Round 8 Review – NPL Men’s NSW
Let’s take a look back at all the action from Round 8 of the National Premier Leagues NSW competition.
Sydney FC 0 v APIA 2 @ Ilinden Sports Centre
A Jack Stewart brace capped off a strong showing by APIA Leichhardt against Sydney FC as they won 2-0 to mark their fifth straight success.
Stewart struck twice in the opening half in a game where the visitors proved too much to handle for the young Sky Blues that have now lost four consecutive matches.
WSW 0 v Marconi 1 @ Wanderers Football Park
Marconi Stallions continued their fine form in the NPL Men’s NSW, claiming a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers at Wanderers Football Park to record their third consecutive win.
The match’s only goal came in the 18th minute when captain Marko Jesic capitalised on a rare error from goalkeeper Tristan Vidackovic, finishing a perfectly weighted through ball from Cameron Windust with calm precision.
While the Wanderers had early opportunities and threatened sporadically—most notably through Awan Lual and Harper Ryles—Marconi dominated possession, created multiple chances through Rocco Macnamara, Nathan Barrie, and Jesic himself, and relied on key defensive interventions from Windust to preserve their lead.
Despite late drama and near-misses from both sides, Jesic’s decisive strike proved enough, highlighting Marconi’s attacking sharpness and resilience as they continue their momentum in the league.
UNSW FC 5 v St George City 0 @ The Village Green
UNSW FC produced their most complete performance of the season, running riot in a dominant 5–0 victory over St George City at The Village Green to leapfrog their opponents on the ladder.
After a cagey opening, the home side broke the deadlock in the 20th minute with a lightning-quick counter, as Jyden Harb calmly finished after linking up with Oliver Puflett.
UNSW’s attacking trio combined brilliantly for the second goal just before halftime, with Puflett tapping home from a precise cross by Harb.
The second half saw the hosts control possession and limit St George’s opportunities, while Timothy Wohlfiel’s composed finish secured the third. Puflett and Harb both completed braces, rounding off a ruthless, free-flowing display that showcased UNSW FC’s clinical attacking ability and cemented their first-ever home win in the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW.
Rockdale Ilinden 1 v Sydney United 58 2 @ Ilinden Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 maintained their perfect start to the season, claiming their eighth consecutive victory with a hard-fought 2–1 triumph over Rockdale Ilinden at Ilinden Sports Centre.
After a cagey and physical first half, the breakthrough came early in the second period when Michael Glassock met a pinpoint Tomoki Wada corner to head United 58 ahead.
The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute as Faroh Koko capitalised on a perfectly timed ball over the top, calmly lobbing the advancing Levi Kaye to double the lead and put the visitors firmly in control.
Rockdale threatened late through Moudi Najjar, who netted a stoppage-time consolation, but United 58 held strong to preserve their flawless record, showcasing clinical finishing, disciplined defending, and composure in a fiery derby encounter.
Sutherland Sharks 3 v Manly United 0 @ Seymour Shaw
Sutherland Sharks produced their most complete performance of the season, cruising to a commanding 3–0 victory over Manly United at Seymour Shaw.
Ryley Hollingdale opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a clinical header from a corner, setting the tone for a dominant display. Tariq Maia doubled the lead in the 75th minute following a flowing team move orchestrated by Yianni Nicolaou, before Lachlan Macdonald sealed the result in the 84th minute with a composed finish from a surging Shoueiki run.
Despite sporadic threats from Manly, the Sharks controlled the game from start to finish, keeping a second clean sheet of the campaign and showcasing sharp attacking play, disciplined defending, and ruthless efficiency in front of goal.
St George FC 0 v NWS Spirit FC 3 @ Barton Park
St George FC’s Barton Park fortress has crumbled, as NWS Spirit FC delivered a ruthless 3–0 victory in Round 8 of the NPL Men’s NSW.
After a tight start, the visitors struck first in the 25th minute when Shoki Yoshida raced from halfway to calmly finish one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Kosta Petratos then doubled the lead with a stunning long-range free-kick, before substitutes combined in the 81st minute—Sam Armson’s precise ball found Stavros Tserpes, who calmly slotted home to seal the win.
From start to finish, NWS Spirit’s pace, precision, and clinical execution left St George struggling to respond, marking back-to-back home defeats for the once-formidable hosts.
Wollongong Wolves 2 v Sydney Olympic 1 @ Macedonia Park
Wollongong Wolves extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over bottom-placed Sydney Olympic FC in hot conditions at Macedonia Park, highlighted by a stunning goal-of-the-season contender from Alex Masciovecchio.
Despite dominating early and losing Ryan Lowe to a serious-looking knee injury, the Wolves fell behind in the 29th minute when Yuto Fujita finished off a precise through ball from Ben Giason. Masciovecchio levelled immediately after halftime with a spectacular long-range half-volley, before substitute Sebastian Hernandez netted the winner minutes later with a deflected strike.
Wollongong controlled much of the contest and held firm despite late pressure, while Sydney Olympic’s struggles continued as they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.
Blacktown City 1 v SD Raiders FC 2 @ Landen Stadium
SD Raiders FC secured a crucial 2–1 victory over Blacktown City FC at Landen Stadium, making it back-to-back wins and continuing their strong run of form.
After falling behind to Mitchell Malia’s first-half opener, the Raiders responded quickly through Noah Chianese before captain James Letta gave them the lead just before halftime with a well-taken volley. The hosts controlled much of the contest and created several chances, but had to withstand late pressure, including a missed opportunity from Blacktown to equalise in the closing stages. The win lifts SD Raiders clear of the relegation zone, while Blacktown City’s struggles continue near the bottom of the table.
