Round 2 Preview – NPL Men’s NSW

After a blockbuster Round One featuring an astonishing five draws and plenty of upsets, Round Two looks to feature even more drama as sides look to establish themselves at the top of the NPL Men’s NSW ladder.

Manly United FC vs Sutherland Sharks FC

7:30pm, Friday 14 February, Cromer Park

In one of three Friday night matches, Manly United will take on Sutherland Sharks FC to jointly-open the action for Round Two

Manly came out of the first round top of the table, after securing a 5-0 win in their opening match of the season, featuring goals from Taiga Kawano, Aaron O’Driscoll, Farah Koko and a brace from Lucas Meek.

They will be looking for a similar performance this weekend at home, but will be facing a tough side in the form of Sutherland Sharks.

The Sharks impressed in their season opener, going two goals up against Sydney United 58, but frustratingly fell short just before the final whistle, conceding goals in the 87th and 92nd minute to leave that match with just a point.

They will be aiming to make amends on Friday night with a statement victory over Manly United, who have set the tone for quality after one round of the 2025 season.

Wollongong Wolves FC vs St George City FA

7:30pm, Friday 14 February, WIN Stadium

Wollongong Wolves will open their home campaign by hosting St George City FA, as both sides look to build on draws to start the year.

Wolves showed strong resilience in their first match against APIA Leichhardt, where they came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3.

In particular, they demonstrated a remarkable ability to react to disappointment, responding to APIA’s third goal with a goal from their kickoff thanks to a slick Sebastian Hernandez strike, before levelling the scores three minutes later off a Nicholas Olsen penalty.

St George, meanwhile, impressively held Rockdale Ilinden to a 2-2 draw, with the reigning Premiers requiring an 88th-minute goal to take a point.

The away side will be looking for another strong performance on the road, and with both teams experiencing a combined 10 goals in their respective opening matches, this could be set to be another exhilarating NPL Men’s NSW game of attacking football.

St George FC vs Rockdale Ilinden

7:30pm, Friday 14 February, Barton Park

St George FC will conclude a Friday frenzy of fixtures when taking on Rockdale Ilinden at Barton Park in a big match at 7:30pm.

The reigning Premiers had to battle against the other St George side of the competition, only taking a point from their first match of the 2025 season after coming down from 2-0 thanks to goals from Alec Urosevski and James Nikolovski.

However, they will be unlikely to find it easier against St George FC, who will be aiming to bounce back in front of a vocal home crowd after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Sydney Olympic in their opening match of the season.

As usual, Urosevski could be the deciding factor for Rockdale, while St George FC forward Bai Antoniou will be looking to impress against his former club in the perfect way to conclude the three Valentine’s Day fixtures.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC vs Marconi Stallions FC

5:00pm, Saturday 15 February, Popondetta Park

Mt Druitt Town Rangers’ first home match back in the NPL Men’s NSW is a major one, as they take on reigning Champions Marconi Stallions at Popondetta Park.

Mt Druitt coach Andy Montgomery believed that their opening round was a game that “proved we belong at this level”, but they will face a different test this weekend in a wounded Marconi side. One player to watch out for is the club’s Brazilian ace Pedrinho.

Everything was pointing to a win for Marconi in the Round One Match of the Round, with an early goal from Marko Jesic consolidated by an 80th-minute card to Blacktown City player Jarred McKinley to all but secure the three points.

However, Marconi then conceded a last-gasp equaliser, with Jakob Cresnar netting a header off a set piece to snatch the victory from the reigning Champions’ grasp.

Thus, all eyes will focus on how Marconi responds on Saturday evening against the promoted Mt Druitt, as they look towards a Premiership to go with their 2024 Championship trophy.

Sydney Olympic FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers FC

5:00pm, Saturday 15 February, Belmore Sports Ground

Sydney Olympic FC will be aiming to build on a Round One win when taking on the Western Sydney Wanderers at Belmore Sports Ground.

Olympic Captain Adam Parkhouse secured the three points as they opened their 2025 campaign at home last weekend with a stunning volley from range, after a 6th-minute Seth Clark goal cancelled out an early St George FC opener.

After a few difficult seasons in the NPL Men’s NSW competition, Olympic will be aiming to make it two in a row to begin their campaign to set a solid foundation as they strive for a trophy this season.

Western Sydney Wanderers, meanwhile, will be hungry for three points, with their young squad full of quality and aiming to prove a point in what will be a difficult match away from home.

Blacktown City FC vs NWS Spirit FC

7:00pm, Saturday 15 February, Landen Stadium

Blacktown City and NWS Spirit FC will conclude Saturday’s Round Two fixtures with what looks set to be a highly exciting clash at Landen Stadium.

The home side will be looking to build on their point against Marconi in their opening round, as they possess one of the most menacing attacking lineups in the league, featuring Travis Major, Jak O’Brien and Mitchell Mallia, among others.

Spirit, on the other hand, were one of just three teams to win their opening round, prevailing 3-2 against Sydney FC thanks to a 90th-minute goal from Yu Okubo.

As always, Spirit are a threat up until the very last minute, as they continue to impress with their ability to score late on in matches, making this an enticing affair for both sets of fans and neutrals around New South Wales.

Sydney FC vs Sydney United 58 FC

4:00pm, Sunday 16 February, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre

Sydney FC will be looking to respond to a 3-2 opening-day defeat when taking on Ante Juric-led Sydney United 58 on Sunday afternoon.

United 58 drew their first game under their new coach, requiring last-ditch goals from Michael Glassock and Mason Wells to even a two-goal deficit sustained against Sutherland.

Juric, playing against the club he leads from a women’s perspective, will be keen to avoid any need for late goals at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre, as an array of new signings – namely Mario Shabow and Glassock – continue to settle into the team.

The Sky Blues, meanwhile, will turn to the likes of Joeseph Lacey and Mathias Macallister to lead their attack, as they look for confidence early on in 2025 after a rocky 2024 campaign.

Central Coast Mariners FC vs APIA Leichhardt FC

5:00pm, Sunday 16 February, Pluim Park

The Central Coast Mariners will conclude Round Two of the NPL Men’s NSW competition when hosting APIA Leichhardt at Pluim Park.

The Mariners will be requiring a response in front of their home crowd after a devastating 5-0 loss to open their season against Manly United.

Their poor defending will have to be rectified this weekend, as they could otherwise face the wrath of an APIA side chock-full of attacking quality, including Jack Stewart, Edward Caspers, Jordan Segreto and Presley Ortiz.

It will be an interesting way to finish Round Two, with APIA looking for their first win of the campaign after a chaotic draw with Wollongong, and the Mariners desperate to show their quality following their Round One performance.

Pluim Park will host the perfect conclusion to the weekend, with both sides vying for the three points to set a marker for their respective seasons.

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