Four In A Row: We Sink Rockdale In Shire Derby Thriller

NPL NSW Men's | Round 10

We made it four wins from four on Saturday afternoon, claiming a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Rockdale Ilinden at Seymour Shaw Park in a fiery Shire/St George derby.

It was not always pretty, but we found a way when it mattered most.

Rockdale came out of the blocks sharply and made life difficult in the opening quarter, pinning us back and creating a handful of chances that, thankfully, went unfinished. We weathered the storm and struck against the run of play in the 27th minute when a fortunate bounce fell to Nick Olsen, who did what he does best, cutting onto his left foot and slotting home with composure from the edge of the area.

Nicholas Olsen celebrating the opener

The goal gave us belief, and we grew from there. Takumi Ofuka had already rattled the crossbar, and it was from the resulting corner that Jamie Percevski rose to power home a header and double our lead before the break. Two goals to the good at halftime, the game was ours to control.

Rockdale responded with urgency in the second half and pulled one back through Mohamed Adam in the 83rd minute to set up a nervy finish. But Percevski had the final say, applying the decisive touch in the 86th minute to restore our two-goal cushion and seal all three points.

Jamie Percevski putting away his second and our third

It was a full-blooded derby that could have gone different ways, and credit to Rockdale for making us work for it. But on a day when chances were at a premium, we were the more clinical side.

Jamie Percevski took home the player of the match honours with a brilliant two-goal performance, while Takumi Ofuka and Nick Olsen were also outstanding throughout.

Four wins on the trot. We are in form and building nicely. We'll see you next week. Come on you Sharks!