Last-minute equaliser splits historic points for promoted sides.
SD Raiders FC struck deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 1–1 draw at The Village Green against familiar foes UNSW FC, with both newly promoted sides earning their first-ever point in the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition on Saturday.
The Raiders began brightly and looked the more dangerous outfit in the opening exchanges. Within five minutes, the visitors had fashioned multiple chances, including a goal-bound effort that required Tristian Prendergast to clear off the line to keep the scores level.
Despite the early pressure, it was the reigning FNSW League One Champions who struck first against the run of play in the 10th minute. Sean Woods reacted quickest to a loose ball and fed Corby Fowler, who showed composure in the box before linking up with Woods once more and sliding a first-time finish beneath Michael Figueira to hand UNSW FC the lead.
SD Raiders continued to control large periods of the first half and generated the better share of opportunities, but they were unable to convert their dominance into a goal before the interval.
The second half developed into a more combative affair, with tensions rising and six yellow cards shown as both sides battled for control. Clear-cut chances became fewer, though the contest remained finely poised.
UNSW FC came closest to doubling their advantage in the 60th minute when substitute Oliver Pufflett found himself one-on-one with Figueira. The Raiders goalkeeper stood tall, producing a crucial save and tipping the ball onto the post to deny what seemed a certain second goal.
That moment proved pivotal. The Raiders continued to press forward in search of an equaliser, committing numbers late as the clock ticked into stoppage time. Their persistence was rewarded in the 91st minute when a hopeful long ball caused confusion in the UNSW defence. A heavy touch from Liam Wood allowed Robert Eremugo to pounce, calmly finishing to rescue a point and break home hearts.
“Very disappointing and very frustrating,” UNSW FC head coach Gabe Knowles said.
“We hit the post, missed a couple of one-on-ones — we’ve got to take those chances and make ourselves comfortable because you leave yourself susceptible at the end of the game.
“Though it’s a positive step forward, it’s our first point, and we’ll try to move forward with it,” he added.
SD Raiders head coach Goran Ljuboja admitted his side were below their best but praised their resilience.
“In the second half we couldn’t get anything going,” Ljuboja said.
“But the one thing we always do is fight to the end, regardless of the scoreline. We could be up by four or down by four — I expect the boys to work hard and keep trying.
“Today was probably our worst performance, but we got a point. The team is good; we just need a bit of confidence and to take our chances. Once they do that, they’ll look much better, so I wouldn’t write us off.”
Match Stats
UNSW FC 1 (Corby Fowler 10′)
SD Raiders 1 (Robert Eremugo 90 + 1’)
Saturday 21st February, 2026
The Village Green
Referee: Rebecca Mackie
Assistant Referees: Sebastian Ruskin and Isaac Riggs
Fourth Official: Alexandar Zastavnikovic
UNSW FC: 1. Tristian Prendergast, 2. Timothy Wohlfiel, 3. Emilio Vinci, 4. Liam Wood, 6. Grant Lynch, 9. Kevin Lopes (11. Jack Fulton 65’), 13. Sean Woods (19. Oliver Pufflett 45’), 14. Lachlan Campbell, 15. Corby Fowler (10. Nathan Roberts 65’), 17. Jyden Harb (21. Alexander Malfara 75’), 20. Anthony Barbic (5. Claudio Fabiano 85’)
Substitutes Not Used: 12. Cassius Flavell, 22. Gil Duffy
Yellow Cards: Timothy Wohlfiel 59’, Jack Fulton 71’, Emilio Vinci 73’
Red Cards: Nil
SD Raiders: 1. Michael Figueira, 5. Jett McCue-Shore, 8. James Letta, 10. Luka Knezevic, 12. Lachlan McGrath, 14. Noah Chianese (6. Lachlan Everett 63’), 17. Martin Fernandez (11. Thomas Santarossa 63’), 19. Riley Cox-Barlow (15. Matthew Lee 80’), 21. Sebastian Malfara (13. Ham Donghwa 80’), 23. Thomas Makko (7. Mihael Marcic 63’), 37. Robert Eremugo
Substitutes Not Used: 31. Oliver Przydacz
Yellow Cards: Thomas Makko 31’, Luka Knezevic 71’, Riley Cox-Barlow 71’, Robert Eremugo, James Letta 74’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings:
3 – Jyden Harb (UNSW)
2 – Robert Eremugo (SDR)
1 – Sean Woods (UNSW)
By Keane McKenna
