Raiders Rally: Fernandez Brace Seals Big Away Win
SD Raiders FC produced a composed and clinical display to secure a 2–1 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers FC at Wanderers Football Park on Sunday afternoon, with Martin Fernandez delivering a match-winning brace in an absorbing Round 12 clash.
In a contest that showcased the Wanderers’ youthful energy against the Raiders’ experience, it was the visitors who ultimately prevailed—making their moments count when it mattered most.
The hosts started brightly, looking to impose themselves early with their trademark high-tempo, possession-based style. Their intent paid off in the 11th minute when Awan Lual found the back of the net, finishing off a well-worked move to hand the Wanderers a deserved 1–0 lead.
Despite the early setback, the Raiders remained composed. Absorbing pressure and waiting for their opportunities, they gradually worked their way back into the contest—staying disciplined and dangerous on the counter.
Their breakthrough came at the perfect time.
Deep into first-half stoppage time, the Raiders won a free kick just outside the box. Up stepped Martin Fernandez, who produced a moment of pure quality—curling a pinpoint strike into the top corner beyond the reach of Tristan Vidackovic. It was a goal of the highest class, levelling the score with the final kick of the half and shifting the momentum firmly in the visitors’ favour.
The Raiders carried that energy into the second half and struck again almost immediately.
In the 48th minute, a defensive lapse from the Wanderers opened the door. Luka Knezevic reacted quickest to a loose ball and drove a dangerous low cross into the area, where Fernandez was perfectly placed to guide a composed finish into the bottom corner—completing the turnaround and sealing his brace.
From there, the visitors showed their experience.
The Wanderers pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, probing and pressing with urgency, but the Raiders remained compact, disciplined, and resolute. Managing the game intelligently, they soaked up the late pressure and denied the hosts any clear path back into the contest.
In the end, it was a victory built on composure and clinical execution. While the Wanderers displayed flashes of technical brilliance, it was the Raiders’ ability to capitalise on key moments that proved decisive—earning them a valuable three points on the road and a timely boost in their campaign.
Match Stats
Western Sydney Wanderers FC 1 (Awan Lual 11’)
SD Raiders FC 2 (Martin Fernandez 45’+2’, 48’)
Sunday 26 April, 2026
Wanderers Football Park
Referee: Charlotte Flynn
Assistant Referees: Matthew McOrist and Arinath Gobinath
Fourth Official: Jackson Mackie
Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 1. Tristan Vidackovic (GK), 4. Ricky Fransen, 5. Jesse Cameron, 6. Oscar Morrison (C), 9. Awan Lual, 10. Jai Rose (16. Tristan Arrarte 63’), 13. Noah Ovens, 17. Joshua Cetinic (8. Julian Cop 63’), 20. Harper Ryles (11. Johnny Pavlovic 88’), 26. Bradley Marszal (21. Rocco Macnamara 75’), 27. Lachlan Sattout (7. Alaat Abdul-Rahman 45’).
Substitutes Not Used: 12. Lucas Sinnott, 23. Oscar Moore.
Yellow Cards: Jesse Cameron 45’+1’, Julian Cop 90’.
SD Raiders FC: 1. Michael Figueira (GK), 4. Cooper Hanagan, 6. Lachlan Everett (15. Matthew Lee 88’), 8. James Letta (C), 9. Jakov Malbasa (19. Riley Cox-Barlow 63’), 10. Luka Knezevic (7. Mihael Marcic 70’), 12. Lachlan Mcgrath, 17. Martin Fernandez (37. Robert Eremugo 70’), 18. Charlie Ragg, 23. Thomas Makko (21. Sebastian Malfara 63’), 47. Ethan Beaven.
Substitutes Not Used: 15. Matthew Lee, 40. William Loucas.
Yellow Cards: Thomas Makko 43’, Riley Cox-Barlow 90’+5’.
Player Ratings:
3 – Martin Fernandez (SDR)
2 – Awan Lual (WSW)
1 – Luka Knezevic (SDR)
