BANKSTOWN CITY LIONS-CANTERBURY BANKSTOWN FC 2-1
Canterbury Bankstown FC suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to local rivals Bankstown City Lions FC at Saturday night’s derby, with a controversial late penalty and an injury-time own goal proving the difference. The victory lifts the Lions into equal second place on 46 points alongside Northern Tigers, while the Berries remain fifth on 41 points, five points adrift of the promotion play-off position with five rounds remaining.
The opening half was a tense and hard-fought affair with few clear-cut opportunities. The Lions came closest through striker Alec Urosevski, who was played in on goal only to be denied brilliantly by Berries goalkeeper Stefan Savicic, whose outstretched right foot kept the scores level. At the other end, Canterbury Bankstown’s best opportunity arrived just before the break when centre-back Dejan Bakrdanikoski was unable to hit the target from close range following excellent build-up play from midfielder Patrick Savor and striker William Kounnas.
The Berries emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and began to control proceedings. Their dominance was rewarded in the 62nd minute when Kounnas was brought down inside the penalty area, with Patrick Savor calmly converting from the spot to give the visitors a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal injected further confidence into the Berries, with wingers John Fotopoulos and Fiks Berisha causing increasing problems for the Lions defence. Just two minutes later, Berisha delivered a dangerous low cross across the six-yard box that narrowly evaded Fotopoulos as the Berries searched for a second goal. Defensively, Canterbury Bankstown were resolute, with captain Gino Cerasoli leading an outstanding backline that kept Urosevski and the Lions’ attack largely under control. However, the match turned dramatically when the Lions were awarded a controversial penalty following an off-the-ball incident involving Bakrdanikoski and Lions defender Shun Maeta. Bakrdanikoski was shown a straight red card, reducing the Berries to ten men. Lions midfielder Bai Antoniou converted the penalty to level the scores before the hosts snatched victory deep into stoppage time. Urosevski broke down the right flank and squared the ball across goal, with the unfortunate Cerasoli turning it into his own net under pressure.
Despite the disappointing result, Berries Head Coach Wally Savor praised his side’s performance. “It was a disappointing end to a game which saw us absorb their early pressure and come out with real attacking intent in the second half. We couldn’t find that elusive second goal to seal the win or at least earn a point”.
Club President Stan Seraskeris was equally disappointed by the late turning point. “It’s disappointing, particularly the decision that led to the penalty, but we’ll keep fighting. There are still five games to play and plenty to play for”.
