It was a wet weekend across the NSFA, with cold and rainy conditions creating the perfect setting for another exciting round of football. The league once again delivered plenty of entertainment, with 22 goals scored across four matches in a weekend full of action.
The Match of the Round produced a thrilling contest, as Northbridge FC bounced back in style with a 5-3 victory against tough opposition. Berowra responded strongly after last week’s derby defeat, while Heights claimed another upset win to close the gap on Kissing Point. Lindfield also secured an important result against Knox, while Chatswood’s clash with West Pymble was unfortunately abandoned due to the weather.
Knox United FC 0 – 3 Lindfield FC
With just one point separating the two sides heading into the clash, there was plenty on the line at NTRA. A win for Knox would see them move four points clear of Lindfield, while the visitors had the chance to leapfrog their opponents on the ladder.
The cold, rainy conditions made for some slick football on the synthetic surface, and it was Lindfield who adapted best. Jake Sperber gave the visitors the lead in the first half before captain James Plumley doubled the advantage in the 62nd minute. Tom Ventura added a third just eight minutes later to cap off a dominant second-half display.
Both sides turned to their benches throughout the half, making five substitutions each as Knox searched for a way back into the contest whilst Lindfield looked to secure the clean sheet.
Lindfield comfortably saw out the match 3-0, continuing their push to build consistency in the weeks ahead. The result sees them climb into seventh spot above Knox, while the home side will be left disappointed with their performance.
North Sydney United 3 – 5 Northbridge FC
There was plenty on the line heading into this highly anticipated derby clash at Cammeray Oval. Newly promoted North Sydney United had the chance to move to the top of the table with a win, while Northbridge were determined to respond after suffering their first defeat of the season and reinforce their status as the benchmark of the competition.
Northbridge wasted no time making their intentions clear. Nathan Baxter opened the scoring before Benjamin Dreger and Ryusei Masuda added two more, with those three at it again to give the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime. Masuda struck again shortly after the break to make it four, with the match appearing firmly in Northbridge’s control.
But North Sydney United refused to back down. Inspired by Hornsby Heights’ comeback effort the previous week, the home side rallied through goals from Lachlan Whitehead and Colm Walsh to reduce the deficit and bring the contest back to life. Just as momentum began to shift, Benjamin Dreger restored breathing space with his second goal of the night. James Dyer scored late to bring it back to 5-3, but it was not enough.
Despite the late push from the home side, Northbridge held firm to secure an entertaining 5-3 victory. The result moves them five points clear at the top of the table and is a statement victory away to their in-form rivals.
Congratulations to Ryusei Masuda, who is the Player of the Round yet again after a strong performance and two goals.
Berowra FC 4 – 2 Willoughby Dalleys
Berowra FC were searching for a response after last week’s derby defeat, whilst Willoughby Dalleys came into the clash looking to build after a win two weeks ago and a narrow loss in their previous outing.
The home side struck first in the 36th minute through Brad Fiedler, but Dalleys responded right on halftime with Jeremy Vaz finding the equaliser. The match remained evenly poised throughout the second half, with both sides battling to find the breakthrough.
As the game entered its closing stages, Berowra’s quality began to shine through. Samuel Parry restored the lead, and Zachary Bovis extended the advantage to 3-1. Benjamin Marrison pulled one back for Dalleys in the 86th minute to set up a tense finish, but Parry sealed the result shortly after with his second goal of the match, securing a 4-2 victory for Berowra FC.
The win lifts Berowra into fourth place on the ladder, moving them ahead of Kissing Point and level on points with West Pymble, who hold a game in hand.
Hornsby Heights FC 4 – 1 Kissing Point FC
Hornsby Heights came into this clash full of confidence after last weekend’s remarkable comeback win over their rivals. With a record of two wins, two draws, and two losses, they were looking to build some consistency. Kissing Point, meanwhile, were riding high after knocking off the league leaders the previous weekend, setting the stage for a quality contest under lights.
It was Hornsby Heights who took control early at their home ground, with Lawrence Frederick striking twice inside the opening 17 minutes to put the hosts firmly on top. Tino Knight then added a third before halftime, capping off a dominant first-half display and giving Heights a commanding lead heading into the break.
Knight grabbed his second of the night in the 57th minute to make it 4-0, with Hornsby Heights in complete control. Lachlan Marlin pulled one back late for Kissing Point, but it proved only a consolation in an emphatic performance from Heights, who now sit just one point behind Kissing Point on the ladder.
Chatswood FC vs West Pymble FC – Match Abandoned
The game between Chatswood FC and West Pymble FC kicked off at Castle Cove Park, but the conditions were deemed unfavourable midway through the first half. The game will be replayed at a later date.
League Table
