Saints last gasp equaliser stuns Stallions
St George FC have stunned reigning NPL Men’s NSW Champions Marconi Stallions bringing them to a 2-2 draw in the final minute of an extremely tense, lightning fuelled clash at Barton Park.
Marconi Stallions showed why they are top of the league this season just seven minutes in.
Awarded a free kick just outside the box, skipper Marko Jesic struck a stunner, gliding over the wall and past the keeper for a 1-0 advantage.
Marconi Stallions kept the momentum for the next 20 minutes, putting plenty of pressure on the St George FC defence.
Damian Tsekenis had a nice fast break after 25 minutes with just Jeydan Seeto for company, but Seeto managed to get ahead of the ball just in time for a block in the penalty box.
Jesic almost set up another goal minutes later with a nice cross to Dom Costanzo, but the resulting kick was safely held by St George FC keeper Mackenzie Syron.
The first chance for the home team came in the 19th minute following a nice build up of attack, but skipper Troy Danaskos pulled the trigger too early and his shot was easily taken care of.
It was almost completely against the run of play that St George FC equalised, as Sunday Yona sent up a header from near the halfway line, which was picked up by Aedan O’Shea and taken past multiple defenders for a shock goal.
From there St George FC kept the momentum, although the reigning champions were never really out of contention.
James Bayliss of Marconi Stallions FC picked up the sole yellow card of the half following a rough tackle on Danaskos, which he immediately apologised for.
Marconi Stallions started off the second half the same way as the first, with Marko Jesic netting a fantastic goal just minutes in.
Costanzo provided the superb cross, which Jesic slid into goal to snatch back the lead.
St George FC and Marconi Stallions were much more evenly matched in the second half, with no clear domination of possession.
Tsekenis had a heartbreaking close call, with a wide open net and defenders behind him, his tap in from close range went just wide.
James Hilton had a great game in goals for Marconi Stallions, with his highlight two incredible saves from a very strong St George attack in the 65th minute.
It was the final minute of stoppage time that St George broke Marconi Stallions hearts.
St George FC put everyone around the box, piling on the pressure until eventually, Chan Yelchan had the ball land right at his feet in the penalty area following a clinical finish amidst the calls for offside from the Stallions.
Referee Craig Fisher had a long chat with his assistant and amid the backdrop of the incoming storm, the goal was confirmed and the 2-2 result was sealed.
Match Stats
St George FC 2 (Aedan O’Shea 23’, Chan Yelchan 90+5)
Marconi Stallions FC 2 (Marko Jesic 7’, 51’)
Sunday June 15th, 2025
Barton Park, Banksia
Referee: Craig Fisher
Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields and Luke Chapman
Fourth Official: Jackson Mackie
St George FC: 3. Troy Danaskos (c), 4. Mark Rodic, 5. Nicholas Kalogerou, 7. Aedan O’Shea (19. Nikola Skataric 60’), 8. Evangelo Souris (9. Chan Yelchan 79’), 10. Jaden Casella, 13. Sunday Yona (14. Justin Poon 60’), 15. Bai Antinou, 16. Kaidyn Wright (34. Kota Toyooka 87’), 27. Jayden Seeto, 99. Mackenzie Syron
Substitutes Not Used: 20. Daniel Axford (GK), 23. Javier Rodriguez
Yellow Cards: Jaden Casella 88’
Red Cards: Nil
Marconi Stallions FC: 1. James Hilton (GK), 2. Tyren Burnie, 6. Dom Costanzo (14. Jake Trew 72’), 7. Franco Maya, 8. James Bayliss, 10. Marko Jesic (c), 16. Liam Youlley, 17. Damian Tsekenis, 18. George Daniel, 23. Brandon Vella (12. Julian Monge 60’), 24. Matej Busek
Substitutes Not Used: 9. Kyle Cimenti, 11. Milislav Popovic, 15. Jawad Rezai, 20. Patrick Williams (GK)
Yellow Cards: James Bayliss 36’, George Daniel 90+2’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – James Hilton (Marconi)
2 – Sunday Yona (St George FC)
1 – Franco Maya (Marconi)
