Four point lead for Olympic after 2-1 win over Wolves

Their first home game of the season was not ideal for Olympic. Although the pitch was immaculate it was a wet and windy day at an under-construction Belmore Sports Ground and this no doubt factored into an average crowd of approximately 400.

With music blaring the teams entered the pitch from their portable dressing rooms to chants of 'Olympic for the A-League'. Sydney Olympic looked the goods decked out in long-sleeved jerseys and with South Coast Wolves' Sasho Petrovski watching on from the sidelines - souvlaki in hand - Olympic would be the favoured side heading into the match.

In only the 2nd minute this favouritism was justified as Phil Makrys converted from the spot to give Olympic an early lead after his teammate Chris Triantis was brought in the box down by South Coast's Jack Keating.

Interestingly, with the absense of Sasho Petrovski seasoned defender Jacob Timpano was given the task of fronting the Wolves' attack in their 4-2-3-1 line-up. Olympic chose a 4-4-2 formation with Alex Smith looking dangerous in their attacking plays.

The leveller came in the 24th minute for South Coast through Keating, who after making a nice run down the left flank picked out Mark Picciolini who then headed home comfortably. After helping bring the scores to 1-1, Timpano moved back into the centre of defence.

Stand out player for the afternoon Will Angel had a strike on 32 minutes after deceiving his defender to get the shot away, however 'keeper Brody Crane did well to stave his effort.

Luskic, on the stroke of half time found himself free in the box from a corner. Failing to head the ball into goal, he should have done better with the amount of time and space he was gifted.

The 54th minute could have seen Wolves take the lead. Piccolini's shot was denied firstly by the post after he struck past goalkeeper Paul Henderson, and then by the 'keeper as the rebound was smothered to safety.

Up the other end Angel passed several defenders in the box to get the shot away but was equalled by Crane who stood tall to deny him in the 58th minute.

Two minutes later Angel was again involved as he set up Todd Bamber who struck the ball well to give Olympic the deciding 2-1 lead.

A staple of matches played at Belmore Sports Ground is the number of balls that disappear onto the traintracks behind the northern goalposts - two balls making their way there in this game.

South Coast coach Trevor Morgan was clearly disappointed with the result at Belmore and sighted simple errors and his youthful squad as the reason his team lost the match.

“Olympic were the dominant squad and deserved the win although they got it from errors and not from the clever things that they did do”.

Peter Triantis, coach of the home side, revealed his desire to keep star striker Alex Smith - who has signed a deal with Hyundai A-League club Gold Coast United - at Olympic.

“We want him to go forward and play at the highest level but we're also a bit selfish and want him to play for us. We'll work together and hopefully he can service us until he has to go.”

League leaders Sydney Olympic now have a four point advantage over second placed Sutherland Sharks after the Sharks lost to Blacktown one nil. South Coast Wolves sit 11th, only in front of cellar dwellers Parramatta FC.



Match Highlights courtesy of Football NSW