Malfara and Puflett Fire UNSW FC to Valuable Away Win
UNSW FC secured three precious away points with a 2-0 victory over St George City at Penshurst Park in Round 23 of the NPL Men’s NSW competition on Saturday evening.
The crucial win lifts the Kensington-based side, at least temporarily, away from the immediate danger of the relegation zone.
First-half goals from Alexander Malfara and Oliver Puflett proved enough for the visitors to record their first away win of the season.
For St George City, however, the defeat leaves them under increased pressure, particularly as UNSW FC are direct rivals in the battle near the foot of the table.
UNSW made the perfect start, opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Capitalising on some sloppy defensive work from the home side just outside the penalty area, Alexander Malfara pounced on a loose ball and unleashed a ferocious strike into the back of the net.
The visitors continued to threaten, with St George City’s goalkeeper comfortably gathering a long, looping effort from Nathan Roberts in the 18th minute.
A bizarre moment almost doubled UNSW’s advantage in the 38th minute. Benjamin Berry’s attempted clearance ricocheted off Sean Woods and rolled agonisingly wide of the post. While the home side breathed a sigh of relief, the students were left wondering how they had not taken a deserved two-goal lead into the break.
UNSW began the second half with the same attacking intent. Within a minute of the restart, a well-delivered corner found Malfara, whose snapshot on the turn flashed narrowly wide.
St George City gradually worked their way back into the contest and came within inches of equalising on the hour mark. Lucas Bedleg unleashed a powerful strike that forced an excellent save from UNSW goalkeeper Tristan Prendergast. The rebound appeared destined for the net before veteran defender Grant Lynch reacted brilliantly to clear the ball off the goal line and preserve the visitors’ slender lead.
UNSW made the hosts pay seven minutes later. In the 67th minute, Conor Quilligan delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area. The initial header crashed against the crossbar before the rebound fell kindly to Oliver Puflett, who reacted quickest to nod home from close range and double the visitors’ advantage.
With a two-goal cushion, UNSW managed the closing stages professionally. Both coaches turned to their benches in search of fresh energy, but the visitors remained well organised defensively and comfortably repelled St George City’s late attempts to get back into the match.
The victory provides a significant boost to UNSW FC’s fight for survival, while St George City are left to reflect on another costly defeat.
After the match, UNSW FC coach Gabriel Knowles was delighted to secure the club’s first away victory of the campaign.
“It’s our first away win and I thought we played well tonight,” he said.
“We controlled possession and that’s now two wins in a row. We know we’re not far from where we want to be and where we need to be.
“Coming here is never easy and it’s always a battle, but our players stepped up. We came prepared to dig in and do the work required.”
St George City coach Mirko Jurilj admitted his side had been second best.
“We were outrun and it’s as simple as that,” he said. “UNSW got the early goal, which gave them confidence, and we were slow to react.
“We gave the ball away for the first goal and the second came from a set piece. The first goal hurt us and we weren’t good enough in the first half. We improved after the break but still didn’t do enough to get anything from the game.”
Match Stats
St GEORGE CITY FA: 0
UNSW FC: 2 (Malfara 5’, Puflett 67’)
Saturday 11th July
Penshurst Park
Referee: Noah Moss
Assistant referees: Patrick Teleki, Isaac Riggs
Fourth Official: Michael Patti
St GEORGE CITY FA: 1. Jack Kenny, 3. Benjamin Berry, 4. Solomon Monahan-Vaiika, 10. Paolo Mitry (8. Stefano Rossello 46’), 11. Ben Giason, 16. Yohn Pederson, 20. Theph Theph (17. Mason Tatafu 80’), 21. Malik Amin (9. Lucas Bedleg 46’), 25. Brodie Clarkson, 30. Gideon Arok (6. Tarik Ercan 68’), 47. Bassam Sabbagh (23. Hiroto Dohmoto 68’).
Substitutes not used: 13. Franklin Jan, 35. Spencer Webster.
Yellow Cards: Theph Theph 47’, Arok 63’
Red Cards: Nil
UNSW FC: 1. Tristan Prendergast, 2. Timothy Wohlfiel, 3. Emilio Vinci, 6. Grant Lynch, 9. Kevin Lopes (19. Oliver Puflett 64’), 10. Nathan Roberts (16. Wan Gatkek 64’), 13. Sean Woods (11. Jack Fulton 88’), 14. Lachlan Campbell, 15. Corby Fowler (20. Anthony Barbic 88’), 18. Conor Quilliganx, 21. Alexander Malfara (8. Tacettin Kumsuz 74’)
Substitutes not used: 12. Cassius Flavell, 22. Gil Duffy
Yellow Cards: Nil
Red Cards: Nil
Player Ratings
3 – Conor Quilliganx (UNSW)
2 – Alexander Malfara (UNSW)
1 – Solomon Monahan-Vaiika (St George)
By National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s reporter Joe Russo
