Just one round remains in the Men’s Premier League, and everything is still on the line. Knox kept their survival hopes alive with a dominant win over Chatswood Rangers, while Willoughby Dalleys all but secured their place for next season after claiming 12 points across the weekend. West Pymble and Berowra remain in the relegation battle after coming away empty-handed, while Lindfield and Kissing Point booked their spots in the finals with impressive victories. The stage is now set for a thrilling final round.
West Pymble FC 1 – 2 Willoughby Dalleys
This was a must-win clash for both sides, with survival in the Men’s Premier League hanging in the balance. A victory for West Pymble would secure their place in the competition for next season, while a win for Willoughby Dalleys would significantly strengthen their bid to avoid relegation.
The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with little separating the two teams. West Pymble eventually found the breakthrough in the 29th minute, forcing an own goal to take a crucial lead into the break.
For much of the second half, it looked as though West Pymble had done enough. They defended resolutely, absorbing wave after wave of Dalleys pressure as the visitors searched desperately for an equaliser.
Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 80th minute when Chad Cowley found the back of the net to level the scores. Just two minutes later, the momentum continued as Daniel Bacic completed a stunning turnaround, firing Dalleys into the lead and sparking jubilant celebrations at NTRA.
Dalleys held firm through a tense final 10 minutes to secure a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory.
Combined with a 4-1 win in Reserve Grade, the result lifts Willoughby Dalleys to 86 Club Championship points. While survival is not yet mathematically guaranteed, their superior goal difference leaves them in a near-unreachable position on the ladder and in the division next season.
North Sydney United 0 – 2 Kissing Point FC
There was plenty of anticipation leading into this clash, with both clubs building the occasion on social media throughout the week. But when the whistle blew, as always, it was time for the football to do the talking.
The opening 45 minutes were a tightly contested affair, with both squads missing key players and many stepping up across firsts and reserves. Chances were limited, and neither side could break the deadlock before the halftime break.
Kissing Point found the breakthrough 10 minutes into the second half, with Lachie Marlin continuing his outstanding season by opening the scoring. The visitors controlled proceedings from there, and with 15 minutes remaining, Marlin struck again to seal a 2-0 victory. His brace further strengthens his bid to claim back-to-back Golden Boot awards.
The result confirms Kissing Point’s place in the finals. While their season has been inconsistent, they have shown they can match any team when they’re at their best and will head into the finals believing they can challenge anyone in a knockout contest.
Hornsby Heights FC 0 – 1 Lindfield FC
The Match of the Round saw two finals contenders go head-to-head at Montview Oval with a top-four spot on the line. Both sides knew that a victory would confirm their place in the finals and provide valuable momentum.
The opening half was a tightly contested affair, with neither side able to find the breakthrough as the teams went into the halftime break locked at 0-0, setting the stage for a second half with more intensity.
Lindfield struck first just seven minutes into the second half when Patrick Ventura found the back of the net, giving the home side a crucial advantage. The goal ignited the contest, with the intensity lifting as both teams battled for every ball.
Tensions eventually boiled over in the 57th minute, resulting in three yellow cards being shown during a heated exchange. A further four cautions followed throughout the match as the physical battle continued, but Lindfield stood firm to protect their one-goal lead and claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
The result confirms Lindfield’s place in the finals, while Hornsby Heights remain well placed to secure a top four finish in the final round.
Berowra FC 0 – 2 Northbridge FC
Even a draw in this clash would support Berowra as they look to see out survival this season, with their First-Grade side still hunting for a top four finish. Northbridge were looking to continue strong momentum heading into the finals, sitting at 9 games unbeaten. Their last loss came against their opposition in this clash, with Berowra hopeful of a repeat at their home ground.
The opening half was a tense, hard-fought contest, with neither side able to break the deadlock before halftime. Berowra defended resolutely, fully aware of the importance of the points on offer, looking to capitalise on any opportunities after the break.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the second half, with Dylan Mills giving Northbridge the lead. Chasing a result in search of survival, Berowra turned to their bench in search of an equaliser, but the visitors continued to control proceedings.
Nathan Baxter doubled Northbridge’s advantage in the 78th minute, putting the result beyond doubt as the visitors secured another impressive victory. The win extends Northbridge’s unbeaten run as they head into the finals full steam ahead. Berowra’s survival hopes will go down to the final round, where they sit in a good position, but a tough clash with Kissing Point awaits.
Chatswood Rangers 0 – 4 Knox United
Both sides needed maximum points to survive this season. Chatswood have had a late revival in the last few weeks, pushing to keep their hopes alive right until the end. Knox have been up and down, but had a massive opportunity in this one to make their mark.
Knox were fired up from the off, with captain Zac Harvey-Lathan getting his side off to the perfect start just 5 minutes in, going ahead 1-0. Midway through the second half, it was Charlie Hildebrand who extended the lead for Knox United, as they took a 2-goal advantage into halftime.
The second half was tight, as Chatswood looked for a way back into the game. The next goal was going to be crucial for who wins this clash. Ultimately it was Knox who extended their lead, with Toby Powell putting away a third goal in the 71st minute that was of huge importance for Knox.
10 minutes later, Hildebrand added his second of the day to put Knox up 4-0, a commanding victory that keeps their survival hopes alive heading into the final round. They now face a tough test up against Hornsby Heights at home, where a first-grade win is needed if they are to stay up.
Congratulations to Charlie Hildebrand, who is the Player of the Round after a crucial brace to keep Knox’s hopes of survival alive.
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