Round 5 Review – NPL Men’s NSW

Let’s take a look back at all the action from Round 5 of the National Premier Leagues NSW competition, where late drama, stunning strikes and spirited comebacks headlined another thrilling weekend of football.

Sutherland Sharks 2 v Western Sydney Wanderers 3 @ Seymour Shaw – Full Match Report and Highlights

Western Sydney Wanderers produced a stunning comeback performance to defeat Sutherland Sharks 3–2 in a dramatic Friday night clash at Seymour Shaw Park, overturning an early deficit with three moments of brilliance to claim a memorable victory over the home side, who are still searching for their first win at Seymour Shaw this season. In a match filled with spectacular goals, sweeping attacking moves, controversy and late drama, strikes from Atiya Waraga, substitute Lachlan Sattout and Jesse Cameron overturned an opener from Richard Shoueiki and a stoppage-time reply from Thijs van Amerongen, handing the Wanderers just their second victory over the Sharks in what proved to be an unforgettable contest.

SD Raiders FC 0 v Sydney United 58 1 @ Ernie Smith Reserve – Full Match Report and Highlights
A superb Tomoki Wada free kick proved the difference in the clash between SD Raiders FC and Sydney United 58 at Ernie Smith Reserve on Saturday evening, with the visitors triumphing 1–0 to make it a perfect five wins from five to open their 2026 campaign. It was a match of few clear chances, with set pieces posing the biggest threat for both sides, before Wada’s phenomenal strike ultimately settled the contest.

NWS Spirit FC 2 v St George City 0 @ Christie Park – Full Match Report and Highlights

NWS Spirit FC secured a hard-fought 2–0 win against St George City at Christie Park on Saturday afternoon. Goals from Shoki Yoshida in the 55th minute and substitute Thomas Mason in the 86th minute ensured back-to-back victories for Spirit as they continued to build momentum in their campaign.

UNSW FC 2 v Marconi Stallions 2 @ The Village Green – Full Match Report and Highlights

UNSW FC and Marconi Stallions shared the points in an entertaining 2–2 draw at The Village Green, with both sides taking the lead in a fast-paced contest. Marconi struck first through Teng Kuol, but UNSW responded quickly with Oliver Puflett levelling the scores before the hosts went ahead just before half-time when Lopes capitalised on a goalkeeping error following a long-range effort from Jyden Harb. UNSW controlled large periods early in the second half, though Marconi remained patient and eventually equalised when Damian Tsekenis finished from close range after a driven cross from substitute Tyren Burnie, with neither side able to find a late winner.

St George FC 1 v Manly United 0 @ Barton Park – Full Match Report and Highlights
St George FC extended their unbeaten start to the 2026 season with a dramatic 1–0 victory over Manly United at Barton Park, thanks to a stoppage-time strike from substitute Harrison Farrow. The result ensured the Blues maintained their perfect defensive record, remaining yet to concede a goal in the NPL Men’s NSW, while Manly suffered their second consecutive defeat following last week’s loss to Sydney United 58.

Rockdale Ilinden 4 v Sydney Olympic 1 @ Ilinden Sports Centre – Full Match Report and Highlights

In one of the fiercest rivalries in NSW football, Sydney Olympic travelled to Ilinden Sports Centre and suffered a heavy 4–1 defeat at the hands of Rockdale Ilinden. The hosts were clinical in attack, with a brace from Moudi Najjar, a superb strike from Brendan Cholakian and a clever back-heel from Ollie Wiggin cancelling out Marco Arambasic’s first-half equaliser in a match full of intensity, robust challenges and quality finishing.

APIA Leichhardt FC 3 v Blacktown City FC 2 @ Lambert Park – Full Match Report and Highlights
APIA Leichhardt FC extended their strong run of form with a 3–2 victory over Blacktown City FC at Lambert Park, making it four matches unbeaten. Eddie Caspers opened the scoring early with a long-range strike before Maksim Jez equalised for the visitors soon after. Presley Ortiz quickly restored APIA’s lead and Michael Kouta added a third from a corner to give the hosts control, a position strengthened when Blacktown’s Sebastian Hayward was sent off late in the first half. Despite being reduced to ten men, Blacktown improved after the break and Jez scored his second from a free kick to bring his side within a goal, but APIA held firm to secure the win.

Sydney FC 1 v Wollongong Wolves 2 @ Ilinden Sports Centre – Full Match Report and Highlights

Wollongong Wolves returned to winning ways with a resilient 2–1 victory over Sydney FC at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre. Alex Masciovecchio gave the Wolves the lead in the 26th minute after good work from Tate Russell and Lachlan Scott before the visitors were reduced to ten men when Dylan Ryan was sent off in the second half. Despite the setback, Kazuya Yamamura doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the 77th minute after Sebastian Hernandez was fouled in the box. Sydney FC pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time through Jordan Graoroski, but the Wolves held firm to secure an important win.