Missed the Men’s National Premier League Round 20? Here’s your wrap-up!
IN A NUTSHELL
Gungahlin United moved to the cusp of the NPL title with a 3-2 win in an incident packed match at O’Connor Enclosed. The Gunnes officially need a point, although their superior goal difference might be key. Croatia kept in touch by coming from two-down to break Olympic hearts in the ‘Canberra Classico’, Panthers’ finals hopes were dashed by a clip and teenage forward Steve Nealon, whilst Tigers edged Yoogali by the width of the post.
GOAL OF THE WEEK
Can’t look past the stunner from Phakedi Manda. Quite simply one of the greatest NPL goals we have seen on an individual basis. Back to goal, controlling a throw on your chest, return to whence it came right? Not if your Manda. One adroit swivel later and a blunderbuss of a volley is arrowing into the old onion bag. Bish, Bash, Bosh!
PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK
Michael Piccolo only played forty-five minutes for Canberra Croatia but was instrumental in three of the goals as Canberra Croatia overturned a two-goal loss to win 3-2. Piccolo was directly involved in the creation of the first two with exquisite control and an eye for a pass, before his sublime flick created the winner for Daniel Barac late on.
TEAM OF THE WEEK
COMING SOON
The final Round and there’s loads to play for! Take a deep breath…..The Knights are seeking second and could relegate Olympic with a win. Should Olympic win then Yoogali would need to beat Tuggeranong to save themselves from returning to the CPL. At the other end a Gunners win, or draw, on Sunday gives them the title, although they might not need that should Croatia lose or draw to Panthers on Saturday night. If Croatia win, they need an eight-goal swing in their favour which would need Tigers, who are already in Finals, to defeat Gunners by whatever margin Croatia leave should Croatia win against Panthers. Unless there’s an eight-goal swing in favour of Croatia, but Gunners in defeat, somehow manage to score more goals than Croatia do. Confused yet?
