Ilinden were down to the bare minimum on the playing roster through injuries, including inspirational skipper Danny Petkovski, but it would prove no excuse in a full blooded game that promised and delivered plenty.
The visitors got off to a flying start after Irish striker Roy O’Donovan netted a brace by the 11th minute of the tie before Alec Urosevski reduced the deficit with a thumping left-footed drive in the 20th minute.
The goals kept coming in the opening half when Oliver Puflett found the net with a splendid curling effort from the edge of the box.
It proved the final goal of an end-to-end fixture and a vital three points for Olympic in the chase for finals football.
Olympic’s edging closer to top spot
SYDNEY Olympic are a win away from top spot in the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition after their 3-1 victory over local rivals Rockdale Ilinden at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday evening.