Rockdale Ilinden strike late to seal opening-round win over Wanderers
Rockdale Ilinden began their National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW campaign in ideal fashion, claiming a 2–0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers FC at Valentine Sports Park.
The opening half was shaped by the influence of two new signings, as Wanderers recruit Jai Rose went head-to-head with former Manly United defender turned Rockdale Ilinden man, Harry Van der Saag.
Rose announced his presence early, rising to meet a header in the second minute, though the effort was comfortably gathered by Rockdale goalkeeper Levi Kaye. The Wanderers looked intent on unsettling their visitors with an aggressive, high-tempo approach, in contrast to Ilinden’s more measured and technical build-up play.
Awan Lual proved a constant threat for the Wanderers, his powerful solo run on the counter after 15 minutes only halted by a perfectly timed challenge from Van der Saag.
Midway through the half, Rose found himself in the referee’s book following a late challenge, although the resulting free-kick from Ilinden failed to trouble Wanderers goalkeeper Tristan Vidakovic. The home side’s best chance of the opening period arrived soon after when Alaat Abdul-Rahman was fouled just outside the box by Van der Saag, earning the defender a yellow card. Rose stepped up, but his free-kick was fired straight into the wall, drawing applause from the vocal Rockdale supporters in attendance.
The second half began with controversy, as Lual went down in the penalty area just minutes after the restart, but referee Thomas Dale waved away the appeals. The defining moment followed in the 52nd minute when Rose again went to ground inside the box, appealing for a penalty. Instead, the official deemed it simulation and issued a second yellow card, reducing the Wanderers to ten men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Wanderers defended resolutely as Rockdale Ilinden ramped up the pressure. Vidakovic produced a series of impressive saves to deny Ollie Wiggin and captain Brendan Cholakian, keeping his side in the contest.
The breakthrough finally came in the 70th minute. Giorgio Speranza unleashed a thunderous strike from well outside the area that flew into the corner of the net, giving Vidakovic no chance and putting Rockdale Ilinden ahead.
Barely a minute later, the visitors doubled their advantage in style. Cholakian spotted Vidakovic off his line and executed a perfectly weighted chip, drawing an ovation from teammates and supporters alike as the points were effectively sealed.
Rockdale Ilinden head coach Paul Dee said the dismissal of Rose proved a turning point in the contest.
“I think the momentum changed quite significantly with the send-off,” Dee said.
“But until that point, it was two good teams really fighting for those three points, and it was a really entertaining game to watch.”
Match Stats
Western Sydney Wanderers FC 0
Rockdale Ilinden FC 2 (Giorgio Speranza 70’, Brendan Cholakian 72’)
Sunday 8 February 2026
Valentine Sports Park
Referee: Thomas Dale
Assistant Referees: Cameron Wright, Matthew Harris
Fourth Official: Wael Arabi
Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 1. Tristan Vidakovic, 4. Ricky Fransen, 5. Jesse Cameron, 6. Oscar Morrison (c), 7. Alaat Abdul-Rahman, 8. Julian Cop, 9. Awan Lual, 10. Jai Rose, 13. Noah Ovens, 20. Harper Ryles, 26. Bradley Marszal
Yellow Cards: Jai Rose 26’
Red Cards: Jai Rose 52’
Rockdale Ilinden FC: 1. Levi Kaye, 2. Hunter Elliott, 5. Giorgio Speranza, 6. Isaac Danzo, 7. Ollie Wiggin, 9. Moudi Najjar, 10. Brendan Cholakian (c), 11. Lochlan Constable, 22. Harry McCarthy, 26. Harry Van der Saag, 99. Matthew Keremelevski
Yellow Cards: Harry Van der Saag 27’
Red Cards: None
*Match Stats not fully updated due to issues with Dribl
Player Ratings
3: Harry Van der Saag (Rockdale Ilinden)
2: Tristan Vidakovic (Western Sydney Wanderers)
1: Brendan Cholakian (Rockdale Ilinden)
-By Katrina May
