For all those used to watching A-League matches with no travelling fans, Saturday night at Belmore Sports Ground showed what a real local derby is all about.
The Olympic fans were out in large numbers, and the Edensor Park fans wanted to out show their arch-rivals. In the end, it added much color and noise to the game and produced a great atmosphere.
A picturesque night was met by a large crowd of approximately 2,500 who made their way to Belmore to watch Sydney United score a lucky 1-0 victory over Sydney Olympic in round two of the NSW Premier League.
A Luka Glava converted penalty in the 41st minute was enough to steal the points for Sydney United, thanks to an unnecessary challenge by Olympic’s Devrimol.
Olympic had much of the possession throughout the match but were unlucky and lacked in the final third.
People are calling this match a Grand Final rehearsal. Don’t know what the Bonnyrigg and Blacktown fans will have to say to this one, though!
In comments after the game, Sydney Olympic boss Pat Marando said, “They (Sydney United) are the benchmark for the rest of the teams to work towards.
“In saying this, I thought we dominated the match tonight, and we didn’t deserve to come out of the match with nothing.
“In midfield we were superior, though lacked the consistency in the final third.”
Sydney United player/coach David Zdrilic said, “Sydney Olympic played really well today, dominating possession and putting us under a lot of pressure.
“We knew that we would be under the pump before the match, and coming here to take points is something that not many teams will do.”
Next week Sydney Olympic take on Bankstown FC at Jensen Park in another grudge match, and Sydney United are back at home against the West Sydney Berries.
Joel
Guest
lol at the sour grapes smushed all over the authors fore head :)
RickG
Guest
You can get much more than this at the football NSW website. Ignorant media? Ignorant of what, a nsw based club comp when there's a national comp that gets plenty of exposure and air-time?
Marcel
Guest
Clearly nothing has changed back in the NSL ghettos
Costas
Guest
Great story Alex. I was there. How many people 2500? You would do well to count to 250.
Girogio
Guest
Love your articles alex give us updates on football not covered anyway we have real ignorant media in this country good work roar and alex
spezza
Guest
ti lei o malakas leave victory out and everyone else is sapila
Killer_Tomatoes
Guest
No traveling fans? There was more Melbourne fans at Moore Park on Sunday than there was Olympic fans at Belmore
Megas
Guest
It was a top match great advertisement for football, olympic look fantastic on and off the park. The club is definately moving on from a-league snub and picking back up the pieces loving it. Long live the new olympic
Matt of the Blue Mountains
Guest
A-League with no travelling support??? a little bias to say the least. i am all for the NSWPl but the A-League has plenty of travelling Support and has crowds much better than the State league draw. Even big Supported clubs like United and under the new "Revolution" Olympic. But these crowds will disappear to a megre 2-300 if they hit a pour run of form. A little respect to us A-League supporters goes a long way, as we a rein the majority happy to work together with state Leagues and hope to have a cup comp incorperating the State league teams in the near future.
Spezza
Guest
the old olympic feeling was back i tell you that