By Peter Oglos.
Sydney Olympic FC came out on top of what was an exciting five-goal thriller at Seymour Shaw stadium, defeating Sutherland Sharks 3-2.
Sharks forward James Andrew caused headache for the Olympic defence in the first half, netting his eighth of the season putting them up 1-0. A brace for Mohamed Adam put confidence back into the Olympic side who had been struggling to find goals this season.
At 2-2, after a goal from Sharks’ Christopher McStay’s, Brendan Cholakian stepped up to the plate to rocket the ball off a half volley into the net, giving his side a huge boost into the top five.
A delighted Sydney Olympic FC coach Ante Juric was happy with the effort from his side to bring themselves closer to the top five after recent results.
“It was a positive result. We dominated most passages of play, although we gave away two goals, so we aren’t making it easy on ourselves. Consistency is the word I am after with the side, but we need to pick up our effort.” said Juric.
Olympic kicked off the match with great energy and early chances from corners, with a double header from Oliver’s Puflet almost giving Juric’s side an early lead.
James Andrew, who has been one of the NPL’s top forwards this season, got the Sharks their first goal from a breakaway, putting it underneath the keeper. With another one-on-one opportunity, the forward almost bagged another soon after, but a poor finish saw the shot land safely in Christopher Parsons hands.
A high-pressing Sharks attack didn’t stop right back Jason Madonis, who surged up the wing and cut back to deliver the ball to Mohamed Adam, who equalised the match.
Seconds before the half time whistle, Olympic were stunned by a rocket from Sharks midfielder Christopher McStay from outside the box, giving them a lead heading into the break.
After half time, it was the Sharks midfield that fell asleep at the wheel, with Olympic racking up a number of strong chances.
The best of these came from Adam, who showed incredible physicality and technique on the night, juggling the ball to the Sharks net where he once again equalised the match 2-2.
Substitutes Fabio Ferreira and Adam Parkhouse made instant impact off the bench, with Sharks goalkeeper Anthony Bouzanis parrying one of Ferreira’s shots wide.
The former Olympic goalkeeper prevented many scoring opportunities from Olympic, but was unable to save an incredible shot from Brendan Cholakian, which curved into the net and gave Olympic their game-winning goal.
Sydney Olympic supporters cheered from the stadium stands as the match finished 3-2.
