RYDE CITY
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2002 Season Results & Reports
R13: (Deferred)
U21: Report: By Chris Dunkerley:
"SHARKS 5-0 IN MUDDY ANTI-CLIMAX" The game had been deferred from R13 due to unplayable ground conditions across Sydney, and this one almost suffered the same fate. Ryde, after avoiding the wooden spoon last week with a last gasp win over the Sharks, were not 'up' for this final game in the heavy conditions, and only some of the players were in top gear mentally and physically throughout the match. This shouldn't detract from the excellent effort that had been put in by the team and coaching staff in turning the season around after languishing well clear at the wrong end of the table.
The ball was put into play by the Sharks in the muddy centre circle with light rain falling, but it was quickly played out to the firmer right side, where it was got up to the goal line. Eddie Giraldo didn't pick up the lurking danger, and Adam Mammoliti nipped in to gather and got a close range shot in, with Chris Sharpe only able to deflect the slick ball. 1-0, all of 27 secs after the whistle. In the second minute, Steve Baveas got in a long curling cross from the right, and Rob Portelli dived full length to header forcefully, but wide. In the 13th minute Sutherland quickly took a free kick 30m out, and Jason Connolly was lurking to place a glancing header inside the near left post. 2-0. The Sharks were quite dominant, and in the 18th minute Paul Bourke sent in a scorching chot from 20m, that cannoned of the right upright, however on the counter one minute later Ryde's Simon Turner got forward to shoot wide. The Ryde defence failed to hold the ball in the 22nd minute and Connolly pounced on it, sending it against the right upright, whence it diverted toward the left side, nestling just inside the post. 3-0. Ryde started to get some shape back, and firstly Portelli, then Baveas struggled to get shots in with the ball skidding erratically.
After the break, Baveas got up on the firmer right side, getting a cross into Simon Bloom. The Englishman shot at Zlatko Josevski, whose hands were safer in this game than last. In the 48th minute a long ball through the Ryde defence was missed by Erkin Elverin, and Connolly was there to make space on the left. He got the cross into Iain MacDonald in the centre, who made no mistake. 4-0. The Gunners responded over the next 15 minutes with a series of attacks down the right, with the best when Paul Nero received in the box, rounded the 'keeper, but Matthew Dihm cut in the clear for a corner. Sutherland lifted and in the 77th minute, Connolly was denied a hat trick when Sharpe got down and palmed a stinging shot up and over the crossbar. One minute later Lancaster lifted a looping shot just over the bar. Ryde were now under sustained pressure, but there was little when Elverin, in the box, got to a gentle through ball, but only succeeded in chesting it past Sharpe for an own gaol. 5-0. Lancaster got another shot in 2 minutes later, and Ryde finished off their season with a young Matthew Peatey hitting a snap shot over from 15m.
Report: by Paul Goodwin:
After their last gasp win the previous week Ryde City Gunners might have been expected to trouble Sutherland at Seymour Shaw Park on Saturday night, but the home side had other ideas and soon established their superiority on a glue-pot of a pitch. Ryde failed to show either the cohesion or the necessary impetus to repeat their shock win of the previous week and going behind just 28 seconds into the game, with a really sloppy goal, they did not get them off on the right foot at all. There was almost deathly silence when the five goals were scored in this game and it was not always easy to be sure that the ball had found the net, such was the low key nature of this end of season game, played out in front of a sparse attendance. Sutherland knew that a solid win would put the pressure back on AC United the following day and that the south western Sydney club would surrender third spot if they tumbled at the hands of Sydney Crescent Star, or at least failed to snare one point from their own very difficult encounter.
The Sharks could not have asked for better luck than to be presented with the opening goal as they mounted their first offensive of the game. The Gunners were caught completely off guard as Adam Mammoliti was allowed to advance down the right byline and cut in past a half hearted tackle before slotting past Chris Sharpe at the near post.
The Ryde defence looked stunned and well they might have been. The defending was as sloppy as the pitch was already becoming and despite a flying header from Robbie Portelli, the hero of the previous week's late win, that flew wide, three minutes in, after a classy cross from Steve Baveas, little was seen of the visitors attack of any great consequence. Instead, Sutherland took total control and eased to a comfortable lead as the game progressed, seemingly meeting only token resistance. Only 14 minutes into the game, and from a free kick delivered from the left by Iain Macdonald, Jason Connolly was able to glance in a header at the near post that appeared to bamboozle the Ryde defence completely. Three minutes later Paul Bourke almost made it three when his snap-shot from 20 yards cannoned off the right post and was scrambled to safety by a relieved Ryde defence. There was nothing convincing about the Ryde backline on this damp night, on a pitch that was showing the signs of constant use and did not take kindly to what, in truth, was little more than steady drizzle throughout. In the 22nd minute very poor work in midfield by Ryde turned over possession yet again and Connolly once more was able to find the target from inside the box, the ball eventually going in after ricocheting off first the right and then the left post. Ryde's only glimmer of hope came, in the 38th, from by far their most enterprising and industrious player, Baveas, who got into the six yard area only to be bogged down in the mud and giving the Sharks defence time to close him down quickly.
The second half continued the trend with Ryde failing to come to grips with the atrocious conditions and the Sharks reveling in them. Two minutes in Baveas laid on a great pass for English import Simon Bloom, but the latter's low shot through the mud was gathered easily by the splattered Zlatko Josevski. Sutherland made the most of this let-off by scoring again a minute later. A mistake by Erkin Elveren allowed Connolly to burst through and with a man free on his right he provided the square pass that allowed Macdonald to slot home from 10 yards. Connolly could have claimed his hat trick at that pivotal moment, but his unselfish pass was made by a man with the experience to realise that the team had to come first. Paul Nero could have finally broken the duck for Ryde, but a silly back-pass that Nero had intercepted and should have been translated into a goal was denied by Sharks skipper Matt Dihm racing back to clear off the line. Chances came readily at either end after this and Paul Candelori put his shot just over the bar in the 65th, while a Baveas free kick just shaved the far post before going harmlessly out from a tight angle in the 69th. Connolly was still looking for his hat trick in the 79th when his booming shot was palmed over the bar by the agile Sharpe and a minute later Mark Lancaster clipped over the bar from close range. The unfortunate Elveren chested the ball past his own keeper in the 81st after a ball had been played into the box by Macdonald. Sharpe later saved from Lancaster while the last offering from Ryde was a 30 yarder from Matt Peatey in the final minute, but the game was an anti-climax in many ways and Sutherland would have been happy to take the points with minimal fuss after this one. Ryde ended their season dismally but, already secure from the wooden spoon, they showed every sign of having done all the work the previous week and wanting their season to be over.
SUTHERLAND SHARKS: Zlatko Josevski, Milan Crnokrak, Mark Lancaster (Kory Babington 85'), Matt Dihm (C), Garth Moring, Paul Bourke, Paul Candelori (Matt Borg 65), Adam Mammoliti (Phil Badalato 52'), Monte Pfrengle, Jason Connolly, Iain Macdonald; Sub not used: Adam Kurtz (RGK); Yellow Cards: Paul Candelori 29; Coach: Vic Ellul;
R26:
Report: By Chris Dunkerley:
"PORTELLI SPEARS SHARKS" Sutherland started brightly, playing the ball around in attack, however their 'Achilles heel' was sighted in the third minute when their goalkeeper Zlatko Josevski kicked a clearance straight into a lurking Damien Pisano, but the rebound went just clear of the keeper's right upright. Jason Connolly got in a snap shot in the 11th minute, wide on the left, and a minute later Paul Bourke lifted his head and brought out a finger tip save from Chris Sharpe in the Ryde goal. A good chance came to Ryde in 26th minute when Matthew Peatey put through a fine ball to Portelli who cross to Pisano on the left; alas, he could only find the side netting. In the 29th minute, Monte Pfrengle put in a low shot, which deflected off Peatey and Sharpe got down quickly to smother. Sutherland do their best work coming forward and as the half wore on Ryde were working hard to close them down. In the 38th minute, however Pfrengle made a surging run supported by several teammates, and Ryde couldn't clear. Finally, Iain MacDonald slotted home the shot past a stranded Sharpe. Sutherland could have had another in the 40th minute as the ball was cleared off the line by the defence.
Ryde came out with more enterprise in the 2nd half, and despite a Pfrengle speculator which drew a good take from Sharpe, it was the Gunners who looked dangerous. First Nichola Sartini put one just over, and then good work by Simon Bloom and Damien Pisano on the left put pressure on the shaky Josevski, and Sartini and Pisano on the left gain causing concern. Sutherland weathered this early period and gradually gained the ascendancy. In the 71st minute MacDonald shot so firmly that Sharpe could not hold, but the ball was cleared, and four minutes later Sharpe could only palm away a stinging shot from MacDonald. In the 83rd minute Josevski had to get down well to his right to cover a Paul Nero shot. Inexplicably the Sutherland midfield was lost connection with the defence and Ryde found their way through. First they cleared a Nero shot off the line, and then in the 86th minute Portelli received the ball over his right shoulder and volleyed it in an arc toward goal and over Josevski. The Sharks 'keeper hurried back but only succeeded in forcing the goal into his own net. Two minutes later, great work by Mark Williamson, and substitute Andrew Kane, Portelli was on hand in the middle to shoot strongly into the net. It could have been more as Sartini hit one a minute later, which rebounded off the crossbar, and Erkin Elverin could only shoot just wide.
The win owed a lot to the 'never say die' Portelli, however it was probably (former Northern Spirit and Parramatta Power) goalkeeper Chris Sharpe who starred keeping Ryde in the game long enough for Robbie Portelli to weave his magic. It was a team effort but Simon Turner's work on Jason Connolly and Derek Poimer also helped, and young Matthew Peatey in midfield is improving in each game. Ryde Coach Chris Cowley had a big smile on his face after the game as he insisted that his team had been a chance of an upset as they had played basic football and just never gave up. With Macarthur Rams going down 3-0 to Hajduk and Liverpool going down 5-1 to Hurstville City, the win boosts the Gunners to 11th spot and avoids the 'wooden spoon' no matter what happens in the final, deferred, R13.
Report: By George Moscos :
"GUNNERS SNARE SHARKS IN FINAL MINUTES" Although Ryde had the early chances, caused in part by an inexplicably poor performance by the usually secure custodian Zlatko Josevski, it was Sutherland who appeared the most threatening when anywhere near the Gunners' goal and only for the safe hands of new 'keeper Chris Sharpe, Ryde could well have been two or three goals down at the break. In the 11th minute, a snap shot from Jason Connolly was touched clear and again only a fingertip deflection by Sharpe denied Sutherland's Paul Bourke an opening goal. Ryde's first real chance came in the 23rd minute when Portelli finally beat his marker, releasing a pacey Damien Pisano whose shot missed by a whisker, again raising Josevski's blood pressure another notch. Seven minutes later local junior Monty Pfrengle caught a flick from Connolly on the fly and only Sharpe's reflex action denied Sutherland once again. Later goal scorer Ian McDonald caused concern on two occasions immediately after this. In the 32nd minute, he saw the experienced and usually lethal Derek Poimer lurking unmarked on the edge of the box. Poimer took full advantage of this Ryde transgression, only to see his determined effort ricochet of Eddie Giraldo and bounce harmlessly away. A minute later, McDonald again fired an unstoppable but off target shot at the Gunners' goal with Sharpe this time, well beaten.
The Sutherland goal, when it came in the 38th minute, was deserved. Midfielder Pfrengle slalomed through a mesmerised Gunners' defence only to see his shot blocked by Sharpe at the final hurdle. His save bounced clear to McDonald who put the ball adroitly in the back of the net. In the 43rd minute, Ryde almost were presented with a leveller as a back pass was totally missed by Josevski's boot, only clearing the right upright by centimetres.
The resumption saw a replica of the first half as the Sharks continued the onslaught on Ryde's goal. But as the half wore on, the play became more an even battle and both sides saw chances create and diminish. First Paul Nero for Ryde got to a ball on the by line in the 65th minute, where it was scrambled clear by the Sharks and then at the other end, Garth Moring snapped a shot at goal, missing narrowly. Next Portelli managed to squeeze into the Sharks' penalty area, get dispossessed from behind, appeal a disallowed penalty and then see Moring again chest down the clearance at the other end and fire at goal, bringing out the best in Sharpe once again. All great and entertaining! But it was the final two minutes that brought the small crowd to its feet. With the game all but won, Ryde delivered one last throw of the dice and Portelli fired home volley in the 86th minute, which Josevski could all but deflect into his own net as it rocketed off the bar. Two minutes later- Portelli again. This time a cross from Andy Kane found Portelli unmarked on the far post and he pinched the winner for a delirious Gunners' brigade.
After match comments displayed coaches emotions poignantly. The Gunners' Chris Cowley expressed his pride in the team's never give up attitude. "We worked hard and got something out of it," he said. "Play basic football; work hard and it comes good!" The Sharks' Vic Ellul said it all in one word "Gutted! So many chances! Take nothing away from Ryde - and especially their 'keeper. If you don't score - especially with the chances we had today - you lose the game. It came back and bit us."
RYDE CITY - 1. Chris Sharpe (gk), 5. Eddie Giraldo, 3. Dave Provan (4. Erkin Elverin 70'), 7. Matthew Peatey, 6. Simon Turner, 9. Robbie Portelli, 10. Paul Nero, 15. Simon Bloom (14. Andrew Kane 67'), 11. Nichola Sartini, 12. Mark Williamson, 13. Damien Pisano; Subs not used: RGK Nick Apoifis, 17. Craig Young, 18. Glen Murray; Yellow Cards: Nil; Coach: Chris Cowley
U21:
R25:
Report: By Chris Dunkerley: "STOPPAGE TIME GOAL BOOSTS GUNNERS" After the break much of the same, however in the 55th minute Williams got in a snap shot on the turn from the right, which Sharpe did very well to get his hands to. Ryde's Williamson got up the right in the 66th minute but his cross which found Robbie Portelli in the centre, was struck weekly by Portelli to the 'keeper. In the 69th minute Steve Baveas entered the penalty area from the left, and doing a fair imitation of Williams, he earned his side a penalty which he converted to the right of Steve Minovski to even the scores. Liverpool could have handed the game to Ryde in the 79' minute when a back-pass evaded the keeper, and rolled across the face of goal but he was able to recover with the Ryde players slow to react. Liverpool Substitute Hugo Coronel was 'looking the goods' and in the 83rd minute he turned and shot at Chris Sharpe, and the Ryde custodian's reflexes were tested as he did very well to palm it away. Ryde's best chance to date fell to Rob Portelli, who lobbed to ball into the box, and with the keeper beaten, a defender bundled it away at the far post, with claims of hand-ball from the Ryde bench. Ryde put the game away at last with an uncharacteristic late goal. Damien Pisano, who had struggled to make any impact down the left, received the ball free on the left, ran a few metres and picked his spot past the drawn Liverpool 'keeper.
It is true that this game wasn't expected to be a feast of football, but with both teams sitting within the available points gap for the wooden spoon the level of intensity should have been higher. With Macarthur Rams going down 3-1 to the visiting 2nd placed Fraser Park Dragons at Lynwood Park, the win boosts the Gunners off the bottom of the table for the first time in months. Ryde return for their final game at Magdala park next Sunday, 17th August at 3pm.
RYDE CITY - 1. Chris Sharpe (gk), 5. Eddie Giraldo (16. Nathan Hall +79'), 3. Dave Provan (15. Damien Foxe +84'), 11. Matthew Peatey, 6. Simon Turner, 4. Erkan Elverin, 9. Robbie Portelli , 10. Paul Nero (12. Simon Bloom +20'), 11. Steven Baveas, 12. Mark Williamson, 13. Damien Pisano; Subs not used: GK Nick Apoifis.
Yellow Cards: Damien Pisano 32'; Coach: Chris Cowley
U21:
R24:
Report: By Chris Dunkerley: "GRITTY RYDE CITY STOP LEAGUE LEADERS" Ryde starting promisingly on the front foot with a first minute move on the right begun by Andrew Mailer, carried on by Steve Baveas who crossed to the centre where Damien Pisano was unable to get a shot in. A better chance fell only two minutes later when Pisano again received from the right but his shot was placed straight to Steve Tolios in the Sydney goal. Sydney came back quickly with a dangerous cross from a free man on the right but Baveas was back fast and cleared. The game then settled down with sustained pressure from Sydney but Ryde was always looking for an opportunity to counter. In the 17th minute, Huseyin Bayhan got in a shot that Sharpe just palmed away. Ryde were right in it however, as Mailer hit a speculator across the face of goal and Eddie Giraldo put a free kick over the bar. This exciting game was running end to end and tempers starting flaring late in the half as a frustrated Crescent Star began picking up the first of the nine (9) yellow cards handed out to both sides during the game. Filip Marzec had got in a shot on the run in the 38th minute there was little more for the visitors until two minutes before time when Terry Atsas hit a snap shot which Sharpe got a hand to, and Dave Provan cleared off the line. Despite the loss of key left side player Mailer with a serious injury Ryde had the last chance of the half when the Sydney keeper was forced to save off a deflected shot.
Crescent Star, stung by the lack of penetration in the first half, came out 'guns blazing'. Balabanel shot in the first minute but the ball cannoned off his marker, Turner. That excitement over, the game became an 'arm wrestle' in the midfield as both sides battled to gain ascendancy. In the 60th minute and under pressure Ryde's keeper was able to close off a shot that moved like a pinball though a maze of legs, and two minutes later at the other end Baveas sent a corner to Andrew Kane, whose snap shot was over the crossbar. Ryde continued the pressure with Rob Portelli finding space he didn't in the first half, shot over, and Kane wide. Suddenly it was all Crescent Star and you could hear the collective groan of the Gunners faithful as they had the ball in the back of the net through Marzec, but it and another net-bending shot two minutes later, were disallowed for off-side as Ryde worked hard in defence. Repeatedly either Turner cleared with foot or head, or Sharpe was down to gather, as tremendous pressure was brought to bear over the last 15 minutes by the desperate leaders. Gradually Ryde rolled back the tide, got past their danger late 'dreamtime', and finished looking like they could even have snatched a win.
Ryde's coach Chris Cowley was well pleased with his the performance. "I was very happy with the way the team worked hard and the commitment from every one of them right through the game." Although it took Simon Turner 10 minutes or so to get the measure of the lively Balabanel he never lost control of him thereafter in a consummate performance, which caused some to speculate on Turner's worth on the market if the figures rumoured for Balabanel's signing are true. A great result for the Gunners but will it be enough as the other wooden spoon contender Macarthur Rams also drew at Dulwich Hill. In the end, Sydney may yet rue the points lost at rustic Magdala Park.
Report by: George Moscos
"CRESCENT STARS DIMMED AT GUNNERDOME RYDE CITY - 1. Chris Sharpe (gk), 5. Eddie Giraldo, 3. Dave Provan, 17. Matthew Peatey, 6. Simon Turner, 4. Erkan Elverin 29th), 9. Robbie Portelli (12. Simon Bloom +79'), 14. Andrew Mailer (10. Paul Nero +43'), 11. Steven Baveas, 13. Damien Pisano, 15. Andy Kane (16. Nathan Hall +89'). Subs not used: GK Nick Apoifis. Yellow Cards: Steve Baveas 48', Damien Pisano 87', Andrew Kane 89';
U21:
R23: From Soccer NSW: "It was literally a game of two halves with Ryde dominating the 1st half before Stanmore came right back at them in the 2nd, with Wasim Hijazi scoring in the 77th min, but the Hawks weren't good enough to take the points". Andy Kane scored from a penalty in the 3rd minute. Ryde lost Damien Foxe with a twisted ankle in the 2nd half.
U21:
R22:
Report by George Moscos: 'RYDE TAUGHT LESSON BY STUDENTS AT HOME' - Disappointment for Ryde last Sunday at Magdala as they went down to Sydney University 2-1. A spirited second half revival by the Students left the Gunners awestruck and in danger of making the wooden spoon their own for 2003. Damien Foxe appeared in Ryde colours for the first time today and seemed to have brought his own entourage of interested onlookers. Judging by today's performance, when Foxe settles into the Ryde rhythm, he will be a noteworthy asset. His presence alone must have inspired the Gunners in the first half as they continued where they left off against Macarthur last week. Left-winger Damien Pisano, time and again, left his marker in his wake as he caressed the touchline, sending accurate crosses that identified weaknesses in the Students' defence and gave their coach Stewart Porter half time homework. If not for Matt Craw in the Sydney Uni goal, the half time score may have been more discomforting than 1-0 to Ryde. Twice in the first five minutes Craw was called upon to save the Students - once from a Paul Nero snatch and the latter an ever-improving Andrew Kane 3rd minute effort. In the 12th minute, last week's hat trick hero, Steven Baveas latched onto a Pisano cross that Craw had scooped out to him but his effort this week was meek by comparison. Sydney Uni's best effort of this period was from Daisuke Nakayama who found himself within goal range and on the penalty spot in the 15th minute. Nakayama, instead of trusting his own judgement, sided it to Rob Smithies whose (by now) hurried shot was blocked by a desperate Ryde defence.
Ryde came up trumps two minutes later. "New chum" Andy Kane, playing his first full game, rewarded his team with a fine goal that typified persistence. He latched on to a loose ball on the six yard box that the Gunner's had seized upon after the Student's former Northern Spirit junior Adam Snyder had been dispossessed on the half way line. Kane made no mistake with his effort, placing a shot past an already committed Craw. Constant pressure by Ryde in the 23rd minute should have again been rewarded when resilient striker Robbie Portelli turned his defender; only to see his effort denied by Craw once again. But the best move of the first half was again strangely unrewarded after three Ryde players sprinted clear with only Craw to beat and again - you guessed it - Craw pulled off a superb save.
If Ryde was inspired in the first half, they quickly were brought back to reality in the first two minutes of the second. Sydney Uni came out with more purpose and fire and scored in the 47th minute. An ensuing free kick on the right, given by referee Con Diomis after a high boot challenge was expertly taken by Nakayama, finding the ever-present Tim Wilson. The former Gunner slipped past his marker and fired home the equaliser past a sprawled Chris Sharpe in the Gunner's goal. This goal evened out the game as both sides began to play more frantic football. The Students began to pressure a now stretched Ryde outfit. The serious loss of livewire striker Scott Dixon in the first half through a broken ankle was starting to take its toll. In the 60th minute, a corner found Wilson's head, which glanced the ball inside the far post only to see his effort blocked by Baveas on the line and the loose ball scooped up by Sharpe. A minute later, Nakayama broke through and leaving Foxe in his wake turned the ball to an advancing Smithies, who scored. By now, Ryde were in all sorts of trouble and were lucky not to be three one down in the 72nd minute when the experienced and ever dangerous Smithies headed wide, again after a Nakayama cross, with only Sharpe to beat. As Sydney Uni continued to press, Ryde became more uncomfortable. Desperation was exemplified by shots from way out by Paul Nero and Kane, typifying a stone wall Student defence. The fnal score was probably a fair indication of the effect both sides had; but Ryde can count themselves unlucky according to the after match comments of Students' coach Stewart Porter. "I'm very happy we won," he concluded. " It was a huge improvement on our mid week effort but Ryde can count themselves unlucky in not leading by three or four goals at the break. At half time, I asked the lads for more discipline and tighter marking and these proved a winner in the end." Ryde's coach Chris Cowley was obviously disappointed. "We really missed those first half opportunities. We gave up the second half to set pieces and soft goals. They really hurt us today."
Squads: RYDE CITY - 1. Chris Sharpe, 5. Eddie Giraldo (Matt Peatey 85th), 6. Simon Turner, 7. Greg Fuchs, 8. Scott Dixon (4. Erkan Elveren +29'), 9. Robbie Portelli (12. MarkWilliamson +34'), 10. Paul Nero, 11. Steven Baveas, 13. Damien Pisano, 14. Damien Foxe, 17. Andy Kane. YELLOW CARDS: E.Giraldo 29', S. Baveas 70'. Coach: Chris Cowley; SYDNEY UNIVERSITY - 1. Matt Craw, 3. Peter Feedhan (Tyrone Lara 48th), 4. Jeremy Brown, 6. Daniel Borg, 7. Daisuke Nakayama (Andy Christie 84th), 8. Adam Snyder, 9. Rob Smithies, 10. Tim Wilson, 11. Peter Darvill (Jamie Danaskos), 15. Jamie Heath, 16. David Gill. Coach: Stewart Porter. YELLOW CARDS: R.Smithies (Uni) 73rd min. ; Referee: Con Diomis.
U21:
R21: 1ST GRADE: Gunners 4-1 Win Over Rams By Chris Dunkerley: Just before half-time the game flared up with the Rams Adam Withar given a straight red for language directed at the excellent referee Alex Spirovski. Five minutes into the second half Matthew Toogood knocked a free kick from the left to the far side of the goal area to imposing Adel El Jamel. The stopper headed back to Andrew Borg who had a free header to score, with the defence, including Sharpe, looking on. Ryde collected themselves slowly and in the 53rd min Scott Dixon wasted an opportunity when he shot wide after being free, and a minute later Travis Oughtred couldn't make anything of his forceful run. In the 72nd min a Ryde free kick from the right didn't pan out, but Portelli had the presence of mind to knock the ball back to Baveas who cooly picked his spot from 15m and struck the ball into the top left corner of the net. Two minutes later Portelli was brought down in the Rams box and Baveas stepped up confidently to take his hat-trick. Although Macarthur was still competitive, albeit thwarted time and time again by another magnificent performance by sweeper Simon Turner, it was all Ryde as Dixon got up on the right and hit a low shot which the keeper just took at the bottom of the right post. Ryde ran out deserved winners, 4-1, a scoreline that the Ryde faithful have been patiently waiting for given the improved performance of the side over many weeks. The Gunners return to Magdala Park at 3pm next Sunday (20th July) in Round 22 to take on 'the students' from Sydney University, who are themselves a much improved outfit.
Report by George Moscos: "RAMS CLIPPED BY BARNSTORMING GUNNERS" This time, it was Ryde who dominated the early part of the game. In the first fifteen minutes, the Gunners had three chances to score. Excellent Damien Pisano crosses from the left just failed to find a lurking Robbie Portelli who, on each occasion, was thwarted by the slightest of touches from Rams' goalkeeper Peter Munsie. Whilst Ryde penetrated into danger zones, Macarthur appeared content to shoot from outside the box, giving new custodian, Chris Sharpe (having a few games with the Gunners prior to his departure for Sporting Lokeren in Belgium) pleasant catching practice. Their only real chance came in the 17th minute when a 'daisy cutter' from Adam Wither was well met by a low save from Sharpe.
Persistent threatening by Ryde finally paid dividends in the 24th minute when impressive youngster Steven Baveas, sensing an opportunity, sent the ball over Munsie into the net from 30 metres, bringing the Ryde crowd to life.
Ten minutes later Ryde was almost two up after Portelli again just missed a free ball three metres out after a late call from Munsie confused the Rams defence. In the 41st minute more frustration for Macarthur as a Ryde free kick was followed through by fullback Nathan Hall who seized the opportunity to caress the ball into an unmanned Macarthur net. Frustration turned into aggression, as Macarthur and Ryde became more physical, forcing referee Spiroski to settle the issue by sending Rams' Adam Wither for an early shower for abuse two minutes from half time.
The second half started well for Macarthur, intent on coming back into the match. As is often the case, the ten men Macarthur played above themselves and an unmarked Adel el Jamal on the far post met a cross from the left sideline by Matthew Toogood in the 51st minute. El Jamal nodded the ball back to a similarly unmarked Andrew Borg on the six-yard box and Borg made no mistake with his finishing header. However, even though this goal gave Macarthur heart, it was always going to be tough against a more determined Gunners outfit; playing with the advantage of an extra player. Portelli, Baveas and Dixon, despite their size, were now men inspired, cutting the Macarthur defence to ribbons with incisive runs and accurate passes.
In the 70th minute, a quick thinking and rehearsed Ryde free kick saw Baveas latch on to a pass back from Portelli just outside the box. The enthusiastic midfielder shot hard, "bananaing" the ball past an airborne Munsie.
With the score now at 3-1, Macarthur battled on gamely but more disaster was to come their way as a penalty for a clumsy tackle on Portelli in the box was duly converted by Baveas in the 74th minute, giving him his third of the afternoon and making the final score 4-1 to Ryde.
In all, a fair result as visiting Rams' coach Washington Gonzales acknowledged. " This was the only result that could come from today's match," he said. " Ryde played well and are a good young side. It was a difficult circumstance having only one linesman but I have no complaints." Gunners' coach Chris Cowley was elated and satisfied with the win. " I'm proud of the way the boys played out there today," he said. We've threatened to break the drought for the last four games and today was personally very satisfying."
Teams: Ryde City: 20 Chris Sharpe, 5 Eddie Giraldo, 6 Simon Turner, 7 Greg Fuchs, 8 Scott Dixon, 9 Robbie Portelli, 10 Paul Nero (15. Matthew Peatey +88'), 11 Steven Baveas (14. Andrew Kane + 85'), 12. Travis Oughtred (4. Erkin Elveren +57'), 13 Damien Pisano, 16 Nathan Hall; Yellow Cards: Scott Dixon.
U21:
R14: 1ST GRADE: Dolphins Win By A Head By George Moscos: "Dolphins Disappoint Gutsy Gunners in Midweek Derby" "To and Fro" football signified the second half as both the Gunners and Dolphins turned defence into attack with regularity for the next 45 minutes; determination to win evident and sustained. In the 49th minute, Ryde coach Chris Cowley replaced young Anthony Mailer with recent ex Clyde (Scotland) signing Andrew Kane. Kane had been impressive in his two Under 21 appearances and Cowley was keen to give him a go. To be fair, Kane will take some time to settle but showed he will be an asset when he acclimatises fully. In the 67th minute, Manly went further ahead when Kwasnik took advantage of Ryde's up field pressure to drill home a loose ball against the run of play.
3-1 looked over for the Gunners but for Eddie Giraldo who, finding himself strangely in the forward line finished off a good cross from Kane in the 89th minute to make the injury time added on by local referee Tom Brown (thrown in at the last minute when the appointed referee failed to arrive) even more frantic. At the end of the game, both coaches were reflective. The Dolphins' Phil Moss was elated by the result. " We always knew this would be a hard match to win, especially since it was midweek and local derbies are, in the main, very tough encounters. Ryde played very well but I'm delighted with the win tonight". Gunners' coach Chris Cowley was more reflective and understandably disappointed after such a strong comeback. "Those two early goals are very hard to come back from. They had only five chances and scored three. We have got to fight harder for the ball and take our opportunities."
Teams: Ryde City Gunners: 1. Nick Apoifis. 5. Eddie Giraldo. 6. Simon Turner. 7. Greg Fuchs. 8. Scott Dixon. 9. Robbie Portelli. 10. Paul Nero. (18. Matthew Peatey 80th min). 12. Steven Baveas, 13. Damian Pisano. 16. Nathan Hall 19. Anthony Mailer (17. Andrew Kane 48th min.) Coach: Chris Cowley; Manly Warringah Dolphins: 1. Jacob Rex. 4. Phil Moss. 5. Stuart Turner. 6. Peter Stegic (11. Damien Rosenthal 64th min.) 7. Craig Sharpley. 8. Tom Corte. 9. Adam Kwasnik (15. Jason Tee 75th min). 10. Anthony Martin. 12. Adam Israel. 14. Pascal Juilliard. 17. Omar Obeid ( 2. Anthony Short 80th min.) Coach: Phil Moss; Referee: Tom Brown ( Manly Warringah Association).
By Chris Dunkerley: "Playing their deferred R14 home game away at Cromer Park, the Gunners saw the Dolphins race away to a two goal lead within the first 8 mins, but ended the first half with the better of the play. Although the 35th min goal by Scott 'Hottie' Dixon didn't cancel out the free headers by Northern Spirit loan players Adam Kwasnik and Omar Obeid, it did reflect the improved play. In the 2nd half it was pretty even, with a 3rd goal by the Dolphin's Kwasnik- this not being let stand by Ryde who came back later in the half to have Eddie Giraldo score a rare goal, past Spirit Reserve keeper Jacob Rex. An entertaining game, but one alas in which Ryde needed three points to close the gap on the other stragglers."
U21:
R20: BYE in all grades
ROUND 19 results:
1ST GRADE: Ryde Go To Sleep But Fight Back For Draw
George Moscos reports:
The Gunners came out firing and when ace striker Robbie Portelli was brought on in the 53rd minute, Ryde came to life. The first of two Gunners goals was quite bizarre. Ryde appeared to be denied in the 61st minute after the ball went legitimately into the net, but referee John Bowdler had correctly signalled a penalty for a handball infringement. A bemused crowd then had to wait for Andrew Mailer's penalty strike before hailing the goal. This goal injected hope into the Gunners and serious attacks were launched onto a now stretched Hajduk defence. In the 67th minute livewire forward Scott Dixon's half volley cannoned off the Hajduk upright with the goalkeeper Darren Schwarzer well beaten. From a Greg Fuchs throw in, the Gunners scored the equalizer in the 73rd minute. Andrew Mailer met the throw on the far post and the ex-Northern Spirit NYL signing nailed the ball home past a diving Schwarzer. Not to be outdone, Hajduk's Anthony Hartshorn seized an opportunity just outside the box to flash one at the Ryde goal; only to see his attempt deftly pushed over the bar by Apoifis. In the last few minutes, play became more hectic as b oth sides tried to sniff out winner, which was not to be. In all a fair result - and three draws in a row for Ryde. After the match, Hajduk coach Tom McCulloch was visble in his disappointment. "We let them back into the match today and this is concerning and disappointing. We have now failed to win at home on a few occasions and this is costly. Good luck to Ryde today; they took their chances well." A relieved Chris Cowley spoke highly of his team's second half effort. " We showed a real determination in the second period" he said. "The boys were told at half time that if they wanted to go home happy, they had to put it in on the pitch. They almost succeeded in taking home the spoils." Ryde's breaking news was that Blacktown City and former Premier League Player of the season Damien Foxe has been signed until the end of the season. A player of Foxe's calibre is just the tonic the Gunners could be looking for.
Ryde City Squad: 1. Nick Apoifis (gk), 5. Eddie Giraldo, 12. Andrew Mailer, 6. Simon Turner, 7. Greg Fuchs, 8. Scott Dixon, 11. Nicola Sartini , 13. Damian Pisano (9. Rob Portelli +56'), 10. Paul Nero (18. Andrew Kane +83') , 14. Steve Baveas, 16. Nathan Hall; Yellow Cards: Ryde - Steve Baveas 68' and Nicola Sartini 87'.
U21:
ROUND 18 results:
1ST GRADE: Ryde Battle For Another Point
'Dragons Have No Fire In Scoreless Draw' - Ryde City Gunners battled to a scoreless draw with Fraser Park Dragons, a great improvement on the 8-0 pasting they got away in March. Both sides were evenly matched in the first half, with Ryde perhaps creating more openings. In the 30th min Andrew Mailer on the right latched onto a clearance and from 15m tried to steer it through the defence, but alas it curled just past the far post. Fraser Park's Liam Austin one minute later got onto a ball laid out to the right but his shot kept rising and over the crossbar. Mailer struck again a few mins later but his shot was parried. The half ended with two opportunities for Ryde when Scott Dixon free on the right skewed a shot wide and Paul Nero volley just dropped over. Ryde started as they had finished Damian Pisano getting up on the left and his cross found Nichola Sartini but his shot was blocked by a defender. Gradually Fraser Park gained the ascendancy in possession and with former Gunner Greg Collins getting up on the left, the Ryde defence had to work hard to clear danger, time after time. The best chance to Ryde came in the 65th min when Mailer hit a volley off a Pisano cross which Fraser Park keeper Steve Angelov did very well to turn and palmed it away. Not to be outdone Ryde's 'keeper Nick Apoifis did a similar feat to save off an Austin drive from 25m. As Ryde entered their 'twilight zone' at 80 mins it looked like the good work would be in vain, however they gathered themselves and weathered the storm to earn another crucial point against a top 5 team.
Ryde City Squad: 1. Nick Apoifis (gk), 5. Eddie Giraldo, 12. Andrew Mailer, 6. Simon Turner, 7. Greg Fuchs, 8. Scott Dixon, 11. Nicola Sartini (-85' 17. Travis Oughtred), 13. Damian Pisano, 10. Paul Nero, 14. Steve Baveas, 16. Nathan Hall; Subs - 4. Erkin Elverin, 22. Peter Sestak, 3. Dave Provan, 17. Travis Oughtred (+85'), 19. Jamie Jackson; Cards - Nil
By Paul Goodwin:
U21:
1ST GRADE: Ryde Break Loss Sequence With Draw
Ryde Break Loss Sequence With Draw - After battling for over 80 mins to go to a two-nil lead Ryde let Dulwich Hill back into the game, with two well taken strikes to leave the Gunners with only one point, but a point none-the-less. I missed the first 15 mins due to my own coaching commitments, and therefore missed Simon Turner's first goal for the season (in fact the team nature of Ryde's endeavours this year are shown by the fact that after today 11 players have scored. Dulwich Hill had a goal dissallowed in the 20th min and continued to dominate play right through the 1st half, without really threatening. In the 32nd min Ryde 'keeper Nick Apoifis had to come out to a dangerous move on the left, and the ball was lobbed over his head, however Turner was back to head clear. Ryde had some joy however as Scott Dixon hit one not far over from 20m just before half-time. Ryde looked much better in shape, width, and teamwork after the break. A long throw almost went in but Rob Portelli attempted a 'hand of god' and he was duly carded. Ex Northern Spirit NYL player Andrew Mailer was adding width and agression down the right, and in the 57th min he was well placed for a cross, but could not get a telling shot in. Dulwich Hill starting to get back into the game with some penetrating runs down the left, in the 60th min forcing a save from Apoifis. After several minutes of pressure Ryde got a nice cross in from the left, and Mailer got his head to it cleanly to put Ryde further ahead. Mailer continued to cause problems on the right along with Dixon down the left, but gradually Dulwich Hill lifted their tempo, and found ways through the Gunners defence. In the 82nd min Rousseau slotted his shot away and just as Ryde were gathering themselves to grind out the win, it escaped them with Anthony Mendello heading strongly past Sestak from the right, off a firm and perfectly flighted cross from the left. Dulwich Hill deserved the point, but Ryde must rue letting those precious points go in 7 short mins.
Ryde City Squad: 1. Nick Apoifis (gk), 2. Steve Baveas, 14. Andrew Mailer, 6. Simon Turner, 7. Greg Fuchs (-70' 4. Erkin Elverin), 8. Scott Dixon, 9. Rob Portelli, 11. Nicola Sartini, 13. Damian Pisano, 5. Eddie Giraldo, 10. Paul Nero. Yellow Cards: Portelli 46', Dixon 50', Mailer 83' Report from Soccer NSW (Greg Stock): "At historical Arlington Oval Ryde City bounced back from nine consecutive defeats to post a hardworking 2-2 draw with the improving Dulwich Hill. Leading 2-0 and with less than ten minutes to play the Gunners collapsed, allowing the home side to score two late goals to take a much needed point after they seemed all but assured of the three points. Simon Turner got the scoreboard rolling with a strike in the 4th minute, new signing Andrew Mailer nodding home the second in the 69th minute, but the fun didn't really start till the 82nd minute when Jean-Loop Rousseau got his sides first. Ex Eagles striker Anthony Mondello bobbing up with a back post header late in the match to take a point. Given the even nature of the game, the result was probably a fair one, Gunners coach Chris Cowley again left to lament what might have been for his young side". (Ed. Historical it may be, and I went there in the 60's as a kid, but the surface is lamentable, to say the least!)
U21:
ROUND 9 results:
1ST GRADE: Students Teach Gunners A Lesson
Sydney University, promoted last season along with the Gunners, dominated most of the first half, almost camping in the Ryde half. Although it was very much a tussle with both sides turning over possession, Ryde didn't get any sniff until after 25 mins when first Simon Turner came foward and hit a 25m drive which went wide followed by Scott Dixon whose shot was palmed away in a reflex save by the Uni keeper. Ryde's desperate defence gave in at the 30th min when they conceded yet another free kick, and from 20m on the left the ball was floated to Andy Christie, free in the box, who headed into the net. In the 42nd min Ryde had yet another dissallowed goal, when Simon Turner floated a cross from the right to Robbie Portelli in the box. Rob appeared to chest the ball past the Uni keeper, but the whistle friendly referee blew for what I suppose was handball.
Ryde came out with more drive and width in the 2nd half, and for 10 mins it looked promising until in the 55th Tim Wilson bundled a loose ball, not cleared by the defence, into the right side of the goal. The rest of the half was balanced with Uni pressing but not getting any real chance excpet for one off the crossbar in the 68th min, and Ryde's best chance was a 25m free kick in the 80th min from Nichola Sartini which cannoned off the crossbar with the keeper beaten. They then fell back into pumping balls to a man-marked Rob Portelli. After that game University rise on the table, and the Gunners are still climbing that mountain.
This postponed game, played at Melita Stadium tonight in front of family and football nutcases like me, had a surreal feel to it! Ryde losing (for the 9th successive time) is alas becoming normal fair but the fog rolling in long fingers over the ground, translucent in the floodlights, gave some small gloss to the game.
Ryde City Squad: 1. Peter Sestak (gk), 3. Dave Provan (-65' 16. Nathan Hall), 4. Erkin Elverin (-45' 2. Andrew Mailer), 6. Simon Turner, 7. Greg Fuchs, 8. Scott Dixon, 9. Rob Portelli, 11. Nicola Sartini, 15. Russell Hall (- 82' 5. Eddie Giraldo), 16. Nathan Hall, 10. Paul Nero. Yellow Cards: Sartini 36', Elverin 37', Portelli 44' Report by Green Rover:
"Sydney University won their deferred game against Ryde City 2-0 this evening at Melita Stadium. In very cold conditions and with fog sweeping the field the students found the Gunners hard to break down but did manage to break the deadlock 30 minutes in.
Scot Andy Christie was on target and just ten minutes into the second half Tim Wilson doubled the students' advantage. The 2-0 win lifts the Sydney Uni boys three places, up to 8th spot, while Ryde continue to languish at the bottom. With two games to come against Fraser Park and with a game against Manly-Warringah this weekend, Uni coach Stewart Porter is ambitious enough to believe that his side can now make the semis. All last season they only managed five wins and at the half way stage in 2003 they already have that many wins under their belt".
U21:
ROUND 16 results:
1ST GRADE: Ryde Give 3rd Placed AC a Fright
AC United came to Magdala Park in 3rd place to meet the Gunners who are slowly drifting at the bottom of the table. Ryde coach Chris Cowley rung in changes, including bringing back Peter Sestak in goal (a move he may have rued). The game started fairly poorly, with both sides not settling, with the Gunners in particular giving away too much possession. This was to change in the 19th minute when Ryde's Nichola Sartini struck a sweet drive to put them ahead, after 3 attempts by Ryde were thwarted by post or defender. This lifted Ryde and they started to play with more confidence and more effective tactics, putting AC under sustained pressure. In the 24th minute Rob Portelli got forward on the left but after his cross was not gathered cleanly Sartini could only hit the side netting. More pressure ... and in the 37th minute Scott Dixon received free on the left and curled a shot just past the far post. Alas AC struck back a minute later when McGovern pushed the ball in for a soft goal after good lead up work by AC and poor positioning by Ryde.
The second half opened with a shot on the turn by Chris Giometti for AC, and soon Rob Portelli squared a ball for Damien Pisano to hit a low shot from 25m which AC goalkeeper Peter Akers got down well to. AC United had been given a fright but disaster struck for Ryde in the 48th minute. Ryde's keeper Sestak went up to a curling cross but dropped it, and from the ensuing rebound it settled into the net (attributed to a touch by Chris Giometti). Soon after that AC lost a man (N Rivera) to a red card after a lengthy period of niggling play (by both sides), and dropped back to defend their lead. Ryde dominated but never looked likely to score as they sent in long range shots, but could not get behind the defence. Rob Pirecca and Sartini did well, but the best chance was Scott Dixon's in the 83rd min whose shot almost 'rolled' over the crossbar, with the keeper beaten. AC ran out deserved 2-1 winners to take them to 2nd place, whilst Ryde are now clearly in bottom spot. This young Ryde side has a lot of improving in them, but as Premier League players are signed on loan to other Super League sides, the mountain to climb gets higher. It was encouraging to see youngsters Sartini and Pisano do well, after Dixon shone last round. Ryde are away next weekend, but return to Magdala Park at 3pm on Sunday 22nd June, versus the always entertaining Fraser Park side.
Referee: Alex Glasgow; Assistants: D Findlay, A Fox; Ryde City Squad: 1. Peter Sestak (gk), 3. Dave Provan (-68' 17. R Pirecca), 4. Erkin Elverin, 6. Simon Turner, 7. Greg Fuchs (- 83' 5. Giraldo), 8. Scott Dixon, 9. Rob Portelli, 11. Nicola Sartini, 13. Damien Pisano, 16. Nathan Hall, 10. Paul Nero (-85 J Jackson); Subs: 5. Eddie Giraldo +83', 17. Robbie Pirecca +68, 12. J Jackson + 85', not used: T Petrovski, M Peatey. Report by Chris Dunkerley
Report by Soccer NSW (Greg Stock)
U21:
ROUND 15 results:
1ST GRADE: RYDE STUCK IN THE LABYRINTH
The Minotaurs came to what was (originally?) their home game, at picturesque Magdala Park, fresh from a draw with top 5 Sutherland Sharks in a delayed R14 game. This made it a classic cellar dweller match-up with the Gunners who after a solid start, have been spiralling downward over the last 10 played rounds - now to be 12th vs 13th.
Alas for Ryde, Hurstville's Dimitri Zakilas, who had only one goal to his name before the contest, knocked in a brace in the first half to take the lead, which was held to the final whistle. This was despite Scott 'Hottie' Dixon sending in a scorcher that deflected into the net for Ryde's consolation just before half-time. This '6 pointer' drops Ryde to last spot, and gives Hurstville a further lift.
Minotaurs put on early pressure and it wasn't until the 11th minute that Scott Dixon got his head to a hopefull long ball, but it sailed well over the crossbar. Dimitri Zakilas was on hand in the 13th minute to put away the ball, receiving free just outside the box after Ryde's defence failed to clear or to cover. Zakilas shot again five minutes later but Ryde 'keeper Nick Apitis blocked it well. In the 29th Zakilas hit a great shot past Apitis to move further ahead. Ryde did little to threaten in the first half, in fact it was Minotaur's Antonopolous who drew a tremendous touch out of Apitis to deflect the ball just wide. Scott Dixon got free on the left in the 44th minute, and as he was being closed down he shot early, with his scorcher deflecting off defender Panagakis and into the net - perhaps an own goal - but I'll give it to Dixon for at least having a go!.
Ryde played better football in the 2nd half, though still lacking penetration, with Robbie Portelli man marked, but really it was never a great game. Greg Fuchs should have backed himself in the 49th minute and shot at the near post, but passed instead. In the 61st minute the best chance came for Ryde when from a free-kick Scott Dixon had the ball in the net, but referee Pearce made it be taken again, without the same happy result when Hustville 'keeper Trajcevski tipped it over the crossbar. The rest of the half was uneventfull, at least on the pitch, until in the 77th minute Damien Pisano got inside and from 15m sent a dipping shot just below the crossbar, only to see Trajcesvski tip that one over too.
Hardly Super League standard from either team. Ryde now need to find the way out of the labyrinth they are in, and coach Chris Cowley desperately needs his team to lift right across the park. They face a hard task at Magdala again next Sunday (8th June) when they face 3rd placed AC United.
Referee: C Pearce; Ryde Squad: 20. Nick Apitis (gk), 3. Dave Provan, 4. Erkin Elverin, 5. Eddie Giraldo, 6. Simon Turner, 7. Greg Fuchs, 8. Scott Dixon, 9. Rob Portelli, 11. Nicola Sartini, 13. Damien Pisano (10. Cameron Jones 80'), 16. Nathan Hall; Subs Cameron Jones +80', 1. Peter Sestak (gk), 14. David Harto, 15. Russell Hall.
Report by: Chris Dunkerley
Report from Soccer NSW, by Greg Stock:
U21:
ROUND 14 results:
ROUND 13 results: ROUND 12 : RYDE FALL TO LIVERPOOL AT HOME Report from Soccer NSW by Greg Stock:
U21: ROUND 11 : RYDE GO DOWN TO THE WIRE IN LOSS TO LEADERS! Report from Soccer NSW (Greg Stock):
U21: ROUND 10 : RYDE GO DOWN TO HAWKS IN SOGGY BATTLE! Report by Chris Dunkerley: In the 2nd half Ryde started solidly putting pressure on. Indicative of this in the 59th minute was the penalty taken well by Andy Stratford. It was the pressure from Ryde getting up in numbers that had forced the Hawks defender to deflect a crossed ball away with his hand. Two (2) minutes later Rob Portelli scored after good bustling lead up by Ryde players. Alas the fight back ended there as the heavens opened more and progress through the muddy lake that was forming was problematic. Stanmore scored again through Sarmonikas in the 67th minute. Despite Rob Portelli rebounding one off the crossbar in the 87th minute the Hawks deserved their win which lifts them to 3rd and anchors Ryde at 11th, a position that belies their efforts this season so far".
Match Stats: Ground (Magdala Park): 4/10 (very wet and got a lot wetter and muddier); Game: 7/10, Referee: Simon Przydacz 7/10, Assistants: Andy Kay, Steve McAuley; Ryde Squad: 1. Peter Sestak (gk), 2. Andy Stratford, 4. Erkin Elverin, 9. Rob Portelli, 3. Dave Provan, 12. Mark Williamson (-18'), 16. Nathan Hall, 11. Nichola Sartini, 4. Erkin Elverin, 13. Damian Pisano, 8. Scott Dixon;
Substitutes: 20. Nick Apoifis (gk), 19. Glen Murray, 6. Simon Turner, 18. Robert Pirrecca (+18'; Cards: Yellow Card - Dave Provan
Report from Soccer NSW (Greg Stock): "At Magdala Oval, Stanmore held off a second half fightback from the Gunners to record a convincing 4-2 win. Coming out of the blocks like an express train, Stanmore raced to a 3-0 half-time lead on the back of goals to Steve Liavas, Anthony Sarmonikas and Neil Phillipou. But with torrential rain falling throughout the entire second half, the home side clawed their way back to 3-2. Nathan Hall scoring the first from the penalty spot after Chris Hunt was penalized for a deliberate handball in trying to clear a corner. Rob Portelli nailing the second when he took advantage of a throughball that held up in the muddy conditions, lashing his shot past advancing Hawks goalkeeper David Ivicevich. But Anthony Sarmonikas had other ideas nailing a fantastic strike from 20 yards to kill off the Ryde challenge. Stanmore surviving for the last quarter of an hour with ten men after Liavas was dismissed for a slide tackle that went horribly wrong. Striker Andrew Falas also had his first run for the winners, playing out the final 20 minutes in a solid outing".
U21:
ROUND 9: vs. Sydney Uni - Washed Out - Postponed
ROUND 8 results: Report from Soccer NSW, by Greg Stock:
U21:
ROUND 7: BYE
ROUND 6 : GUNNERS FALL TO RESURGENT WANDERERS! By Chris Dunkerley:
The Ryde City Gunners slumped to their second heavy loss in two weeks on Sunday in their return to Magdala Oval, going down to a determined Hadjuk Wanderers and a hat trick from Tim Gledhill. The star striker was welcomed back from NSW Premier League side Parramatta Eagles during the week.
The game started with obvious early pressure from Hajduk, playing fast breaking football down both flanks. In the 17th min, Tim Gledhill received the ball on the left, strode forward and struck the ball firmly into the net from 20m. Before Ryde could gather themselves, 2 mins later Gledhill side-footed the ball into the net after a snap cross found him free in the box.
Gradually Ryde did find their feet, with Andy Stratford and Simon Turner doing sterling defensive work, and after about 30 mins, the game settled into a battle over the top of the midfield. In the dying stages of the half, Caetano Lnaci shot over from 20m when he had options wide.
In the 2nd half Ryde started brighter, with David Harto hitting a free kick on the left just over a swarm of yellow shirts in the box. In the 52nd min experienced referee Nick Asargiotis gave a controversial free-kick to Hajduk, but Ryde's keeper Apoifis did an excellent job getting quickly down to his right to save. In the 62nd min, the lurking menace of Gledhill again tested Ryde, when he shot firmly at goal only to see the keeper get a hand to it, which took off the pace, and Simon Turner cleared off the line. Ryde started to lose composure, and worse possession in midfield. Despite this, they did provide a threat, shown by Andy Stratford heading just wide off a corner from the left.
Again Ryde failed to finish a game with 11 men, when an off the play red card was given to David Harto in the 74th min., while a Ryde player lay injured. Stratford again underlined his aerial threat in the 75th min., when he headed wide on the left. As substitutions looked as though may have re-vitalised Ryde, 'out of the blue' Gledhill launched a 79th min rocket from 25-30m that almost tore the net off the crossbar.
Hajduk may have taken the foot off the pedal as two mins later Ryde had a chance for a consolation when substitute Mark Williamson flicked a ball inside to Rob Portelli whose shot from 20m was a little wide. In the 88th min Lnaci sent a curling free-kick wide and a min later Stratford back-headed a corner to Williamson whose own diving header was just wide. Overall Ryde fell to the 'Tim Gledhill Show' and to having little control over the midfield and possession going forward during long stretches.
Next week is a BYE, and Ryde City has two away games over Easter, but returns to Magdala Park on the afternoon of Sunday 27th April.
Ground: 8/10, Game: 6/10, Referee: Nick Asargiotis 7/10 Report from Soccer NSW (Greg Stock): "On Sunday, Ryde City coach Chris Cowley again watched his side finish with less than a full complement of players, in their 3-0 loss to Hajduk Wanderers. Spanish import David Harto earning the ire of referee Nick Asargiotis for allegedly back chatting and sent for an early shower sixteen minutes from time. Mind you, the game was all but over in the first 25 minutes after Tim Gledhill put away two good strikes to leave the Gunners reeling, and scored a third fifteen minutes from the end to complete the rout. The scoreline could have blown out even further had Hajduk put away a penalty, the win taking them up to seventh spot on the competition table. Todd Brodie and Gledhill the two standout performers". (See more on SL at Soccer NSW website).
From the club:
U21: ROUND 5 : FRASER PARK GIVE RYDE A RIGHT WHIPPING! By Chris Dunkerley:
Ryde City came to Fraser Park on the back of a creditable 'come-from-behind' win against Dulwich Hill and although Fraser Park has 'the cattle' to rise to the top they had been struggling to find their feet in the first 4 rounds.
As early as the 4th min Ryde were given a wake-up call by Toni Faria who knocked a 25m shot to test Peter Sestak, and for a time the Gunners settled the game down albeit playing with Rob Portelli battling manfully as the lone striker. In the 15th min Ryde tested the Fraser Park keeper when Paul Nero picked up a cross from left and taking a few paces he shot but couldn't beat the keeper. Just when we were looking good, with Glen Murray doing good work to earn a corner, FP got the ball quickly back down the field and scored through a soft Faria strike, which cannoned in off the nether regions of Peter Sestak. Again Ryde settled it down, and even threatened, with first a Greg Fuchs speculator and then Rob Portelli getting into the danger zone. Alas former Gunner Greg
Collins had other ideas, prompting his side and hitting one just past the post. In the 43rd min Bill Petrovski put FP further ahead with a long range lob which exposed Peter's wandering tendencies.
The 2nd half held even less joy as in the 47th min Sestak misdirected a kick-out to the left and Emmanue Papageorgiou capitalised, slotting his shot past Sestak and into the net on the right. From then on it hurts too much to dwell on my notes, as Clint Mayberry waltzed unchallenged through our defence to make it 4-0. Greg Collins punished his old team-mates to make it 5-0. Despite Russell Hall getting up in the 69th min, and some good work by Simon Turner it was all one-way traffic. In
the 74th Papageorgiou again struck to make it 6-0, in the 76th despite renewed pressure from Ryde after Mark Williamson came on, Ian King slotted his ball home for 7, and Dan O'Han made it 8-0.
Some very poor positioning from Sestak during stretches of the game but to be fair his defence often left him exposed as they failed to close down players deep, and were outflanked by Faria several times. We never seemed to have any firm control of the midfield and a lot of work is necessary prior to the first game at Magdala this Sunday at 3pm versus Hajduk who are also struggling after making last seasons GF. Looking at it again, we had a very young side on the park so that is why I didn't feel too down leaving the ground - it did seem fixable!
Ground: 7/10, Game: 6/10, Referee: 6/10 Report from Soccer NSW (Greg Stock): "After some indifferent performances in the first four rounds, the Ian Gillan coached Fraser Park Dragons finally clicked into gear, savaging a very disappointing Ryde City in the process. Gunners goalkeeper Peter Sestak had an unhappy afternoon gifting two goals, the first to Tony Faria when the misjudged a save from a very tame shot, the second to Manny Papageorgiou when he miscued a goalkick. But that aside, he had few friends, only Simon Turner and Andy Stratford able to claim any honour in the shellacking. Greg Collins, the ex Ryde midfielder, was unstoppable down the right
hand side laying on two goals and scoring one himself, while Ian King again had another strong outing". (See more on SL at Soccer NSW website).
U21:
ROUND 4 : RYDE WIN OVER DULWICH HILL Report from Coach Chris Cowley: "Ryde 1st grade started very confidently on the weekend creating a number of chances. Approx. 2/3 of the way into the first half Erkin Elverin crossed the ball from deep to find Paul Nero unmarked in the box to head our first goal. Two (2) minutes before that Andy Stratford accidently hit the ball with his arm in the box and Dulwich Hill were given a penalty which Andre Glucina (a former Ryde player) converted. Five (5) Minutes after the break Dulwich scored their second when they broke down our right and cut the ball back for an unmarked man to slot the ball home. To Ryde's credit they didn't drop their heads and fought back. Paul Nero got his second when Rob Portelli turned his man on the byline and cut it back for Nero to finish. 'KK' made a break down the left turning defenders inside and out to cut the ball for Shahin Nazifi to beat one player and put it past the Keeper. The fourth came from Greg Fuchs who made a break through the middle to simple place it past the keeper. It was a great effort from the boys who stuck to the task and didn't drop their heads even when they went behind. The team was a young side with four boys - Glen Murray, KK, Shahin, and Mathew Peatey yet to turn 20. Next week we play Fraser Park at Fraser Park. A game that will be very hard, but if Ryde stick to the plan should grab some points. Chris Cowley
Report from Soccer NSW (Greg Stock): "Sutherland Sharks coach John Turner was an interested spectator as Ryde City took on Dulwich Hill at Hajduk Stadium. Paul Nero got the scoreboard rolling early when he nodded home an Erkin Elevern cross before the visitors put a penalty away just before half-time after an accidental Andy Stratford handball. They fell a goal behind after Jean-Loop Rousseau found the target, before staging a remarkable fightback which started when Nero put away Rob Portelli's neat cutback in the 59th minute. Greg Fuchs and Shahin Nazifi netted to seal the victory, the win made all the more sweeter for coach Chris Cowley in knowing he finished the game with a full complement of eleven players!"
U21:
ROUND 3 : RYDE DOWN TO 9 DROP LEAD TO LOSE Report from Soccer NSW (Greg Stock): "For the third week in succession Ryde City again failed to finish a match with their full complement of players, this time having two sent off to go down 4-2 to AC United. Leading two nil after 50 minutes, the Gunners looked set to go on with the job but lost Scott Dixon and Nathan Hall to hand the match to AC on a platter. Chris Giometti netting three times, his seciond one a gem as he curled a beautiful shot around Peter Sestak, but the real controversy happened just prior to Zia Younan netting his penalty. There was plenty of debate about whether defender Erkin Elveren had bought down Johnny Ghisso inside or outside the area, the referee forced to hold up play for minutes as players from both sides debated the issue. The loss leaving Ryde at the wrong end of the table with just three points from three games".
Report From Chris Cowley:"We started well against a team with a lot of experience. We went ahead in the 25th minute via a 25 m creamer from Scott Dixon. About 10 min's after the break a planned free kick move from just outside the box resulted in the gunners going ahead 2 - 0. With 25 min's remaining the game should of been over, but AC United struck back with a goal coming after a dubious freekick, which in the following phase they scored. Then a another contentious decision when the Referee awarded a penalty when the player was outside the box and rolled in. Chris Giometti, a former Ryde player scored a 30m cracker from the left
which went into the pigeon hole in the far side of the goals. The fourth goal came from another free kick just outside the box. John
Ghisso cracked the ball and our Keeper, Peter Sestak could not hold the ball and AC followed up to finish. A very disappointing result after being up 2 - 0 with 25 min to go.
GRADE 21:
GRADE 19:
ROUND 2 : MINOTAURS BEAT TEN MAN RYDE Report by coach Chris Cowley - "First grade went down to Minotaurs 0 - 1 yesterday at a very windy Illenden Sports Ground. Ryde started with the wind in their faces and struggled to get into Minotaurs half. On the couple occasions we did failed to trouble the keeper. Five minutes before the break a scuffle on the edge of the box saw the ball drop to Pontidas who laid it back to Kalogeras to score. The wind dropped slightly in the second half. Ten minutes after the break Ryde were reduced to ten men after Eddie Giraldo was sent off for what the Referee thought was stomping. After this Ryde started playing the way they can do so well by keeping possession for long periods and looking very dangerous. Minotaurs occasionally tried to catch Ryde on the break but with no avail with Andy Stratford at the back and with Simon Turner returning to firsts after a season off with injury. Ryde looked like they had the extra man at the end with enough chances to snatch a draw. In the end it was rather a disappointing result where 3 points went begging".
Greg Stock & Soccer NSW report: "At the Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre, Ryde City finished their game with the Minotaurs with ten men after midfielder Eddie Giraldo was sent off in a bizarre incident, which looked a hell of a lot worse than it really was. The result was that the Gunners were down to ten men for the last half hour for the second time in as many weeks, but this time unable to breach a tough Minotaurs backline. The home side scored their goal in the 38th minute via George Kalogeras after he sensed Ryde goalkeeper Peter Sestak was off his line and he successfully tried his luck from deep. New Ryde signing Damien Pisano missing an open goal in the dying seconds which would have given his side a late equaliser".
U21: U19: ROUND 1 : GUNNERS WIN OPENER AWAY Vs DOLPHINS!
"We played very well holding out the Dolphins even when they had the ball for long periods of time they couldn't break us down. The first goal came about midway through the first half when a pinpoint cross from Erkin Elverin found Robbie Portelli unmarked in the box to head us to a 1 - 0 lead. The second goal came within a couple of minutes from the restart of the second half. We had a corner. We took a quick short corner, Nathan Hall crossed the ball, which was headed onto the cross bar and came to Robbie Portelli who smashed it into the roof of the net to get his double. We lost Dave Provan (Hamstring) and David Harto (Ankle) in the first half. They were replaced by Andy Stratford and Paul Nero (former Dolphin juniour) repectively. We also lost Scott Dixon with 5 mins remaining for a second yellow card offence. Peter Sestak had a great game in goals make a number of one-on-one saves while Robbie Portelli at the other end was very strong holding the ball up when we needed.
From the Soccer NSW R1 reports: "Round One of the Winter Super League got underway on Saturday night with
Phil Moss and his new look Dolphins hosting Chris Cowley and his Gunners at Cromer Park. Sadly for the home side, their strong start to the match didn't reflect into goals, the visitors clawing their way back via a couple of Robbie Portelli goals on either side of the break to take a surprise 2-0 lead early in the second half. The injuries flowed thick and fast in a furious second half, Dolphins Steve Berry was forced from the field with a hamstring injury and despite Ryde losing David Harto with a knee problem and Scott Dixon to a red card, they held firm for the final half hour to collect all three points.
Disclaimer: As 90 Minutes & We'll Be Home is a fanzine we offer opinion and hearsay! Match reports are one person's view. It's care only - NO responsibility! In doubt - ring the club or Soccer NSW. This fanzine has no official connection with, or endorsement by, Ryde City SC!
1st Grade: SUTHERLAND SHARKS 5
(Adam Mammoliti 1', Jason Connolly 13', 22', Iain MacDonald 48', Erkin Elverin 80' o.g.)
defeated
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 0
Saturday 23rd August, 2003 at Seymour Shaw
Sutherland 4 vs Ryde City 1
U19:
Sutherland 3 vs Ryde City 2
- Sutherland Sharks came into this Saturday night game hungrier, and thus came away with the goals it needed to retain a 3rd place chance; winning 5-0 over Ryde City in greasy conditions at Seymour Shaw. A 27 sec goal by Adam Mammoliti and a consummate performance by Jason Connolly contributed to the Sharks victory.
RYDE CITY: Chris Sharpe, Eddie Giraldo (Mark Williamson 69'), Matt Peatey, Simon Turner (C), Dave Provan (Nathan Hall 75'), Erkan Elveren, Paul Nero (Nicola Sartini 63'), Steve Baveas, Robbie Portelli, Damien Pisano, Simon Bloom; Sub not used: Nick Apoifis (RGK); Coach: Chris Cowley;
Referee: Peter Vrtkovski; Assistants: Wayne Lenardon and Shane Wells
1st Grade: RYDE CITY GUNNERS 2 (Rob Portelli 86', 88')
defeated
SUTHERLAND SHARKS 1 (Iain MacDonald 38')
Sunday 17th August, 2003 at Magdala Park
- Ryde City Gunners avoided the season's 'wooden spoon' with two very late goals in 2 minutes by hard working striker Robbie Portelli, which rocked the confident Sutherland Sharks camp. Earlier the powerful southern club had looked likely to grind Ryde down after taking the lead through Ian MacDonald in the 38th minute. After last weeks win boost Ryde City returned for their last game at Magdala seeking some points off 3rd placed Sutherland Sharks, but wracked by the injury loss midweek of livewire loan Northern Spirit midfielder Steve Baveas and the renewed absence of Damien Foxe. Sutherland's strong attack, including the experienced Derek Poimer and Jason Connolly, was expected to test the Ryde depth.
- Magdala proved to be a 'Waterloo' for the Sutherland Sharks on Sunday, as the Gunners 'never say die attitude' brought the Sharks' undone in the final minutes of an absorbing encounter. With only pride to play for, Ryde City Gunners took on the visitors in front of a small but vocal crowd, intent on causing an upset. And an upset it was; as with the game all but lost, up popped striker Robbie Portelli to snare two decisive goals in the space of two minutes and send the Sharks back to Seymour Shaw a gutted outfit.
SUTHERLAND - 1. Zlatko Josevski, 3. Matthew Dihm, 15. Garth Moring, 8. Adam Mammoliti, 6. Paul Bourke, 20. Jason Connolly, 12. Monte Pfrengle, 13. Paul Badalato (5. Mark Lancaster 55'), 7. Iain MacDonald, 10. Derek Poimer, 17. Paul Candalori; Subs not used: RGK Adam Kurtz, 2. Milan Crnocrak, 18. Corey Babbington; Yellow Cards: Garth Moring 48'; Coach: Vic Ellul
Referee: Greg Leverton; Assistants - Kim Griffiths, Mark Nemorin
Ryde City 1 vs Sutherland 5
U19:
Ryde City 0 vs Sutherland 6
1st Grade: MSC LIVERPOOL 1 (Eric Williams 12' pen)
lost to
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 2
(Steve Baveas 69' pen, Damien Pisano 92')
Sunday 10th August, 2003 at Ernie Smith Reserve
- Ryde City made a late recovery through Damien Pisano to defeat MSC Liverpool 2-1 after a 2nd half Steve Baveas penalty cancelled out an Eric Williams first half penalty. Liverpool put on early pressure, and Chris Sharpe in the Ryde goal was forced to come out quickly to relieve it. Ryde quickly gathered themselves and got up on the right and a free kick was floated dangerously across the Liverpool goal, but it was cleared. In the 10th minute Daniel Willoughby got up on the left, getting the ball into Eric Williams but it was cleared. A minute later, Williams won the ball on the left, and entering the penalty area he became airborne, winning a penalty from referee Crabb, which he duly converted for his first goal of the season. Ryde battled back, with the recalled Mark Williamson getting in a shot but it was blocked, and keeping pressure on they won a series of corner kicks. Alas, they were not able to convert any of them to real chances. In the 32nd minute Liverpool got in a long cross from the left, which evading the defence, clattered against the far post and into Ryde's possession. The game degenerated into a dour midfield struggle up to half-time.
MSC LIVERPOOL - 1. Steve Minovski (gk), 3. Anthony Driene, 4. Stuart Southall (16. Casey Johnson +45', -74', 5. Chris Fallico +74), 2. Daniel Willoughby, 7. Eric Williams, 8. Anthony Kanaan, 9. Alex Arajuo (12. Hugo Coronel +76') , 10. Zarco Glavas, 15. Ben Realph, 18. Tim Spain, 17. Scott Watkins; Subs not used: Josh Barrett (gk), 11. Ben Kirkman. Yellow Cards: Tim Spain 89' Coach: Paul Carter
Referee: Wayne Crabb, Assistants - Brian Seymour, Leo Romano
MSC Liverpool 2 drew with Ryde City 2
U19:
MSC Liverpool 0 lost to Ryde City 1
1st Grade: RYDE CITY GUNNERS 0
drew with
SYDNEY CRESCENT STAR 0
Sunday 3rd August, 2003 at Madgala Park.
- Highflying Sydney Crescent came to Magdala Park Star as League leaders and eager for a win, with both Fraser Park and Sutherland breathing down their neck with only four rounds to go. Star billing has been going to run-away goal scoring leader Tanju Balabanel, a target for NSL scouts, and his firepower was expected to be decisive. Ryde, desperate for points to stave off the relegation threat, had been hit hard with the loss to injury of Damien Foxe and Scott Dixon. Despite the visitors demonstrating that they are a classy side, a determined Ryde stopped Crescent Star right across the park and grabbed a valuable point against the leaders.
In a match they fully expected to win, top placed and fancied Sydney Crescent Star was tamed a youthful Ryde City Gunners at the Magdala "Gunnerdome" last Sunday, a Gunners side desperate to catch the teams above them as the season comes to a close.
In brilliant sunshine and in front of a large and vocal crowd - the majority visitors, Ryde City and Crescent Star began the match in cautious fashion, searching for the early advantage. Crescent Star struck first, a telling shot by experienced striker Yavuz Enkinci that young custodian Craig Sharpe did well to contain. Ryde's response came a minute later when Steve Tolios in the Crescent Star goal did well to hold a swerving attempt from Damien Pisano. Pisano again proved his worth to the Gunners in the 14th minute when his left footed cross was met on the six-yard box by the ever-present Robbie Portelli, whose volley went astray. Two minutes later Crescent Star midfielder Jomaa Hussein slipped his marker and ran from halfway. Nearing his destination he choked and his final attempt was poor and easily taken by Sharpe. A series of fouls in the 19th minute gave Ryde their best opportunity to open the scoring in the first half. A final free kick found lively midfielder Steven Baveas unmarked; but he was foiled from opening the scoring by a lunging tackle from defender Filip Marzec. Again leading scorer, Tanju Balabanel, called upon Sharpe a minute later to block his deft attempt. In the 28th minute it was Balabanel again who went desperately close with Sharpe beaten on the near post. This sustained pressure by Crescent Star was on the Ryde goal dominated the first half and an unfortunate injury to young Andrew Mailer with two minutes to go gave Ryde coach Chris Cowley further anxiety as referee Peter Vrtkovski blew the whistle for the break.
The second stanza provided little to write home about. Again Crescent Star pressured and again, Ryde City defended. Ryde appeared to have the better of the opportunities as the exposed Crescent Star motored forward, trying to score the elusive one goal to decide the winner. In the 70th minute Scottish import Andy Kane took the worse choice of two when he passed instead of testing himself against Tolios. A minute later, defender Eddie Giraldo, not unknown for appearing on recent scoring sheets, also missed. Again, it was Crescent Star who can feel unlucky when two goals were disallowed midway through the second half. One appeared to be handled by striker Enkinci in the 75th minute and Vrtkovski ruled the other offside on a linesman's flag a minute later. Still, Ryde hung on and the result is history. Nil all and absorbing football was the final result. After the match, Crescent Star coach Yasin Ozdemak was disappointed with his team's performance. " We should have won this important game but we did not play well enough to do so. We need to remember that we are at the top and that all teams lift themselves in order to remove us from that position. Ryde played well today in closing down our attackers and if you can't score goals, you don't win matches." Surprisingly, Gunners' coach Chris Cowley was also disappointed. " To many pundits, we weren't fancied but we felt we could do well today. However, the young boys showed grit and determination over a more fancied side. Simon Turner had the scoring sensation Balabanel in his' back pocket'".
SYDNEY CRESCENT STAR - 1. S. Toilos, 4. E Petratos, 5. F Marzec, 18. T. Devrimol, 7. J. Hussein, 8. T. Atsas, 9. T. Balabanel, 10. Y. Ekinci, 15. H. Orhan, 52. H. Bayhan, 33. A. Oyger. Subs: gk. A. Akbal, 20. H. Sevegin, 31. U. Dekman, V. Kir, H. Alkmani; Yellow Cards: J. Hussein 70', T. Balabanel 36', H. Orhan 30', A. Oyger 32', H. Sevegin 79', U. Dekman 71';
Referee: Peter Vrtkovski
Ryde City 5 defeated Sydney Crescent Star 4
U19:
Ryde City 1 lost to Sydney Crescent Star 6
1st Grade: STANMORE HAWKS 1 (Wasim Hijazi 77')
drew with
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 1 (Andrew Kane 3' pen)
Sunday 27th July 2003 at Arlington Oval.
Stanmore Hawks 2 vs Ryde City 0
U19:
Stanmore Hawks 0 vs Ryde City 2
1st Grade: RYDE CITY GUNNERS 1 (Andrew Kane 17')
lost to
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 2 (Tim Wilson 47', Rob Smithies 62')
Ryde City 1 vs Sydney University 0
U19:
Ryde City 0 vs Sydney University 0
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 4
(Steve Baveas 24', 72', 74' (pen), Nathan Hall 41')
defeated
MACARTHUR RAMS 1 (Andrew Borg 50')
Sunday 13th July, 2003 at Magdala Park
"Gunners 4-1 Win Over Rams" - A fine afternoon for Ryde City football fans as Steve Baveas, a recent loan signing from Northern Spirit FC, helped himself to a hat-trick and also helped craft only the 2nd win at Magdala all season, closing the gap on second last placed Macarthur Rams to 2 points. Ryde started brightly with wide player Damien Pisano making runs up the left and getting in telling crosses, and young Travis Oughtred managing one from the right, alas Ryde could not capitalise. In the 16th minute Robbie Portelli got a foot to a loose ball in the box but could only force it for a corner. At the other end Christian Cevinini at last slipped his marker and from range sent in a scorching drive which new signing Chris Sharpe in the Ryde goal did well to get down to. In the 24th min Steve Baveas moved through the midfield on the left without challenge, looked up and taking his range, slotted a curling shot into the top right corner of the net from 25m. Ryde was dominating play, and in the 31st min Pisano again got in a cross from the left, but the Rams keeper Peter Munsie took the ball off Portelli's feet. The lead was extended in the 41st min when Sharpe booted out a long clearance, which was not collected by the Rams defence, and with a misjudgement by the keeper, Nathan Hall was the lucky one of three Gunners to be on the spot to knock a 'sidefoot' into the net.
With both sides trying desperately to leave the foot of the ladder, the battle of the 'Cellar Dwellers' always promised (on paper at least) to be an absorbing and rugged affair.
On the park and in front of a healthy crowd at Magdala, prediction was fulfilled as both sides went at each other, determined to eliminate the stigma of the wooden spoon. Experienced referee Alex Spiroski had to contend with the fact that only one linesman was available for this encounter, the second time this has happened in as many Ryde matches and an observation both coaches and spectators were perplexed by at this level of football. Spiroski refereed well and under the circumstances and with so much at stake in terms of survival, was a necessary compliment to the afternoon.
Macarthur Rams: 1 Peter Munsie, 3 Adel el Jamal, 4 Peter Osbourne, 7 Andrew Borg (18. Tim Parker 67th), 8 Gary Seymour, 9 Christian Cevinini, 11 Matthew Toogood, 14. Christian Miranda, 16. Paul Wither, 17. Adam Wither, 19. Dwayne Pearson. Yellow Cards: Christian Miranda, Christian Cevinini. Red Card: Adam Wither ;
Referee: Alex Spiroski.
Ryde City 0 vs Macarthur Rams 3
U19:
Ryde City 2 vs Macarthur Rams 0
Age reports on Official club site
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 2 (Scott Dixon 36', Eddie Giraldo 89')
lost to
MANLY WARRINGAH DOLPHINS 3 (Omar Obeid 6', Adam Kwasnik 8', 67')
Wednesday 9th July, 2003 at Cromer Park
Despite the match's venue, Cromer Park, this Gunners home match promised to be the crux of a revival for the recently in form Gunners. However, as well as a heavy shower half an hour before the match, the seventh placed Dolphins also rained on Ryde's parade and sent the Blue and Gold's' back to Magdala very disappointed after their loss last Wednesday evening. In front of a sparse attendance comprising mainly diehards and enthusiasts, Ryde City and Manly came out firing, both intent on taking the full points in this encounter. Young Ryde pressured first as they tried to poke through a solid (…and familiar to Ryde) Dolphins defence, smattered with ex Gunners like Craig Sharpley, Adam Israel and Tom Corte. Any thoughts of hospitality towards Ryde by these ex Ryde players however were shattered early. Two goals in two minutes against the run of play augured what was to be in store for a youthful Ryde defence. In the 6th minute an incisive Sharpley found Israel motoring down the left sideline. The promising youngster beat his opposing marker and floated a high cross to an unmarked Omar Obeid who was so alone on the penalty spot he had time to pick his spot,( buy a bus ticket home for after the match!) and place his header over the stranded Gunners 'keeper Nick Apoifis.
Two minutes later an almost identical move found a determined Adam Kwasnik deliver a similar result, only this time with more ferocity. (One can only ponder the lack of communication within the Gunner's defence at that point, a defence desperately requiring an inspirational player like Damien Foxe still to return from his honeymoon!) This pattern continued for much of the first half, as penetrating runs from Kwasnik, Obeid and Pascal Juilliard stretched Ryde's defence. In the 17th minute, Obeid was again unmarked and only a deft reflex save low down by Apoifis denied the Dolphins a third goal. Ryde's best opportunity in the early stages came in the 11th minute after livewire forward Scott Dixon brought the ball down and switched play, finding an unmarked Damien Pisano on the left whose telling cross skidded past Dolphins goalie Jacob Rex, missing two Ryde incomers on the far post by centimetres. Impressive for Ryde in this first half was ex Blacktown and Northern Spirit diminutive youngster Steven Baveas who revelled in the hard going and showed he was not overawed by his more experienced opponents. Indeed, it was Baveas who, in the 36th minute slipped a tackle from Peter Stegic and found Scott Dixon just on the edge of the Dolphins' penalty area. "Hoddie" Dixon drew the 'keeper and placed the ball to his left, giving him little chance to save and posting a 2-1 score. Ryde gained heart from this success and two minutes later, heavily marked striker Robbie Portelli, for once free of his shackles, was desperately unlucky not to score when a spectacular overhead kick narrowly went wide.
Ryde City 0 vs Manly Warringah 3
U19:
Ryde City 0 vs Manly Warringah 4
Age reports on Official club site
HAJDUK WANDERERS 2 (Trent Worrall 36', 39')
drew with
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 2 (Andrew Mailer 61' (pen), 70')
Sunday 29th June, 2003 at Hajduk Stadium
"Wanderers And Gunners Share Spoils" - On a well-grassed surface at Hajduk Stadium, the Wanderers and the Ryde City Gunners shared the points in what proved to be a most absorbing and entertaining game of two halves. In the end, the 2-2 draw was a fair result as both teams created enough squandered chances to donate the game to each other. To be fair however, Hajduk and Ryde both showed caution and reserve in their approach, indicating a healthy and equal respect. In the end, no one side dominated throughout the match: Hajduk performing best in the first half while Ryde dominated in the second. The first twenty minutes produced no chances of any consequence as both teams attempted to settle into a rhythm and searched for gaps, which they could exploit. Ryde were perhaps lucky to be given a life in the 19th minute when Paul Crisp's conversion of a Brendan Salameh cross was deemed to be offside by linesman Ernie Horvath. But the continued pressing by the Wanderers throughout the half; and the increasing errors made by the Ryde defence eventually had to result in a goal. This came in the 36th minute when Ryde defender Greg Fuchs was caught near the sideline without an option. As he tried to pass upfield, Wanderers' Chris Camilleri met his kick and raced to the by-line turning the ball in towards a waiting Trent Worrall, who pounced on a spilled save from the Ryde keeper Nick Apoifis to put the Wanderers one up. Two minutes later an almost deja-vu effort saw an unmarked Worrall strike again, this time drawing the keeper and placing another Camilleri cross into the back of the net. For the Gunners in the last five minutes of the first half, poor defensive clearances were the order of the day as lapses of concentration and dejection set in. Whatever the Ryde manager put into the water at half time - it worked!
Hajduk Squad: 1. Daniel Schwarzer. 2. Robert Kuman (Ryan Manente +86') 3. Anthony Hartshorn. 4. Nahuel Arrate. 5. Mark Abi-Arrage. 16. Mate Jedinak. 7. Todd Brodie. 18. Chris Camilleri (13. Navid Varess +56') 14. Brendan Salameh. 10. Trent Worrall (Eddie Wong +68'). 12. Paul Crisp; Yellow Cards: Hajduk - Mark Abi-Arrage 61`and Mate Jedinak 66'
Referee : John. Bowdler, Assistants : Ernie Horvath and Scott McAuley
Hajduk Wanderers 4 vs Ryde City 0
U19:
Hajduk Wanderers 5 vs. Ryde City 0
Age reports on Official club site
FRASER PARK DRAGONS 0 drew with RYDE CITY GUNNERS 0
Sunday 22nd June, 2003 at Magdala Park
Report by Chris Dunkerley
Bottom dogs Ryde City Gunners deservedly picked up a point against title challengers Fraser Park on the shortest Sunday of the year, at Magdala Oval, working solidly for ninety minutes to earn a 0-0 draw. Ryde had by far the better of the chances in the first half, but were unable to capitalise on them and went to the sheds still scoreless. They battled away throughout the second half, too and while chances came few and far between for them, they did make Fraser Park work hard at times to keep them at bay, though not in the final fifteen minutes or so when pinned back in their own half. Both keepers were busy and in form, with Nick Apoitis making the bulk of the saves, while his opposite number, Steve Angelov, also did well when called upon. The game was only five minutes old when Fraser Park's Greg Collins burst down the left flank and curled the ball over to Manny Papageorgiou at the far post where the former St George man's header brought out a fingertip save from Apoitis. The keeper only managed to push the ball onto the bar, but it was then hastily cleared, so Ryde lived on. Liam Austin headed wide, a minute later, after exchanging passes with Martin Bourke. At the other end Andrew Mailer's cross for Scott Dixon was not intercepted by Bourke on the edge of the box, but when Dixon got into the box itself his angled shot gave Angelov time to push the ball around the right hand post to safety. Greg Fuchs also got Mailer into a good shooting position on the half hour, but the latter drilled his low shot through a crowd of defenders only for it to go wide as well. Mailer's shot from 20 yards out in the 37th was blocked by the legs of the keeper too and that was the end of the visitors chances for the first period. Ryde were not finished, however, creating and spurning two golden opportunities of their own. First, in the 39th, Dixon found himself in possession inside the box, but skewed his shot wide of the post and then, in the 41st, Paul Nero's volley just cleared the Fraser bar. Ryde continued, after the break, to take the game to the more highly fancied visitors.
Nichola Sartini accepted a fine cross from the left byline by Damian Pisano, but the shot was blocked on the Fraser line, just three minutes after the restart. Pisano was a visible threat down the left, for much of the second half, but he could not pick players out often enough to give Fraser any great concern and the closest the Gunners came from his fine work was when, in the 69th, Mailer latched onto a cross and saw his sweetly-hit volley parried and then swiftly reclaimed by the keeper. Liam Austin, for Fraser, went close in the 71st with a similar effort that Ryde's custodian, Apoitis, pushed around the post. Ian King's header also flew just over the bar, thanks to a Ryde defender's intervention in the 78th , but the danger of Austin was nullified when, shortly after receiving a caution, he was substituted. His coach, Ian Gillan, explained later that he had been given the caution for an outburst against the referee and he felt it prudent to keep the player out of harm's way for the remaining ten or so minutes. That was a pity as Austin was beginning to look a bit of a menace at that stage against a flagging, but still hard working Ryde defence. To their credit, however, Ryde clearly had the heart for the job and saw it through to the end. Both sides gave of their best and Ryde virtually shut up shop in the last ten, King's shot into the side netting all Fraser had to show for a period of total dominance at the end. It had been a gripping contest and a draw was a fair result as both coaches admitted at the end. RYDE CITY: Nick Apoitis, Nathan Hall, Steve Baveas, Damian Pisaro, Eddie Giraldo, Simon Turner, Greg Fuchs, Scott Dixon, Andrew Mailer, Paul Nero, Nichola Sartini (Travis Oughtred 84)
Subs not used: Peter Sestak (RGK), Dave Provan, Erkin Elverin, Jamie Jackson; Coach: Chris Cowley; FRASER PARK: Steve Angelov, David Cuda, Alex Leris, Michael Kladis, Scott Wells (Archie Markopoulos 60), Greg Collins, Ian King, Martin Bourke, Clint Mayberry, Liam Austin (Mark Guerrero 77), Manny Papageorgiou; Subs not used: Daniel Farias (RGK), Bill Petrovski; Coach: Ian Gillan; eferee: Kevin Humphreys, Assistants: Keith Anderson and Greg Christodoulou; Yellow Cards: Ryde City: Nil, Fraser Park: Liam Austin 77
Ryde City 1 vs Fraser Park 2
U19:
Ryde City 0 vs Fraser Park 1
Age reports on Official club site
DULWICH HILL 2 (Jean-Loop Rousseau 82', Anthony Mondello 89')
drew with
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 2 (Simon Turner 4', Andrew Mailer 69')
Sunday 16th June, 2003 at Arlington Oval
Report by Chris Dunkerley
Dulwich Hill 3 vs. Ryde City 0
U19:
Dulwich Hill 3 vs. Ryde City 1
Age reports on Official club site
SYDNEY UNIVERSITY 2 (Andy Christie 30', Tim Wilson 55')
defeated
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 0
Wednesday 11th June, 2003 at Melita Stadium
Report by Chris Dunkerley
Sydney University vs Ryde City - to be played 17/6/03
U19:
Sydney University 1 vs Ryde City 2
Age reports on Official club site
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 1 (N Sartini 19') lost to
AC UNITED 2 (M McGovern 38' , C Giometti 58')
Sunday 8th June, 2003 at Magdala Park, North Ryde
"At Magdala Oval, Ryde City's season of misfortune continued when they were beaten for the eighth straight game, 2-1 by AC United. Gunner coach Chris Cowley must surely think lady luck has deserted him after watching his side squander a truck load of first half chances and go to the break at 1-1. Nichola Sartini found the net in the 19th minute with a sweet drive but Ac came back late in the half when they worked a move from a long throw-in, the ball flicked onto the unmarked Michael McGovern at the back post. In the second half Gunners goalkeeper Peter Sestak dropped a seemingly harmless corner cold, allowing Chris Giometti the opportunity to put boot to ball and take the lead. Despite losing striker Nathan Rivera to a second bookable offence AC held out the home side who were unlucky not to equalise in the last few minutes when Scott 'Hottie' Dixon had his drive crash into the crossbar and bounce harmlessly away".
Ryde City 1 vs. AC United 3
U19:
Ryde City 0 vs. AC United 1
Age reports on Official club site
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 1 (S Dixon 44') lost to
HURSTVILLE CITY MINOTAURS 2 (D Zakilas 13', 29')
Sunday 1st June, 2003 at Magdala Park, North Ryde
On Sunday, in the battle of the cellar dwellers, Hurstville City Minotaurs escaped from Magdala Oval with a precious three points from
their clash with Ryde City. Using the speed of new signing Peter Apolevski on the forward line, the Minotaurs raced to a 2-0 lead after
half an hour, Dimitri Zakilas netting twice. Both goals coming from poor defence, ably exploited by Apolevski who selflessly laid on the final pass for Zakilas. But the Gunners did fight back scoring an own goal one minute short of the break after a shot from Scott Dixon was deflected past goalkeeper Peter Trajcevski and into the net. Despite dominating the second half, Ryde couldn't get any closer as the Minotaurs got men behind the ball to frustrate the home side, Simon Turner and Scott Dixon amongst the Gunners best.
Ryde City 1 vs. Hurstville City Minotaurs 1
U19:
Ryde City 2 vs. Hurstville City Minotaurs 0
This round was also washed out and will be played at a later date.
This round was washed out and will be played at a later date.
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 0
MSC LIVERPOOL 1 (Daniel Willoughby 50')
At Magdala Oval, Ryde City's midseason woes continued, this time losing a tight one with Paul Carter's quickly improving MSC Liverpool. It wasn't a game for the purists, both sides engaged in what can only be considered an arm wrestle with a lot of physical stuff and fouls maring the contest. When they did play football there were some bright moments, MSC hitting the woodwork twice with striker Alex Araujo having a whale of a match. The only goal came early in the second half when Daniel Willoughby tip toed through some poor defence and lashed a shot from the edge of the area, only to see it take a wicked deflection from a Ryde defender and end up in the bottom corner of the net. In the final analysis it would be enough, the win lifting Liverpool to eighth, their highest league position all season.
Ryde City 3 vs MSC Liverpool 1
U19:
Ryde City 1 vs MSC Liverpool 1
SYDNEY CRESCENT STAR 5 (T Balabanel 9',32', 59' 82', Y Ekinci 12')
- RYDE CITY GUNNERS 4 (Damian Pisano 53', Andy Stratford 54', Nathan Hall 63', Scott Dixon 65')
"On Sunday afternoon at Ilinden Field Crescent Star stretched their unbeaten run to 10 games with a 5-4 result over Ryde City, but not before the visitors had given them an almighty scare. Leading 3-0 and coasting after a strong first half, Crescent Star dropped their game and on the back of a huge second half performance from substitute Damian Pisano, Ryde came storming back. Scoring four goals in twelve minutes the home crowd was stunned as their teams defence opened up like a tin of sardines. Pisano himself scored a great individual goal, before an Andy Stratford header gave Ryde it's second, Nathan Hall squaring the ledger when
Robbie Portelli was bought down in the box. Balabanel got one back for the home side but when Scott Dixon found the target from a Portelli cross, two minutes later the scoreboard read an unbelievable 4-4 with 25 minutes to play. But with their vocal supporters finding fine voice, man of the match Tanju Balabanel was able to snare two goals to halt the decline and continue his sides unbeaten
Sydney Crescent Star 2 vs Ryde City 3
U19:
Sydney Crescent Star 2 vs Ryde City 1
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 2 (Nathan Hall 59', Rob Portelli 62')
- STANMORE HAWKS (N Philippou 8', S Liavis 37', A Sarmonikas 39', 67')
"In the NSW Winter Super League football, Ryde City Gunners battled solidly in very wet conditions against the visiting Stanmore Hawks at Magdala Park on Sunday. Although they lost by two (2) goals to four (4), there was plenty of entertainment for the small group of hardy fans huddling under their umbrellas. Ryde's Mark Williamson made a good 2nd minute break down the left and put in a hard shot which tested the keeper's hands on the greasy ball, but he did well to get down to hold it. Alas for the home fans the Hawks playing on the break had the better end and in the 8th minute Philippou forced the ball through the outstretched legs of Ryde keeper Peter Sestak and over the line after receiving free wide on the left. Ryde had their own chances with a 22nd minute Rob Portelli speculator swinging wide and a minute later Nichola Sartini struck a superb shot surely soaring into the top left corner of the goal only to see in-form Hawks keeper Ivicevich fingertip it away for a corner. Ryde continued to build moves and chances but were unable to convert them. Stanmore looked more dangerous on the break and as the rain continued to pool on the surface they struck twice. In the 37th minute Liavis beat the keeper on the break and then two minutes later Sarmonikas took a fine chance after some good build up by the Hawks.
Next week Ryde City is away, but returns to Magdala Park on the afternoon of Sunday 11th May versus MSC Liverpool.
Ryde City 0 vs Stanmore Hawks 3
U19:
Ryde City 1 vs Stanmore Hawks 2
1st GRADE:
Macarthur Rams 3 vs Ryde City 0
"At Lynwood Park, Macarthur picked up just their second win of the season in defeating a heavily disappointing Ryde City 3-0. All three of the Rams goals coming from corners Paul Wither and Andrew Borg taking full advantage of some slack marking and nervous goalkeeping from Nick Apoifis in the Gunners goal. The turning point of the game coming early in the second half when Eddie Giraldo had his header pushed onto the crossbar from Rams 'keeper. From the resulting go forward, Wither scored his second, turning the scoreboard from a possible 1-1 to 2-0. Rob Portelli tried hard in a losing side, while Simon Turner and the hardworking Andy Stratford work hard, Duggan on fire for the Rams with yet another excellent display between the sticks".
Macarthur Rams 1 vs Ryde City 0
U19:
Macarthur Rams 0 vs Ryde City 1
RYDE CITY GUNNERS 0 - HAJDUK WANDERERS 3 (Tim Gledhill 17', 19', 79')
Ryde City Squad: 20. Nick Apoifis, 2. Andy Stratford, 4. Erkin Elverin, 6. Simon Turner, 7. Greg Fuchs (-77'), 9. Rob Portelli, 3. Dave Provan, 14. David Harto, 15. Russell Hall (-70'), 11. Paul Nero, 18. Caetano Lnaci;
Substitutes: 1. Peter Sestak (gk), 10. Shinhin Nazifi (+70'), 12. Mark Williamson (+77'), 19. Glen Murray
Cards: Red Card - David Harto 74'; Best for Ryde: Simon Turner, Andy Stratford, Rob Portelli.
U21- "Although not playing as well as expected the team got themselves back to 1-1 at half time and from the side line were starting to show some improvement. The second half became woeful as all sense of play and positioning was totally lost and easy / soft goals were giving up as players effort dropped off and basically all were prepared to be on the field for the last 40 minutes with little contribution. On paper the experience and potential of players that took the field should have provided a much more competitive effort. While a lack of time together would have contributed to players at time failing to get and understand team shape, playing objectives and their own role no system caters for players who will not or can not run. With a Bye next week we have two weeks to work on improving our performance."
U19- "Sgroi, Pendlebury, Harte, Davis, Hami, Pearson (Saunders), Ehemann (McKeown), Wynn (Peatey), Ratnamohan, Orgad, Maralit (Bagala); Played 21s: Reserves Saunders, Harte; Not Available: Wright (inj.), Speranza (inj.), Guglielmino
Inconsistency again as we failed to take our chances and allowed the opposition a soft goal through poor defending. Today started badly with 4 starting players arriving 20 to 25 minutes late causing a major change to the anticipated line up. Followed by a delay in the start as no referee arrived did not help our preparation. However despite these frustrations we can not deny our poor attitude
and commitment today as all players played well within themselves with no one showing any leadership or prepared to push themselves that extra step needed. A number happy to live in memory of what good players they are but today we did not see it.
Wanting to be on the pitch to play and influence the result a big factor in any team performance."
Ryde City 1 vs Hajduk Wanderers 5
U19:
Ryde City 0 vs Hajduk Wanderers 1
FRASER PARK DRAGONS 8 (A Faria 30', B Petrovski 44', G Collins 50', E Papageorgiou 53', 72', C Mayberry 58', I King 75', D O'Han 79')
- RYDE CITY 0
Squad: 1. Peter Sestak, 2. Andy Stratford, 4. Erkin Elverin, 6. Simon Turner, 7. Greg Fuchs, 9. Rob Portelli, 10. Shinhin Nazifi, 15. Russell Hall, 11. Paul Nero, 18. Caetano Lnaci, 19. Glen Murray; Substitutes: Nick Apitis (gk), 3. Dave Provan, 14. David Harto, 13. Matthew Peatty, 12. Mark Williamson
Fraser Park 6 defeated Ryde City 0
U19:
Fraser Park 1 lost to Ryde City 3
A good win for the U19s.
RYDE CITY 4 (Nero 13', 59', Fuchs 64, Nazifi 79') - DULWICH HILL 2 (Glucina 44', Rousseau 58' pen)
Ryde City 0 lost to Dulwich Hill 3
U19:
Ryde City 1 lost to Dulwich Hill 3
A good win at neutral Hajduk Stadium for the 1st grade.
AC UNITED (C Giometti 54', 64', 87', Z Younan pen 69') - RYDE CITY 2 (S Dixon 22', 50')
AC United 1 drew with Ryde City 1
[Legend: * Overage / # Under19] Squad: Tony#, Craig, Davie Provan*, Derek, Matthew#, Brad#, Dave Anderson,
Ravi, Caetano (KK), Damien*, Peter Subs - Jamie, Omar, Nick*, Pablo*
Key Points - A much better performance from a new combination of players. The small field did not suit our style of play but the players coped relatively well considering the squad has change dramatically in the past week. A very tentative first half performance from Ryde City with very few shoot chances created. AC had some good scoring chances but failed to capitalise on their opportunities. In the second half some changes saw Ryde City stretch the AC defence with good play down the flanks and some smart interplay ended with Damien striking a low drive into the AC net. The players rejoiced at scoring our first goal of the season but should have maintained focus and shape as AC tried desperately to restore the balance. Eventually AC scored an equaliser which sparked a revival from Ryde City. The Gunners continued to press the AC defence particularly when new signing Pablo ran at them with support from KK. The shooting opportunities were numerous late in the second half but not enough shots were made with Ryde trying to walk the ball into the net. Eventually the game came to a conclusion with us frittering away the chance to collect 3 valuable points. Final Score: AC United 1 - Ryde City 1
AC United 3 defeated Ryde City 0
An encouraging result for the U21s.
HURSTVILLE MINOTAURS 1 (George Kalogeras 38') - RYDE CITY 0
Ryde City 0 lost to Hurstville City Minotaurs 2
"Poor start to the season continues with another disjointed performance on the pitch. Ryde City struggled to maintain possession throughout the game. The match plan disappeared with the commencement of the game and patience flew out of the window along with the ability to maintain shape. Ryde City dropped to the technical level of the opponents, however Minataurs were hungrier for the ball and indeed for the win. The best performers for Ryde were the younger players from the under 19's and Glen Murray who once again tried to make up for the deficiencies across the rest of the team. There will be some serious reflection during training in the next fortnight. Major work needs to be done in all aspects of the game. Questions will be raised about the potential of some players to maintain their position in the squad. The local premier club attitude will have to go and a higher level of effort expected from the players".
Ryde City 3 defeated Hurstville City Minotaurs 1
"TEAM: Sgroi, Maralit, Davis, Wright, Hami, Wynn, Pearson, Ratnamohan, (James Thewell), Orgad (Bgala), McKeown
Played at the traditional windy Rockdale park with the squad reduced to 12 with two injuries and 3 starting with the 21's, some positional changes were required but with the 'all round' players in the squad available the boys adapted well. The ability to call up James Thewell (U/17s) allowed us 13 players and the ability to rest 2 in the second half of the 3 other players who also needed to back up for 21's. The boys settled well today and started to create a number of chances, particularly from good attacks down the right flank. The lack of conversion, a little of concern, particularly with us to play into the wind in the second half. But two well taken corners in the latter part of the first half saw first Stuart WRIGHT and then Ahilan RATNAMOHAN convert to give us a two nil lead.
Against the wind in the second half the boys for the most part kept their composure and Paul ORGAD added a third to give us a comfortable lead. We got a little ragged toward the end of the game and started to give possession away a little too easily. Overall today we had the measure of the opposition and the result should help build the confidence in the squad prior to harder games expected over the upcoming weeks. Many thanks to James Thewell for helping us out today - The 'Chris Cowley - Greg Young' DOUBLE STEAK SANDWICH (otherwise known as the 'TOUGH AS BOOT SPECIAL with a tender middle') and DRINK is available to
you at the first home game at Magdala !!!. We are still interested in signing 2 or 3 more players for the squad and any interested boys should contact the club". Another good win to Jim Harte's U19s but alas we lost the 1st Grade and U21s.
MANLY WARRINGAH DOLPHINS 0 - RYDE CITY 2 (Rob Portelli 30', 46')
U21:
Manly Warringah Dolphins 1 defeated Ryde City 0
U19:
Manly Warringah Dolphins 0 lost to Ryde City 1
A great first up away win for 1st grade over one of the favourites! Well done lads, especially Rob for his 2 goals, and also to Jim Harte's U19s!
The team was: Peter Sestak, Erkin Elverin, Dave Provan (Andy Stratford), David Harto (Paul Nero) Nathan Hall, Greg Fuchs, Eddie Giraldo, Scott Dixon, Nicola Santini, Shahin Nazifi, Robbie Portelli; Subs not used: Damien Pisano (former Dolphin) Nick Apoisif (GK), Red card: Scott Dixon". Report material was kindly provided by the 1st grade coach Chris Cowley.
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