Ilinden surge into top three with statement win over Spirit
Rockdale Ilinden have climbed into the top three of the NPL Men’s NSW competition after a composed 2-0 victory over NWS Spirit at Christie Park on Saturday afternoon.
Two second-half goals and a disciplined defensive display saw Rockdale overcome the reigning premiers, while Spirit — who entered the clash unbeaten in three matches — were unable to maintain their momentum and missed an opportunity to strengthen their position near the top of the ladder.
Pre-match rain left the surface slick and quick, setting the tone for a frantic opening between two of the competition’s benchmark sides.
Spirit started the brighter of the two, carving out early chances with Grant Cornwell coming closest, though his effort failed to trouble Levi Kaye.
The remainder of the first half turned into a physical contest, with both sides combining for 16 fouls and few clear-cut opportunities. Kaan Nizam produced the best moment just before the break, rattling the crossbar with an audacious 25-yard lob.
Both teams emerged from the interval with greater attacking intent, but it was Rockdale who made their moment count.
Lochlan Constable broke the deadlock early in the second half with a stunning long-range strike, unleashing a powerful effort from distance that flew into the top right corner. The goal ended a lengthy drought for the attacker, marking his first since the end of the 2024 season.
Chasing the game, Spirit lifted their intensity and pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Shoki Yoshida tested Kaye with a sharp effort, while substitute Thomas Mason also came close, but the Rockdale defence held firm under pressure.
The visitors sealed the result in the dying moments with a clinical counter attack. Moudi Najjar chipped cleverly over the defence to find Jerry Skotadis, who calmly controlled before slotting home to secure all three points.
The win sees Rockdale continue their perfect away record and build strong momentum as they return home to face unbeaten league leaders Sydney United 58 next weekend.
For Spirit, the defeat serves as a setback, with a tough assignment ahead against defensively resolute St George FC at Barton Park as they look to respond.
Match Stats
NWS Spirit 0
Rockdale Ilinden 2 (Lochlan Constable 49’, Jerry Skotadis 89’)
Saturday 21st March, 2026
Christie Park
Referee: Jake Rose
Assistant Referees: Blake Sanchez-Cruz and Owen Medcalf
Fourth Official: Ryan Hinteregger
NWS Spirit: 1. Christopher Marques, 2. Aiden Mostofi, 4. Bradie Smith, 7. Shoki Yoshida, 8. Grant Cornwell (22. Stavros Tserpes 81’), 11. Kaan Nizam (32. Thomas Mason 68’) 13. Simon Nicholas, 14. Benjamin Duroux (21. Finn Ballard-McBride 81’), 17. Riku Kobayashi 18. Andre Takami, 19. Zayne Ahluwalia
Substitutes Not Used: 5. Owen Henderson, 12. Jay Coates, 35. William Pezzutti, 39. Evan Zorbas
Yellow Cards: Zayne Ahluwalia 51’, Bradie Smith 54’, Simon Nicholas 66’, Grant Cornwell 71’
Red Cards: Nil
Rockdale Ilinden: 1. Levi Kaye, 2. Hunter Elliott, 4. Reo Kunimoto, 5. Giorgio Speranza, 6. Isaac Danzo, 7. Ollie Wiggin (14. Paul Kalamvokis 90+1), 9. Moudi Najjar, 10. Brendan Cholakian (8. Jerry Skotadis 68’), 11. Lochlan Constable (3. Lachlan Griffiths 81’), 26. Harry Van Der Saag, 66. Mathieu Cordier
Substitutes Not Used: 17. Mohamed Adam, 19. Dean Jovcevski, 21. Ronan Mulgrew, 27. Lukas Ribarevski
Yellow Cards: Brendan Cholakian 58’, Giorgio Speranza 87’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings:
3 – Lochlan Constable (RDI)
2 – Grant Cornwell (NWS)
1 – Harry Van Der Saag(RDI)
-By Keane McKenna
