NWS Spirit FC continues its push for the Premiership
Premiership chasing NWS Spirit FC were pushed to their limits but emerged victors overcoming an improved Manly United outfit 2-1 at Christie Park on Saturday evening.
Takumi Ofuka gave the hosts the lead before Farah Koko equalised with a fantastic long range strike just before the break. An Olllie Wiggin second half goal proved decisive as the Spirt continued their Premiership chase applying pressure to both Rockdale Ilinden and the Marconi Stallions.
Despite conceding a lot of possession early on it was Manly United who created the first chance of note. Stefano Rossello combined with Harry McCarthy in an advanced area before hooking his shot on the volley wide of the right post inside ten minutes..
While Spirit’s first major chance came in the 19th minute following a cross from the right taking a deflection on its path before Frankie Ljucovic skied his shot over the bar. The hosts had to navigate an energetic Manly defence in the opening 20 minutes.
Spirit soon opened their account a few minutes later. A high press forced the ball free in a dangerous area, the Spirit front three of Yu Okubo, Michael Konestabo and Takumi Ofuka combining for the opener. Ofuka applying a first time right footed finish with just the goalkeeper to beat in the 23rd minute.
What wasn’t in the hosts script is a Manly United equaliser which came in the 41st minute. Farah Koko scoring from range to break their goal drought in style, his right footed effort sailing into the back of the net.
Half time came at the right time for the hosts who upped the tempo from the restart. The hosts rewarded with another go-ahead goal in the 53rd minute, a loose ball in the six yard box was turned home by Ollie Wiggin who pounced with an inventive finish.
Their next chances fell to Okubo and Ofuka before the hour, Okubo’s shot rattling the left post before Ofuka drew a sharp save at close range from Levi Kaye in the next phase of play.
The visitors almost equalised again before the 70th minute as substitute Benjamin Koop was unable to turn home an effort from close range after Koko played a neat ball into a dangerous position.
Koop once again came close in the 72nd minute with a low shot across the face but it wasn’t to be as both chances went begging for Manly.
The full-time whistle below as David Perkovic’s side picked up their third straight victory as they continued its hunt for an elusive first ever NPL Men’s NSW Premiership.
Match Stats
NWS Spirit 2 (Ofuka 23’, Wiggin 53’)
Manly United 1 (Koko 41’)
Saturday 5th July, 2025
Christie Park, Macquarie Park
Referee: Kurt Ams
Assistant Referees: Maggie Price & Lindsay Edmonds
Fourth Official: Rory McFarlane.
NWS Spirit: 1. Christopher Marques, 3. Kyah Williams, 4. Bradie Smith, 7. Frankie Ljucovic, 8. Grant Cornwell, 9. Yu Okubo, 10. Michael Konestabo, 11. Ollie Wiggin (5. Jordan Perez 63’), 13. Simon Nicholas, 18. Andre Takami (19. Zayne Ahluwalia 72’), 22. Takumi Ofuka (17. Jacob Chidiac 90’).
Substitutes Not Used: 12. Jay Coates, 20. Austin Oates.
Yellow Cards: Wiggin 54’
Red Cards: Nil
Manly United: 1. Levi Kaye, 2. Aaron O’Driscoll, 3. Matthew O’Dohoghue (15. Max Martinello 81’) , 4. Jesse Piriz (14. Maxwell Pengelly 89’), 8. Stefano Rossello (28. Jasper Chipman 67’), 10. Harry McCarthy (9. Benjamin Koop 67’), 11. Lucas Meek (29. Will Faulder 81’), 17. Farah Koko, 19. Alen Aganovic, 23. Darcy Burgess, 26. Harry Van Der Saag
Substitutes Not Used: 21. Anthony Carreras
Yellow Cards: Meek 45’, Chipman 81’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3- Ollie Wiggin (NWS)
2- Takumi Ofuka (NWS)
1- Farah Koko (MU)
By Justin Smith
