Round 26 Review – NPL Men’s NSW

Let’s check out the mini reviews from Round 26 of the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition.

NWS Spirit FC 2 v Sydney Olympic 1 @ Christie Park – Full Match Report and Highlights
Christie Park was set on fire following Harry Keys’ 90th wonder strike which happened to be his first touch that gifted the NWS Spirit FC the victory as well as keeping one hand on the 2025 NPL Men’s NSW Premiership in a heart wrenching 2-1 victory over Sydney Olympic on a rainy Saturday evening at Christie Park.
After a nervy start from the hosts in which they conceded three good chances to their visitors, David Perkovic’s men took the lead before the half hour through Takumi Ofuka before Sydney Olympic struck back in the second half through Teng Kuol. Harry Keys would etch his name in the Spirit history books with his first touch off the bench on the brink of injury time that assured his side were going home with the three precious points.

APIA 1 v Manly United 0 @ Lambert Park – Full Match Report and Highlights
A long-range effort to Presley Ortiz has delivered APIA Leichhardt a pulsating 1-0 victory over Manly United at Lambert Park in rainy conditions on Saturday.
Continuing from their midweek 2-0 ‘Cupset’ against 2024 A-League Champions Melbourne City in the Hahn Australia Cup, the hosts proved too good for the visitors as they kept themselves within touching distance of first place.

WSW 0 v Rockdale Ilinden 0 @ Wanderers Football Park – Full Match Report and Highlights
An out of sorts Rockdale Ilinden continued to lose sight of the current NPL Men’s NSW frontrunners after failing to register a win in four matches following a scoreless draw against the Western Sydney Wanderers who clinched a vital point in its pursuit to avoid relegation on Saturday evening.
Ilinden had the majority of the chances but were unable to capitalise on them as the 2024 Premiers saw their hopes slowly fade with the Wanderers hoping to secure more points with four matches remaining.

St George City 1 v Sutherland Sharks 0 @ Penshurst Park – Full Match Report and Highlights
St George City have grinded out a tight 1 -0 win over relegation threatened Sutherland Sharks in Round 26 at Penshurst Park in what really was a must-win match to remain in contention for finals football for the hosts.
The only goal of the encounter came early in the second half, and it was none other than former Scottish international Marc McNulty who slotted home. For the Sutherland Sharks’ it is now four defeats in a row which leaves them in a precarious position close to the bottom of the ladder.

Blacktown City 2 v Mt Druitt Town Rangers 2 @ Popondetta Park – Full Match Report and Highlights
Blacktown City and Mt Druitt Town Rangers have shared the points with a 2-2 draw at Landen Stadium.
It was Blacktown City who opened the scoring in the first half, with Lachlan Campbell poking home a Mitch Mallia freekick, before Mt Druitt equalised in the second half courtesy of a tidy Yuta Komura finish.
In the 81st minute, Jakob Cresnar goal looked to have won it for the home side, but again Mt Druitt responded, with Theph Theph striking a shot into the bottom corner to earn his side a valuable point away from home.

Wollongong Wolves 1 v Sydney FC 0 @ WIN Stadium – Full Match Report and Highlights
Wollongong Wolves edged past Sydney FC 1-0 in a tight contest at WIN Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The heavy rain subsided for most of the match, with opportunities coming quickly in the first half. Wolves defender Harrison Buesnel scored in the first half to give Wollongong a lead heading into the break.
Sydney FC took control in the second half, and despite Buesnel’s late red card, the home side took the points.

Sydney United 58 1 v St George FC 1 @ Sydney United Sports Centre – Full Match Report and Highlights
Gabriel Tilo’s late equaliser ensured Sydney United 58 escaped with a point in a fiery 1-1 draw with St George FC.
Bai Antoniou’s 33td minute goal gave the Saints the ascendency, but Tilo came to the rescue with a crucial equaliser in the 85th minute that spells great doom for St George FC’s finals ambitions.

Central Coast Mariners v Marconi @ Pluim Park POSTPONED