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Sutherland Sharks snatch late equaliser at Rockdale

Sunday, May 22, 2011

by
On another horrible day for public transport in Sydney, Illinden Sports Centre played host for Rockdale City Suns to face the high flying Sutherland Sharks. It was seventh placed Suns who looked dangerous early on, pleasing the 650 fans by converting from the spot and giving the home side a one goal advantage at half time. An upset victory however proved not to be the case with the Sharks equalizing 1-1 two minutes before time to remain unbeaten this season in the NSW Premier League.
Rockdale, although lining up in a defensive 5-4-1 formation, were the dominant side throughout the match - their first half attacking play mainly involving quite direct football. This however settled down into the second half and transformed into some neat ballwork, the side drawing confidence from the goal over their local rivals.

Captain Pece Apoloski slotted home a penalty for the home team's only goal after his teammate was brought down in the box. Aside from the goal his performance in the midfield was thoroughly deserving of the evening's Man of the Match honour.

Sutherland looked a different side to the one that has seen them rise to the top of the table and who currently sit second. They showed however that despite having an off night they could still grind out a result, drawing comparisons with Brisbane Roar's season in last year's Hyundai A-League season. 

The Sharks 88th minute leveler came from the away team's only real attacking play of the night. Panny Nikas curled in a freekick from just left of the 18 yard box, finding substitute Hussein Jasli free to head home comfortably.

A frantic four minutes of stoppage time had both teams pressing for a winner. In the end neither could find the breakthrough leaving the NSW Premier League table largely unchanged. Rockdale move temporarily to fifth whilst Sutherland draw level on points with front-runners Sydney Olympic.

Rockdale should have taken all three points and coach Lee Sterrey was disappointed his boys could not hold out in those dying stages. Despite this, Sutherland (along with Olympic) are the benchmark this season, and a point against them is still a good result. Sutherland will need to lift for their home clash with Bonnyrigg White Eagles next week.