Stallions Stampede: Marconi Run Riot at The Palace
Marconi Stallions proved once again that “The Palace” is a fortress, dismantling Manly United 4–1 in their ANZAC Day Round 12 clash, with the contest effectively decided before halftime.
A goal from Marko Jesic and a superb brace from Damian Tsekenis had the hosts cruising by the break, with Tsekenis’ second strike a moment of individual brilliance that underlined Marconi’s dominance.
From the opening whistle, the Stallions were relentless. Jack Armson had a golden opportunity inside three minutes after slick build-up play down the left, but the midfielder blazed his effort over—an early warning Manly would soon regret ignoring.
Marconi continued to pile on the pressure. Matej Busek attempted an ambitious bicycle kick that didn’t come off, while Tyren Burnie fired wide from distance as the hosts camped deep inside Manly’s half. The visitors, to their credit, absorbed the early onslaught and looked to counter, recalling their recent success in similar circumstances—but this time, the resistance wouldn’t hold.
The breakthrough arrived in the 15th minute. After more incisive work down the left, the ball found Jesic, who had the composure and space to pick his spot and calmly slot home the opener.
Five minutes later, Franco Maya came within inches of doubling the lead, rattling the crossbar with a curling free kick. Manly were living dangerously—and soon paid the price.
In the 24th minute, Tsekenis rose to meet a lofted ball in the box, nodding home Marconi’s second after a scrappy passage of play. If the task wasn’t already daunting, it had now become a mountain to climb.
Moments later, Tsekenis produced the standout moment of the match. Twisting and turning his defender inside out, he carved out space before driving forward and finishing clinically across Harry Turner to make it 3–0. It was a goal worthy of any highlight reel.
Marconi remained firmly in control, and while Armson missed another chance from distance late in the half, it did little to dampen what had been a near-perfect opening 45 minutes. At the break, it was 3–0—and effectively game over.
The Stallions showed no signs of easing after halftime. Tsekenis thought he had completed his hat-trick shortly after the restart, only to be denied by the offside flag.
Busek and Maya both went close as Marconi continued to dominate proceedings, while Turner was called into action to prevent further embarrassment, including a sharp intervention to stop a near own goal in the 61st minute.
Despite a slightly improved defensive effort from Manly in the second half, they offered little going forward. Joel Wade was largely a spectator in the Marconi goal, as the hosts suffocated any attacking intent with relentless pressing and control.
The fourth goal finally arrived in the 78th minute, and it was one to remember for substitute Adam Bugarija. Delivering directly from a corner, he found the back of the net to score his first goal for the club and cap off a commanding performance.
Manly managed a late consolation when substitute Benjamin Koop was brought down in the box in the dying moments. Koop stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, sending Wade the wrong way.
The 4–1 scoreline arguably flattered the visitors, with Marconi dominant throughout and capable of adding even more goals on another day. The victory secures another three points for the Stallions, who continue to build momentum as they prepare for next weekend’s trip to Seymour Shaw Park.
For Manly United, it’s a case of regrouping and returning to the training ground after a night where they were simply outmatched by a sharper, hungrier opponent.
A respectful minute’s silence was impeccably observed prior to kickoff in honour of ANZAC Day 2026.
Lest We Forget.
Match Stats
Marconi Stallions 4 (Marko Jesic 15’, Daman Tsekenis 24’, 36’, Adam Bugaria 78’)
Manly United 1 (Ben Koop 90’p)
Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park Saturday, 25th April, 2026
Referee: Rebecca Mackie
Assistants: Isaac Riggs & Lance Greenshields
Fourth Official: Blake Sanchez-Cruz
Marconi Stallions: 1. Joel Wade, 2. Tyren Burnie, 4. Anton Mlinaric (3. Cameron Windust 60’), 5. George Daniel, 6. Teng Kuol, 7. Franco Maya Valiente (17. Sunday Yona 71’), 9. Damian Tsenenis, 10. Marco Jesic (8. Adam Bugarija 60’), 11 Matej Busek (21. Noah Anderson 71’), 14. Jack Armson (16. Luca Pecora 80’), 23. Quinten Blair
Subs Not Used. 19. Pearson Kasawaya, 20. Oliver Yates Yellow Cards: Teng Kuol 49’
Red Cards: Nil
Manly United: 21. Harry Turner, 3. Matthew O’Donoaghue, 4. Jesse Piriz, 5. Aaron O’Driscoll, 6. Saxon Hillier (16. Will Faulder 69’), 7. Stephan De Robillard, 10. Darcy Burgess (24. Toby Bracewell 83’), 11. Ayumi Kimura (8. Kakeru Ono, 55’), 15. Max Martinello, 17. Samuel Griffiths (9. Benjamin Koop 55’), 33. Jasper Chipman
Subs Not Used: 14. Max Walker, 20. George Russell, 29. Douglas John Yellow Cards: Saxon Hillier 18’, Jesse Piriz 71’, Aaron O’Driscoll 90+4’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Damian Tsekenis (MS)
2 – Jack Armson (MS)
1 – Marko Jesic (MS)
By NPL NSW Men’s Reporter Micky Brock
