The past weekend included mostly positive results for the Greek teams participating in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) all around Australia. Besides the shocking defeat that Sydney Olympic suffered at home in their opener, all other clubs managed to walk away from their respective games with at least a draw. Adelaide Olympic defeated the Comets 2-0 and now have nine points from their opening three games in the competition, which puts them at first place in South Australia. Olympic FC are also continuing their winning streak, as they annihilated the Sunshine Coast 0-3. Hamilton Olympic managed to win their first game of the season with a turn-around against Weston, while West Adelaide also secured their first point in the NPL.
OLYMPIC FC
The team from Queensland seems unstoppable this season. Ben Cahn’s men faced little opposition from the Sunshine Coast at the “Kawana Sports Precinct” and took the lead just after 10 minutes when Lofthouse’s wonderful through ball found Lucas who put the ball past the keeper. The home side managed to maintain the slim difference for the first half, but couldn’t keep the inevitable from happening in the second. After a free kick came in from the left, Waters found himself unmarked inside the area and had no trouble doubling his team’s advantage on the 68th. The final result was shaped by Dais on the final minute of the game, from a wonderful solo effort within the box. Now the “red-and-whites” have 12 points from four games and are third on the table in Queensland. Peninsula currently occupy the top spot, but Olympic will have the opportunity to change things today (Saturday) as they take on the table-leaders at “Goodwin Park”.
ADELAIDE OLYMPIC
George Tsonis’ men managed to seal a third straight win in the league against the Comets and climb to the top of their respective table. The deadlock was broken at the 39th minute thanks to an own goal by the Comets defence, while Riccardo Da Silva sealed the win with his effort on the 80th. However, the Adelaide manager stressed that despite the good opening to the season, his players have yet to accomplish anything and will need to maintain the same amount of focus in the future. Now Adelaide Olympic will move on to face the Croydon Kings at the “Polonia Reserve”, in a battle of first against second.
WEST ADELAIDE
The latter team from the South Australian NPL finally managed to escape last place after their 1-1 draw with the Blue Eagles. The “westerners” could’ve even gotten away with all three points from the “Marden Sports Complex” as they took the lead with a Mitris penalty kick. But they were equalised just ten minutes before the end of the game by Sheikman. Now West Adelaide will look for their first win against the Adelaide United U21’s.
HAMILTON OLYMPIC
Contrary to Sydney Olympic, Hamilton had a successful start to their season as they were able to escape the “Rockwell Automation” with the three points, despite having to come back from behind in order to do so. The Weston Workers took the lead just after nine minutes of play thanks to Wilson, making things difficult for Peter Mcguinness’s men. But they managed to bring the game level five minutes before half time with Kawachi. Pettit provided the winner for his team on the 61st. Now they move on to welcome the Lambton Jaffas.
Today also marks the kick-off for the NPL of Western Australia, with the participation of yet another Greek club, Floreat Athina. The “Athenians” will host the U21 side of Perth Glory in their first game of the season.