Spirit broken as Sharks record maiden win in 2023
Spirit broken as Sharks record maiden win in 2023
25 February , 2023 By Football NSW
The Sutherland Sharks recorded its first victory for the 2023 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s campaign defeating the NWS Spirit FC 1-0 in what was a tough Round 4 encounter on a wonderful Saturday summer afternoon at Seymour Shaw.
The previously unbeaten NWS Spirit FC side were dealt the damaging blow in the first half thanks to a glorious strike by Alexander Brown that gifted Damir Prodanovic’s troops their first precious three points of the season.
The Sharks felt they had taken the lead when Jordan Roberts netted in the third minute from a Connor Rose cross only for the strike to be ruled offside.
The first twenty minutes was a turgid, scrappy affair with little goalmouth action, a couple of half-chances, albeit both teams worked hard to create opportunities.
Mitch Stamatellis was his usual commanding self in the heart of the Sharks defence alongside Nathan Grimaldi and Rose, Michael Konestabo and Luiz Lobo were making themselves busy for the visitors but neither ‘keeper had a serious save to make.
It all changed in the 33rd minute when Brown beat the offside trap to plant a deftly struck left-footed strike beyond Christopher Marques to give Sutherland the lead.
Terrific defending by Ollie Wiggin moments later inside the area denied Rose with a perfectly timed tackle.
The Sharks had their tails up and it was all hands to the pump for NWS Spirit FC to deny the lead being extended in the ensuing frantic action.
Marques sharply denied Roberts’ long range drive which was eventually mopped up and cleared by the defence as Sutherland looked to wrap up the points in the remaining first-half moments.
NWS Spirit FC coach David Perkovic was issued a caution by referee Brodie Merchant for dissent before things settled back into the preceding routine.
The whistle blew for the break and the hosts took a 1-0 lead which they hoped would continue in the second stanza.
Roberts sent Rose away down the right flank who centred toward Brown only for a last-ditch intervention by the Spirit defence to thwart a very promising breakaway that kicked off proceedings in the second half.
On the opposite wing, Sharks ace Fumoto Kamada was starting to find space and centred for Louis Khoury whose shot flashed wide of the upright as the Sharks were denied doubling their lead yet again.
It wasn’t hard to see why NWS Spirit FC were unbeaten in the opening three fixtures, but they were finding it heavy going against a gritty Sutherland outfit.
Khoury skied another effort over the bar from the Sharks’ first corner of the match on an evening where both sides appeared to have left their shooting boots in the sheds. The endeavour and intent were there in abundance, but the finish was lacking.
Jared Lum could have levelled it up late on but scuffed his shot much to the chagrin of the visiting supporters.
Despite a late flurry, NWS Spirit FC were unable to breach the Sutherland backline to restore parity and retain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
Sharks coach Damir Prodanovic cut a delighted figure following his side’s first win of the 2023 season.
“It was a good start for us,” he said.
“A good start to the game and I feel we controlled the majority of the first half and had our chances but didn’t take them.
“We had to fight hard after the break but it’s always good to get a home win, but I think the football we are trying to play is about consistency and staying consistent throughout the season.
“We did lose a bit of control in the second half, but the guys dug deep and fought hard to keep the lead and that’s always pleasing to see.
“We were very well organised at the back and worked as a team to protect the lead so I was very happy with the performance, especially at home in front of our fans.”
Match Stats
Sutherland Sharks 1 (Alex Brown 33’)
NSW Spirit FC 0
Seymour Shaw Park, Miranda
Saturday 25th February 2023
Referee: Brodie Merchant
Assistants: Matty Staples and Simon Ashari
Fourth Official: Lucy Nothrop
Sutherland Sharks: 1. Marko Bulic, 2 Takahide Umebachi, 3. Jordan Roberts, 4. Mitch Stamatellis, 6. Brodie Clarkson, 7. Connor Rose (9. Hamish Lamberton 68’), 8. Alexander Brown, 11. Fumoto Kamada, 14. Chris Lindsay, 15. Nathan Grimaldi, 33. Louis Khoury (25. Oliver Randazzo 85’)
Subs not used: 5. Jesse Photi, 19. Evan Ball, 22. Jacob Cremen-Cowan, 91. Jonty Busch
Yellow Cards: Louis Khoury 44’, Marko Bulic 60’, Mitch Stamatellis 81’
Red Cards:
NSW Spirit FC: 1. Christopher Marques, 2. Blake Ilitch (5. Jordan Gomez 68’), 3. Musashi Kokubo, 4. Kota Odakura, 6. Corey Kavanagh, 11. Ollie Wiggin (19. Dominic Johns 82’), 13. Simon Nicholas, 17. Matthew Cahill (9. Mitchell Davidson 82’), 20. Jared Lum, 21. Luiz Lobo (7. Richard Darko 60’), 23. Michael Konestabo
Subs not used: 12. Jacob Madden, 16. Kyle Shaw
Yellow Cards:
Red Cards:
Player Ratings
3 – Jordan Roberts (SS)
2 – Alex Brown (SS)
1 – Michael Konestabo (NWS)
By NPL NSW Men’s Reporter Micky Brock