Manly Edge SD Raiders in Hard-Fought Battle to Extend Unbeaten Run

Manly United are now four games unbeaten after a pulsating 1-0 victory over SD Raiders FC at Cromer Park on Saturday, in a matchup defined by Samuel Griffiths’ 64th-minute headed goal. 

The result moves Manly eight points clear of the drop, while SD Raiders sit just one point behind them in 11th place.

SD Raiders made a bright start, with their attacking intent creating early opportunities. In the 6th minute, Martin Fernandez surged into Manly’s area with a powerful run, but his shot sailed over the crossbar.

Moments later, Robert Eremugo produced a dangerous run down the flank in the 7th minute, but his cut-back into the box could not find Mihael Marcic at full stretch.

After weathering the early pressure, Manly worked their way into the contest. In the 12th minute, a pinpoint long ball from Aaron O’Driscoll found Samuel Griffiths, but a last-ditch clearance from James Letta denied the opening.

Matthew O’Donoghue followed with a well-placed header, but SD keeper Michael Figueira was perfectly positioned to gather.

At the other end, Cai Evans provided Manly’s next big moment, racing down the flank before cutting inside and firing a shot that was blocked by Figueira.

With both sides threatening, SD Raiders responded through Jett McCue-Shore, who unleashed a curling free kick in the 24th minute that forced Mackenzie Syron into a sharp save. Four minutes later, Evans rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort.

In the 33rd minute, Jasper Chipman was fortunate not to concede possession in a dangerous area after a loose pass nearly fell to Eremugo, but Syron reacted quickly to clear the danger.

SD Raiders started the second half strongly, with Fernandez testing Manly from distance within seconds, but his effort flew over the bar.

Manly’s first big chance of the second half came in the 54th minute when McCue-Shore and Evans collided in the box, with Evans narrowly missing a headed opportunity.

Two minutes later, Darcy Burgess forced Figueira into action with a brilliant free kick that required a fingertip save.

Manly continued to build pressure and finally broke through in the 64th minute. Griffiths rose highest to meet a cross, powering a header past Figueira to give the hosts the lead.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, Manly pushed for a second. Stephan De Robillard was denied in the 75th minute by a crucial interception from Letta as he prepared to shoot.

At the other end, Eremugo nearly rescued a point in the 80th minute, but Syron produced a sharp save from close range to preserve the lead.

SD Raiders pushed until the final whistle, but Manly held firm in a tense finish.

Post-match Manly United coach Vladimir Knezevic praised both his side and the opposition.

“This game was very important because it was at home and we needed the three points.

“They beat us earlier in the campaign and that was added motivation for today.

“Full credit to the Raiders who have put in so much effort both on and off the field. A lot of the chances were 50-50, but ultimately we took one of ours and that made the difference.

“The players knew exactly what they needed to do defensively and they worked hard the whole time. They always listened and knew what was expected of them. I’m very happy with today.”

Match Stats

Manly United 1 (Samuel Griffiths 64’)

SD Raiders 0

Saturday 04 July, 2026

Cromer Park

Referee: Mia Velarde

Assistant Referees: Daniel Cornofsky and Thomas Aalders

Fourth Official: Benjamin Hutchison

Manly United: (3.Matthew O’Donoghue 75’), 4.Jesse Piriz, 5.Aaron O’Driscoll, 6.Saxon Hillyer, 7.Stephan De Robillard, 8.Kakeru Ono, (9.Benjamin Koop 75’)< 10.Darcy Burgess, (12.Mitchell Seamen 81’), (16.Will Faulder 89’), 17.Samuel Griffiths, 19.Cai Evans, 29.Douglas John, 33.Jasper Chipman, 99.Mackenzie Syron

Substitutes not used: 15.Max Martinello, 21.Harry Turner, 24.Toby Bakewell

Yellow cards: Jesse Piriz 57’

Red cards: None

SD Raiders: 1.Michael Figueira, 5.Jett McCue-Shore, 7.Mihael Marcic, 8.James Letta, 9.Jakov Malbasa, 10.Luka Knezevic, (11.Thomas Santarossa 70’), 12.Lachlan McGrath, (15.Matthew Lee 82’), 17.Martin Fernandez, 18.Charlie Ragg, (19.Riley Cox-Barlow 70’), (22.Yonatan Sebhatu 82’), 23.Thomas Makko, 37.Robert Eremugo, (77.Justin Chan Frias 70’)

Substitutes not used: 40.William Loucas, 47.Ethan Beaven

Yellow Cards: Luka Knezevic 68’, Martin Fernandez 78’

Red cards: None

Player ratings

3 – Samuel Griffiths (MU)

2 – Michael Figueira (SD)

1 – Cai Evans (MU)

-By Tobias Canning