Just two games remain in the season, and the race at both ends of the table for finals and survival is far from over. The official match of the round delivered despite its controversy, with the top-of-the-table clash in Division 2 remarkably won 8-1 by Lane Cove.
In the unofficial match-of-the-round, Northbridge drew 1-1 with North Sydney United after becoming champions last week. Hornsby Heights take a massive stride towards the finals with a big win, and Berowra remain in the race after also taking three points.
West Pymble FC 1 – 1 Chatswood Rangers
This was a crucial clash in the race to avoid relegation, with both sides desperate for points. Chatswood Rangers entered the contest looking to continue their late-season resurgence, while West Pymble aimed to back up the 12-point haul they collected the previous weekend.
Chatswood made the perfect start at Charles Bean Oval, with the in-form Euan Spiers finding the back of the net in the 9th minute. The remainder of the first half was a hard-fought battle, with both teams creating chances but unable to add to the scoreline, leaving Chatswood with a narrow 1-0 advantage at the break.
West Pymble responded after halftime, making changes in search of an equaliser. They found the goal in the 63rd minute when William Taylor finished well to bring his side level and set up a tense final half hour.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, knowing how valuable all three points would be, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough as the match finished 1-1.
The result is a significant one for West Pymble, who move another step closer to securing their place in the division for next season. Chatswood, meanwhile, still have work to do in their fight for survival, but with two matches remaining, their hopes are still alive.
Northbridge FC 1 – 1 North Sydney United
Dubbed the unofficial “Match of the Round” by the two clubs on Instagram, this Derby Day clash had huge hype. Newly crowned Champions Northbridge welcomed rivals North Sydney United, who arrived determined to cause an upset on their home turf.
Northbridge made the ideal start, with Benjamin Dreger breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute to give the hosts the early advantage. However, North Sydney United responded just before the break, as Adam Galizia found the equaliser to send the sides into halftime locked at 1-1.
The visitors carried their momentum into the second half and looked the more likely side to find a winner, creating pressure in search of all three points. Northbridge’s defence stood firm to deny every opportunity, ensuring the scores remained level. In the end, neither side could find a breakthrough, with the derby finishing in a hard-fought 1-1 draw and the points shared.
Kissing Point FC 0 – 3 Hornsby Heights FC
With just one point separating the two sides heading into the round, this clash had significant ladder implications. Hornsby Heights entered the match in strong form and were looking to continue their momentum at Auluba, while Kissing Point were eager to respond after last week’s disappointing defeat and hold onto second place.
The hosts made the ideal start, taking control in the opening half through goals from Eddie Lee and Julien Vitale. Lee opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Vitale doubled the advantage in the 34th, giving Hornsby Heights a deserved 2-0 lead at the break.
Knowing the next goal was crucial, Hornsby Heights remained disciplined after halftime and denied Kissing Point any route back into the game. Their persistence was rewarded in the 78th minute when sustained pressure forced an own goal, sealing an impressive 3-0 victory. The result sees Hornsby Heights leapfrog Kissing Point on the ladder in a statement win.
Lindfield FC 4 – 1 Knox United
With the season entering its final stages, there was plenty on the line for both sides. Knox United entered the match desperate for points as they looked to climb out of the bottom two on the Division Championships. Lindfield had the opportunity to strengthen their finals position and move into second place with a victory.
The match began as a tightly contested affair, and it was Knox who struck first through Ethan Munday in the 14th minute to give the hosts an early lift. Their advantage lasted just five minutes, as James Plumley restored parity for Lindfield. Neither side could find another breakthrough before the interval, with the teams heading into halftime locked at 1-1.
Lindfield emerged from the break with renewed intent and took control of the contest. Tom Ventura fired them in front in the 51st minute, before sustained pressure eventually produced a third goal through Harry Gleeson in the 81st minute. Lindfield put the result beyond doubt with a late fourth in the 89th minute from Daniel Rigby, sealing an impressive comeback victory and strengthening their push towards the finals.
Willoughby Dalleys 0 – 3 Berowra FC
Berowra entered the round looking to snap a four-match winless run after three draws and a defeat to their local rivals, while Willoughby Dalleys were desperate for points as they continued their fight to avoid relegation.
Making the trip to Chatswood High School, the away side produced a composed first-half display and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through Mark Tobin. Holding a 1-0 advantage at the break, Berowra carried their momentum into the second half.
Samuel Parry doubled the lead early after the restart before adding his second of the afternoon in the 74th minute to put the result beyond doubt. Berowra comfortably saw out the contest to secure a 3-0 victory, keeping their finals hopes firmly alive.
Congratulations to Samuel Parry, whose second-half brace keeps him in the golden boot race and earns him this week’s Player of the Round.
League Table
