Spirit show steel as ten men down Sharks in fiery opener

NWS Spirit FC secured a statement three points to open their National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW premiership defence, grinding out a gritty 1-0 victory over the much talked about Sutherland Sharks at Christie Park in a fiery and emotionally charged Round One encounter.

This clash was always destined to be intense following the off-season departure of premiership-winning coach David Perkovic, who took the reins at Sutherland Sharks as part of a major rebuild for the Shire-based club. That backdrop ensured plenty of edge both on and off the field.

It was Perkovic’s new side who began the contest on the front foot, enjoying the bulk of early possession and fashioning the better chances in the opening exchanges. The Sharks continued to build pressure as the half progressed, with Tariq Maia coming closest — forcing a world-class save from Christopher Marques, who clawed a goal-bound effort away from the top left corner.

Against the run of play, Spirit struck first in the 32nd minute through new signing Kosta Petratos. A corner swung deep to the back post was headed back into the danger area by Aiden Mostofi, and after a partial clearance, Petratos reacted quickest to nod the ball into the bottom corner for his first goal in Spirit colours.

The second half resumed with the same intensity, with the Sharks once again pushing forward and threatening in the final third as they searched for an equaliser.

With four yellow cards already shown, tensions eventually boiled over in the 70th minute. Callum Kealy was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for an off-the-ball incident, appearing to step on the ankle of Jamie Percevski. Following consultation with his assistant, referee Hayden Langholz reduced Spirit to ten men, setting up a dramatic final 20 minutes.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Spirit remained resolute. Substitute Finn Ballard McBride came agonisingly close to sealing the contest six minutes from time, chasing down a through ball before curling his effort onto the inside of the right post, the ball rebounding out for a goal kick.

The Sharks’ man advantage ultimately failed to yield a breakthrough, as Spirit defended bravely to claim all three points and begin their title defence in ideal fashion.

Spirit head coach Sergio Malfara was full of praise post-match.

“There’s no other word than proud,” Malfara said.

“It wasn’t the perfect game, but the boys dug in deep and stuck to the plan all week.”

Goalkeeper Christopher Marques echoed those sentiments, highlighting the team’s preparation.

“We actually prepared for having a man down in training — we’ve prepared for moments like this,” Marques said.

“There was a little more emotion playing against former teammates and an ex-coach, but Round One always brings that extra excitement.”

Match Stats

NWS Spirit 1 (Kosta Petratos 32’)
Sutherland Sharks 0

Saturday 7 February 2026
Christie Park

Referee: Hayden Langholz
Assistant Referees: Patrick Teleki, James Makris
Fourth Official: Rory McFarlane

NWS Spirit: 1. Christopher Marques, 2. Aiden Mostofi, 4. Bradie Smith, 7. Shoki Yoshida (17. Jacob Chidiac 71’), 8. Grant Cornwell, 9. Callum Kealy, 10. Kosta Petratos (3. Kyah Williams 90+4’), 11. Kaan Nizam (21. Finn Ballard McBride 71’), 13. Simon Nicholas, 18. Andre Takami, 19. Zayne Ahluwalia (15. Sam Armson 60’)

Substitutes not used: 12. Jason Coates, 14. Benjamin Duroux, 30. Samuel Mills

Yellow Cards: Kealy 6’, Nicholas 23’, Smith 52’
Red Cards: Kealy 70’

Sutherland Sharks: 1. Danijel Nizic, 3. Yianni Nicolaou, 4. Thijs van Amerongen, 5. Jordan Perez, 7. Takumi Ofuka, 8. Brendan Gan (16. Jacob McLaughlin 81’), 10. Tariq Maia (9. Mili Popovic 58’), 11. Danny Choi (6. Rylee Hollingdale 58’), 14. Yuto Kokuryo, 15. Jamie Percevski (2. Lachlan MacDonald 72’), 21. Nick Olsen

Substitutes not used: 12. James Husoy, 18. Gian Fiorese, 22. Tye McGowan

Yellow Cards: Perez 30’, Hollingdale 73’
Red Cards: Nil

Player Ratings

3 – Kosta Petratos (NWS Spirit)
2 – Grant Cornwell (NWS Spirit)
1 – Christopher Marques (NWS Spirit)

By Keane McKenna