It was another entertaining weekend of football in the National Premier Leagues, and beyond, across Australia. KEEPUP brings you the best bits.
Markovski leading the way in NPLM VIC
Jonas Markovski is the leading goalscorer in the NPL in Victoria, and probably isn’t a surprise given the surname.
The 24-year-old scored another two goals for Altona Magic, taking his tally for the season to an NPLM VIC-high 12 – three clear in the race for the Golden Boot.
His double not only made it five goals in his past three games but it helped the Magic see off lowly Moreland City 3-1 on Saturday night.
Jonas has football in his DNA as he comes from a family entrenched in Australia’s history.
His Magic head coach is his iconic father John Markovski – a 19-time Socceroo, who also represented the Olyroos at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
The Markovski name is synonymous thanks to John, having emerged on the scene as a 15-year-old for Sunshine George Cross during the 1986 NSL season. Possessing a lethal left foot, he changed the NSL.
John Markovski went on to play for the likes of Preston Lions, Melbourne Knights, Marconi Stallions, Canberra Cosmos, Carlton, Perth Glory and Football Kings before retiring in 2008, though he never played abroad.
He is back at the club where he also played, coaching the Magic in a fourth stint with both his sons Jonas and Joshua in the senior squad this season. He was part of the tribute for Jamie Maclaren after the Melbourne City talisman broke the Isuzu UTE A-League’s goalscoring record. Meanwhile, his niece Maya has also been playing in the Liberty A-League with Melbourne Victory.
On Saturday, Jonas capped his 50th senior appearance for the club with a double, opening the scoring via an eighth-minute penalty before sealing the result 12 minutes from time.
Altona are seventh in the standings through 17 rounds, 23 points behind leaders Avondale FC – who were too good for struggling North Geelong Warriors 3-0.
Avondale are three points clear after South Melbourne’s match against Dandenong Thunder was suspended due to lighting issues on Sunday, with the club leading 2-1.
In NPLW VIC, league-leading South Melbourne used a 90th-minute winner to see off FV Emerging 2-1.
Wanderers win nine-goal thriller
In “one of the matches of the season“, Western Sydney Wanderers overcame Sydney United 6-3 in NPLM NSW.
It was entertaining and chaotic at Sydney United Sports Centre, where doubles from Teng Kuol and Ariath Piol inspired the relegation-threatened Wanderers on Saturday.
Western Sydney led 2-0 at half-time before Sydney United before reduced the deficit 12 minutes into the second half.
Despite a wild seven-goal second half, the second-bottom Wanderers were not to be denied against seventh-placed Sydney United.
Blacktown City paid tribute to their former coach and Hall of Famer Rale Rasic with a 4-1 win over Central Coast Mariners.
Sydney FC’s rise up the standings continued with a 2-1 victory over Manly United – the Sky Blues are fourth and eight points off the pace.
Marconi Stallions accounted for St George City FA 2-0 to move level on points with APIA Leichhardt atop the table after the latter’s fixture against Mt Druitt Town Rangers was postponed.
In NPLW NSW, Sydney University equalised in the 87th minute to snatch a 1-1 draw against leaders APIA Leichhardt.
RedStar flying high in WA
There is no stopping Perth RedStar and Daryl Nicol in NPLM WA at the moment.
Nicol scored his 17th goal of the season as RedStar defeated Perth SC 3-1 to extend their lead at the atop of the standings.
RedStar have now won four of their past five matches, while scoring 17 goals during that stretch.
The result spoiled Danny Hay’s first match in charge of Perth. The 48-year-old is a former New Zealand international who played for Perth Glory and Leeds United.
In NPLW WA, Perth RedStar’s advantage was cut to four points following a 1-1 draw with Perth SC in their top-of-the-table clash.
Elsewhere, Scott McDonald’s Gold Coast Knights created breathing space in NPLM QLD.
The defending champions routed Eastern Suburbs 5-1 to move four points clear after Gold Coast United crashed to a 1-0 loss away to Brisbane Roar Youth.
MetroStars remain the team to beat in NPLM SA after edging West Adelaide 3-2.
In NPLM Capital, Tigers and Canberra FC played out a chaotic 4-4 draw.
