Stallions snatch slender victory over Wolves

Marconi Stallions FC edged out Wollongong Wolves FC 1-0 in a hard-fought contest at Macedonia Park on a sweltering Sunday afternoon.

Franco Maya struck inside the opening four minutes to secure the win for the visitors, who maintained their 100 per cent record in 2026.

The Stallions made a bright start, pressing Wollongong relentlessly from kick-off. Their early pressure paid off in the fourth minute when they capitalised on a turnover inside the Wolves’ half. Matej Busek picked out Maya, who powered a header off the crossbar and into the net to hand Marconi the lead.

Marconi continued to threaten, with Maya again at the centre of the action in the 21st minute. The forward unleashed a powerful long-range effort that Wolves goalkeeper Daniel Solsky did well to palm over the bar.

The chances kept coming for the visitors. In the 28th minute, Busek cut inside from the left and sent a dipping effort narrowly over.

Wollongong began to work their way back into the contest shortly after. Sebastian Hernandez whipped in a dangerous low cross from the right to find Lachlan Scott, but Joel Wade produced an excellent save to preserve the lead.

While the Wolves enjoyed a positive spell, the best chance before the break fell to Marconi. Jack Armson met the ball on the volley inside the area but fired wide, as the Stallions took a narrow advantage into half-time after a competitive opening period.

The second half unfolded in a different manner, with Marconi content to protect their lead while remaining poised to strike on the counter.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage in the 57th minute when Maya drove a left-footed shot from the left side of the box just wide of the near post.

Just past the hour mark, it appeared the Stallions had found a second goal as Maya’s effort from the right seemed to trickle over the line. However, Damian Tsekenis was ruled to have made contact with the ball before it crossed, and the goal did not stand.

For much of the second half, Marconi defended confidently, restricting Wollongong to limited clear-cut opportunities. Wade relieved pressure with several assured claims, while Busek’s tireless work off the ball included a number of crucial tackles.

The hosts had a golden opportunity in stoppage time when the ball fell invitingly for Scott, but the forward scuffed his attempt.

Marconi managed the remaining minutes professionally to secure another victory in their fast start to the season.

Stallions coach Peter Tsekenis was pleased with his side’s resilience in difficult conditions.

“It was tough conditions. It was very hot. The ground looks good from the outside but it doesn’t play so well, so we knew we had to grind out a result here today,” Tsekenis said.

“In these conditions, if you get in front, it makes it a little bit easier. You don’t want to be chasing games in this heat.

“I was a bit disappointed we didn’t hold on to the ball a little bit longer so we could tire out the opposition, but credit to Wollongong, they kept plugging away.”

Match Stats

Wollongong Wolves FC 0

Marconi Stallions FC 1 (Maya 4’)

Sunday 22 March 2026

Macedonia Park

Referee: Nathan Shakespear

Assistant Referees: Lance Greenshields and Anastasia Filacouridis

Fourth Official: Charbel Geha

Wollongong Wolves FC: 1. Daniel Solsky, 4. Dylan Ryan, Banri Kanaizumi, 8. Sebastian Duarte (44. Taj Demito 86’), 10. Flynn Madden (21. Liam Ball 65’), 11. Sebastian Hernandez (7. Felipe D’Agostini 46’), 13. Tate Russell, 17. Marcus Beattie, 18. Kazuya Yamamura (3. Jude Christie 90+3’), 24. Lachlan Scott, 25. Alex Masciovecchio (16. Lucas Trajcevski 65’)

Substitutes not used: 9. Ryan Lowe, 19. Max Cunial

Yellow Cards: Duarte 75’

Red Cards: Nil

Marconi Stallions FC: 1. Joel Wade, 4. Anton Mlinaric (3. Cameron Windust 78’), 5. George Daniel, 6. Teng Kuol, 7. Franco Maya (21. Noah Anderson 90+1’), 9. Damian Tsekenis, 10. Marko Jesic, 11. Matej Busek (2. Tyren Burnie 84’), 14. Jack Armson, 16. Luca Pecora, 23. Quintin Blair

Substitutes not used: 20. Oliver Yates, 8. Adam Bugarija, 12. Julian Monge, 17. Sunday Yona

Yellow Cards: Teng Kuol 36’

Red Cards: Nil

PLAYER RATINGS

3 – Matej Busek (Marconi)

2 – Joel Wade (Marconi)

1 – Tate Russell (Wollongong)