Sutherland stay top after a win over Bankstown

A 500 strong crowd braved the elements on Saturday night to witness what could prove to be an important three points for Sutherland Sharks.

After the 1-1 draw with APIA Leichhardt Tigers last weekend, Robbie Stanton's men welcomed back target man Sam Awad to partner the in form Matt Bailey in attack whilst Panni Nikas was deployed in a more central attacking role than previously seen.

Bankstown City saw a 3-1 loss to the hands of Mark Crittenden's Blacktown City over the Easter weekend and a match against the top side in the competition was not what head coach Blagoja Kuleski was hoping for. With Almin Hadad and Freddie Graham pulling the strings up front it was clear Bankstown came to Seymour Shaw Park looking for at least a point from this fixture.

There was more excitement watching the fake grass grow than in the first half of football, neither 'keeper forced into any big saves and, with Bankstown City setting out in a defensive 5-4-1 formation, it looked as though this match was destined to see a 0-0 result. The highlight of the first half was seeing Almin Hadad try and head the ball towards goal whilst laying on the ground just inside the 18 yard box. This display of desperation and inexperience earned him both cheers and groans from the supporters.

Luckily the second half picked up after some brilliant team talks by both sets of coaches in the dressing room. Sutherland came out looking far more attacking minded and looked to use the wings to greater prevail whilst Bankstown seemed stronger in the centre of the back with Steve Krsteski pushing forward out of defence at every available opportunity- perhaps the next Ljubo Milicevic.

In the 52nd minute of the match, Sutherland broke apart Bankstown's strong defence with a fantastic curling pass provided by Jim Bakis. The ever present Sam Awad latched on and slotted the ball past Zlatkjo Joseski who was in goals for Bankstown. This was the start of many attacks for the side in the sky blue jerseys.

Bankstown City needed a goal fast and it didn't take long to find the equaliser. Left back Chris Petrovski fired in a free kick from 30 yards out and David Gardiner jumped the highest to knock in a perfect header. However the scores didn't stay level for long.

Who else but man of the moment Matt Bailey scored Sutherland's second goal and the winner of the evening. Some lovely passing down the left side saw a brilliantly weighted cross by Nikki Tsattolios sent into the fray, and Matt Bailey was standing unmarked at the back post for the simplest of goals.

Although happy to get all points on offer, Robbie Stanton was somewhat disappointed with the performance by his side.

"I just don't think we're playing at our best at the moment but we are still getting the results which is the main thing. I expect a bit more from the players, and they do too. We want to be better, not arrogantly, but we know there is plenty of room for improvement.

"Next week we play Sydney United. They are a really good side, I've seen them play a number of times. But I don't think Sydney United are going to be any tougher to play than Bankstown were tonight. I think every team in this competition is very tough, and if you're not on your game, you find out quickly the hard way. We have to improve to stay where we are.

"Although, in saying that, both Sam [Awad] and [Matt] Bailey have been very good. They've got a good partnership going and with Panni Nikas coming through as well. They are all linking well and both strikers are scoring and that is important for their confidence as there is always pressure to score.

"The pitch was perfect tonight, even with the rain tonight, you always get a good passing game on fields like this. All teams should have pitches like this, I think it just promotes good football.

Bankstown's coach, Blagoja Kuleski shared Robbie Stanton's disappointment in the lack of positive football by the players.

"I can't be happy with the result, this is the first time this season I am actually disappointed - especially at the performance of my players in the second half.

"Disappointed with how we played and disappointed with the mentality of the players. After the second goal, our team went completely down. I'm not just disappointed because we lose the points, but how the team feels.

"I think we need maybe two players to come and lift the team if we are to start getting results.

"Next week we play [Sydney] Olympic at home, but I don't think Jensen Park suits us at the moment because it is too big. It is a beautiful ground, but everyone else has the advantage except us."

Match Highlights courtesy of Football NSW