Round 12 Review – NPL Men’s NSW

Let’s take a look back at all the action from Round 12 of the National Premier Leagues NSW competition.

Sydney FC 0 v Sutherland Sharks 0 @ Ilinden Sports Centre
Sydney FC and the Sutherland Sharks played out an entertaining 0–0 draw at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre, with both sides producing a defensive masterclass highlighted by standout goalkeeping from Alexander Zaverdinos and Danijel Nizic. Despite the lack of goals, the match was filled with chances, including efforts from Nickolas Alfaro, Jamie Percevski, and Taye Hedley, all denied by sharp saves. Zaverdinos proved crucial late, making a decisive stop to deny Jacob McLachlan in the 80th minute, while Nizic was equally influential throughout. Reflecting on the result, Zaverdinos praised his team’s work rate and the importance of the clean sheet, while admitting disappointment at not securing all three points, as both sides ultimately shared the spoils in a high-quality contest.

Sydney Olympic 2 v UNSW FC 1 @ Belmore Sports Ground
Sydney Olympic ended their eight-game losing streak in dramatic fashion, securing a 2–1 victory over UNSW FC with a stoppage-time winner at Belmore on ANZAC Day. After taking a first-half lead through Yuto Fujita and holding firm thanks to a resilient defensive effort, Olympic looked set to be denied when Lachlan Campbell equalised late for UNSW FC. However, in the dying moments, Fujita sparked a final attack and set up Giorgos Louca, who calmly slotted home the decisive goal to seal a crucial win and breathe new life into Olympic’s season.

Marconi 4 v Manly United 1 @ Marconi Stadium
Marconi Stallions delivered a dominant performance at “The Palace,” cruising to a 4–1 victory over Manly United after effectively putting the game to bed in the first half. A composed finish from Marko Jesic and a standout brace from Damian Tsekenis—highlighted by a brilliant solo effort—set the tone, while Adam Bugarija added a memorable fourth with a goal direct from a corner after the break. Despite a late consolation penalty from Manly, the Stallions controlled the match from start to finish, underlining their attacking quality and maintaining strong momentum heading into the next round.

Rockdale Ilinden 1 v St George City 0 @ Ilinden Sports Centre
Rockdale Ilinden claimed a crucial 1–0 victory over St George City FA in a tightly contested Round 12 derby, with Harry Van Der Saag’s second-half penalty proving the difference. In a match defined by strong defensive structures and limited clear chances, Rockdale showed composure to break the deadlock before holding firm under late pressure. St George City pushed hard for an equaliser with several promising opportunities, but were denied by a disciplined Rockdale defence and key saves from Levi Kaye, as the hosts secured a much-needed win to get their season back on track.

Blacktown City 1 v NWS Spirit FC 0 @ Landen Stadium
Blacktown City secured a vital 1–0 win over NWS Spirit at Landen Stadium, with Mitch Mallia’s stunning first-half free kick proving the difference in a tightly contested encounter. After withstanding an early push from the visitors, Blacktown took control through Mallia’s thunderbolt and carried that momentum into the second half, creating several chances to extend their lead. NWS Spirit rallied late and came close through Benjamin Duroux, but a disciplined defensive effort ensured Blacktown held firm to claim their first home win of the campaign and a crucial three points.

WSW 1 v SD Raiders 2 @ Wanderers Football Park
SD Raiders FC secured a hard-fought 2–1 comeback victory over Western Sydney Wanderers FC at Wanderers Football Park, with Martin Fernandez scoring twice to overturn an early deficit. The Wanderers opened the scoring through Awan Lual in the 11th minute, but Fernandez levelled just before halftime with a brilliant free kick into the top corner before completing his brace early in the second half after finishing a low cross from Luka Knezevic. Despite sustained late pressure from the Wanderers, the Raiders held firm with a disciplined defensive display to claim a valuable three points on the road.

APIA 2 v St George FC 1 @ Lambert Park
APIA Leichhardt secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over St George FC at Lambert Park to extend their unbeaten run and move within two points of league leaders Sydney United 58. After a tight first half, APIA seized control through a Kyle Shaw header before Michael Konestabo doubled the lead following a well-worked move. St George FC mounted a late comeback, pulling one back from the penalty spot in stoppage time and threatening an equaliser, but APIA held firm under pressure to secure all three points and maintain their strong push up the ladder.

Sydney United 58 0 v Wollongong Wolves 1 @ Sydney United Sports Centre
Wollongong Wolves handed Sydney United 58 their first defeat of the 2026 NPL Men’s NSW season with a hard-fought 1–0 victory at Sydney United Sports Centre, as Lachlan Scott’s early header set up by Sebastian Hernandez proved decisive.
Despite United 58 dominating large periods and creating numerous chances, they were repeatedly denied by a resilient Wolves defence and an outstanding goalkeeping display from Daniel Solsky. Wollongong threatened on the counter and grew into the game in the second half, but it was their discipline and determination that ultimately saw them hold firm under late pressure to secure a statement win and extend their unbeaten run.