'Showed what we're made of': Coniston's epic IPL fightback against Cringila

The game looked all but done in the first half with the Lions going 3-0 up at one point thanks to a double from captain Peter Simonoski and an effort from Anthony Krsteski at JJ Kelly Park on Saturday, June 29.

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But Coniston did not go down without a fight. Midfielder James Anagnostopoulos pulled one back just before the end of the first half and then Tyson Black made it 3-2 on the other side of the break.

Christopher Arditti scored to bring the game level and in the end, 3-3 is what it remained as the grand final rematch could not be split.

Coniston's in form midfielder Anagnostopoulos said that both teams gave their everything in a game of two halves.

"That was a battle for both teams," Anagnostopoulos said.

"We had a bit of a sloppy first half, but we came back and showed everyone what we're made of. That fight helped his get to this point. I'm proud of the boys for the effort and the change of intensity.

"We have what it takes to be that sort of intense team running up and down all day. But we didn't show that in the first half. But the message [at half time] was basically to play our game. All the energy we've had in training since the start of the season and to put it into the game."

If Coniston's no.8 didn't pull one back for his team just on the stroke of half time, the game could have been entirely different. It's not the first time Anagnostopoulos has popped up from midfield to score crucial goals for his team.

Since arriving to the club from Corrimal, he has scored winners against Albion Park and Wollongong United, as well as netting against Cringila in this game. He heaped plenty of praise on his coach for his stunning 2024 form.

"Every goal is important. So I'm proud that I could get it," he continued.

"I just have to thank [coach] Franc [Pierro]. He's given the trust in me and I'm just going out there and playing my game."

Cringila made a fast start, having plenty of attack in the early stages. And it didn't take long for them to capitalise.

Simonoski got on the right side of his defender, and powered a shot low into the corner to make it 1-0. It was a strong hand from Coniston's goalkeeper Luke Genua, but he could do nothing to keep out the strike.

Lions goalkeeper Nik Ristevski clearly watched highlights of Liverpool's English Premier League stopper Alisson when he kicked the ball the length of the field to Mohammed Salah to score against Manchester United in 2020... because he did the exact same thing with Simonoski to make it 2-0.

It was a huge kick down the field and the Coniston defence let the ball bounce, allowing Simonoski to judge the ball and smash it into the roof of the net for a second.

Coniston were really struggling to get into the game at this point and couldn't handle the Lions attack.

Fellow Cringila attacker Krsteski made it 3-0 with some great work from Lions midfielder Tyler Fuller to set it up. At 3-0, it looked as though the Lions would run away with it, however the home side fired back.

With the first half coming to a close, it was Coniston's star midfielder of 2024 Anagnostopoulos who pulled one back.

Coniston smashed the crossbar, and Cringila couldn't clear their lines which enabled Anagnostopoulos to place the ball on the edge of the area into the net, making the score 3-1 going into the sheds.

The next goal was crucial, and it was Coniston left-back Black who stepped up to make the score 3-2.

Cringila failed to pick up their attacking runners and Black was left in open space to finish with his trademark left boot.

It could - and should - have been 3-3 if not for a heroic clear off the line from Cringila defender Ekoue D'Almeida to keep his team in the lead.

If Coniston couldn't score then, they definitely should have moments later when Adam Timpano-Voloder skied a free header in the box over the bar.

Coniston had finally woken up and it was game on.

You can't say it wasn't coming. Coniston drew level 3-3 thanks to a strike from Arditti.

The no.15 was left alone in the box and had all the time in the world to pick his spot. He made no mistake and it was 3-3, and the tide had shifted completely.

Both sides traded blows in the search of a winner, but there was no more goals as the score remained 3-3.

In other IPL results on Saturday, Wollongong Olympic defeated Bulli 3-0, Shellharbour got the better of South Coast United 1-0, and Tarrawanna pulled off a big 3-1 win against Albion Park.

There are two Sunday games in round 16, with Corrimal hosting Wollongong United and Port Kembla taking on Helensburgh.