SD Raiders FC strike late to sink Ilinden in tight contest
SD Raiders have claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rockdale Ilinden in the final match of Round 19 of the NPL Men’s NSW at Ilinden Sports Centre on Sunday night, sealing three valuable points in a tightly contested encounter played in front of a strong crowd following the Socceroos’ win over Türkiye.
The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when substitute Jakov Malbasa got the faintest of touches to a curling effort from Charlie Ragg, diverting the ball into the bottom corner to secure the visitors the win against one of the competition’s toughest opponents.
The first real chance of the match did not arrive until the 27th minute when Luka Knezevic’s long-range free-kick for the visitors sailed over the crossbar, while Rockdale responded in the 35th minute through a dangerous cross from the right that found Harry McCarthy, whose header was well saved by SD Raiders goalkeeper Miguel Figueira.
Rockdale came closest to opening the scoring in the 41st minute when Ollie Wiggin’s well-struck effort on the turn crashed against the base of the post, with the match remaining scoreless at the break after a cagey opening period.
The home side threatened again in the 58th minute when a Brendan Cholakian free-kick was punched clear, before SD Raiders responded through Lachlan Everett, whose driven effort forced a strong diving save from Ronan Mulgrew.
Rockdale missed a key opportunity in the 69th minute when Moudi Najjar skewed a close-range chance over the bar, and they were made to pay moments later as SD Raiders struck the decisive blow.
After the match, SD Raiders FC coach Goran Ljuboja praised his side’s discipline and resilience in difficult conditions.
“When I saw the rain today I thought that we were going to have an awful day on the ball and we did, as it wasn’t pretty at times,” he said.
“However, under pressure we didn’t panic, had our good lines and did what we needed to do, to keep them away from having chances.
“With our speed, I knew that we were going to get our moments today. This is the first time that we have won here as it is a tough place to play and Rockdale is a really good team and full of experienced players, so I am very pleased with the result.”
It was a huge three points for the club who backed up from a 1-1 draw in their rescheduled round 17 fixture against Sydney Olympic FC on Wednesday.
Meanwhile Rockdale Ilinden coach Paul Dee was left frustrated by his side’s inability to capitalise in key moments, identifying the decisive mistake that led to the goal.
“In order to win, you need to score goals,” he said. “SD Raiders defended well but we should be executing better in the final third to give ourselves a chance to win.
“The goal was a silly mistake that we created when in possession and that led to the goal, but they are the key moments in games whether you win or lose.”
Match Stats
ROCKDALE ILINDEN: 0
SD RAIDERS: 1 (Malbasa 78’)
Sunday 13th June
Ilinden Sports Centre Rockdale
Referee: Yanni Mallidis
Assistant referees: Aaron Bloch, Thomas Rushton
Fourth Official: Tom Seldon
ROCKDALE ILINDEN: 21. Ronan Mulgrew, 2. Hunter Elliott (19. Dean Jovcevski 88’), 3. Lachlan Griffiths, 4. Reo Kunimoto, 5. Giorgio Speranza, 7. Ollie Wiggin (16. Michael Marcevski 63’), 8. Jerry Skotadis, 9. Moudi Najjar, 10. Brendan Cholakian, 11. Lochlan Constable (6. Isaac Danzo 80’), 22. Harry McCarthy (66. Mathieu Cordier 80’).
Substitutes not used: 1. Levi Kaye, 15. Stefan Simonoski, 40. Adam Khalil.
Yellow Cards: Kunimoto 94’
Red Cards: Nil
SD RAIDERS: 1. Miguel Figueira, 4. Cooper Hanagan, 5. Jett McCue-Shore, 6. Lachlan Everett, 8. James Letta, 10. Luka Knezevic (17. Martin Fernandez 60’), 12. Lachlan McGrath, 18. Charlie Ragg, 19. Riley Cox-Barlow (9. Jakov Malbasa 60’), 21. Sebastian Malfara, 37. Robert Eremugo.
Substitutes not used: 7. Michael Marcic, 11. Thomas Santarossa, 22. Yonatan Sebhatu, 23. Thomas Makko, 40. William Loucas
Yellow Cards: Cox-Barlow 45’
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Lachlan Everett (SD Raiders)
2 – Charlie Ragg (SD Raiders)
1 – Brendan Cholakian (Rockdale)
By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Joe Russo
