons makes a fingertip save to push the ball out for a corner.

Kaydin Harrisons at full stretch plucks the ball from the danger zone off the corner kick.

Rick Goodchild breaks through the centre.

Halftime: Tarrawanna Blueys 0 Wollongong Olympic 1.

Jarvis Paterson is ready to start the 2^nd Half.

Jarvis Paterson’s diving header is pushed over the bar.

Jarvis Paterson makes it 0-2 (48’) from a long range drive.

Tetsunari Nishimura bullet header from the corner.

Final score: Tarrawanna Blueys 0 Wollongong Olympic 4

ROUND 6 Port Kembla FC v Coniston FC

Coniston have been in excellent form and are hoping to keep pace with the leaders. Port FC have put in some solid games. It is beautiful warm Sunday afternoon ideal for players and fans alike.

The game between Port FC and Coniston FC is underway.

Tobias Norval (C) scores on the quick counter (55′).

Zak Bedelovski intercepts the Port cross into the Box.

Ryan Chard pulls one back. Port FC 1 Cono FC 3, 70′.

Port attack is unable to find an equalizer.

93rd minute Tobias Norval goal makes it 4-2.

Final score: Port Kembla FC 2 Coniston FC 4

ROUND 6 CRINGILA LIONS FC V SHELLHARBOUR FC

Both sides have had a solid start to the season and are looking to consolidate their positions in the top half of the table. The weather is mild, dry and ideal for football.

Underway Cringila Lions v Shellharbour FC

Ben Zucco is tightly marked by Valentino Merxhushi

Pass through the box to Peter Simonoski.

Anthony Krsteski’s shot narrowly misses.

Shellharbour counter down the right flank.

Halftime: Cringila Lions 3 Shellharbour 0

Mustafa Kardoli scores from a brilliant header.

Final Score: Cringila Lions FC 3 Shellharbour 1.

Round 5 Coniston FC v Bulli 1901 FC

After last week’s Washout due to rain fans are keen to see the Illawarra Premiership resume. A beautiful Autumn Day ideal for football greets the fans. Both teams have started the season in strong form. This should be a close and entertaining encounter.

Daniel Loe makes a defensive clearance early on.

Logan Mathie

The Lewis Grimshaw shot flashes across the goal line then skimming the left upright.

Cono counter-attack through Hassan Abudareb.

Cono No.10 Tobias Norval

A Tobias Norval long-range effort skims the 1901 crossbar.

The Tobias Norval shot is off-the-1901-head, deflects, and skims the crossbar.

Score remains 0-0.

Alexander Rooke wins possession for Bulli 1901.

Samuel Sisounon makes it Cono 0 Bulli 1901 1 44′.

Halftime: Coniston FC 0 Bulli FC 1901 1.

Early in the 2nd Half Bulli 1901 narrowly miss.

John Martinoski starts a Cono fightback.

Header back across the goals.

Tyson Black puts it away.

Cono 1 Bulli 1901 1 71′

An even end-to-end tussle.

Ayman Hill punches clear. Score remains 1-1 late into the 2nd Half.

From the clearance John Martinoski drives the ball back into the mix.

Josh O’Hanlon heads the ball goalward.

Goal! 91′

Final score: Coniston FC 2 Bulli FC 1901 1.

I will be in China for the World Cup qualifier which means there will be no updates until Round 4. In the meantime, here is the Round 1 game between Port FC v Bulli 1901.

Longtime loyal Port fans wait for the game to begin.

Port on an early raid down the left wing.

No way through.

Adam Rodriguez saves the Ben McDonald header.

Aaron Baker presses Port as Bulli begin to dominate the midfield.

Alexander Rooke fires across the keeper.

Goal! 0-1 11′

Bulli 1901 have the early lead on a sweltering day.

High Fives all around.

Aaron Baker wins the ball.

No foul is awarded.

Ben McDonald fires a rocket through a packed defence.

Goal! Bulli 1901 go two-up in the 16th.

Bulli celebrate their early lead.

Tight midfield battles

Port defence clears the danger.

Bulli 1901 press

Halftime: Port Kembla FC 0 Bulli 1901 2

Halftime flyover

Port come out attcking.

Lewis Grimshaw shoots around the keeper.

Goal: 3-0 60′.

Port is unable to reduce the deficit.

Full time. Pork Kembla FC 0 Bulli 1901 3

Round 2 Tarrawanna Blueys v Helensburgh Thistle

The Blueys take on the Thistle on a heat wave declared day. Drinks breaks are scheduled for mid-halves.

Dylan Nikolovski

First attack is through Taiga Nakayama.

Under pressure Jackson Cracknell saves the Thistle cross in.

The Burgh take control of midfield.

The Burgh Thistle cross is in.

Isaac Rafferty heads the cross in towards the goal.

Score remains 0-0.

Burgh controls midfield in heat wave conditions.

Off the post.

Jayden Nikolovski and Hudson Hick

Dylan Nikolovski and Jack Lombo

Pressure on the ball in heat wave conditions.

Halftime: 0-0

Narrow miss.

Cameron Morgan shoots from just inside the Eighteen.

Morgan shot is pushed around the post. 0-0.

Matias Toro

Matias Toro is through the line.

Cody Waller heads past the keeper.

1-0, 55′.

Tarrawanna celebrate the goal in the 55th.

Cameron Morgan fires in a rocket from just outside the Eighteen.

Goal! 2-0, 59′.

Tarrawanna Blueys 2 Helensburgh Thistle 0 in the 59th. Morgan celebrates.

Luke Morgan plucks the ball off the head of Matias Toro. Score remains 2-0.

Luke Morgan saves under pressure from an on-rushing Cameron Morgan.

Mitchell Brooker nails the third in the 82^nd.

Final score: Tarrawanna Blueys 3 Helensburgh Thistle 0

The Blueys came out firing in sweltering heat wave conditions to take all points in a convincing win.

Round 1 Tarrawanna Blueys v Albion Park White Eagles

The new season begins. Both the Blueys and White Eagles will be wanting to get off to a flying start. Two solid squads with ambitions to win the Premiership. The Blueys have picked up Taiga Nakayama and Cameron Morgan during the offseason.