Woods and Fulton deliver as UNSW FC overcome Rockdale challenge

UNSW FC have claimed their fourth win of their inaugural NPL Men’s NSW season with a determined 2–0 victory over Rockdale Ilinden FC at The Village Green, in a match where resilience and second-half efficiency proved decisive.

Rockdale Ilinden FC dominated much of the first half, controlling possession and dictating tempo through sustained spells in UNSW’s half.

Isaac Danzo attempted an ambitious effort from distance inside the opening five minutes, but the shot sailed comfortably over the crossbar.

Lochlan Constable then delivered a dangerous cross into the box a minute later, but UNSW FC were alert to the threat and dealt with it confidently under pressure.

Giorgio Speranza tried his luck from range on multiple occasions, forcing UNSW goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast into action, including a comfortable parry away from a long-range strike. However, Rockdale’s early pressure could not translate into a breakthrough.

Rockdale thought they had found the opener in the 14th minute when Moudi Najjar finished calmly past Prendergast, but the celebrations were cut short by an offside flag, much to the frustration of the away side.

Despite Rockdale’s strong start, UNSW FC remained organised and competitive, weathering the pressure without conceding and slowly working their way into the contest.

Their best chance of the first half came in the 37th minute when Emilio Vinci drove down the flank and delivered a dangerous ball across goal, but the cross narrowly evaded the head of a flying Corby Fowler.

The second half saw a clear shift in momentum, with UNSW FC emerging with greater intensity and purpose, while Rockdale appeared increasingly frustrated as chances went begging.

Jerry Skotadis conceded an early foul on Fowler, giving UNSW a promising set-piece opportunity, but Jyden Harb’s effort was safely gathered by Rockdale goalkeeper Levi Kaye.

UNSW FC eventually broke the deadlock in the 77th minute through substitute Sean Woods, just four minutes after entering the field. Woods made an immediate impact, driving into the penalty area, staying onside, and capitalising on a fumble from Kaye to scramble the ball home and give the hosts a 1–0 lead.

Momentum firmly shifted, and UNSW doubled their advantage moments later when fellow substitute Jack Fulton rose highest to meet a pinpoint Harb corner, powering home a well-placed header.

UNSW FC coach Gabriel Knowles praised his side’s resilience but admitted the performance needed to lift earlier in the contest.

“It wasn’t always pretty, but of course we feel good,” Knowles said.

“It’s Rockdale, we know they’re a good side, they move the ball really well and they’re tough opponents.

“We suffered in that first half in stretches, but we built our way into the game and we came home strong.”

Match Stats

UNSW FC 2 (Sean Woods 76’, Jack Fulton 83’)

Rockdale Ilinden FC 0

Saturday 16 May, 2026

The Village Green, Kensington

Referee: Thomas Dale

Assistant Referees: Matthew Harris and Lachlan Brownscombe

Fourth Official: James Makris

UNSW FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 3. Emilio Vinci, 4. Liam Wood, 6. Grant Lynch, 9. Kevin Lopes (11. Jack Fulton 67’), 15. Corby Fowler, 17. Jyden Harb (5. Claudio Fabiano 87’), 18. Connor Quilligan (21. Alexander Malfara 67’), 19. Oliver Puflett (13. Sean Woods 73’), 20. Antony Barbic, 22. Gil Duffy (2. Timothy Wohlfiel 67’)

Substitutes Not Used: 12. Cassius Flavell (GK), 16. Kai Kamikura

Yellow Cards: Tristan Prendergast 90’, Jack Fulton 90+2’

Red Cards: None

Rockdale Ilinden FC: 1. Levi Kaye, 2. Hunter Elliott (19. Dean Jovcevski 88’), 3. Lachlan Griffiths, 4. Reo Kunimoto, 5. Giorgio Speranza (16. Michael Marcevski 88’), 6. Isaac Danzo (c) (15. Stegan Simonoski 80’), 7. Ollie Wiggin (10. Brendan Cholakian 64’), 8. Jerry Skotadis, 9. Moudi Najjar, 11. Lochlan Constable, 22. Harry McCarthy (17. Mohamed Adam 64’)

Substitutes Not Used: 37. Jordi Fulete, 41. Hudson Beddow (GK)

Yellow Cards: Moudi Najjar 70’, Lachlan Griffiths 74’

Red Cards: None

Player Ratings

3 – Jyden Harb (UNSW FC)

2 – Giorgio Speranza (Rockdale Ilinden FC)

1 – Sean Woods (UNSW FC)

By Katrina May