Zoran Juraj SABLJAK
In a display of unwavering determination, Sydney United 58 rescued a point in the opening round of the NPL Men’s NSW competition, staging a remarkable comeback from two goals down to secure a thrilling 2–2 draw against the Sutherland Sharks at the Sydney United Sports Centre last Saturday.
The Sharks drew first blood in the 15th minute when winger Daniel Wong delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Defender Bailey Rule attempted to clear the ball onto captain Adrian Vlastelica, but the ball eventually crept into the net for an unfortunate own-goal. The visitors nearly extended their lead in the 23rd minute as Wong once again supplied a low cross from the left flank; however, teammate Mason Fernandez’s effort lacked the necessary power and was comfortably collected by Tristan Prendergast.
Wong then created another opportunity in the 29th minute after Maki Petratos sent a ball in from the right into the box, though his subsequent attempt drifted wide of the target. The home side’s best chance in the first half came in the 39th minute. A corner saw captain Vlastelica head the ball towards Leroy Jennings, who then struck a header from point-blank range. Despite the close proximity, Sharks’ keeper—and former United 58 number one—Danijel Nizić made an easy save to deny an opening goal.
Emerging with renewed vigour at the start of the second half, Sydney United created several dangerous opportunities, though none immediately resulted in a breakthrough. The Sharks extended their lead in the 56th minute when Wong met a cross from Kotaro Katsuta. His first touch caused the ball to bobble off defender Liam McGing, allowing him to volley it emphatically into the top left corner.
The home side began to claw their way back into the contest in the 80th minute. Substitute Luke Žuvela nearly broke the deadlock when a corner from Tariq Maia found him; after controlling the ball with his chest, he volleyed it over the crossbar. Persistence paid off in the 87th minute when another Maia corner was met by Michael Glassock, who deftly guided the ball into the net on his club debut.
With the clock winding down, Sydney United pressed on and eventually found an equaliser in the 90th minute. A brilliant long-range effort from Mason Wells curled into the net off the left post, salvaging a well-fought point in a dramatic encounter.
Next up for United 58 is an away game against Sydney FC at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre this Sunday 16th February with kick off scheduled for 16:00.