SD Raiders FC too strong as UNSW fall at Ernie Smith Reserve
SD Raiders FC claimed a strong 2-0 victory over fellow promoted side UNSW FC at Ernie Smith Reserve on Saturday night in a high-tempo, physical contest from the opening whistle.
UNSW FC had an early penalty shout for Oliver Puflett, but it was waved away, before the visitors registered the first shot of the match through Timothy Wohlfiel, whose effort from distance sailed over the bar.
The Raiders responded from a set piece, with Luka Knezevic whipping in a dangerous free-kick that just evaded the flying Robert Eremugo. Lachlan Everett then tested from range, while Knezevic continued to look the home side’s main threat.
SD Raiders FC went close to breaking the deadlock when Charlie Ragg delivered a perfect cross onto the head of Knezevic, only for UNSW FC keeper Tristan Prendergast to produce a point-blank save.
At the other end, UNSW FC almost struck first when Puflett rose to meet a cross, but his header was well held by SD Raiders custodian Michael Figueira.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute. Knezevic pounced on a loose pass from the UNSW backline and calmly slotted home to give the Raiders a 1-0 lead.
UNSW FC had a golden chance to level before the break when Puflett broke through on goal, rounded Figueira, but Ethan Beaven swept the effort wide to keep the Raiders in front.
Beaven then made amends in the 57th minute, finishing clinically to make it 2-0 after Sebastian Malfara won possession in midfield and set up the chance.
Stung by the second goal, UNSW FC pushed forward with intent, with Jyden Harb denied by Figueira before Quilligan threaded a clever pass through to Harb, who fired wide, while Anthony Barbic also went close with a curling effort.
Ragg nearly capped the performance with a stunning strike of his own, forcing Prendergast into a full-stretch save to keep it out.
Despite late pressure, UNSW FC couldn’t find a breakthrough as SD Raiders FC held firm to secure all three points after their fortnight break.
Post-match, SD Raiders FC coach Goran Ljuboja reflected on the performance.
“It has been a long time away and been hard getting the rhythm back after all that time but I thought we were good in the first half.
“The second half got clunky but we know they are going to put a lot of pressure on us but the boys stuck to their instructions.” said Ljuboja.
Match Stats
SD Raiders FC 2 (Knezevic ’36 Beaven ‘57)
UNSW FC 0
Saturday 6 June 2026
Ernie Smith Reserve
Referee: Nicholas McKay
Assistant Referees: Ryan Ball & Hayden Burns
Fourth Official: Kai Jopson
SD Raiders FC: 1. Michael Figueira, 4. Cooper Hanagan, 6. Lachlan Everett (23. Thomas Makko ’84), 8. James Letta, 10. Luka Knezevic, 12. Lachlan McGrath, 14. Noah Chianese (9. Jakov Malbasa ’45), 18. Charlie Ragg, 21, Sebastian Malfara, 37. Robert Eremugo (19. Riley Cox-Barlow ’71), 47. Ethan Beaven
Unused subs:17. Martin Fernandez, 22, Yonathan Sebhatu,36. Mingu Kang, 40. William Loucas
Yellow cards: nil
Red cards: nil
UNSW FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 2. Timothy Wohlfiel (9. Kevin Lopes ’78), 3. Emilio Vinci (8. Tacettin Kumsuz ’63), 5. Claudio Fabiano (16. Kai Kamikura ’63), 6. Grant Lynch, 11. Jack Fulton (13. Sean Woods ’63), 14. Lachlan Campbell, 17. Jyden Harb, 18. Connor Quilligan (21. Alexander Malfara ’78), 19. Oliver Puflett, 20. Anthony Barbic
Unused subs: 12. Cassius Flavell, 22. Gil Duffy
Yellow cards: Wohlfiel ’65 Lynch ’74
Red cards: nil
Player Ratings:
3: Ethan Beaven (SD)
2: Luka Knezevic (SD)
1: Oliver Puflett (UNSW FC)
By Justin Davies
