Sharks Hold Firm to Claim Hard-Fought First Home Win

Sutherland Sharks FC claimed a hard-fought 1–0 victory over UNSW FC in a tight contest at Seymour Shaw on Saturday afternoon.

Two sides desperate for three points took to a sun-drenched Seymour Shaw for this Round 6 clash, with both knowing the importance of securing a result.

The visitors created the first chance of the contest when Jyden Harb attempted to curl a free kick into the net, but his effort continued to rise over the crossbar.

The Sharks soon began to find their rhythm. The ball fell to Takumi Ofuka inside the box, though his strike was blasted wide of the target.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the 19th minute through a well-worked move. Ryley Hollingdale was central to the build-up before picking out Jordan Perez, who coolly arrowed his finish into the bottom corner to make it 1–0.

Buoyed by the opener, the Sharks pushed for more. Richard Shoueiki stabbed at an effort inside the box that UNSW FC goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast did well to beat away.

UNSW searched for a response, with Oliver Puflett attempting to spark the visitors. His effort, however, was comfortably gathered by Sharks goalkeeper Danijel Nizic.

The visitors had a late chance before the break when a cross found Kevin Lopes, but he was unable to guide his header towards goal.

The second half began at an energetic tempo. The Sharks launched a counterattack led by Nicholas Olsen, who slipped the ball through to Shoueiki, though his effort was struck straight at Prendergast.

Perez continued to pose problems for the UNSW defence, later being threaded through into the box before forcing another strong save from Prendergast.

UNSW began to increase the pressure as they chased an equaliser. Puflett had a half-chance, while Lachlan Campbell was unable to direct his header on target.

The Sharks almost made an instant impact through their substitutes. Seung Joo Choi couldn’t quite connect with an Olsen flick, before Jacob McLachlan rattled the left post with a thunderous strike.

As the match entered its tense closing stages, the visitors emptied their bench in pursuit of a late equaliser.

Shoueiki had a golden opportunity to seal the result when he was picked out by substitute Tariq Maia, but he prodded his effort wide of the left post.

UNSW threw numbers forward in stoppage time. Harb had a couple of half-chances, while substitute Jack Fulton flashed an effort wide as the visitors searched desperately for a breakthrough.

However, Sutherland Sharks FC held firm to secure a valuable three points and their first home victory of the 2026 NPL NSW Men’s campaign.

Post-match, Sharks head coach David Perkovic reflected on the important win.

“We haven’t had the start we wanted and confidence has been an issue,” said Perkovic.

“We worked hard, but this needs to be our consistent level and the football will follow. Getting our first clean sheet is nice, especially with a few players still missing, and the boys stayed focused for the full 90 minutes.”

UNSW FC coach Gabe Knowles was left frustrated after the narrow defeat.

“I’m frustrated again after that game,” Knowles said.

“It was a close contest and I think we created chances, but it feels like one moment cost us tonight in what was a very tight game.”

Match Stats

Sutherland Sharks FC 1 (Perez ’19)

UNSW FC 0

Saturday 14 March 2026

Seymour Shaw

Referee: Blake Sanchez-Cruz

Assistant Referees: Aaron Bloch & Brayden MacDonald

Fourth Official: Jackson Tippett

Sutherland Sharks FC: 1. Danijel Nizic, 2. Lachlan Macdonald, 3. Yianni Nicolaou, 4. Thijs Van Amerongen, 5. Jordan Perez (16. Jacob Mclachlan ’68), 6. Ryley Hollingdale, 7. Takumi Ofuka (11. Seung joo Choi ’68), 8. Brendan Gan, 14. Yuto Kokuryo (10. Tariq Maia ’53), 17. Richard Shoueiki (18. Gian Fiorese ‘90+3), 21. Nicholas Olsen

Unused subs: 12. James Husoy, 22. Tye Mcgowan, 30. Julian Fedele

Yellow cards: Nicolaou ‘2

Red cards: nil

UNSW FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Emilio Vinci (16. Kai Kamikura ’78), 4. Liam Wood, 6. Grant Lynch, 9. Kevin Lopes (11. Jack Fulton ’53), 14. Lachlan Campbell, 15. Corby Fowler17. Jyden Harb, 19. Oliver Puflett (24. Thomas Hynes ’78), 20. Anthony Barbic (7. Matias Da Silva Santos ’72), 21. Alexander Malfara (10. Nathan Roberts ’78)

Unused subs: 12. Cassius Flavell, 22. Gil Duffy

Yellow cards: nil

Red cards: nil

Player Ratings:

3: Ryley Hollingdale (SSFC)

2: Oliver Pufflet (UNSW FC)

1: Richard Shoueiki (SSFC)

By Justin Davies (@JustDavies90)