I thought it was strange that Gurd got picked instead of Grimadi who looked more of a tougher quick centreback and clearly one of the leaders in the NPL side.
Not to takeaway that Gurd has obviously earnt his right in the team, maybe different styles were priorised.
Yeah it’s a PFA enforced break for all of those boys. Due to overlapping seasons from last NPL 22 to 22/23 ALM to 23 NPL - they contractually have to have 4 weeks “Off football” I think
Vartuli off to Denmark. Any comments from the NPL conoscienti of how he compares to eg Pavlesic?
Apparently Alex B helped with this deal. All to do with his new gig with us.
Haven’t seen it mentioned elsewhere, but one Oscar Priestman made his WSW NPL debut last weekend
https://competitions.footballnsw.com.au/match/?hash_id=OmejDnGDvN
One of our original 2016 intake I think?
Good luck to him. Was captain and so obviously highly rated for a very long time, but imo Scarcella usurped him and has been superior every time I’ve seen them in the last 12 months. No problem with letting him go if he’s got an offer there as long as we’re keeping Matty (which we are 
).
I just saw that Luca Smyth has moved to the Mariners. That’s a large chunk of our first grade squad gone during the season, I guess that’s expected as it seems to happen every season. Hopefully the U20’s lads step up and we finish strong.
Saw the U18’s in person today at APIA. Comfortable victory. Unfortunately I was there supporting the APIA keeper who conceded 3 before being pulled 
The standout observation for mine? Apart from Alex Baumjohann being present - was the difference in coaching.
Everything from the APIA Manager was shouting, abusive, and degrading. It wasnt constant - but anytime he spoke it was yelling. This was before they even conceded.
The Sydney managers were instructive, calm, used the right tone and very much supported the boys through their directions. Really impressive stuff. They also had the luxury of throwing a few 14yo’s on towards the end
Nice afternoon in the sun
Out at Lily’s or whatever the fuck it’s called now. The usual 5 minute commute to VSP stretched out to an arduous 10, had to pay at the gate for the first time I recall since Remy took the piss out of Wests at Marconi (thankfully had a few notes hiding in the back of the wallet), and fighting off the disillusionment caused by parking right next to some Muskwit’s Tesla with JVW number plates.
Anyways:
caught the last 15 minutes of the 20’s, 3-1 win, some very technically proficient young lads in the next wave. Quintal and Callaghan x 2 apparently the goal scorers. First grade lines up with a back 3/5:
Pavlesic
De Jesus Fong Matthews (c) Calusic Buratto
Dylan Rose & Lachlan Middleton as dual 6’s
Scarcella in front of them at 10
Fryer Glasson
InB4 Jimmy changes it at HT. Deservedly down 1-0 at the half, Blacktown have shaded general play (nice goal too) though we’ve looked dangerous in transition.
Both teams hit the woodwork inside the first 20, Scarcella unlucky for us after cutting in from the left and unleashing top of the box, it hit the inside of the post and bounced back across but didn’t go in. He’s again looked our tidiest, big fan here. De Jesus has looked hesitant a few times and both Rose and Middleton have struggled, although they are being put under pressure by some proper NPL quality in Shabow and Major.
Harbas (still here!) and Agosti warming up at HT. Fryer and Rose off, looks like the same shape but with Scarcella dropping back next to Middleton at CM and Agosti now in front as the 10.
Finished 3-0.
Second goal just after HT, set piece landed on Major’s head at the back stick, quality looping header that was placed agonisingly over Pavlesic’s reach and scraped in under the bar. Would like to double check if he was onside after the flick on to him though.
Jimmy immediately switched to a 4-3-3, bringing Gibson on for De Jesus. Will Kennedy then came on for Middleton for the last half hour or so.
Third goal almost identical. 
Short corner, secondary delivery to Major at the back post, this time Pavlesic made a good save but it fell kindly for a Blacktown tap in.
Tough day out for the young lads, but they should still take plenty away from a hit out against a proper NPL side. Still an enjoyable afternoon soaking up the winter sun while listening to the dulcet tones of Teo in the stand.
The boys are 1-0 up against St George just before the half-hour mark. Own goal, most likely, but doing a superb job to hang in there and jag a goal when given the chance.
Okay, 1-1 straight away. Kosta Petratos scores for St George.
Oscar Fryer! 2-1 Sydney! This is some game.
Great goal that second one for the boys
And another
4-2 to Sydney! Beautiful through ball from Glasson for Keeley Adamson, who slotted away a 1-on-1. Some great goals tonight. St George are a little suss defensively but we are taking our chances when they present themselves. Very, very impressive.
4-3 full time. What a cracking game. Grats to the team!
Hung on well at the end there to put us back into finals contention again.
The boys have done outstanding so far this season, considering age and disruptions due to A-League call ups and transfers, etc.
