Sharks PS4 NPL Season Ends In Sydney
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Football NSW
Palm Beach Sharks' 2014 PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues campaign is over after falling to Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1-0 in Sydney last night.
Robbie Younis’ 39th minute strike proved decisive for the New South Wales Premiers in a tightly fought affair at Bonnyrigg Sports Ground.
Bonnyrigg fired the opening salvo nine minutes into the contest as Arron Peterson shot across the face of goal for the hosts.
Chances were few and far between in the opening half-hour before Nik Mirkovic shot over the crossbar for Palm Beach on 31 minutes.
Younis struck for White Eagles shortly after, combining with Alexander Canak before slotting a composed finish past Sharks goalkeeper Shane Vitakangas.
Palm Beach returned with vigour in the second half but were ultimately left frustrated.
The visitors saw a pair of penalty appeals turned down by referee Kurt Ams as attacking threats Jarrod Kyle and Chris Lucas were both brought down in the penalty area.
At the other end, Younis again tested Vitakangas with a strike from outside the area before David Vrankovic’s volley was blocked on the goal line by Sharks defender Karl Dodd shortly after.
Midfielder Troy Ruthven forced White Eagles goalkeeper James Chronopoulos to save from a free-kick before the hosts continued to threaten in the final ten minutes
First Peterson was denied by a full-stretch save from Vitakangas on 82 minutes before Younis spurned the chance to double his haul in the final minutes, shooting just wide of the target.
At the death, Kristian Rees also missed the target as Bonnyrigg held on to their single goal margin to qualify for next weekend’s Grand Final against the winner of today's second Semi-Final between South Melbourne and MetroStars.
The result puts paid to Sharks’ PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues Finals Series hopes, however their season continues next month when they host Central Coast Mariners in the Quarter Finals of the Westfield FFA Cup.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1 (Robbie YOUNIS 39’)
Palm Beach Sharks 0
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