Marconi, 5pm Sunday 30th June 2019 (Home)
- philipkeegan
- Jul 2, 2019
- 4 min read
The sun was shining for the annual Croatian National Day picnic at King Tom, which began at 11am. I would like to say that I got down for that time but I am too old to be drinking from 11am to 7pm these days. As it was there was still a festival atmosphere when I arrived at King Tom for the game just after 4pm. Fellow Sydney Croatia tragic and hill regular Mitch took me to the downstairs function room bar where traditional music and dancing was in progress. In the spirit of the day he bought me a Karlovachko and we walked back outside to talk football before heading into the ground for the start of the game. In a new addition to the blog, Mitch is the first supporter to be interviewed about following Sydney Croatia (more on that later). Sumo and Vrljic came around 15 minutes later and we headed through the gate into the ground.
As we walked onto the hill it was evident that there was going to be a big crowd present. The combination of National Day, the derby with Marconi and the weather swelled the crowd, I was later told, to around the 1500 mark. That is astonishing given there were A League attendances that were only double that last season and this is the state league, with no publicity or funding from the league. It goes to show that 20 years on from losing most of our squad to Parramatta Power, getting thrown out of the league and going into liquidation, we are still here alive and kicking. Some guy on Facebook took a swipe at me the other day saying the club was not relevant. I told him to get to King Tom and watch some real football and I’d buy him a beer. Suffice to say he never came. Oh and whatever happened to Parramatta Power? Another franchise that lasted 5 minutes. The derby with Marconi is always a standout fixture for me and after losing 5-0 over at their place I was hoping to gain some revenge. With the sun setting, Cevapi were bought as the teams walked out and the stage was set.
The game kicked off and Marconi had the better start forcing Manos into a double save and Mallia fired just wide after this in the first 5 minutes. This seemed to wake Croatia up and they took control for the next 15 minutes or so, with Marconi stopper Vekic making a double save of his own to deny Sim and then Macdonald (I think). The game was being played at a frantic pace and an error left Simonoski racing down the left into the area. He tried to curl his shot round the defender but it went harmlessly wide. As the game headed towards half time Mallia was shown a straight red for a foul on Vlastelica. I did not see the tackle as Mitch was regaling us with stories of Joe Caleta’s time at Sydney Croatia. I was told it was a very poorly timed tackle, either way it was madness just before half time of a tight game to leave Marconi with a whole half to play with ten men. The half time whistle sounded with the scores locked at 0-0.
The half time break allowed me to have a chat with Mitch (Mr Marinkovic to you), a dedicated follower of Sydney Croatia for a number of decades. I will be asking these questions to various supporters in the following weeks.
What was the best game you have ever attended at King Tom?
Collingwood Warriors 7-0 (08/12/96). Zdrilic scored 4 that day in front of 5,451.
Who is your all time favourite Sydney Croatia player?
Joe Caleta, without a doubt!
Will promotion/relegation ever happen in Australia?
Yes, it will have to but I’m not sure when.
Many people went to watch Western Sydney and don’t come here anymore, why did you stay?
Because there is only one club in my heart and that is Sydney Croatia!
Where is your usual spot at the match?
On the hill.
As a jersey collector, what is your all time favourite Sydney Croatia jersey?
The black Puma one. (1996)
What fixture is the biggest of the year?
Olympic, always has been.
Why do Sydney Croatia survive and continue to be relevant?
Because the Croatians have a passion for the sport and like to uphold the tradition. For example the Cro tournament every year is still going. This club has produced more internationals than any other. I will buy a membership every year even if I don’t come to many games, it’s in the blood.
Last Question, VB or Toohey’s?
VB, 100%!
Thanks to Mitch, he was the first guy that I met at King Tom at the bar and is an ever present on the hill.
The second half began and Marconi were under the pump from the off. But the Croatia paly in the final third was costing them the lead and they started to look susceptible on the break from a Marconi team that were beginning to sit deeper and deeper as the half wore on. Vekic in the Marconi goal denied Simonoski and then Macdonald as the chants went up from the home supporters. Liam Rose gave way for Patrick Antelmi with 20 minutes left and he stung the gloves of Vekic straight after coming on. Gallegos then came on for Macdonald 5 minutes later to try and force a winner. Marconi almost stole it on the break shortly after, with Fernandez going close for Marconi and then Gallegos missed arguably the best chance of the game when from an excellent Matt Sim cross he fired over. Marconi had one last chance to break but lacked the support and the ball flashed across the face of goal without anyone to put it in. Croatia tried in vain for a winner and the game ended 0-0. It was a frustrating game to watch and not the greatest of results but the huge crowd was fantastic and created a great atmosphere. Please get down to the Waratah cup semi against St George on Wednesday and support the boys, I can’t make it unfortunately. Sydney Coatia Ole Ole Ole.
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