Sydney FC stifle Stallions at ‘The Palace’ in scoreless draw
Top-of-the-table Marconi Stallions hosted Sydney FC at ‘The Palace’ for a rare NPL NSW Men’s Round 19 Friday night fixture under lights, in a match that ultimately produced a hard-fought but goalless draw.
Stallions coach Peter Tsekenis named a full-strength side as expected, while Alex Zaverdinos replaced Gus Hoefsloot between the posts for Sydney FC, wearing an all-light kit on what was anticipated to be a busy evening for the travelling goalkeeper.
Taye Hedley tested from distance inside the opening minute for Sydney FC, firing from 30 yards, but his effort lacked power and was comfortably gathered by Joel Wade. It was a spirited start from the visitors, but it wasn’t long before the Stallions laid siege to their goal, including a penalty appeal that was waved away. The early pressure was relentless, though Sydney’s desperate defending held firm.
Matej Busek was denied by Zaverdinos in the 12th minute, with the Sydney keeper diving full stretch to his left. The rebound fell invitingly for Damian Tsekenis, but he couldn’t turn it home as Marconi continued to push.
Marconi kept knocking on the door, with Mitchell Glasson forced into a rushed effort under pressure, attempting to catch Wade off his line, but his shot drifted narrowly wide.
As tensions rose, tackles began flying in, with a brief flare-up requiring calm officiating to settle proceedings. Marin France became the first player booked for Sydney FC, before Marko Jesic (Marconi) and Glasson (Sydney FC) were also cautioned following another heated exchange.
Sydney FC were increasingly pinned back, struggling to get out of their own half as Marconi’s pressure intensified and attacking entries became more sporadic.
Busek went close again in the 42nd minute, his effort deflected out for a corner. Zaverdinos initially punched clear the set piece, with Franco Maya striking the rebound powerfully but off target. Had finishing been more precise, Marconi could easily have taken a commanding lead into the break, but Sydney FC’s resistance ensured it remained 0-0 at half-time.
Marconi started the second half on the front foot, winning an early corner after Zaverdinos again stood tall to deny them. A third coming-together soon followed as the physicality continued to rise, with both sides receiving final warnings from the officials.
If Sydney FC’s plan was to sit deep, absorb pressure and strike on the counter, after winning the reverse fixture, the tactic was at least partially effective. However, they struggled to progress out of their own half, often caught in possession or forced into hurried passes under Marconi’s relentless press. Still, the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough.
Zaverdinos produced another outstanding save in the 66th minute, denying a curling, dipping central free-kick from Jesic that was bending around the wall. It was a pivotal moment, with the goalkeeper proving the difference on the night.
Glasson later struck a powerful effort that was bravely blocked by Anton Mlinaric, who put his body on the line to keep it out.
In the final minute of normal time, tempers flared again inside the Marconi penalty area, leading to cautions for Marconi’s Joel Wade and Sydney FC defender Reef Farias. Jack Armson was also booked, while Glasson received a second yellow card and was sent off in stoppage time.
In the end, it was a fiery contest, and while Sydney FC won’t mind the result, they’ll take satisfaction from their resilience. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective, and they showed they can absorb pressure and match the competition leaders physically when required.
It was a case of firing blanks where it mattered most for the hosts who saw this match as a missed opportunity to continue its run towards a Premiership.
Match Stats
Marconi Stallions 0
Sydney FC 0
Marconi Stadium, Bossley Park
Friday, 12th June 2026
Referee: Casey Reibelt
Assistants: Cameron Wright & Maggie Price
Fourth Official: Mia Velarde
Marconi Stallions: 1. Joel Wade, 2. Tyren Burnie, 4. Anton Mlinaric, 5. George Daniel, 6. Teng Kuol, 7. Franco Maya Valiente (38. Daniel Osei 77’), 9. Damian Tsekenis, 10. Marco Jesic (3. Cameron Windust 83’), 11 Matej Busek (17. Sunday Yona 77’), 14. Jack Armson, 23.Quinten Blair
Subs Not Used: 12. Julian Monge 19. Pearson Kasawaya, 27. Antonio Marvello, 40. Aaron Hage
Yellow Cards: Marko Jesic 26’, Damian Tsekenis 58’, Joel Wade 90’, Jack Armson 90+3
Red Cards: Nil
Sydney FC: 30. Alexander Zaveradinos, 3. Reef Farias, 8. Samuel Lancaster, 10. Taye Hadley (24. Dionn Nigro 72’), 14. Jared Middleton, 16. Miles Milliner, 18. Ethan Dyer, 19. Mitchell Glasson, 21. Zachary De Jesus 82’) (6. Nicolas Calder, 27. Lachlan Middleton (4. Caelan Marshall-Witte 72’), 33. Marin France (9. Zac Fowler 61’)
Subs not used: 40. Max Bertoia Yellow Cards: Marin France 23’, (Mitchell Glasson 26’ & 90+4’), Zac Fowler 68’, Reef Farias 90+3
Red Cards: Mitchell Glasson
Player Ratings
3 – Alex Zaverdinos (SFC)
2 – Quinten Blair (MS)
1 – Anton Mlinaric (MS)
By Micky Brock
