Round 5 of the Men’s Premier League was a good round to be the away side, with no team taking all three points at home, and three teams failing to score as the home side. Northbridge picked up another vital win to extend their lead at the top of the table, whilst Berowra and Kissing Point picked up all three points away from home. Dalleys got their first win of the season with conviction, putting Heights to the sword 3-0, whilst the Match of the Round at Cammeray saw an exciting 2-2 draw between two quality sides.
Knox United 2 – 4 Northbridge FC
Knox United were coming into this one full of confidence after two wins on the bounce, looking to cause an upset against the league leaders. A win for Northbridge would make it five wins in a row, something that Manchester United haven’t done since February 2024.
The game started with a bang, with Sonny Matchett putting Northbridge ahead within 10 minutes before Knox United responded through Luke Chapman 7 minutes later. As the half continued to be a tight battle, Northbridge made their pressure pay just before halftime, winning a penalty that was converted by captain Max Olesen. Nathan Baxter got another for Northbridge as he looks to keep up with the Golden Boot race. Knox got one back through Ryan Gilfoyle, but their comeback hopes took a hit in the 82nd minute as Zac Harvey-Latham was sent off. Northbridge capitalised with a sealer in added time through Branden Waeger, with the win seeing Northbridge go 5 from 5 to begin the season.
North Sydney United 2 – 2 West Pymble FC
The Match of the Round was set to be a huge clash at Cammeray, with West Pymble sitting 2nd and North Sydney United sitting 3rd coming into the game. A win for either side would be a big statement to the rest of the league, and it would be crucial to remain in touch with Northbridge at the top.
Yuki Cryan put the away side ahead after being in the right place at the right time from a free kick. Colm Walsh responded for the hosts, with a curling effort into the top left corner making the score 1-1, which it remained at half time. Josh To then put West Pymble back into the lead from outside the box, but they were unable to hang on to the lead again after giving away a penalty. Who else but Colm Walsh to step up and arrow the penalty into the top corner, with the match of the round ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The result sees the two sides remain as they were in 2nd and 3rd on the ladder.
Chatswood FC 0 – 4 Berowra FC
The home side came into this game in much need of a win to get up and running after only taking a point from their first four rounds. Berowra needed a response after 2 disappointing defeats in a row, wanting to go into the derby next week with a win.
Berowra started fast, with Brad Fiedler putting them ahead after just 4 minutes. The score remained the same going into halftime, and it was the away side who again started fast in the second half, adding two more goals thanks to Zac Bovis and a second from Fiedler. Chatswood looked for a reaction with five substitutions made within 15 minutes, but Berowra maintained control and added a fourth with Bovis popping up again. Berowra move up to fourth with the win and look to take this form into Back to Berowra Day this Saturday against their rivals.
Congratulations to Brad Fiedler, whose standout performance earns him the Player of the Round this week.
Lindfield FC 0 – 1 Kissing Point FC
There was plenty of hype before this one, with the two sides being drawn against each other in round 1 of the Damian Miles Cup adding to the heat, as well as plenty of chat on social media. Accusations of ‘Long Ball FC’ and ‘pointless possession’ before the match added to the spice, but as always, it would come down to who did the talking on the pitch.
The game proved to be tense, with two sides showing their desire to keep the opposition out. The game remained scoreless going into halftime, but Kissing Point’s pressure paid as they forced an own goal in the 65th minute. The score would remain the same at the full-time whistle, with Kissing Point holding on to a crucial victory. The result is certain to make the cup clash even better, with Lindfield hungry to respond.
Hornsby Heights FC 0 – 3 Willoughby Dalleys
The home side were in much need of some consistency, with 2 draws, a win and a loss coming into Round 5. Dalleys were looking to turn around their poor start to the season and get up and running with a result.
Dalleys were fired up for this one, looking to prove a point against the hosts. They started fast, with James Laming putting them ahead in the 17th minute and added to the lead after forcing an own goal in the 27th. Matt Casali then received a red card for Dalleys late on in the first half, with Heights wanting to capitalise on this in the second half. Despite this, Dalleys showed an inspired performance to get another goal through Liam Tachjian, and were able to keep out the hosts and win the match 3-0. The result lifts Dalleys off the foot of the ladder, whilst Heights will be looking for a stronger performance against their rivals on Saturday.
Ladder
