The race for a spot in this year's Premier League finals remains wide open after Albion Park and Tarrawanna recorded big victories on Sunday afternoon.
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Both teams faced must-win situations and they delivered. The White Eagles secured a 3-0 win over Olympic at Terry Reserve while the Blueys proved far too strong for Port Kembla, winning by 5-0 at Wetherall Park.
The results mean Albion Park and Tarrawanna have leapfrogged Bellambi on the Premier League ladder to remain in the hunt for this year's finals with two rounds remaining.
Albion Park jumped out to a 3-0 lead at half time courtesy of goals to Jordan Nikolovski, Cameron Morgan and an Olympic own goal. The visitors were hampered by an injury to Johnny Martonoski in the second half as the White Eagles maintained that three-goal advantage until full time.
Albion Park coach Goran Trajceski said it was a great performance.
"To keep a clean sheet was excellent, I can't fault anyone. I'm very happy with that one," Trajceski said.
"[Scoring] goals hasn't been our issue. Our goalkeeper [Nick Armand], it's his first year in first grade, that's his fourth game. Full credit to him, he had a massive game for us."
In Saturday's games, new Cringila coach Paul Michlmayr started his IPL journey on a high note as the Lions clinched a 5-3 win over South Coast United.
Wollongong United sealed a 3-2 victory over Bellambi, Bulli and Corrimal played out a 2-all draw, and Woonona and Coniston played out a 1-all draw.
Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
