Round 3 Review – NPL Men’s NSW

Let’s take a look back at all the action from Round 3 of the National Premier Leagues NSW competition, where late drama, stunning strikes and spirited comebacks headlined another thrilling weekend of football.

Manly United 2 v APIA Leichhardt FC 2 @ Cromer Park

Manly United FC and APIA Leichhardt FC played out a dramatic 2-2 draw on Friday night at Cromer Park.

The visitors looked set to steal all three points when Max Court rose highest in the 87th minute to head home, only for Manly to ensure the spoils were shared in a gripping finale. Both sides produced moments of quality throughout, including a scintillating free-kick from Darcy Burgess that was among the highlights of the evening.

UNSW FC 1 v SD Raiders FC 1 @ The Village Green

UNSW FC and SD Raiders FC shared the points in a hard-fought 1-1 draw, with the Raiders striking in the 91st minute to snatch a result.

Corby Fowler gave the hosts the lead after just 10 minutes, and UNSW created several chances to extend their advantage but were unable to capitalise. They were made to pay late, with Robert Eremugo finding the equaliser. The result marked the first-ever point in the competition for both clubs following their promotion last season.

Sutherland Sharks 0 v St George FC 1 @ Seymour Shaw

St George FC deepened the woes of Sutherland Sharks FC with a narrow 1-0 victory at Seymour Shaw.

Both sides fashioned promising opportunities, but it was substitute Harrison Farrow who proved the difference, netting a late winner to secure all three points and pile further pressure on the winless Sharks.

NWS Spirit FC 0 v Sydney FC 4 @ Christie Park

Sydney FC ran riot at Christie Park, dismantling NWS Spirit FC 4-0 in a dominant display.

From the outset, the Sky Blues applied relentless pressure, registering an impressive 11 shots on target from 24 attempts. A spectacular long-range strike from Mitchell Glasson capped a commanding performance from the visitors.

Rockdale Ilinden 3 v Blacktown City 2 @ Ilinden Sports Centre

Rockdale Ilinden FC returned to winning ways with an entertaining 3-2 triumph over Blacktown City FC.

Harry McCarthy opened the scoring in the 21st minute before Nikola Skataric levelled in first-half stoppage time. Rockdale regained the lead early in the second half through Ollie Wiggin, and Giorgio Speranza appeared to seal the result with a composed finish in the 90th minute. Maksim Jez added a late consolation in the 94th minute to round out the scoring.

Wollongong Wolves 0 v Marconi Stallions 1 @ Macedonia Park

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

Franco Maya struck inside the opening four minutes, and that proved enough for the Stallions to maintain their perfect start to the 2026 campaign in testing conditions.

Sydney United 58 3 v WSW 2 @ Sydney United Sports Centre

Sydney United 58 FC secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers FC in a match defined by youthful brilliance and late tension.

Seventeen-year-old Gabriel Tilo starred with a brace, combining superbly with Anthony Krilic as the hosts raced to a 2-0 half-time lead. The Wanderers responded after the break, with Awan Lual and Harper Ryles finding the net, but substitute Michael Krslovic’s 73rd-minute strike ultimately proved decisive in a pulsating encounter.

Sydney Olympic 2 v St George City 2 @ Belmore Sports Ground

Sydney Olympic FC and St George City FA shared the points in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Belmore Sports Ground.

Olympic controlled the first half, with Giorgos Louca and Marco Arambasic giving the hosts a two-goal cushion. However, a lightning-interrupted contest swung after the break, as Brae Ovens and Solomon Monahan-Vaiika struck in quick succession to earn St George City their first points of the season.

Top Goalscorers

4 – Michael Krslovic (Sydney United 58)

3 – Mitchell Glasson (Sydney FC)

3– Gabriel Tilo (Sydney United 58)

3 – Awan Lual (WSW)

2 – Damian Tsekenis (Marconi)

2 – Harrison Farrow (St George FC)

2 – Nikola Skataric (Blacktown City)

2 – Giorgio Speranza (Rockdale Ilinden)

2 – Marco Arambasic (Sydney Olympic)

2 – Giorgos Louca (Sydney Olympic)